A certificate is awarded for some outstanding achievement. When the certificate has the recipient's name hand written in hand calligraphy, it takes a pre-printed certificate from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Everyone loves to see their name written in hand lettered calligraphy. I've gone into houses where I've seen people put envelopes that were addressed to them in calligraphy, on their refrigerator!
One of the biggest mistakes people who design stock certificates make is they don't leave enough space for filling in the name on the certificate especially in calligraphy. (The second biggest mistake is using paper that is difficult to write on, or that won't take ink without bubbling up or spreading like a paper towel).
I like to make the person's name really stand out, so that the certificate or award will be displayed and noticed. One of the things I always recommend is to use a contrast in the name, so that it doesn't look like the rest of the certificate. This can be done with color, style of writing or size of the writing.
When a company or organization has funds for a beautiful certificate completion, then I can spend more time really making the name stand out. I've been privileged to do calligraphy for some prestigious organizations where the proper cost is allocated for this job.
Here's an example of using color and design to make the recipients name stand out on a printed certificate. (notice there wasn't very much space for the second line!) Please don't tell him if you know Al - he hasn't received the award yet! : )
Certificates can be designed to be traditional, or very contemporary. It is a time intensive job, and the calligraphy must be VERY careful not to make mistakes when an original is being used. It puts a lot of pressure, and can be very stressful.
There is a cost savings alternative when a company gives yearly awards and wants a special certificate designed. After much planning, and certificate can be designed with the logo, organization title, name of the award, place left for the recipient's name, and the description. The place for date, signatures are all allocated but left blank. Then the calligraphy certificate is scanned, and can printed on beautiful paper. This saves a tremendous expense with having originals done each year. The printing, especially on beautiful paper makes it look almost like an original. Of course, each year a calligrapher will be hired to do the "fill ins" for the information about the recipient. I like adding touches of gold, either gold leaf or paint depending upon the budget of the client. It adds light to the piece and is actually called "illumination".
If you have a business, or work in an organization that gives certificates, encourage the use of beautifully designed calligraphy awards. It will truly make your recipient feel appreciated!
