A while back, I was commissioned to create a custom Spencerian script piece that gave me an opportunity to refine my calligraphy skills. The script itself wasn’t the main challenge. It was the fact that the entire text was written in Spanish, a totally foreign language!
While I am fluent in English and Filipino, my knowledge of Spanish is very, very limited to a few familiar words and names. Writing a long form calligraphy commission in a language you don’t speak requires intense focus (trust me, it’s harder when you have kids). True enough, a couple of minor spelling errors meant scrapping my work and starting over. Writing over 200 words in a foreign language with a dip pen and ink is no easy task, but the final piece, written in walnut ink on heavy card stock was well worth the effort.
If you ever accept commission work in Spencerian script, or any other style of calligraphy in a foreign language, here are four important tips to ensure your piece turns out flawless:
Pencil it out and spell-check before inking
Write out the full text lightly in pencil before inking. This gives you a risk-free chance to review every accent, letter spacing, and word placement, allowing you to catch any misspellings while they are still easily erasable.
Proofread letter-by-letter, not word-per-word
When writing in a familiar language, our brain naturally auto-corrects and fills in gaps. When working with a foreign language, treat every word like a series of letters. Double-check letter order, double consonants, and unique characters before inking.
Sketch out accents and diacritics beforehand
These accents and diacritics can change the entire meaning of a word. Mark these diacritics on your draft layout (in pencil!) so you don’t forget to dot your is or add accent marks.
Get client approval on the final text
Always request the final, approved text from your client in a digital format you can copy and reference. Avoid transcribing from handwritten notes or audio, and explicitly state in your contract that the piece will be written exactly as provided.
Writing calligraphy in a foreign language might feel daunting, but with careful preparation, it’s a great way to elevate your calligraphy skills. Want to see some more samples of beautiful Spencerian writing? Click here.
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