For years, the 8th grade students of Marin Waldorf School were given beautifully illuminated diplomas at their graduation. The calligrapher who had been doing this as a passion project decided it was time to step aside. I was absolutely honored to be recommended to take on the diplomas for the 8th graders of Marin Waldorf School. Originally, I was to make the skeletal diplomas and teach each parent to paint in the decorations for their child.

However, due to the Bay Area's COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders starting in March and extending past graduation, that was no longer possible. The parent-coordinator and I came up with a new plan: I would create the entire piece myself. Instead of painting each diploma individually, I would print them in full color, then—just as had been done in past years—add the graduates’ names in calligraphy and gild each one with real gold. I have documented my process here to give a better idea of the steps involved in custom projects.

Inspiration to sketch

Spätgotisches Musterbuch des Stephan Schriber — page 13v

Spätgotisches Musterbuch des Stephan Schriber — page 12r

Spätgotisches Musterbuch des Stephan Schriber — page 10r

With each project I work on, I want it to be grounded in history but not stuck in the past. For this project, much of my inspiration came from Stephan Schriber’s sketchbook — Spätgotisches Musterbuch des Stephan Schriber. A simplified design and modern colors help bring the illumination into the 21st century.

Pre-digitizing: Outline, Lettering, & Color

Outline for the Marin Waldorf School 2020 diploma

Painted color passes (painted on a light table)

Before creating a press-ready file, I create all the original designs by hand. This preserves the subtle variations in color and texture that make handmade work so special. Because the diplomas will be digitized, I build each part individually to be assembled in Photoshop — outline, color, and lettering — which lets me refine each element until it’s right.

Digitizing

While assembling everything digitally, I take the opportunity to clean edges and color-correct each element. Digitizing always takes time — it's meticulous, detail-oriented work.

Composing all the pieces in Photoshop

Printed proof — always send one before final run

Printing

Once everything looks ready, I send a proof to the client. This final review is the last chance to catch mistakes — in our case the parent-coordinator noticed two missing words. Embarrassing, yes, but part of the real-world process.

Handwork: Lettering & Gilding

Reenactment: lining and lettering (lightpad broke during the real run!)

Tools for gilding: gold leaf, size, burnisher, brush

Once the printed diplomas return from the printer, the truly custom work begins. Because I saved the gouache blue used in the printed filigree, the hand-lettered names match the printed artwork perfectly. After confirming each name’s spelling, I apply gilding size to the decorative shapes and press real gold leaf on top. A light coat of fixative protects the work for decades.

The diplomas are then ready to be signed by administrators and handed to the graduates. The students may have had a difficult end to their 8th grade year, but I hope these special diplomas helped them feel celebrated and accomplished.