Classic Script Lettering

From the iconic Coca-Cola® logo to the endurig wordmark of Ford Motor Company®, classic script lettering has long been the definitive cursive style for branding and advertising. The letters' flowing forms project warmth and personality, while their bold contours command attention in any environment. That's why classic script continues to be a "must-know" for well-rounded lettering artists. In this comprehensive hands-on workshop, you'll learn how to get the most out of this essential style so you can create striking pieces of classic script lettering for personal and professional projects.

We'll kick things off with a look at the origins of classic script to provide you with inspiration for creating your own lettering. Next, you'll discover the unique qualities of the style, and acquire valuable drawing techniques for properly proportioning and connecting cursive forms. You'll also gain the knowhow to personalize classic script by modifying various characteristics such as its structure and stroke endings. We'll also explore exciting ways to compose and embellish layouts to make them truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re an experienced letterer or an eager beginner, you’ll get practical hands-on experience for producing stunning classic script letterforms.

Enjoy the in-depth instructional presentations and interactive drawing demonstrations, then sketch along with me as we create a powerful post-worthy piece of classic script lettering.

You’ll also receive a FREE 40-page illustrated PDF guidebook to help you create your own commanding cursive letterforms. Get the 22-page bonus workbook with extra drawing exercises so you can immediately begin practicing your new classic script lettering skills!

A video recording will be available for four months following the workshop if you can't attend the live meeting, or if you would like to rewatch the class.

In this class, you’ll learn:

• How to create commanding lettering in the classic script style

• The vital role of commercial script in branding and advertising

• The origins and key characteristics of classic script lettering

• Techniques for effectively drawing and connecting cursive forms

• Methods for modifying various aspects of classic script letters

• How to compose and ornament eye-catching script lettering layouts

• Skills for optimizing classic script in different design settings

This class is ideal for:

• Beginners eager to establish a practical foundation for drawing lettering in the classic script style

• Experienced letterers who want to add excitement to their script lettering projects

• Students from my previous workshops who are ready to upgrade their skill set and expand their stylistic range

• Designers seeking a broader typographic palette to aid in type selection and style pairing

• Typeface designers interested in developing classic script fonts for retail or custom products

• Art directors who want to confidently hire skilled lettering artists, and improve their communication with professional letterers

• Illustrators and other creatives who would like to explore classic script lettering in their work

I'll give lettering demonstrations on an iPad using Procreate, but you can also use these tools if you want to draw along with me:

• pencils and a pencil sharpener

• an eraser

• tracing paper

• grid/graph paper

• a ruler

• a computer or other electronic device, a reliable internet connection, plus a Zoom account to join the live online meeting and to watch the video recording

• access to a printer if you want to refer to a hard copy of the PDF guidebook

• a copy of my Lettering Manual is strongly recommended

• Although I'll be drawing in Procreate on an iPad, the limited timeframe will not allow for hardware or software instruction.

• Please plan accordingly in the event that the workshop goes over time.

Classic Script Lettering is open to enthusiastic students of all skill levels—register today!

Please note that any mentions of registered trademarks have been included for informational and educational purposes only. They do not represent any affiliation with this workshop, nor do they constitute its endorsement. Registered trademarks are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Meet your instructor…

Hi! I'm Ken Barber, a lettering artist, type designer, educator, and author of the award-winning Lettering Manual. I blame Don Martin comics, Santa Cruz skateboard graphics, and speed metal logos for my infatuation with letterforms. For 30 years, I've produced dozens of retail and custom fonts, as well as brand identities for companies around the world—including Sandals Resorts, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Only Vegas, the city of Los Angeles, and the Broadway hit, The Cher Show. My work is in the collections of the Cooper-Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum and the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. I'm the type director and studio letterer at House Industries, and an instructor at The Cooper Union in New York City.