Intro to Foundational Hand (Level 1)
Learn a solid understanding of Foundational Hand by writing Modern Carolingian minuscules and broad-edge pen Roman Capitals.

- Created by Maria Montes
- 8 hours on-demand video
- Full life-time access
- Foundational Guidebook (27 pages)
- Broad-edge pen Roman Capitals
- Modern Carolingian lowercase (a-z)
- No calligraphy experience
- Visual material list
- Suggested homework
- Intoduction to serifs
- Introduction to gradients
- Width variations
What is included in this course?
Here is a short summary of all the content that you will find inside this course.
Course Content
- 22 lessons in total!
- 8:45 hours on-demand video
- 11 Downloads
Intro to Foundational Hand (Level 1)
- Welcome to my course!
- About your instructor
Materials List
- Foundational Hand | Visual list (PDF file)
- Alternative broad-edge calligraphy tools
Handouts
- Foundational Hand Guidebook (27 pages)
- Blank guidelines (A4 Size)
Class 1 | Modern Carolingian (Part 1)
- Intro to Modern Carolingian Lowercase (Part 1)
- Class 1 | Maria Montes class notes
- Class 1 | Homework suggested
- Class 1 | Feedback example
Class 2 | Modern Carolingian (Part 2)
- Intro to Modern Carolingian Lowercase (Part 2)
- Class 2 | Maria Montes class notes
- Class 2 | Feedback provided
Class 3 | Broad-pen Roman Capitals (Part 1)
- Intro to Broad-edge pen Roman Capitals (Part 1)
- Class 3 | Maria Montes class notes
- Class 3 | Homework suggested
- Class 3 | Feedback provided
Class 4 | Broad-pen Roman Capitals (Part 2)
- Intro to broad-edge pen Roman Capitals (Part 2)
- Class 4 | Maria Montes lesson notes
- Class 4 | Homework suggested
Additional Video Resources
- Writing Demo | Quote by Timothy Goodman

Description
This Course In A Nutshell
Learn a solid understanding of Foundational Hand by writing Modern Carolingian minuscules and broad-edge pen Roman Capitals.
Course Overview
On class 1 & 2 we’ll learn about Modern Carolingian writing the entire lowercase alphabet. I'll guide you step by step through each letter in great detail showing you its ductus, or the order of the strokes for each letterform.
On class 3 & 4 we’ll focus on brad-edge Roman Capitals. We’ll learn the classic old style proportions as well as introductions to colour gradients and the introductions of serifs.
Additionally, I’m giving you a brief explanation of the historical content for this hand style so you have broader understanding of its context and modern use.
Table Of Contents
This course covers the following topics:
- Module 01: Welcome to my course!
- Module 02: Material list
- Module 03: Handouts
- Module 04: Intro to Modern Carolingian (part 1)
- Module 05: Intro to Modern Carolingian (part 2)
- Module 06: Introduction to broad-edge pen Roman Capitals (part 1)
- Module 07: Introduction to broad-edge pen Roman Capitals (part 2)
- Module 08: Additional video resources
What Will You Learn In This Course?
- The entire Modern Carolingian lowercase (a-z) alphabet.
- Broad-edge pen Roman Capitals (A-Z)
- Learning by executing width variations
- Introduction to serifs
- Introduction to gradients
- Writing in different sizes and building guidelines keeping the same scale
Who Is This Course For?
- Professional graphic designers
- Professional typeface designers
- Graphic design students looking to expand their typographic skill set
- Type design students
- Calligraphers looking to refine their skills
- Anyone with an interest in letters and visual communication
- Anyone looking for a mindful, creative and meditative practice
About Your Instructor

Maria Montes | Calligrapher, Brand & Lettering Designer
Maria Montes is an independent lettering designer and illustrator specialised in branding assets and calligraphy education.
Her multidisciplinary practice expands across brand identity, packaging illustration, custom lettering, calligraphy, fashion, art and culture. She has been teaching calligraphy independently since 2014 including: Copperplate, Italic, Blackletter, Carolingian, Neuland, Roman Capitals and Brush lettering.
Maria studied a Postgraduate Course in Advanced Typography in Barcelona and a Condensed Program in Typeface Design at Type@Cooper in NYC. In 2018 she released her first independent display chromatic font family called Green Fairy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I purchase this course as a gift voucher for a loved one?
Absolutely! Purchase this course and email me the person’s details, and I will create a digital voucher for them.
Can I still do the course as a left hander?
Absolutely yes! I recommend left hander rotate their page 90 degrees clockwise to obtain the same pen angle of 30 degrees, and that's it!
Is the calligraphy course in English?
Yes, and I am more than happy to answer questions and offer feedback in English, Spanish and Catalan.
Do you give personal feedback if we send our practice to you?
Yes, if you send me your homework by email, I'll review it and give you feedback.
Do I need experience in calligraphy?
No, all my Lvel 1 courses are designed for total students and there is no previous knowledge required.
Is there a discount if I purchase multiple courses?
I offer a 10% discount to students who have already enrolled in one of my courses. You'll enjoy a life-time access, plus I’m adding additional content every year!
Still have a question?
Reach out and I’ll happily answer any additional questions you may have.
