Planning & Layout

positioning the text

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Once you have decided on the script you are using, write a few test lines in slightly different sized nibs to see how long the lines of text are. I would suggest writing some of the longest lines to get an idea of the overall width of the work. If you have decided to use any decorative letters you will also need to plan where they are going and how big they will be. Use pencil and pen drafts to plan the design.

Now you have decided on which size nib to use, write out some or all of the lines of text. You can use these to ensure you stick to the original size and layout of your planned piece by cutting them out and holding them under the line you are writing - to act as a placement guide (click on the diagram to the right). I have shown the lines centred on the page in this example but you may wish to arrange them differently. The same method can still be used.

Leave the ink to dry for some time before attempting to do any more work or before erasing any pencil guidelines. You don't want to smudge anything because of impatience. I will usually wait until the following day before I erase any guidelines.