I won the Calligraphy Award when I was in high school, I think it was 1962. The actual award was an old page of religious text written by a monk in the 13th century. I should probably go get it from the old home and put it in my studio or something, it's surely the oldest thing I own.
Even so, I don't actually consider myself a calligrapher, but did make my living in the sign business for many years. Lettering is an art form of its own. My favorite type faces are those based on the Roman ones, some of the oldest we have, and also the most beautiful. Next, I like the Celtic types.
Joe, that was a really nice example of the power of the symbol, thanks.
Commercial art and advertising are indeed art forms.
Look what Andy Warhol did with a soup can.
My favorite script is Carolingian. I like a nice half-uncial as well.