The story behind my book

I haven’t had the chance to shout from the rooftops about this book (yet) but it really is my little piece of literary pride and joy, my biggest achievement for my business and a huge boost for my own self-belief.

The reason being the publish date of October 2020 meant it quickly got tangled up in the craziest Christmas sales year that I’ve ever had. Now that I’ve popped on the out of office, have my feet up and am drinking Bailey’s like it’s some sort of elixir of youth I really feel I have the time and headspace to show this book the appreciation it deserves.

How did this book come to be?

In February 2018 Harriet of De Winton Paper Co called to let me know about a potential creative project and would I be interested (being a freelancer I said yes immediately).
The project was to write a calligraphy book for Octopus publishing (the same company that had published Harriet’s book New Botanical Painting). Believe it or not but a huge secret dream I had always had was to write a book by the time I was 40 but really how on earth was I, Lyndsey from Plymouth, ever going to write something that would ever get published.

Well, let me tell you this project was a blessing to me and my calligraphy journey. Harriet put me in touch with the lovely Zena at Octopus who requested some examples of my writing style which I promptly sent. They liked what they read (thankfully) and I was employed by Octopus to write “The Calligraphy Ideas Book”.

The Calligraphy Ideas Book

Is part of a series of “Ideas Books” that have been curated, printed and published by Octopus Publishing. The range from this series includes The Collage Ideas Book, The Papercraft Ideas Book and The Drawing Ideas Book to name a few. It’s a 215-page book featuring 80 original and stunning and unique pieces of artwork from various calligraphers who I believe are masters of their craft.

When I started writing this book I felt pretty confident in my knowledge of calligraphy, especially modern and to a certain extent Copperplate, I was aware of Spencerian and various broad edge calligraphy styles. What I did not expect was how the journey of researching and writing this book would open my eyes to such an utterly mind-blowing number of new and sub-styles of calligraphy I wasn’t even aware of.

Who is featured in the book?

Trying to find 80 unique calligraphy projects was no mean feat, and to do this in 4-5 months required a level of organisation that felt slightly superhuman. However, with the assistance of some exceedingly talented calligraphers, some of whom you might already be aware and some who quietly master their style this book project came to fruition. The book features work from the following calligraphers whose work I admire, respect, adore and who’s generosity should not go without a huge level of acknowledgement, without them there would be no book.

These calligraphers include; Laura Patrick, Joi Hunt, Callyanne Calligraphy, Hey Penman, Lauren Ink Art, Moon and Tide, Oh Wonder Calligraphy, November Letters, Sabine Pick, The Arabic Calligraphy, Veronica Halim, Zoe Zephyyr, 55 Degrees Calligraphy, Ainamy Tokyo, Aster Calligraphy, Being Uxer, Chiara Riva, De Winton Paper Co, Ginkgoarts, Ink Me This, K Calligraphy, Jes Creates, Lagniape Lettering, Cawligraphy, Mai Notebook, Michaela McBride, Rachel Jacobson, Lamplight Lettering, The Blackline, The Golden Letter Tom’s Studio, Marisa Made, Yukimi Annard, Tom Bejnines, Alice Gabb, Amour Artistique, Cottom and Cursive, Loveleigh Loops, Massismo Polello, Peggy Dean, Shadi Talaei, Furkan Saral, Hoang Dao, Sorro Lettering, The Postmans Knock, Valerie Writes, Gemma Milly, Julia Razz, Angelique Ink, Judy Broad, Jeremy Tow, Artsy Nibs, Oriol Miro, Fox and Hart, My Art of Gold, Dillbag Singh, Antohause, Stfnie Ink.

What is The Calligraphy Ideas Book?

If you are looking at a manual guide for each of these styles, this book isn’t for you, it’s a guide to all the calligraphy styles available for you to explore, its intention is to inspire your own calligraphy work, to expose you to calligraphy you are not aware of and those calligraphers who are complete masters of this style. Packed with fresh ideas for calligraphy techniques, styles and subjects, this book is a visual feast of inspiration for all abilities, whether you’re new to calligraphy or looking to reinvigorate your practice. Not only will you expand your knowledge of this beautiful and diverse art form, but you will also discover new and unique directions for your own practice.