Swipe/Inspiration Files

Where do you go for ideas when you want to do some calligraphy?

To your "swipe files".

Okay, you say, what are swipe files? Swipe files are ideas you have swiped from other sources.

Maybe I should clarify something here. Maybe instead of calling them "swipe" files, the better term might be "inspiration" files. All of us learn by seeing what others have done and even by copying their work or ideas.

So when I talk about swipe files, that's what I'm referring to. What I am not referring to, and definitely don't condone, is copyright infringement, where you copy someone else's work and sell it as your own.

So what can you put together as your own swipe files?

A Calligraphy Ideas Journal
One of your best resources would be to create your own journal of calligraphy ideas. Check out the Calligraphy Journal page for instructions on how to make your own.

Calligraphy Ideas Files
Start collecting calligraphy ideas wherever you find them. This could be a file on your computer, or it could simply be a file folder, or a nice box, or whatever works for you. But get into the habit of collecting ideas that you like or would like to try. Do you see a font in a magazine that you like, and that you think you could adapt to a calligraphy style of lettering? Do you see color combinations you like? What about calligraphy on cards? Or on signs? Just start collecting the ideas. Then once in awhile go through and play with the ideas you've collected? Try out possibilities.

Calligraphy Books
I probably have about two and a half rows of calligraphy books in my bookshelf - and they are a great resource. I'd certainly encourage you to get a least a couple of really good ones for your personal collection. Check the Calligraphy Books section for some of the ones that I would recommend.

Calligraphy Magazines
Another great resource is magazines. Check the Calligraphy Magazines page for some possibilities.

Calligraphy Newsletters
Many of the calligraphy guilds have their own newsletters. These often have great ideas, sample photos, and instructions in them. Check with the guilds to see what they have available. And don't forget to sign up for our own Dancing Pen Calligraphy Newsletter to get the latest in ideas and tips and a whole lot more.