What you'll learn
Learn to write in Italic script with our calligraphy short courses in Sydney!
Calligraphy is a wonderful blend of tradition, creativity and personal expression, and it is a skill anyone can learn. In this relaxed, hands-on class, you will be introduced to the art of calligraphy while discovering how our alphabet developed and why handwritten lettering continues to feel so special in a digital world.
This course focuses on italic script, a graceful and highly versatile style written with a broad-edge pen. Known for its flowing rhythm and clear letterforms, italic script is ideal for handwritten letters, cards, journals and creative projects. It can be elegant and formal, or loose and playful, making it one of the most enjoyable calligraphy styles to learn and use.
Together, you will explore how letters are built, how they sit on the page, and how spacing and rhythm bring words to life. You will practise forming individual letters before joining them into words and lines of text, gradually developing a confident, natural writing style. The class will also include simple layout and background techniques so you can begin creating finished pieces, not just practice sheets.
This course is suitable for beginners and those with a little experience who want to slow down, enjoy the process and reconnect with the pleasure of handwriting. By the end of the class, you will have a strong foundation in italic calligraphy and the confidence to keep practising, whether you are writing letters, making cards, or simply enjoying the calm, mindful rhythm of pen on paper.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this italic script calligraphy course, you should be able to apply:
- Letters and numerals of the Italic script
- Spatial awareness
- Analytical skills for letter form and shape
- An understanding of layout and design skills
- Colour and design techniques
- All learned skills to a piece of work or project
After finishing this Italic script calligraphy course, you might also like to also learn:
Course content
What will be covered in this italic script calligraphy course?
- How to write with a pointed pen
- The script, its style, letter construction and characteristics
- Letter form, spacing and joining of letters
- Capitals and their origins and combine them with the lower case letters
- Flourishing
- Numerals
- Colour, layout and design skills with the idea of combining all of the above to produce a small piece of work.
Intended audience
Who is this italic script calligraphy course for?
This course is for beginners to those who are more experienced.
Course venue
2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd in the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)
Course materials
What to bring to class
Option 1: Purchase a materials kit at enrolment checkout.
Please bring additionally:
- A ruler
- A water jar
- A pencil
Option 2: Uncheck the materials kit at enrolment checkout and bring your own
- A4 or A3 bond layout pad – Canson or similar brand from art stores
- Chisel-shaped nibs – small, medium and large size (such as Brause, Speedball C NIBS, William Mitchell)
- Pen holder
- Ink (Black Sumi ink or Chinese stick ink)
- Gouache (black & a primary colour set)
- Ruler
- Pencil HB
- Water jar
- Rag
- Other supplies will be advised if needed throughout the course
For left handers we recommend to purchase a PILOT PARALLEL pen from Dymocks, Officeworks, or other art stores.
Additional information
Please note the following:
- Closed-in shoes required
- Please wear old clothes
- Long hair must be tied back
Course testimonials
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Nita said: Sharon was approachable, knowledgeable, helpful and clear in instructions.
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Helen said: Loved it and will be looking for other courses to attend.
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Kimberly said: Great course with a small group. The tutor was knowledgeable in her field. She was also very helpful.
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Sue said: Loved learning about italic and the teacher Shaz Baker was knowledgable helpful encouraging and inspiring. Very enjoyable
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Shelley said: Shaz is gentle with beginners starting out in calligraphy. Her skill and knowledge is vast. She'll have you confidently writing and working on your own beautiful projects in seemingly no time at all!
Course tutors
Sharon Baker
Great reasons to enrol in a short course with us
Small classes
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Short & sweet
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Facilities & equipment
Our range of venues suit every type of course, are easy to get to, and have the equipment and tech needed to support your learning.
Easy, secure enrolment
Enrol online 24/7 with a safe, convenient 3-step process, and you can change your mind up to 7 days before class starts.
Quality instructors
Our educators bring first-hand experience and knowledge, with up-to-the-minute practices from diverse industries.
Business or pleasure
Our courses help you rapidly increase your skills and knowledge, for professional development or personal interest.
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Classes Online Courses
<p>Learn to write in Italic script with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/visual-arts/calligraphy">calligraphy short courses</a> in Sydney!</p>
<p>Calligraphy is a
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If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Calligraphy Workshop: Italic Script
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