Part 2

Proper materials are necessary, and good work can be done only when the student is provided with the best.

For the beginner, the following outfit is suggested:

1 set of 5 sizes round speedball pens,

1 set of model “C” speedball pens or several sizes of broad pointed pens,

1 bottle of black drawing ink,

1 No. 10 and 1 No. 12 red sable “rigger” showcard brushes,

1 2-oz. bottle black showcard color,

1 2-oz. bottle light red showcard color,

1 “T” square,

1 drawing board at least 22×28 inches,

A supply of thumb tacks.

The “T” square may be “homemade,” if necessary, as well as the drawing board, the only essential in the drawing board being that it be “squared up” on two sides—the left side and bottom, thus enabling the student to do rapid, accurate “lining” or ruling.

With these materials, the student is ready for the first lesson, which should be practiced with the aid of the large instruction sheets, these charts being provided by the Associated Advertising Clubs, and two of each are included with this text book.

It is also suggested that where the local Advertising Club or other organization is fostering the class in showcard writing, there should be provided extra charts for practice, together with sheets of heavy paper, enameled on one side, size 14×22 inches. This enables the student to do extra practice in addition to the chart work itself.

In purchasing showcard stock, students should keep in mind certain sizes of stock necessary.

Full sheets of cardboard are 22×28 inches.

Half sheets are 14×22 inches.

Quarter sheets are 11×14 inches.

Eighth sheets are 7×11 inches, and so on.

The thickness or “weight” of cardboard is usually designated by the term “ply” which means the number of layers of rough pulp making up the body.

A good weight for ordinary cards is 6-ply.

Heavy board, usually used for half and full sheets, is 10-ply, or thicker. Mat boards and double size cardboard usually come 28×44. Some mat boards and other fancy boards can be procured, however, in 22×28 size, thus saving the time in cutting.

It is suggested that students procure from their printers or wholesale paper houses, catalogs of samples and sizes of the various cardboards, etc., and familiarize themselves with the weights, colors, names, etc.

SUGGESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

If the showcard work is to be conducted in classes, it is highly desirable to procure a suitable room where drawing tables are available; for instance, the drafting room of a high school or college. If this is impossible, the next best method is to provide large tables, slightly lower than thirty inches, and chairs where students may sit at their ease, in using their drawing boards.

As the work progresses, the tables should be raised, so that those who desire may stand up. This will enable the students to do better work, especially when the brush work is being practiced.

In fact, it is suggested that after the third lesson students be permitted to stand as they work, and if in a drawing classroom or showcard studio where practical work is done, the regular drawing tables can be used.

The thorough mastery of the fundamentals is absolutely essential to good work, and particular care should be taken with the first four or five lessons that all students master these details. If the student is without an instructor, he should exert every effort to be painstaking, and never hurry the work in the early stages of practice.