Ink and Illumination: A Tale of SCA Scroll Partnerships

Hey there, fellow SCA scoll enthusiasts! Let me take you back to when my journey as a scribe hit a little bump in the road. (Actually, it began with a bump.) Picture this: my illumination skills were growing while my calligraphy skills… not so much. But fear not, because I had a stroke of luck in the form of my friend and now my apprentice, HL Astrid, a calligraphy whiz!

We teamed up, Astrid and I, with a clear understanding that our collaboration would shine a spotlight on both of us, along with the text writer, of course. It was all about mutual respect for each other’s talents and efforts. We were in this together to make sure we all came out looking like rock stars.

Now, let me tell you, that not all scroll collaborations are created equal. It’s crucial to nail down exactly what you’re getting into and what each scribe expects from the partnership. Sometimes, it’s even a good idea to jot things down.

When you’re working side by side, communication is key. I’m talking about exchanging ideas, hashing out designs, and sorting through logistics. Trust me, terms might need clarification, and debates may happen over design choices. Yeah, they’re par for the course.

For a collaborative scroll to truly sing, everyone involved needs to be crystal clear on their roles and responsibilities down to the nitty-gritty details. How much space are we talking about for calligraphy versus illumination? What’s the deal with margins? Who’s leading the design charge? And when does the calligraphy start versus the illumination?

Oh, and don’t even start on the importance of mutual respect and checking your ego at the door. It’s all about keeping the focus on the task at hand, ensuring a smooth sailing process from start to finish, and meeting the time deadline.

Sure, tossing out suggestions like, “Hey, maybe this would look better,” can feel a bit like a jab to the artistic ego, but trust me, it’s all in the name of creating the best scroll possible for the lucky recipient. Idea exchange and open communication are where the magic happens.

Now, let’s be real for a second. Collaborating isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some scribes prefer to work solo, and hey, that’s cool too. But for those willing to take the plunge, working in tandem on a scroll can be an enriching experience.

It’s a journey that requires courage, patience, and a shared vision. But let me tell you, when it all comes together, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of creating something truly special as a team. HL Astrid continues to work in tandem with other illuminators, even though I’m no longer able to. So here’s to the power of collaboration and the beautiful scrolls scribes bring to life!