David Grimes LOVES engrosser’s script. So much so, that he has dedicated much of his calligraphy practice to studying and perfecting this one particular style.
But before we get into the ins and outs of engrosser’s script, let’s learn a bit more about David!
David Grimes is probably best known under his Instagram handle, @masgrimes, where you will find some of the most satisfying calligraphy videos around (and make sure to watch them with the sound on in order to get all of the scratchy nib to paper sounds!)
He only started learning calligraphy about 5 years ago, but in that time has squeezed in enough calligraphy practice to be contacted by the Oscars for his talents.
Yeah. THOSE Oscars.
So if you have a goal to someday work with clients as such, you might want to learn a bit more about the traditional calligraphy method known as engrosser’s script.
A brief history of engrosser’s script
Engrosser’s script is a byproduct of traditional English Roundhand calligraphy. It incorporates different strokes which are then put together to create letters. (Sound familiar?)
Yup! Engrosser’s script, much like the modern calligraphy I teach, is broken down into different strokes!
But I am stepping down from my usual teacher title for this one…
That’s right! If you want to see me switch roles and play newbie STUDENT, this is it!
Better yet, grab some supplies and join me by following along the video for David’s lesson!
ESSENTIAL QUALITIES OF ENGROSSER’S SCRIPT:
- Sharp point in upper left corner
- Rounded curve on upper right corner
- Parallel left and right edge
- Flat bottom
Evaluate your strokes as you’re going along.
David Grimes
The links below may be affiliate links where appropriate. This means that your purchase through these links may result in a few cents in payment to me, to support creating further resources like this one! That being said, I will never suggest supplies that I do not personally use and fully recommend.
TOOLS:
- David’s FREE engrosser’s script guide sheets
- Ink
- Pointed pen and nib (Hunt 101 or Leonardt Principal EF)
- Guard sheet
Now I could tryyy to explain a step by step recapping David’s lesson, but that wouldn’t do it justice.
In my opinion, you need to watch the interview and follow the lesson in order to really understand the strokes. But, if you’re short on time today, here are a few great tips:
TIPS:
- Keep your nib in alignment with the slant lines
- To get a nice flat top, remember to do “sevening” (try it out yourself by following along the lesson!)
- There is no shame in drawing in the bottom so it’s flat!
- Practice all of your letters in isolation when first starting out
- Create terminals by outlining them first and then filling them in
- Work within your “sweet spot” to create the smoothest strokes
David has some other really fun ways to help your calligraphy game (one of which compares a majuscule B to a soup ladle), so be sure to watch the lesson in full to snag all of the tips!!
There is a method for breaking almost every type of letter down. Once you know how to do that with one style of calligraphy, you can do it with others.
David Grimes
Now, I don’t get nervous during these artist interviews, but never have I been critiqued on air.
There is a first for everything…
Here are some of the “concerns” (nice way of saying mistakes) and suggestions David made while I attempted to write my name in engrosser’s script:
- My grip – David had me adjust my grip by placing my index finger in front of my middle finger. This helps with control and dexterity.)
- My slant line was off – Make sure your pen stays on the same slant as the guidelines
If this interview peeked your interest and you’re interested in learning more about engrosser’s script, you can find David’s course offerings here.
You can also find David on YouTube and on Instagram, so be sure to check those out!
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