Fundamentals of Calligraphy: A 6-Week Calligraphy Class in Toronto with Salman Khattak

I’m so incredibly excited that we’ve finally gotten the details ironed out and we’re ready to go with a six week in-depth calligraphy class, taught by expert calligrapher Salman Khattak. I actually thought about joining myself (if Salman would take me!), but Caleb’s bedtime is currently a time conflict – I’m keeping my fingers crossed for spring, when we’re hoping to run another in-depth course on different calligraphic hands and styles.

Salman is experienced in Western and Arabic calligraphy and skilled in scripts ranging from copperplate to italic to gothic styles, along with many others, like the ones in this upcoming course. He is also approachable, friendly and encouraging, making this the perfect class for committed beginners, along with students of calligraphy looking for a more structured learning opportunity.

This is really exciting for us because here in Toronto, while there are a few one-day type calligraphy workshops, mostly “modern” calligraphy, there are no real places to seriously study the art and history of formal calligraphy, which is the basis of modern font design and handwriting and lettering. Anyone looking to develop their own personal style should consider first getting a firm grounding in formal calligraphy in order to establish and hone their skills. Getting a taste is great, but now we’re able to offer a way for students who are really interested to deepen their skills and understanding over six weeks, with a master calligraphy to direct and guide.

In this six week class, you can expect to learn fundamental skills and basic practices progressing to the formation of Roman Majuscules, Foundational Minuscules, Batarde Minuscules & Majuscules.

This multi-week course format allows for the development of skills over a period of time, as well as continual feedback from Salman. Between classes, there will be exercises for practise and even an online forum for posting work and receiving description feedback. I can’t wait to start seeing the development of work from students!

Students will also conceive and create a project under Salman’s guidance. Within the general outline and structure of the course, there will be ample time and room for flexibility and small projects and assignments based on the skill level and interest of students.

Classes are:
Wednesday, October 28, 6:30 – 9:30
Wednesday, November 4, 6:30 – 9:30
Wednesday, November 11, 6:30 – 9:30
Wednesday, November 18, 6:30 – 9:30
Wednesday, November 25, 6:30 – 9:30
Wednesday, December 2, 6:30 – 9:30

Included in the course fee ($450) are all required materials, including nibs, nib holder, ink, paper and other supplies. Should you have any other supplies or materials, you are more than welcome to bring them to classes.

In order to register for this class, students must have previously taken either Introduction to Calligraphy or Introduction to Pointed Pen Calligraphy.
*Edit: We’ve had a few questions on this requirement, and actually, there is a bit of flexibility on it. While students who have previously taken an Introduction Class will have a bit of a ‘heads-up’ on this six week course, if you have not taken the class but are seriously interested in calligraphy, or of course have other experience, this is still a course for you. This pre-requisite was really designed both to ensure a baseline level of commitment, but also to avoid disappointment if you begin the class knowing not very much about calligraphy, and it turns out it’s not what you expect: please remember that you can only receive  50% of your course fee back up to 1 week before the course begins, and absolutely no refunds after that. 

See more details and register for the class here, or stop by the shop for a chat!

The class registration fee must be paid in full in order to hold your spot for the class. Up until one week before the start date, up to 50% of the class fee may be refunded. After one week, there are no refunds under any circumstance. There will be no reimbursement for one or more classes missed. We need a minimum number of students to run the course, but if we need to cancel, you’ll be given at least 24 hours notification.