Twelve calligraphers to inspire your practice
Calligraphers are a very supportive bunch.
Since launching my business almost four years ago, I’ve found it’s very much community over competition.
There are plenty of calligraphers to follow on social media, for inspiration, advice and a chat.
So, I thought I’d list some of my favourites – or at least 12 to get you started!
The Postman’s Knock
A watercolour birthday card template from The Postman’s Knock.
The Postman’s Knock was founded by US-based artist and calligrapher Lindsey Bugbee in 2012 and is full of calligraphy inspiration, tips and advice.
Her downloadable worksheets cover everything from drills and alphabets to flourishes and calligraphy projects.
I tried one myself recently when I was stuck for a birthday card for my mam’s 60th birthday.
Happy Ever Crafter
Becca Courtice is a Canadian brush lettering artist and the brains behind the Show Me Your Drills challenge I took part in earlier this year (closely followed by Show Me Letters, Show Me Your Words and Show Me Your Flourishes). She’s currently on a world tour, taking her workshops on the road, so her Instagram is definitely worth a look.
Grace Song Calligraphy
Grace is a brush lettering artist and calligrapher based in Toronto, Canada, who I discovered after being offered a copy of her book, Brush Pen Lettering, to review. It’s a great step-by-step guide for anyone wanting to give brush lettering a try and her Instagram feed is beautiful.
Imogen Owen
Modern Calligraphy Workshop by Imogen Owen at Forum Books.
I attended an author event at Forum Books in Corbridge earlier this year and got to chat to Imogen in person about her book, Modern Calligraphy Workshop. Her online shop is lovely – and her sweary collection always gives me a giggle.
Artsynibs Studio
I have been fortunate enough to meet Joyce Lee in person after following and chatting to her on social media and I continue to be inspired by her calligraphy journey. Originally from Singapore, she is now based in Manchester and one day I will get to one of her modern calligraphy or brush lettering workshops!
Love Calligraphy
Rosana Ibarolla and Alejandra Gonaldi have a studio in Didsbury, Greater Manchester, practising and teaching both traditional and modern calligraphy. I’ve chatted to Rosanna on the phone and she recently gave me a good talking to about pricing! It really helps to have a more experienced sounding board.
Olive and Reid Studio
London-based Kate Watson is another calligrapher who is happy to share the wisdom of her experience and her blog is full of useful tips, particularly when it comes to calligraphy supplies. I have Kate to thank for introducing me to Rhodia pads and books like The Joy of Lettering.
The Crafthood
Some of my brush lettering from a workshop run by The Crafthood.
Fellow north east lettering lovers Kay Greef and Sharon Stephenson run brush lettering and modern calligraphy workshops as well as many other craft classes. They champion all things handmade and hold regular meet-ups for like-minded folk.
Cabin Calligraphy
Another Canadian calligrapher to add to the list! Jesi Machete is based on Barrie, Ontario, and she was the first person I turned to when I was asked to write on some wooden A-boards as her signage is stunning. Her advice was much appreciated!
Kirby Leung
Kirby Leung’s beautifully addressed envelope to me.
Kirby is based in Hong Kong and we met through International Correspondence Writing Month (InCoWriMo) in February. Her copperplate is absolutely gorgeous and I’ve been loving her ‘no lift majuscules’ practice on her Instagram feed lately.
Paul Antonio Scribe
Topshop fan? That’s Paul’s work right there on their window displays and his work is in demand all over the world. This globe-trotting calligrapher is based in London, but originally from Trinidad, and his calligraphy journey is fascinating. When I tweeted a link to a story about him in The Telegraph, he replied with an invitation to his studio, which was very kind and I hope I can take him up on it one day.
Seb Lester
Seb is an artist, type designer and calligrapher based in Lewes, East Sussex, who can do amazing things on an iPad pro as well as by hand. It’s little wonder then that he has more than a million followers on Instagram!