The Renaissance was a period in European history spanning approximately the 14th to 17th centuries. It was a cultural awakening defined by a renewed interest in the art, philosophy, and aesthetics of Classical antiquity. Sparked by the rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman texts, sculptures, and architectural ruins, artists and designers of the period were inspired by the culture of Ancient Greece and Rome.

Ornamental lettering is where written language and visual storytelling meet. From gilded medieval manuscripts to the crisp typefaces of the modern age, ornamental lettering has offered artists and designers a powerful tool for creativity. In this article, we'll examine its use across centuries, from its spiritual beginnings in the Medieval era to its Renaissance heyday and into its current revival.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a boom in illustration that transformed books, magazines, and print media into immersive visual experiences. This period between the 1880s - 1930s was known as The Golden Age of Illustration. This period saw the rise of masterful artists who revolutionised storytelling through their intricate and atmospheric artwork. Figures such as Gustave Doré, Edmund Dulac and Arthur Rackham elevated illustration to an art form, crafting iconic images that inspire artists, designers, and storytellers today. Read on to find out more!

Mysterious, monstrous, and steeped in symbolism, gargoyles have adorned important buildings for centuries. These eerie stone creatures are more than just decorative oddities—they were designed with both practical and spiritual purposes. From their origins as medieval water spouts to their potential role in warding off evil spirits, gargoyles have a fascinating history that blends function with folklore. In this post, we'll explore the history of these iconic figures—and reveal a common mistake people make when identifying them!

Fresco painting is one of the most enduring and iconic methods of mural creation, celebrated for its vibrant colours, durability, and historical significance.

Personification, the artistic device of attributing human characteristics to non-human entities, has been a powerful tool for artists throughout history. This technique not only adds depth and meaning to the artwork but also engages viewers by allowing them to connect with the subjects on a human level. Read on to find out how to incorporate personification into your work: let's go! 

The importance of well-crafted imagery in tattoo artistry, graphic design, and illustration is undisputed. However, a critical component that often gets overlooked by even the most skilled artists is typography and lettering. Discover why a lack of focus on typography and lettering might be holding back your work from being the best it could be.

Insects have fascinated artists throughout the ages; today, we'll look at three artworks inspired by insects and discover what makes them so unique. Let's go! 

Join us on a journey through the history of Blackletter typography. We'll examine some examples of Blackletter text and explore their origins and uses, both historical and contemporary. Let's go!