What does it mean to be a Dreamer?
This art has the potential to change your life in a lot of ways—if you let it. I've learned about passion, patience, diligence, humility, stewardship, responsibility, and so much more through my practice, and I'm very thankful to have it in my life.
It is really important to me that we are more than simply amazing calligraphy technicians. I hope Dreamers strive to be the kindest, most professional, respectful, and welcoming group of calligraphers in the world.
This Code of Conduct is an outline of what is expected from each member of the Dreaming in Script community. If we all uphold this code, I have faith that we can rise to the heights necessary to accomplish anything.
Recognize that each of your actions in the pursuit of this art is a direct reflection of the art itself. Dedicate yourself to being a steward of the art through your behavior behind closed doors and in plain view of the public.
Everyone is here for the same reason: we all want to get better at calligraphy. When you see a fellow Dreamer, reach out and say “hello.” Answer questions when you can. Rely on each other. Always assume the best of each other. Speak kindly and develop your rapport with others over time. Remember people. Build friendships.
It takes guts to share your work. Whether it is a classmate or a stranger on the internet, always start your interactions with fellow calligraphers from a place of respect. We don’t all have to agree on everything. We can have different opinions about what is best in each situation. As long as we maintain our respect for each other, we can have disagreements that don’t undercut our friendships.
Take yourself seriously. You're just as capable as anyone else. I don’t care if you’re a beginner or you’ve been writing for twenty years. If you know something, speak about it confidently. We can all learn from you. If you don’t know something, know that this isn’t a weakness. Everyone has different strengths, and one of the great things about our community is the unique perspective that each Dreamer brings to it.
Develop your ability to sustain effort without immediate gratification. Don’t expect things to come easily, but appreciate when they do. Not everyone begins calligraphy with the same predispositions. Use common sense and try to solve problems with logic. Work earnestly to employ the feedback given by others. Reap your progress from the sweat of your brow.
Everyone makes mistakes. Own up to them early and often. Accept criticism with humility and learn to thank people for having the courage to share it with you. Think before you speak when emotion is involved. Stand behind your words, but never double-down when you’re wrong. Be the person you’d be proud to call your friend.
Thank you to the Dreamers who contributed their artwork to the tenets shown above. In order of appearance: Mwangi Ndegwa, Sneha Lakhotia, Jewel Chan, Tony Esposito, David Grimes, and Paul McEnaney.
Terms of Use
Please take a few minutes to review the Terms of Use. While the above Code of Conduct is something I’d love to see from each of you, acceptance and adherence to the Terms of Use is required for your continued participation in Dreaming in Script.
Thank you for helping me to protect my livelihood, Dreaming in Script, and this wonderful world of penmen we are building.
