INSTRUCTIONS—LESSON NO. 5
The “Egyptian” Brush Alphabet
Show card writers give this alphabet the name “Egyptian” when it applies to the plain lettering as shown on following page. There are many other names that apply—when the alphabet is “trimmed” up with various embellishments known to professionals. There is the spurred “Egyptian” when the lines are finished off with “spurs”—either heavy spurs or hair line spurs, and a host of other “embellishments” according to the taste and originality of the card writer.
The student will do well however to stick to the plain alphabet until the various letters are thoroughly mastered.
Among printers, this alphabet is known as “Gothic,” and some showcard men call it a “block” letter. The term “block” comes from the fact that most of the letters should occupy the same amount of spacing.
While not a beautiful alphabet—it comes in very conveniently, and is a splendid letter for making bold lines. As an illustration—the word “HATS” is a comparatively weak word on a large show card, unless the lettering is heavy, or embellished with some shading or outlining. With a broad brush—if in a hurry—the card writer can dash off such a word very quickly in “Egyptian”—thus saving time, and yet making a good, bold card.
The word “HURRAH”—sometimes used to attract attention—is very weak—unless lettered in bold “Egyptian.”
Large prices on full sheet cardboard signs and letters on cloth signs are also often done with this alphabet.
Don’t be discouraged when first attempting it with a brush—and make it only with the brush.
Pick out a brush that has a good even edge. A “ragged” brush is useless for heavy strokes. And when you find a brush that will work well, leaving the perpendicular and ends of the vertical lines even and neat, KEEP SUCH A BRUSH FOR THIS STYLE LETTERING, and use it for nothing else. In contrast to the “Egyptian”—a brush for the Roman alphabets must be pliable and of a “texture” to permit of light and heavy lines being made alternately.
In forming the “Egyptian” the brush must hold its “chisel” edge, and keep an even stroke; therefore the necessity of using the right brush.