I’m not a perfectionist nor a calligrapher. But I enjoy watching attempts to do both. I also take special interest in the artifacts from when calligraphy was synonymous with perfect penmanship. There’s a hypnotic quality to the practice strokes found in these two copy books. Both from the Concordia Publishing House in St. Louis, one is for “a new rational method” in English, and the other is for German script. Edna Gronemeier, who must have been a native German speaker and writer, has more success with the German hand than the American, but in both cases she avidly pursues her goal of perfection. I hope she did what she set out to do.
Print’s Type & Lettering Awards are Back!
All too often, typography gets overlooked in larger design competitions—which is why we developed one that gives the artforms their full due and recognizes the best designers in each category. Whether you design your own typefaces, design type-centric pieces or create gorgeous handlettered projects, we want to see your work—and share it with our readers.
Enter today for a chance to be featured in Print magazine, receive a prize pack from MyDesignShop.com, and more.
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About Steven Heller
Steven Heller is the co-chair of the SVA MFA Designer /Designer as Author + Entrepreneur program, writes frequently for Wired and Design Observer. He is also the author of over 170 books on design and visual culture. He received the 1999 AIGA Medal and is the 2011 recipient of the Smithsonian National Design Award.View all posts by Steven Heller →