Learn to Create Lettering That Doesn't Just Read… It Captivates
Some lettering is beautifully written. Other lettering stops you in your tracks.
The difference isn't just the letterforms — it's the composition.
Internationally acclaimed Dutch lettering artist Elmo van Slingerland is celebrated for his innovative approach to lettering design, helping artists move beyond simply writing beautiful letters to creating work with rhythm, balance, movement, and visual impact.
Whether you're an experienced calligrapher or an adventurous beginner, Elmo's thoughtful teaching style will change the way you think about every page you create.
Register for Flourish Festival »You'll choose your classes, including this one, during registration.
Drawn to Letters
Discover the Art Behind Beautiful Letterforms
Class size: 20 people
Every memorable alphabet begins with an idea.
In this workshop, you'll explore how letters are constructed from simple shapes and thoughtful design principles. Rather than copying an existing style, you'll learn how to create expressive letterforms that are uniquely your own.
You'll gain a deeper understanding of structure, proportion, rhythm, and creativity, opening the door to endless possibilities in your own lettering.
You'll Leave With- A new way of thinking about letter design.
- Greater confidence creating original alphabets.
- Practical design principles you can apply to any lettering style.
- Fresh inspiration for future projects.
Letters in Composition
Turn Beautiful Lettering into Beautiful Artwork
Class size: 20 people
Writing beautiful letters is only the beginning. The real magic happens when those letters come together in a balanced, engaging composition.
In this workshop, Elmo will guide you through the process of arranging words, creating movement, using white space intentionally, and adding decorative elements that support the message rather than compete with it.
You'll leave with practical techniques for designing finished pieces that feel harmonious, expressive, and uniquely yours.
You'll Leave With- Greater confidence designing finished pieces.
- A stronger understanding of layout and composition.
- Techniques for creating movement, balance, and visual harmony.
- A design process you can use again and again.
An example of Elmo's capitals
Elmo van Slingerland
Elmo van Slingerland has become one of Europe's most admired contemporary lettering artists because he brings together technical excellence with a remarkable eye for design. His classes are creative, thoughtful, and full of those moments where everything suddenly clicks.
"The letters are good… but why doesn't the whole piece feel finished?"
If you've ever looked at your own work and asked exactly that, Elmo's workshops provide the answer.
This isn't a calligraphy workshop in the usual sense — it's a masterclass in artistic composition. Trained as both a graphic designer and type designer, and educated at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, Elmo has designed type for the Dutch Type Library and taught internationally across Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia. His approach is thoughtful, precise, and deeply informed, helping students see letters not just as forms, but as systems with history, logic, and expressive potential.
Design like a Dutch master.
Join Elmo van Slingerland for Drawn to Letters, Letters in Composition, or both — class size is limited to 20 per session.
Register for Flourish Festival »You'll choose your classes, including this one, during registration.