Lettering
I check the spelling of all names: Monarchs, recipients, local groups, orders and anything with unusual spelling.
I practice my chosen script, spending extra time on letters I find tricky.
I work up spacing on my computer, using the mockup to reduce omitted letters.
I don’t often use an unfamiliar support or ink, but when I do I practice with it first. Papers feel different to the pen depending on their sizing and other texture. Ink density may vary. I want to know what I’m using so I test first and adjust if necessary.
Process
After designing a mockup, I do the lettering, gilding, and painting.
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| Russian-style Scroll |
Usually, I begin with lettering. It is the most difficult to correct and has a long tradition of being done before illumination. There are so many possibilities for errors. I think I’ve made them all. If I have more support I prefer to start over. It’s time-consuming, costly, and sad to not be able to use a gilded and illuminated border because of a lettering error.
Gilding is done next. When I’m gilding I cover areas I’m not working to prevent pesky gold flecks attaching to unwanted places. It doesn’t take much for them to do this either.
Finally, I get to the illumination, the most fun. It’s also the easiest to correct. Depending on the support I can gently scrape off errors and repaint. I might turn the flaw into an artistic motif.
I’ve been doing calligraphy and illuminated scrolls over 15 years and I still make mistakes. I take every precaution I know. If you know of others I would enjoy learning them as would other readers. My biggest joy is providing a well-done scroll for Their Majesties to present.
Related Prior Post:
Calligraphy Mistakes, Making and Managing Them
An Itinerant Scribe 