Bold Business: Manayunk Calligraphy

Recently, we had the pleasure of meeting the incredibly talented artist behind all the pretti-ness of Manayunk Calligraphy! Learn more about Kim and her business below!  This lovely business is relocating from the East Coast to Indy this summer and we are swooning.

1.  What is something couples should know about wedding calligraphy?

It doesn't have to be stuffy. It can be fun and edgy, quirky and whimsical, modern and slick. It can even be bad ass. Calligraphy is the absolute first thing people see when they are invited to your big day - before they even open the invitation, they have a sense of what they are in for. Use it as opportunity to show them they are in for a treat.

Another thing to know is that calligraphy isn't limited to the invitations... or paper. Use calligraphy in unexpected places -- like cocktail flags, photo booth backdrops or hashtag signs -- to add memorable details to your event. My personal favorite? Calligraphy on macaroons. There's nothing sweeter.

2.  When did you discover you loved this form of art?

When I did it for my own wedding. I have a background in art and when it came time for my own wedding, I was determined to learn calligraphy. I absolutely loved it. I would get completely lost in loop-de-loops, swashes of ink, giant swells and tiny hairlines. When the wedding was over, I was so bummed -- calligraphy just didn't have the same effect on my to-do list. My husband encouraged me to offer calligraphy to other couples getting married, and the rest, as they say, is history.

3.  How do you differ from other local calligraphers?

My style is anything but traditional. Some couples are looking for ultra traditional copperplate or Spencarian calligraphy (don't those names just sound fancy?), and there are many calligraphers in the area that do absolutely beautiful work in this arena. I'm not one of them. I'm the calligrapher for people who swoon over curated vintage flea markets and long for an IKEA in Indy. My work embraces the handmade character of this old world technique, while giving it a distinctly modern bend. It appeals to those couples who want something a little (or a lot) different. 

4.  What inspires you most?

The juxtaposition of old and new. Vintage images in graphic design. An old wingback flea market chair refurbished with a bright, modern pattern. A new IKEA Ingo hacked into an old school farmhouse table. I love it all. And, really, that's what I do -- but with ink. Lots and lots of ink.

5.  Describe your business in three words.

Handmade. Modern. Inky.

Photo Credit: Moonrise Rebel

We are so excited to have Manayunk Calligraphy in Indy!  Our clients are going to adore working with you - thanks, Kim!

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Boldly Yours, 
Christine