Workshop Fee (includes materials fee): $285

This is an in-person workshop. As of January 2023, masks are strongly encouraged but not required unless otherwise indicated. 

Hand lettering for all levels! Join us for this innovative and welcoming approach to hand lettering with the talented Billy Ola Hutchinson.

This three session crash course in calligraphy will provide students with the building blocks necessary to continue their calligraphy practice on their own. Each of the three evenings will focus on a different hand: Billy's informal take on Gothic, Italic, and Copperplate. Students will learn foundational techniques such as pen position, how individual letters relate to one another, and how to rule out lines for alignment. They'll also learn hacks for how to avoid ruling out entirely!

Students will complete the course with an understanding of basic penmanship and letter formation, as well as the processes, materials, and layout techniques used in calligraphy. Most materials will be supplied.
 

>> Prerequisite: None <<

Materials to Bring: 

• Mechanical pencil
• Ultra Fine Point Sharpie preferably in red but any color would do
• C-Thru® B-85; 2" x 18" 8ths Graph Beveled Ruler in Inches

Date & Time: Wednesdays, July 5, 12 & 19, 2023 :: 6:30-9:30pm

Location: 375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94103

NOTE: Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class. Registration will close three days prior to the start date of the workshop to allow the instructor time to prep materials for class. 
 

About the Instructor | Billy Ola Hutchinson (pronouns: dealer's choice)

Billy's passion for lettering began in pre-school with the assistance of Mommy Billie. Billy and Billie spent hours shaping letterforms day in and day out. Later in life, Little Billy parlayed that lettering passion into a calligraphic profession, creating a petit line of stationery, penning custom lettering for clients, designing a line of porcelain for San Francisco's luxury speciality store, Gump’s and of course as an instructor at SFCB—taking students through those first steps Little Billy took with Big Billie. Billy's lettering has been featured in magazines, wedding invitations, place cards, monograms, and brand identities.

Past Student Reviews:

"Billy is a great teacher and while teaching a massive amount of material, makes the environment very welcoming."

“I was inspired by Billy's work and I truly appreciate Billy's way of teaching - very patient, inspiring and willing to accommodate our requests (what we want to see in calligraphy), and Billy is TONS of fun!”

"Billy not only did a great job introducing us to the basics, but also took a lot of time to emphasize that we can make what we want of it, and to not let go of the fun of it. It's a rigid art form, but it doesn't have to be as intimidating as some make it out to be.”