Modern Calligraphy Workshops

My modern calligraphy workshops are always small, emphasizing focused, individual attention. Sessions are designed to support experimentation, technical refinement, and the development of a personal calligraphy style. To date, I’ve taught more than 700 students through workshops, private lessons, and lectures across the United States and Europe.

Woman’s hand dipping a wood pointed calligraphy nib into a wood inkwell of black ink, in a beginner calligraphy workshop with Molly Suber Thorpe

Beginner Workshops

Absolutely no previous calligraphy experience is required. I cover all the basics of modern script calligraphy, from holding the pen to writing the complete lowercase alphabet. Whether you will be picking up a calligraphy pen for the very first time or are seeking hands-on instruction to enhance your existing, beginner-level calligraphy skills, this class is right for you.

Molly Suber Thorpe teaching a smiling student in her intermediate calligraphy workshop

Intermediate Workshops

Whether you’ve taught yourself or learned from a teacher, if you can hold a calligraphy pen and write words, then this class is for you. You don’t need years of experience. This class covers some of modern calligraphy’s most fun, popular techniques with emphasis placed on letter connections, uppercase letters, and playing with your personal, modern calligraphy style.

A woman’s hands practicing calligraphy in white ink on black paper as part of Molly Suber Thorpe’s advanced calligraphy workshop.

Advanced Workshops

These workshops are designed to push experienced calligraphers beyond familiar habits. Emphasis is on flourishing, experimentation, and developing your own modern calligraphy style. The exercises are meant to push you out of your “calligraphy comfort zone,” breaking habits you dislike and laying the foundation for new, improved ones. You will walk away with the tools you need for highly-effective practice, including how to critique your own work with a trained eye. Students with a basis in Copperplate find this class especially useful for learning how to bend rules with intention and thoughtfully merge traditional and modern approaches.

Molly Suber Thorpe teaching a calligraphy workshop, smiling and pointing at a whiteboard where she has drawn various calligraphy strokes.

Lectures & Traveling

I can adapt my teaching to large or small groups but always emphasize giving lots of individual attention. If you’re interested in having me come to your school, your conference, your business, or anywhere else, please contact me—I love to travel!

I have been a guest lecturer on graphic design and its intersection with hand lettering at The University of Southern California’s Roski School of Fine Arts and The University of California at Los Angeles’ Design Communication Arts department.

Private Lessons

Interested in private lessons with me? I’m always glad to hear from you. For one-on-one online instruction, my Studio Hours page is the best place to start. I do still occasionally offer in-person private lessons and small, intimate classes—so if you have something specific in mind, reach out and tell me what you’re looking for.

What my students are saying:

“I traveled halfway across the country to take a beginner workshop from Molly and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Molly was a wonderful, encouraging teacher, and offered so many materials and helpful tips.”
— Syd S.

“There is absolutely no substitute for the instruction and hands-on practice in Molly's calligraphy classes. I took both the Beginner and Early Intermediate classes, which were small and set in a cozy Cambridge, MA studio. In both classes, Molly shared her calligraphy wisdom and experience, patiently watched each of us practice our lettering, and provided invaluable feedback on our technique.”
— Yelena A.

“Molly is an amazing teacher. She articulates the smallest details in a clear, memorable way, and she's so patient. The personalized kits were awesome — I could keep practicing at home for a long time before restocking.”
— Anna T.