Arabic calligraphy is the most beautiful calligraphic tradition in the world, in my opinion. The birth of my niece gave me an opportunity to try it myself. Above is a sketch I drew of her name in the kufic style. I liked how it came out until it was very politely pointed out to me that I had spelled it wrong. Back to the old drawing board, as they say.

Metropolis magazine invited various visual artists and writers to contribute to their March issue about local flavor. I was happy to send them an interpretation of my town, the ancient city of Providence, Rhode Island. There are also contributions from fellow letter-drawers Sibylle Hagmann, James Goggin, Elliott Earls, and Village.

As a letter drawer, my main materials are black and white. I don’t get many opportunities to work in color. That’s ok with me but a little change is also nice once in a while. I was happy to see some color around my desk this last week. Above is a detail from a drop shadow treatment for a logo I have been working on that included red, black, plus not just one but two shades of yellow. My eyes are confused but I think they like it.