Tutor: Kirsten Burke

Discover the expressive and thoughtful world of drawn lettering inspired by German designer and calligrapher Hermann Kilian, known for his elegant Roman capitals and inventive compositions. Kilian’s work bridges the gap between tradition and personal expression, with a distinctive rhythm and restraint that leaves space for creativity.

Over four 2 hours long sessions, you’ll be guided through the foundations of Roman capital forms, learning how to draw and subtly manipulate them using pencil, ruling pen, or brush pen. You'll explore how to add weight, adjust proportions, and connect letters in experimental ways to create a compositions that respond to both form and meaning.

By the end of the course, you’ll have created a final piece using a short poem in a style inspired by Kilian that's uniquely your own.

This course is ideal for calligraphers with some experience of letterforms who are ready to experiment and push their style further, as well as beginners who enjoy thoughtful, hands-on creative exploration.

Between sessions, you’ll have access to a private WhatsApp group where you can share your work, ask questions, and receive personal feedback and guidance from your tutor to help you develop your skills as you go.

Course Overview

Session 1: Roman Foundations & Skeleton Structure

Focus: Understanding proportion, pressure, and construction

Session 2: Tools & Weight – Bringing Letters to Life

Focus: Adding ink, refining contrast

Session 3: Distortion & Play – Kilian-Inspired Explorations

Focus: Experimenting with form, spacing, and composition

Session 4: Final Composition

Focus: Creating a complete expressive piece

Materials You'll Need

To get the most out of this course, you’ll need the following materials:

• A4 dot pad (for practice and layouts)

• 2B pencil

• A4 smooth watercolour paper (for your final piece)

• Calligraphy inks – a selection of colours (watercolour inks or fountain pen inks work beautifully)

• A pointed ruling pen, glass pen or small brush pen

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If you’d like everything provided, simply select the Kit Ticket option when booking, and we’ll post a carefully curated materials pack straight to your door – easy and convenient.

Every session of the course is recorded, so if you miss a week for any reason you can watch the recording to catch up!