This time I have changed the scale massively from the usual Calligradoodle x height of 1″, to 8″. The marker points, (nib), set to 2″. As usual, the whole thing was written and filmed in one take, with no editing, so there may be some small anomalies but I hope that teamed with all the previous worksheets and templates at Lesson 1, and at Luton Calligraphy Workshops 1, it helps to make this most important step in the journey much easier to grasp .
The Barista Coffee House in Leighton Buzzard, a very busy establishment on the Market Square, with a well deserved reputation for its cheerful service and great food and, of course, coffee. It is host to perhaps four or five artists each year and, having been introduced by my friend Julie, from Jewels, who herself has exhibited here, I am pleased to have been chosen to show my work here until the 3rd of October. (NOW EXTENDED UNTIL 24th OCTOBER) So if you are in the area, why not pop in for some refreshments and to have a look at some works you might recognise from posts in The Gallery here, at Bill’s Space, or from Facebook. Apart from one or two of the 24 pieces on show, all are for sale at, I think, very reasonable prices. I am also able to supply to order, fine art prints and canvasses of most of the items on view, just get in touch for a quote. Of course, I am still available for commissions, and especially to help with your wedding and events arrangements.
Just a glimpse of what you will find at the Barista. Please mention Bill’s Space and give my regards to the hard working staff.
For the bibliophiles amongst you, a sculpture outside the local Library.
If you have been following my YouTube progress up ’til now you may wonder why I decided to put together this compilation of all the videos I have made and why I decided not to add an audio track.
Firstly, a Facebook friend was bemoaning the fact that YouTube was not available in his country and so could not watch many of the Calligraphy videos posted on group pages. This then, began as my small way of compensating him for that lack and was published just in time for his Birthday. Cheers Shahed!
So, you may well ask, why did I not add music?
It is a long story, but briefly it is all about the way, even when logged into YouTube, I was unable to gain access to edit my videos and playlists until after days of haranguing the help department, when suddenly I found I was, as I thought, back in control. A bit like knocking on the door again and again and then, with no explanation, finding yourself on the other side.
While all this was going on I had the idea that as I had used YouTube audio swap, which I am sure, we were told at the time was copyright free, they had placed advertisements on all my works. I am sure that very little revenue would be earned by my measly efforts but I thought, why should YouTube take all the proceeds from the millions of “Audio Swapped” videos out there and what can be done to change things?
Have you tried to “monetise” your Video? First of all you need to make sure you are registered on the Adsense programme, a minefield of all your old YouTube user names, Google accounts and passwords, and then work out how to actually tick the right boxes, or should I say, find the right boxes to tick in the first place. When you first see the magic question, Monetise?, you think you have cracked it. Then having said yes please. You are told in no uncertain terms in a big red box, “Oh no you don’t. Your video does not fit the accepted criteria. Go and find out why!”.
Have you tried to remove the “Audio Swapped” music from your YouTube videos? So far, on my two least viewed videos only, I have had an option to “remove music track, Beta” Beta it is. After numerous attempts, although the text stated audio removed or words to that extent, no change.
Then it was a trip to YT’s “Video Editor”. Having copied the two lowliest of my offerings, with muted audio, Bingo! They now have the coveted $ sign. I am rubbing my hands with glee, I do a similar operation with a further two videos, publish, monetise………. UH, OH!….. Then more or less, words to the effect of, “If you keep doing this, your video might be suspended or blocked or removed, so go away and behave yourself.”
So, I am left with the dilemma. Do I remove all my videos from YouTube, losing all the stats and analytics, the goodwill and the links that have been built over the last four years or so, or do I leave them as they are and publish the whole series again, perhaps with no music, or with tracks that have been specially written by a friend of mine who would be prepared to sign over the rights of his works to me on the understanding that he/she would share the earnings? Or, do I just say, as I’m sure most YouTube users do. To hell with it. Let Uncle Google have his pound of flesh.
So far, according to “Analytics”, my videos have had 14,o57 views between them. Total earnings, zilch! After just 8 views this new silent video has earned 3 cents in revenue for me, and YT are still getting their cut.
UPDATE 5th March ’13
YouTube support have asked for feedback. I ticked the multiple choice boxes and added :- My initial query about access to edit videos has been addressed.
Now I am finding it impossible to remove the audio tracks. I have tried Remove a Song – Beta on the two videos where this is available to no avail. I wish to have the option to remove all audio from all my videos. Many thanks.
UPDATE
You might be interested to hear I have now uploaded my videos to Vimeo.
Bill’s Space is aimed at anyone who has a love of calligraphy, or lettering. Especially beginners and those who are having trouble getting started. Featuring videos and worksheets, links and articles, all with a bias toward art, calligraphy, lettering, and teacher’s resources, and updated as new material comes to my notice.
A Jack of All Trades. Always aspiring to become a master of lettering, I learned a basic italic hand at school, and became a regular at the local library calligraphy section. It took some years to find a local evening class but once there I found myself able to help fellow students with their struggles. Shortly after this I became a tutor myself at evening classes and also started a local church group.
Back in the eighties my work was exhibited in Luton Library.
For 6 years I was privileged to lead a Calligraphy Workshop/Retreat at Belmont Abbey, Hereford.
Any scribe will tell you that people wrongly assume that if you can put letters on paper you will be able to paint them onto almost anything. Brushwork, though, is a completely different technique to master. Luckily I was able to join a 1 year full-time C&G signwriting course and then worked for some time as a signwriter, but I never lost my love of penmanship.
I hope I can help you on your journey.
UPDATE
Bill’s Space was originally set up to promote good lettering. It has now metamorphosed into an all round meeting point for artists, calligraphers and teachers, worldwide, to relax while they search for that little something different to put in their resources locker. Recently a new group, CALLIGRAPHY at Bill’s Space Mk II, has been set up on Facebook to run alongside the original site. Whether you are a beginner or have years of experience come and join in the fun. The more experienced scribe is encouraged to give help and assistance where needed.
A click on this image will take you to a comprehensive catalogue of tools and materials
I recommend that beginners go straight to Getting Started in Calligraphy where you will find a comprehensive guide on what you need to get started and links to the various lessons.
If you are looking for inspiration a browse through the links pages might just give you the nudge you need.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me through the contact box here-under.
I hope you have enjoyed your visit. Please come again and tell your friends.
For embedded links to all my pictures, prices for commissions etc., don’t forget to visit my website, Calligraphy by Bill Grant .
Keep watching this space.
Cheers.
If you would like to donate a few pennies to help with the upkeep of Bill’s Space, please click on the button to link with Paypal. Many thanks.
independent researcher interested in visual art, poem and short story writing, nature photo taking, science, paranormal phenomena and politics. Warning - Wicked Sense of Humour!
BILL'S SPACE 