Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record the private lesson?
All private lessons are recorded for the student and can be downloaded after the lesson. You can store and access the recording for as long as you want to keep it. I do ask the recording remain private between the student and instructor and not be shared with others.
How do I order a custom pen?
We try to keep a small assortment of pens ready to sell. At any time, you can request to see the pen holders we have available. If you want a specific design, just send us an email and we begin discussing your custom request.
How do I know that I am ready for private Lessons?
This is always a difficult question to answer. I teach students of all different skill levels. You should not be a complete beginner. If you want to dive deeper into an area of study, and are ready to hone your observation skills, it is probably a good time to consider private instruction.
Can I request a custom study course?
Yes! I have many private students who want to acquire specific skills rather than stick to one of my workshop outlines. I am always open to discussing this with each student.
Will Heather teach a small group privately?
Yes, if you have a small group of people who would like private study lessons, we can discuss pricing and scheduling.
How long does a custom pen order take?
This is a difficult question to answer. It depends on how many orders are ahead of you on the waiting list. Expect to wait a minimum of four months. If the wait is going to be excessive, we try to let you know before adding you to our list.
Straight or Oblique?
This is very personal to each student. I do not insist on either a straight or an oblique for my students but I do recommend a straight holder. I teach all of my pointed pen scripts, pen drawing and ornamental flourishing with a straight holder. Strokes can be much more refined and delicate with the straight holder. Ultimately, it is the decision of each student to find what tool is most comfortable in their hand and what gives them the best result.
How can I study on my own?
Each student finds different answers to this question. I am a firm believer in immersion studying techniques and learning by doing. I believe that if you have the desire and passion to learn, you will be able to overcome the hurdles and frustrations on the journey. Once you learn how to hone your observation skills, anything is possible.
Where do I start with private lessons?
I recommend Italian Hand as the first pointed pen script to study as it really aids in the development of light touch and freedom of expression. The Artful Flourish is my foundational course for True Offhand Flourishing. If you want to study gilding and drawing techniques, the best course to begin with is The Enchanted Letter.
Do you have a recommended reading list?
The Universal Penman by George Bickham is an inexhaustible resource for study.I recommend that every pointed pen student add this book to their library. I highly recommend The Ames Compendium by Daniel T. Ames as well as Ornate Pictorial Calligraphy by Earl Lupfer for your flourishing studies. For painting techniques, I recommend Painting for Calligraphers by Marie Angel. A wonderful resource for Gilding techniques is illumination: Gold and Colour by Patricia Lovett. For students who struggle with drawing techniques, I recommend How to Draw Inky Wonderlands by Johanna Basford.
Where can I find support for my calligraphy journey?
l regularly update my blog as I respond to emails and ideas. I try to make the blog a constant source of inspiration and encouragement. I also have a YouTube channel where you can see some of my offhand flourishing videos.
Long term mentoring
If you would like to expand your skill set over a longer period of time, I do take private students for longer periods of time. You will have homework to complete and can work on projects that are more involved than what we can complete in short study periods or online classes. I build the course of study for each student and it is a delight to watch their skills grow. The study sessions are usually once a month and are open ended for the length of time you wish to study.. If you are interested in this, please email me and we can start the conversation.