IAMPETH Master Penman

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IAMPETH Certificate Program

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Mission Statement

The Certificate Program honors and carries on the Zanerian ideal of excellence and expertise in lettering and engrossing skills, while respecting the creative artistry of individual applicants.

Program History

The original Master Penman Program started in the early 1900s, and was brought to IAMPETH’s attention by Michael Sull. His teacher and mentor, Paul O’Hara, had achieved the honor and Michael believed it was a tradition that should be carried on. Recognizing extraordinary skills in the fields of Pointed Pen, Broad Nib, Decorative Elements, and Layout and Design, the Master Penman title was intended to be the crowning achievement of one’s career, the highest honor bestowed upon a penman.

In the mid 1990s, Pat Blair was asked by Michael to assist in drafting a Master Penman Program for IAMPETH.  Many hours of discussion resulted in a program very similar to the original. It was adopted by IAMPETH and over the years, recognized fifteen members with the title Master Penman. It was not an easy title to attain, and successful artists were those who had spent decades in the field, with a broad mastery of the same skills required for the initial program.

Eventually it became apparent times were much different, and modifications had to be made to the first version of the program with a more detailed description of the whole process, clearer requirements for participation, and concrete criteria for selection. The course was separated into increments, using the designations “Proficiency” and “Excellence” to identify progress. A blind judging process was instituted to ensure the integrity of the program.

This new iteration of the Master Penman Program aspires to the same level of excellence as the original Program, honoring those who achieve mastery of the skills exemplified in the Zanerian Manual decades ago, and serving as a goal for all who study the penmanship of this unique time period.

• The Certificate of Proficiency acknowledges an applicant is at the intermediate level in the specific category entered, and is a prerequisite for the Certificate of Excellence. Blind judging protects the integrity of the Program. 

• The Certificate of Excellence signifies the applicant is at the highest level in a specific category, and may be attempted once a Certificate of Proficiency has been awarded in the same category. 

• The IAMPETHMaster Penman designation is the highest level of achievement, and is awarded after satisfactory completion of the program as outlined in the requirements section. The esteemed title will indicate extraordinary skill and mastery in the time-honored traditions of lettering and engrossing.

Honoring our Participants

We are proud of our members who have successfully received IAMPETH Certification.

View Certificate Recipients