Frequently asked calligraphy questions:
- Q. What made you want to take up calligraphy?
- A. My mom has been doing calligraphy since before I was born, so it was something that was always around. Before she started her own business, I remember being surrounded by boxes of envelopes for jobs she was working on, and I have very fond memories of telling my friends that my mom was a calligrapher. It wasn't until after college that I decided that I wanted to learn and, hopefully, become as skilled as my mom. She has been an amazing teacher!
- Q. When did you start doing calligraphy professionally?
- A. After much encouragement from my mom and husband, I started The Graceful Quill in the fall of 2007. Since then it has been a pleasure serving brides and grooms in the Chicago area on a steady basis.
- Q. What has been your favorite calligraphy job?
- A. I don't think I could say I have had just one favorite calligraphy job. They are all unique in their own way, and I enjoy doing calligraphy for each person I work with because I know I am helping them add that personal touch to their special event. I like to think about what guests might think when they receive that unique wedding invitation, or what they think when they see their name drawn on a place card. I have had some exciting jobs, though, for some well known families in Chicago, and I recently finished a job for a Cartier wedding!
- Q. If a bride and groom have a specific style of writing or font that they would like you to do, can you do that? Or do you only specialize in one font?
- A. I encourage couples to tell me exactly what style of writing they would like! If they see a sample on my website that they prefer, then that's what I'll do for them. If they have a specific font on their wedding invitation which they would like me to use, then I'll create a font that matches or compliments that style. It's all about personalization!