You've seen our monthly calligraphy workshops, but you might not know much about the artist behind the screen. Meet Lyndsey, a talented calligrapher, founder of Wild Sea Calligraphy, and teacher. We interviewed Lyndsey on her best loved materials, her story, and more.
Hello Lyndsey! Please give us a little intro for those who may not know you.
Hello! I’m a designer, letterpress printer and calligraphy tutor / author based in Plymouth, Devon in the UK.
Tell us your story and how you discovered calligraphy.
I first discovered calligraphy back in early 2009 whilst I was a web developer. Several things really piqued my interest at the time, from viewing beautiful modern calligraphy and letterpress stationery to the Belvoir Cordial branding. I then saw an advert for a White House Penman and couldn’t believe that there was such a job - I dashed to my nearest art store and bought “Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy” by Eleanor Winters. How hard could it be? I was so wrong! At the time, I didn’t realise there were organisations such as CLAS or IAMPETH, and so didn’t know how or even where to start learning, so I stopped and started again and again over many years. I eventually discovered Molly Jacques (based in the US), who was teaching online - really one of a few in those pre-Zoom days. I learnt a few things about nibs but didn’t understand how inks worked with paper. Roll on a few years, two children, a stationery business and lots of tears and here I am.
What are some of your favourite materials to use?
From Manuscript, the Principal EF nib, your straight and oblique pen holders, glass dip pens, calligraphy ink and shimmer inks, Italic fountain pens, Tom Hessin with the flex nib is fantastic, and I swear by the your Calligraphy Parchment paper to name a few.
I also like Silvine tracing paper and use watercolour paper, Sumi ink and Schmincke Calligraphy Gouache, Nikko G nib too, Colorplan coloured paper, Pentel Touch Brush Pen, I have a Tom’s Studio oblique penholder that I’ve had for 6 years now that’s I also really like to use.
What do you love about teaching?
Everything! I’ve always loved teaching. I found when I first started, that due to living in the South West, some of the creative practices (this is pre Covid and Social Media) I was interested in, weren’t being taught locally, or I had no idea about and didn’t know who to approach to speak about it. I made it a bit of a mission to share my love of calligraphy and actually all things creative - everything I learn, I like to share in the hope that it helps others get started and know where to look.
What's your advice for those starting or continuing their calligraphy journey?
I would 100% recommend joining your local calligraphy group, which you can find through CLAS or IAMPETH. It’s the biggest regret I have - not discovering them sooner. Then I would attend an in-person workshop with an experienced calligrapher who can show you the basic lettering strokes, how to sit and hold your pen and also what tools to use, etc. You’ll also meet like-minded people and make friends for life. From doing that you can then understand what is happening in online workshops and not feel so overwhelmed - I would actually say my book (shameless plug) would also help discover what style of calligraphy you would like to pursue, as when I was beginning, I had no idea about all the different styles of calligraphy.
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