(It’s a lettering image, not typographic.)

I did some chalk stuff recently, but worked dry.
I found that spritizing with a detergent solution spray then wiping with a damp synthetic cloth was a better way to clean than dry wiping, or wet wiping without detergent, which left streaks.

I've never tried it, but I wonder if people ever prepare a small-scale version ahead of time and then project it onto the surface as a guide?

Sounds like a good idea.

True, it's lettering, not typographic, I stand corrected.
I'll get some detergent. Also one tip was to not use paper to wipe because is leaves residue, cloth is better.
The design will be made in advance off course.
Projection seems a good way of enlarging the design, but since I don't have a overhead projector, a grid will have to do (besides, will projection work on a black surface?).

Thanks so far!

I don't have any tricks for you but I would recommend contacting Drew Melton (http://twitter.com/justlucky) for tips. He's done a few chalk pieces for Sevenly which you can see in the link below along with progress shots (including a rough idea on paper).

http://yourjustlucky.com/#/people-matter/

> but since I don't have a overhead projector

It's possible that you could borrow one from your local library or a church or other organization that has one.

There are also multimedia projectors that can be connected to a laptop computer (that's how PowerPoints are projected). They usually cost several hundred dollars but again maybe you can borrow one. There are also devices called sketch projectors or tracing projectors that artists use sometimes. You can find those in the ballpark of $50 at Amazon, but I've never tried one.

> will projection work on a black surface?

It should work if the drawing is white lines on a black background, and the room isn't overly bright.

Result here...

Use a fairly hard pencil to draw a lineature, with the aid of a ruler that is long enough to cover the width. I guess doing this with two or three persons would be easier.

Define x-height for a start, maybe also cap-height.

The pencil lines are fairly invisible, but will remain when the chalk text is removed, in case correction or new text is needed.

(Edit: sorry, just noted this is a fairly old thread.)

Thanks Bert.
I find that using a grid wasn't really neccessary. Mind you, I did draw it with chalk, which made the grid very wobbly. Not a good idea on my part.

Thought I'd use lowtack tape for straight lines in stead of pencil, that won't be visible after removal. And I'll be shopping for chalk in pencil form if there is such a thing :)

Redid a bit: see here.

Chalk in pencil form? This is the next best thing: http://www.aduis.nl/krijt-houder-1-stuk-art500252.aspx?ih=1

See A Topological Picturebook by George K. Francis. A couple of years ago one could have it for $10 new. Unfortunately, I made presents of all the copies I had, and now when I need it, it is about $30…

The book consists of 3 interleaved topics:

• how to design 2D visualizations of complicated 3D structures,
• tips on putting the visualizations on paper/blackboard,
• math one can deduce from the example visualizations in the book.

The mathematical part is, I suppose, mostly a little bit dense for a non-enthusiast. However, I suspect that the other two parts may be of much more general interest.