David Allan, SHA, FSA Scot
Heraldic Artist & Calligrapher
Heralidic Artist & Calligrapher
Heralidic Artist & Calligrapher
Practical and digital calligraphy, each shaped by the same disciplined eye — honouring tradition while embracing modern technique.
I have converted my traditional calligraphy into digital calligraphy, ensuring that the distinctive qualities of traditional techniques are preserved while significantly reducing the time required for producing artwork.
Practical Digital Calligraphy
Digitally produced documents offer significant advantages over traditional calligraphy artwork as it is comparatively easy to introduce heraldry, photographs, decorative borders or Scottish clan crest badges, into the design. I have found this is particularly suitable for producing, pedigrees (family trees) or certificates, even Freedom of the City Scrolls can be created. Furthermore, the process is less time-consuming and so it ensures that highquality, personalised documents can be delivered in a cost-effective manner to my clients.
Digital Calligraphy as an Art Form
Digital calligraphy combines the strength of historic letterforms with the efficiency and adaptability of modern tools. It allows for seamless integration with heraldry, illustration, and photography, making it ideal for use in certificates, signage, publications, and web design. Styles such as 6th-century Celtic and Secretary Hand are revitalised for contemporary audiences with clarity and care.
Artwork can be supplied as high-resolution digital files or printed on museum-grade art paper using archival inks — rated by the manufacturer to remain lightfast for up to 300 years.
Whether practical or digital, each piece is shaped by the same commitment to clarity, authenticity, and lasting craft. My approach balances respect for historical tradition with the needs of modern design — ensuring that every commission, whatever its form, is both functional and beautiful.
Digital and Practical Calligraphy Gallery
Contemporary heraldic artwork created digitally gives clear crisp lines which makes it ideal for large or small prints, stationery and bookplates, It also works well for Flags & Banners, table banners, jewellery and tableware design (including coasters) and gives excellent results when used for commercial printing.
Traditional heraldic artwork is painted on velum. This is how I prefer to draw animals and figures.
Gallery
I use two methods to create my Heraldic Artwork
Contemporary heraldic artwork created digitally gives clear crisp lines which makes it ideal for large or small prints, stationery and bookplates, It also works well for Flags & Banners, table banners, jewellery and tableware design (including coasters) and gives excellent results when used for commercial printing.
Traditional heraldic artwork is painted on velum. This is how I prefer to draw animals and figures.