Many weddings are made unique, or given that WOW factor, through it’s small details. They can be found in the table settings, in very thoughtful favors, or in printed materials. This week, our expert vendor interview is with Jonathan Lane of Calligraphy Graphic Design Studio. With his extensive experience and unique flair, Jonathan will never cease to add that wow factor through his beautiful gift to form unforgettable printed materials for your wedding!
How did you become interested in calligraphy and what is your background?
Calligraphy was first a hobby and it all started when I unexpectedly found a teach-yourself calligraphy manual while browsing through a local library. I was delighted and charmed by what I saw, and was immediately determined that I would learn to write like the book’s author.
I have been studying calligraphy for over two decades now, and have been extremely blessed to have worked for or studied with many very talented local calligraphers and lettering artists. One of my greatest blessings was working in the White House Calligraphy Office for several years during the first term of the Clinton Administration.
In what ways do you believe calligraphy can add to wedding stationary? Where can calligraphy be used?
Good calligraphy on the invitation envelopes is like a captivating introduction to a good piece of music.
I think my godfather said it best…. he was looking at the invitation envelopes I had lettered for his 50th wedding anniversary celebration. While still looking down at the calligraphy, and with a tone of voice that I can still pleasantly recall, he said, “when you get an envelope like this, you know it is an event that you do not want to miss!”
Most of the studio’s requests for wedding calligraphy are for the invitation envelopes, and subsequently for reception items including place cards, escort envelopes, and signage. I also have received requests for menu cards and monograms. The created monograms can then be used on the wedding program cover, thank you notes, napkins, and as the frontispiece for a guestbook.
What is your favorite script and why?
I enjoy the overall process of creating beautiful letters, so I do not have a favorite script or calligraphy style.
I think of calligraphy as ocular sound or visual music, and my job is to make the letterforms harmonize in a way that the writing becomes visually melodious.
One of the studio’s most popular fonts is a style called “jazz.” It is technically difficult, but visually stunning.
Sometimes as I am writing in this style, I imagine myself as a musician playing a ballad with improvising patterns & riffs that I hope will delight both my customers and their guests.
That is such a wonderful way to describe what you do! Thank you so much Jonathan and each piece of your work as well as all of your fonts are so fantastic. Be sure to check out more of Jonathan’s work at the Calligraphy Graphic Design Studio!
