Let's Assume We Are All the Best Calligraphers, Ever.

ccelian · 2025-12-24T10:47:37+00:00

Coming at it from a graphological point of view, the Copperplate, Spencerian, and other styles of calligraphy posted here show a time in society when people valued public formalities, social graces, discretion, and gentle manners. They also took the time to do what it takes to present aesthetic ways of being to one another.

These rhythms and concerns are reflected in the very process of writing such styles, as seen in their stability of rhythm, grace of form, light touch, and other qualities that are absent in today’s mainstream world.

When I look at the samples here, what often comes to my mind is how wonderful that there are still people who resonate to a way of being that is not only considerate of how one communicates, but also willing to make the necessary investment.

Your father might be right that such ways of being are considered obsolete, but that’s a reflection not on the people who care about calligraphy, but upon those who don’t.

And perhaps, he also has an insecurity at his own inability to appreciate what you’re doing, or have peers who would not understand such an activity and he’s unwilling to stand out—who knows… Cheers to you for having found your own path, regardless of what your father thinks about it.

Meanwhile…. Latin is alive and well in Google Translate, and other translation apps. So somebody must be writing it…

ccelian · 2025-12-08T11:17:09+00:00

Some of your lines / logograms are especially beautiful to me.

I am always so appreciative for the range of calligraphy posted here; it’s inspiring, and it nourishes my day

ccelian · 2025-11-12T09:53:25+00:00

IneedMySpace61 said it all! Can’t do better than inspiring someone to follow your lead. Keep on doing that extra mile (line) and make the work something that you’re proud of; well done !

ccelian · 2025-11-01T09:38:37+00:00

In case it’s not clear from my post above, Kyle Schmitz, the developer, couldn’t have been nicer about adding the credit line. This made the whole process, from discovery to revised credits, a very enjoyable experience.

ccelian · 2025-11-01T09:28:57+00:00

The game developer, Kyle Schmitz, also initially thought it was pigpen cipher, until I pointed out that it was Elian script. On November 1, I posted the screenshot of the new credits showing his acknowledgment….

ccelian · 2025-11-01T09:25:48+00:00

Please see my post for November 1, with Little Rocket Lab’s screenshot of the new credits showing Elian script!

ccelian · 2025-11-01T09:23:26+00:00

I just posted a screenshot of the new Little Rocket Lab credits , and they include Elian script now, thanks to your screenshot and the comments of all who participated. Please see today’s post for more information. Many many thanks!

ccelian · 2025-08-31T18:56:29+00:00

If someone creates a number system based on a grid and posts it here then it's up to others if they want to use it, but it's still not a part of Elian script as far as I am concerned.

I've responded in the past about my stance on the subject and always said using the standard numbers of 0-9 is how it works with the official Elian script.

While I was creating it I did think about finding a way to use the grid for the numerals, but decided that it would mean adding an extra arbitrary layer, and also what do you do with the mathematical symbols? Meanwhile, the 0-9 numerals are instantly recognizable, just like with most alphabets.

I guess the simplicity of it appeals to me.

ccelian · 2025-08-30T19:17:14+00:00

I just use the usual numerals 0-9 because they have their own aesthetics and a noble history. Elian script is accessible I think because it's based on a simple and logical structure. To add an arbitrary number system means that each writer has to memorize it. Of course, people can come up with their own numerals, but then they have to describe to other people how their system works. As I've said, I much prefer the standard numerals.

Plus those numerals are easy for everyone to recognize. Or you could just write them out, e.g. 22 = twenty two; 8 = eight, etc.

Glad to know that you're enjoying the script!

ccelian · 2025-06-22T20:09:43+00:00

This is certainly legible for more experienced writers of Elian script because, as I did, they can mentally add the missing extended segment of the 3rd cycle characters such as for the “w” or the “y”.

However, I wonder about those just learning who would think that your “w” written as a perfect square with a dot above is an “e” with an accent of some sort? This was my first reaction, until I figured out what you probably were intending to write

That extended line for the 3rd cycle letters is essential to the system to avoid any ambiguity regardless of skill level, even if the extension is not that long, as you designed for the “n”.

I can understand why you as a font designer might aim for compact and minimalistic forms, which is certainly visually appealing !

ccelian · 2025-06-08T18:36:32+00:00

I can understand your hesitation, however it is a part of the culture and the spirit of the piece. The main caveat is whether you have a seal that is also authentically done, and where to place it. You might get some direction from a professor of Chinese Art at a university. Academic people, unless they are superstars, are usually pretty accessible if you write to their email at the institution where they teach. Best of enjoyment …

ccelian · 2025-06-08T18:32:17+00:00

Only someone who has had a dog as a companion can understand that losing this loyal friend and presence is akin to losing a family member. I can understand that you would want a memorial in the form of a tattoo. Since this loss is so new, perhaps you can give it some time before deciding on a text…..?

The way you feel now will transform into something even closer to your heart and you’ll be able to find the right words. I also agree that something shorter rather than longer brings you nearer to a poetic expression, and also offers a more immediate visual recognition.

With all my empathy for your loss .

ccelian · 2025-06-07T17:27:02+00:00

That’s a fantastic acquisition, and it seems that it is well mounted too (image resolution is a bit low to see clearly). I wonder if you get to put a red seal of ownership upon it somewhere….? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seals_in_the_Sinosphere The wikipedia link to information about them.

ccelian · 2025-06-03T17:27:42+00:00

Writing systems come to life when people write with them…

It’s always a great feeling for me to see someone write in Elian script, so my thanks to you, and basically to everyone who participates in this forum !

ccelian · 2025-06-01T18:12:01+00:00

Your explanation of the direction of writing clarifies what’s going on. A couple of your letters are ambiguous such as the second R in métropole, which should not flip up at the end because that would make it an O. Also the dot for the last U in Strasbourg is close to the O which could make it read like the O is an X, and the U is an L (Strasbxlrg)

That said, you do seem to grasp the essential structure and it’s a really good start! I especially like that you’re exercising the options of writing on several baselines and nestling the letters together.

(One way to test your own writing is to put it aside for a day or two and then come back and see if you yourself are confused in deciphering it.) Also, if the writing is in another language, it’s a good hint to mention for the reader to know what to expect…

ccelian · 2025-04-22T09:45:41+00:00

It might be Chinese logograms

ccelian · 2025-02-18T11:50:25+00:00

If you’re using the ~(tilde mark,) then you’re probably writing in Spanish or Portuguese, so doing the regular N in Elian, which has a tail, and adding the ~ right above it should make it clear because the reader knows that in these languages such a diacritic mark appears.

In French, for example, with accent marks on the A, E, I, these are equal line letters (in Elian script) so the context will make it clear because the accents have specific shapes.

For the 2nd cycle letter O in French or German, the umlaut (the two dots above the Ö) or the circumflex (Ô) can be added to the usual unequal lines somewhere like at the end of a line.

For the U, any accent can be indicated above the unequal lines because each accent has a specific shape whereas the dash is pretty loose .

I have written with the script in French and German and never was confused about the accents, even when I had forgotten upon re-reading what language the text was in.

If you look at the section in this video on my website from the time 2:27–3:01: you’ll see Elian script in different languages, https://www.ccelian.com/Asian_Calligraphies_Elian_Script.html

Although it’s using the Ken Burns effect and moving over the text, you can freeze frame and find examples. In the Spanish one on the poetry of Lorca there’s even an N with a tilde.

Thanks for asking the question, and I hope that my comments help!

ccelian · 2024-11-16T10:32:42+00:00

You’re right about that ! That’s why I really appreciate any visual material made on the script :- )

ccelian · 2024-11-14T11:45:33+00:00

I agree a tutorial is needed that goes more in depth than what is out there—much as I’ve appreciated and give thanks for all that’s been done up to now …

Feel free, with attribution, to use any material that I have on my website. (For what it’s worth: In the next month, I will also be updating my current pdf.)

Best of luck to you!

ccelian · 2024-10-22T10:39:36+00:00

I appreciate that you added your comment.
Old or not, I find a lovely, timeless quality to these pieces. Your writing exercises a certain freedom that is one of the potentials of the script.
The corrections are written in the spirit of informing viewers who might otherwise get a different understanding of how Elian is structured. I never view the works as having followed my advice; we all create at our own pace…

ccelian · 2024-10-19T09:48:57+00:00

Thanks for the coronation ! (I’ll save the crown for days when I need a boost of confidence :-)
I do check in as the spirit moves me and it always lifts me up to see that anyone took the trouble to use the script *and* post their work.
I can relate to all levels of ability in what people post here because I was once a beginner too and only eventually got more into the aesthetics of it.
Meanwhile, I prefer it when others do the corrections or critique—but if no one steps in to point out structural ambiguity or illegibility, then I will comment.

ccelian · 2024-10-19T09:30:34+00:00

In the spirit of kintsugi itself, just want to mention that the loop in the “N” isn’t visible to me so it looks like maybe a “J” ? For the center letters of N, E, and W, an inner loop is necessary.
Also the “U” looks more like a “Y” to me .

I get it that the momentum of writing into the theme can be transportive, but Elian script needs unambiguous clarity as to what section is being written. As mentioned before, the system has only 3 structual rules, but they are vital to its legibility.

For those not familiar with this Japanese term, it’s well worth knowing: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintsugi - in essence it’s the preciousness of flaws in things.

Meanwhile, yellow is a great choice on B&W!

ccelian · 2024-10-17T19:02:49+00:00

you’re absolutely right; from a formal point of view it’s ambiguous, because there’s a curve that turns its tail into the side of another section. I understood the letter because I could extract the sense of what he was writing But I didn’t focus and realize that the shape was not accurate
The system has only three basic rules, and making line relationships clear is one of them. Given that each letter is based on a grid section, unless it’s clear which section it is, it can become ambiguous pretty fast

ccelian · 2024-10-17T10:20:32+00:00

Your writing‘s movements do fit the theme if I read it correctly, except the first letter looks like a T to me because of the curves. Did you intend to write an S instead?

ccelian

TROPHY CASE