Yet another leftie, aspiring calligrapher here - thank you for sharing this! Noticed that you rotate the page 90 degrees, a brilliant trick I hadn't seen before that must overcome so many of the problems associated with our "pushing" instead of "drawing" on the page. Can't wait to give this a try... and re-learn how to write....!
I've picked up caligraphy 2 months ago. I've begun to get round hand memorized, still need work on my spacing, size, etc. anyway I just want to say videos like these encourage and inspire me to keep with it.
Absolutely smooth. Your technique for coming into the writing line from almost a 90 degree angle makes so much more sense. As a lefty myself, I've struggled for years to improve on any style of calligraphy, and I finally see why. Before id tilt forward opposite of right handedness (mainly because nobody teaches this for left handed people, all the books I ever read through were for right handed people) and after finally seeing what you have done, it just makes sense.
Thank you for showing us this video, it was a lesson simply to watch you write. I've just started learning Spencerian, self-study for now but I hope to take lessons in future. It's terrific to be able to see how the letters and words are formed.
OMG! A lefty. I'm a lefty too, just see how his movments of his wrist and hands are. I do ok, but this true penmanship. Penmanship has always been true to my nature, but seen this man is just elegance of free flowing writing at its 100% BEST!
I love the series Craftsman’s Legacy and after watching Master Pennman Jake Weidmann I told my friend how difficult it is for a lefty to do calligraphy I took a one class 40 years ago and gave up half way through. The teacher never mentioned the types of pens you use and being the only left handed student, he didn’t help me much. I always look up the people I see on Craftsman’s Legacy and when I came to TH-cam I found YOU. Wow. You are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your talent. I really am enjoying watching you write. At 68 it’s kind of late to take up this art form now, so I will continue quilting, painting, crochet and scrapbooking. However, I will be watching and practicing your pen for fun. Enjoying all your videos over and over. Thank you soooooo much.
I love this!!! You seem so nice and personable and humble and yet! What beauty flows from your pens, tis magical! I am learning Spencerian penmanship, hope one day I will have decent handwriting.
Phenomenal!! I do a bit of calligraphy and am learning Spencerian Script as a part of my own therapy after 5 deployments i need to do something to calm my nerves I love it so much!!! wish i had more time to dedicate to it...you are a true master Sir and really enjoyed this video.....Awesome!!!!
I watched this video because I saw the left hand in the thumbnail! I'm left handed and I didn't think it could be done! I'm so glad to see for myself it is possible!
Thank you for sharing your whole process! Including your support staff! Enjoyed your humor , loved the make-up brush dancing across your face while speaking. :) I got started on the calligraphy journey last year so I could pen my Grand daughter's wedding. That project is complete, just had the wedding 2 weeks ago. I would like to continue learning this craft so, I am very happy to have found your vids.
What superb writing. I've been copperplate writing all my life, am nearing 73 but have never attained that quality! Those that don't like the preamble can easily skip it. The left-hander who wishes for quicker drying ink can get supplies easily enough. I recently obtained some from Noodlers via a UK agent. No problem para me! Some say a straight on nib is better for most left-handers as the oblique, when handled left tends to 'injure' the paper on the right side and cause feathering. I have always used a straight on nib holder or fountain pen without that happening. Well done John DeCollibus. Keep up the good tuition!
Beautiful work! I've never seen a left handed calligrapher! I've always wondered if it was even possible. It's great to see the family involvement as well!
I am new to lettering and it's really frustrating being left handed. I'm scouring the internet looking for videos from left handed penmans. I honestly don't know if I can ever be good at it.
Usually turn volume off, but honestly, does it get any more civilized than a master penman’s mesmerizing choreography with Pachabell’s Canon in the background? Rhetorical question.
John, there is no doubt about your credentials as one of 14 Master Penmen as certified by IAMPETH and that your ability, skill, and work are all above reproach. Additionally it was really nice to meet your middle daughter and son in-law but other than a meet and greet of your family members the watching of this your video is 13 minutes and 42 seconds of this video that I will never have back in life. I had hoped before watching this video that it might of had some useful tips, tricks, etc to improve my pointed pen calligraphy but what I watched was in essence a sudo commercial of sorts
***** Take your own advice on life skills and opt to ignore others comments if they offend as much as his comment did, in which case it was blatantly true and not "beating around the bush." And no, the guy in the video is NOT an official master penman, just a guy with the hobby of calligraphy.
I my training the hard way. Most left handers, like me will usually go hook writing. I trained myself from the ground from as an underwriter... breaking fountain pens, dip pens, the whole lot. I suggest you may want to look at the IAMPETH website and their rare books to see how past masters taught their students how to hold the pen.
I too am a lefty and have always been fascinated with calligraphy. I have always considered myself artistic and have always had good handwriting but I cannot seem to get calligraphy down. My question to you and other TH-camrs is; What type of nib and/or pen do you use?
Thumbs up for the nice humorous vid. It's really very nice handwriting. For a demonstration of skill I would have expected a larger variety of fonts than just one from a master penman though.
And old and cherished craft. Disappearing with time like blacksmiths, sword and knife makers, etc. However, when Intel lays 4 billion transistors on a silicon chip, well, thats pretty impressive too..
I started teaching myself calligraphy a few years back as I draw my whole life I am also left handed and have been fascinated With penmanship since I was a kid I always took my time to write things out I want to find some classes as I am also in Massachusetts people always told me I would have shitty handwriting and ended up having some of the best penmanship out of all my class mates from grade school through high school
This is so great! As soon as you said you were left handed you had me! LOL...I loved penmanship and calligraphy as well and self taught quite awhile ago...however, it was difficult. I was trained in the field of drafting and design and of course the only drafting machines at the time were all right handed! I had to even learn how to do the "Leroy" lettering on my drawings which were designed for right, however, I managed to do it with my left....I would like to know how you managed not to get carpal tunnel as a result of doing this for so long?
My only material wish for this Christmas is to get a Jake Weidmann penholder. I can't afford it at this time so I need more side calligraphy work to do. Very inspiring work of art.
John, I have been watching your videos since 2007. Have been practicing and have gotten quite good at it. As a florist, I do all my cards in calligraphy, which is a big hit with my customers. I have also managed to get some invitation business as well. Please do tell people that since all papers are not suitable for ink, it's viscosity can be adjusted with gum Arabic to improve the hair lines. Also, I still haven't figured how you can do your flourishing strokes with such speed without the nib splattering ink all over the page when doing up strokes. Please do comment on this
Are there any websites or apps that e can go to, where we can input text and have the computer make fancy calligraphy for us automatically. I realize it won't be as perfect as a hand made version, but probably still nice?
Awesome and encouraging. Okay, so he's holding the paper sideways so that he's essentially writing DOWN the paper in kind of a sideways fashion, correct?
You can't do Copperplate like he does with a chisel tip marker but you can do some other calligraphy styles like gothic or uncial. Check out calligraffiti. With a can I guess that's up to you and your level of can control, but it'll be very hard to get those super thin hairlines like he does.
Does the oblique pen help with you being left handed. I've just bought a straight pen and am waiting to try it, but looking at you writing, this pen looks better. Or? Is it just you?
there is an oblique penholder for left handers but it also depends on your hand positioning.being a lefty myself,we usually devise our own method to write efficiently in various scripts which requires line variation,as you can tell from how the master penman here writes.Good luck with learning penmanship and i will do the same!
Amazing!! Did you trained yourself to be an underwriter or you were used to it already? I'm having such much trouble with my hook writing style and the strokes! it's killing me and I really want to learn calligraphy :(
It's because of the angle the pen needs to be held at; I believe it's something like 50 degrees. Your wrist would hurt like heck if you tried holding a straight pen like that for very long.
If I was your son I would be like “dad I need you to write another break up note for me” I mean she can’t be that mad if the letter is written beautifully.
This video gives me hope as a fellow lefty
ApaChe same here😄
Yet another leftie, aspiring calligrapher here - thank you for sharing this! Noticed that you rotate the page 90 degrees, a brilliant trick I hadn't seen before that must overcome so many of the problems associated with our "pushing" instead of "drawing" on the page. Can't wait to give this a try... and re-learn how to write....!
I've picked up caligraphy 2 months ago. I've begun to get round hand memorized, still need work on my spacing, size, etc. anyway I just want to say videos like these encourage and inspire me to keep with it.
Absolutely smooth. Your technique for coming into the writing line from almost a 90 degree angle makes so much more sense. As a lefty myself, I've struggled for years to improve on any style of calligraphy, and I finally see why.
Before id tilt forward opposite of right handedness (mainly because nobody teaches this for left handed people, all the books I ever read through were for right handed people) and after finally seeing what you have done, it just makes sense.
Thank you for showing us this video, it was a lesson simply to watch you write. I've just started learning Spencerian, self-study for now but I hope to take lessons in future. It's terrific to be able to see how the letters and words are formed.
OMG! A lefty. I'm a lefty too, just see how his movments of his wrist and hands are. I do ok, but this true penmanship. Penmanship has always been true to my nature, but seen this man is just elegance of free flowing writing at its 100% BEST!
Absolutely beautiful. I especially loved observing your children and of course Roger. Please send more.
The handwriting begins in the video at 6:30 for all who wish to skip ahead.
Thanks!! i skipped because i was interested in the calligraphy only :)
Thank you
thanks
Every piece associated with this video, as I witnessed, was SUPER! Music and all! I hope there is more! Semper Fi
I love the series Craftsman’s Legacy and after watching Master Pennman Jake Weidmann I told my friend how difficult it is for a lefty to do calligraphy I took a one class 40 years ago and gave up half way through. The teacher never mentioned the types of pens you use and being the only left handed student, he didn’t help me much. I always look up the people I see on Craftsman’s Legacy and when I came to TH-cam I found YOU. Wow. You are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your talent. I really am enjoying watching you write. At 68 it’s kind of late to take up this art form now, so I will continue quilting, painting, crochet and scrapbooking. However, I will be watching and practicing your pen for fun. Enjoying all your videos over and over. Thank you soooooo much.
I'm so glad I found this video. I gave up on ever trying real calligraphy because I used to snag on the paper so much.
Between the music and his divine handwriting, I lost my grip on reality for a minute!
I love this!!! You seem so nice and personable and humble and yet! What beauty flows from your pens, tis magical! I am learning Spencerian penmanship, hope one day I will have decent handwriting.
this was great!! good humor!! very inspiring!!!
The bit with Lauren had me rolling. lol.
This is great penmanship. Wonderful. Thank you for sharing.
wonderful....copperplate and Spencerian script styles ....
Wonderful penmanship, wish I could write as elegantly. Thank you for sharing
Phenomenal!! I do a bit of calligraphy and am learning Spencerian Script as a part of my own therapy after 5 deployments i need to do something to calm my nerves I love it so much!!! wish i had more time to dedicate to it...you are a true master Sir and really enjoyed this video.....Awesome!!!!
I watched this video because I saw the left hand in the thumbnail! I'm left handed and I didn't think it could be done! I'm so glad to see for myself it is possible!
A lefty! This is the first video of a left-handed calligrapher I have seen. Both of my sons are lefties, so there is hope for their penmanship yet.
Amazing. And Mr. DeCollibus makes it look so effortless. I'm not worthy!!
Nik Hansen Lets thank God for his hard work and praise God instead of this man.
I’m amazingly intoxicated with your stunning Madarasz Script. Robert
Thank you for sharing your whole process! Including your support staff! Enjoyed your humor , loved the make-up brush dancing across your face while speaking. :)
I got started on the calligraphy journey last year so I could pen my Grand daughter's wedding. That project is complete, just had the wedding 2 weeks ago. I would like to continue learning this craft so, I am very happy to have found your vids.
What superb writing. I've been copperplate writing all my life, am nearing 73 but have never attained that quality! Those that don't like the preamble can easily skip it. The left-hander who wishes for quicker drying ink can get supplies easily enough. I recently obtained some from Noodlers via a UK agent. No problem para me! Some say a straight on nib is better for most left-handers as the oblique, when handled left tends to 'injure' the paper on the right side and cause feathering. I have always used a straight on nib holder or fountain pen without that happening. Well done John DeCollibus. Keep up the good tuition!
Absolutely Beautiful...thanks for sharing.
Unbelievable! It is truly a pleasure to watch you work.
Superb control and technique. Thanks for a fine posting
Handwriting is lovely. I studied Spencerian style as a teenager. Thanks a lot for a wonderful video.
What effortless elegance and beauty!
Truly lovely letterforms and flourishes. Thank you for sharing your skills with us; inspiring.
Outstanding! I truly enjoy your work, sir! Semper Fi
Beautiful work! I've never seen a left handed calligrapher! I've always wondered if it was even possible. It's great to see the family involvement as well!
The music was so beautiful I just closed my eyes and listened, sorry, I love Pachebel's Canon.
what position do you usually write? im a lefty too,it's kinda hard to write when my hand is blocking my writing.
I'd like to see anyone try and forge his signature. haha
I am new to lettering and it's really frustrating being left handed. I'm scouring the internet looking for videos from left handed penmans. I honestly don't know if I can ever be good at it.
I’m a fellow lefty... your work is BEAUTIFUL... please photo closer and larger... can’t see
Usually turn volume off, but honestly, does it get any more civilized than a master penman’s mesmerizing choreography with Pachabell’s Canon in the background? Rhetorical question.
Wonderful video! Your make-up artist is exceptional & knows when you need a touchup!
John, there is no doubt about your credentials as one of 14 Master Penmen as certified by IAMPETH and that your ability, skill, and work are all above reproach. Additionally it was really nice to meet your middle daughter and son in-law but other than a meet and greet of your family members the watching of this your video is 13 minutes and 42 seconds of this video that I will never have back in life. I had hoped before watching this video that it might of had some useful tips, tricks, etc to improve my pointed pen calligraphy but what I watched was in essence a sudo commercial of sorts
gullreefclub maybe you should learn the life skill of reading video summaries and clicking to fast forward videos.
***** Take your own advice on life skills and opt to ignore others comments if they offend as much as his comment did, in which case it was blatantly true and not "beating around the bush." And no, the guy in the video is NOT an official master penman, just a guy with the hobby of calligraphy.
except my advice was learning to faster forward videos and read, nor did his comment offend me, but nice try, spin again.
+KRYST HLAH Actually, he is official. He has a certificate, and is registered on IAMPETH.
Noah Abarca
I researched it, and no he's not.
I think it's pretty cool to see a left-handed master penman.
beautiful!so much beautiful!
Simply beautiful.
Happy Birthday Dear Master Penman✨💫❣❣🙏🏻
I hope this man back making videos
Amazing amazing amazing penmanship
I my training the hard way. Most left handers, like me will usually go hook writing. I trained myself from the ground from as an underwriter... breaking fountain pens, dip pens, the whole lot. I suggest you may want to look at the IAMPETH website and their rare books to see how past masters taught their students how to hold the pen.
I have an autograph book I purchased at a goodwill store and almost all wrote like this.i wish you could see it. It's amazing.
I too am a lefty and have always been fascinated with calligraphy. I have always considered myself artistic and have always had good handwriting but I cannot seem to get calligraphy down. My question to you and other TH-camrs is; What type of nib and/or pen do you use?
Thumbs up for the nice humorous vid. It's really very nice handwriting. For a demonstration of skill I would have expected a larger variety of fonts than just one from a master penman though.
OMG..that´s why he is the MASTER.. gorgeous..amazing !!!
One of the Greatest!
Congratulations from France!
And old and cherished craft. Disappearing with time like blacksmiths, sword and knife makers, etc. However, when Intel lays 4 billion transistors on a silicon chip, well, thats pretty impressive too..
Beautifull! Why is the pen nib shifted like that?
I started teaching myself calligraphy a few years back as I draw my whole life I am also left handed and have been fascinated With penmanship since I was a kid I always took my time to write things out I want to find some classes as I am also in Massachusetts people always told me I would have shitty handwriting and ended up having some of the best penmanship out of all my class mates from grade school through high school
this is so beautiful..
anyway, what is the music of this video?
Pachelbell's canon (I have no idea if I spelled that right :P)
Pachelbel Canon in D
I've heard it said that you are the best in the world, John DeCollibus...and I believe it.
This is pure art!
Why is the pens tip offcentered? Wouldnt it be more precise if the tip would be centered like on a normal pencil?
That's so beautiful!
Eu adoro a Caligrafia sou seu fã pois eu lhe acompanho a muito tempo a todos do Zanerian
This is so great! As soon as you said you were left handed you had me! LOL...I loved penmanship and calligraphy as well and self taught quite awhile ago...however, it was difficult. I was trained in the field of drafting and design and of course the only drafting machines at the time were all right handed! I had to even learn how to do the "Leroy" lettering on my drawings which were designed for right, however, I managed to do it with my left....I would like to know how you managed not to get carpal tunnel as a result of doing this for so long?
Wow. I have a lefty son. I do believe lefties may have an artistic leaning. This writing is incredible. Gorgeous.
AWESOME! AMAZING!!! Thanks for sharing. Even though I can't write it's a pleasure watching. :)
This man has spent thousands of hours perfecting his penmanship, it wasn't "given" to him by ANYONE.
What tool is that? Pen or is it a brush? Beautiful. I miss handwriting like this. My grandfathers generation wrote so beautifully.
is that the sound of rolling film in the background?
My only material wish for this Christmas is to get a Jake Weidmann penholder. I can't afford it at this time so I need more side calligraphy work to do. Very inspiring work of art.
John, I have been watching your videos since 2007. Have been practicing and have gotten quite good at it. As a florist, I do all my cards in calligraphy, which is a big hit with my customers. I have also managed to get some invitation business as well. Please do tell people that since all papers are not suitable for ink, it's viscosity can be adjusted with gum Arabic to improve the hair lines. Also, I still haven't figured how you can do your flourishing strokes with such speed without the nib splattering ink all over the page when doing up strokes. Please do comment on this
I love this video and the calligraphy. It is very beautiful writing. Does anyone know the name of the composer of this music?
I love it, dang it! Do you have books or online courses available? Salute to master penman!
Are there any websites or apps that e can go to, where we can input text and have the computer make fancy calligraphy for us automatically. I realize it won't be as perfect as a hand made version, but probably still nice?
Beautiful!!!
A perfect marriage between Pachelbel's Canon and the calibre of the calligraphy.
Very beautiful. What kind of paper are you using?
Awesome and encouraging. Okay, so he's holding the paper sideways so that he's essentially writing DOWN the paper in kind of a sideways fashion, correct?
Maybe
Beautiful calligraphy!
Can you do the same thing with a chisle tip marker or spray paint?
whowa, caught you by surprise there!
Is that another tip at the end of the pen?
An inspiration to other lefties. I wish could have learned from him.
You inspired me John DeCollibus
You can't do Copperplate like he does with a chisel tip marker but you can do some other calligraphy styles like gothic or uncial. Check out calligraffiti. With a can I guess that's up to you and your level of can control, but it'll be very hard to get those super thin hairlines like he does.
Where would you be without your wonderful makeup artist? 😂 Seriously though, your work is absolutely stunning. Really inspiring.
Super! I am also a Lefty. Thought it was a problem, is no. I will be practicing!
Does the oblique pen help with you being left handed. I've just bought a straight pen and am waiting to try it, but looking at you writing, this pen looks better. Or? Is it just you?
there is an oblique penholder for left handers but it also depends on your hand positioning.being a lefty myself,we usually devise our own method to write efficiently in various scripts which requires line variation,as you can tell from how the master penman here writes.Good luck with learning penmanship and i will do the same!
The composer is Johann Pachelbel, the music is called Canon.
Can you suggest a book on learning your style of writing. I would be forever grateful. That was amazing
Amazing!! Did you trained yourself to be an underwriter or you were used to it already? I'm having such much trouble with my hook writing style and the strokes! it's killing me and I really want to learn calligraphy :(
love this....I'm a lefty too
So nice so nice!
so...what happened to John DeCollibus? Is he still alive or not?
It's because of the angle the pen needs to be held at; I believe it's something like 50 degrees. Your wrist would hurt like heck if you tried holding a straight pen like that for very long.
If I was your son I would be like “dad I need you to write another break up note for me” I mean she can’t be that mad if the letter is written beautifully.
Awesome. Just slow down and more closeups, please!
BEAUTIFUL .....Thank you
He's a lefty like me!!!
dats some serious writing