Why Does Calligraphy Cost So Much?
As you may or may not realize, calligraphy can get expensive. Some people balk upon receiving a quote, saying “I can get it cheaper on Etsy,” but there’s a few things at work here. The story, the art, and the skill all play a role into the cost of custom calligraphy. I’m going to break those three parts down and discuss in more detail how those contribute into my pricing.
The Story
With custom calligraphy, you aren’t just getting a piece of paper. I strive to create timeless pieces that will be passed on from generation to generation, telling family stories and cultivating legacies. By listening to your story and incorporating it into what I create, you’ll have something truly unique-to-you that will be treasured and valued by the next generation. These pieces are meant to “stand the test of time” (an expression always reminds me of “Win a Date with Tad Hamilton”… if you know you know!) and to be deeply personal. They have a lot of meaning to you or your gift recipient.
As far as weddings are concerned, an invitation truly sets the stage for what’s to come. Lackluster invitations are incongruous with the beautiful day that you have spent so much time and money planning. And invitations aren’t something that will just be thrown out either; how many times have you been to a friend’s house and seen invitations hanging on their fridge? Your wedding stationery is a keepsake that will be treasured.
I read a blog post a few months back (that unfortunately I was unable to find to link in this post) by stationer and calligrapher Laney from Design by Laney, which made the humorous declaration that what will end up not just in the trash, but in also the toilet is the catering (which is arguably one of the most expensive parts of a wedding day)! Your invitations and signs will be yours forever and are perfect for framing or displaying in your home as a keepsake of the big day.
The Art
Additionally, all my calligraphy is written by hand. I’m not just using a fancy-looking font and typing it out, but I’m actually hand-writing each stroke, taking care of both the placement and art of each one. Each piece is truly a work of art.
Writing each piece by hand is a major difference between my art and what might commonly be found elsewhere. There are artists who use a font to type up a phrase, use a Cricut machine to make it into a stencil, and then paint over that stencil. To clarify, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this method! It just is a less expensive means of production.
When I write by hand, I take time to not only plan out a piece but also to freehand each line myself, and this time contributes to the cost of custom calligraphy. This leads me to the last factor, which is the skill behind calligraphy.
The Skill
Lastly, the skill of a calligrapher also plays a large role in pricing. As I already mentioned, I freehand all my writing. This is a skill that I have spent much time learning, as I want my letterforms to be consistent. I have spent (and still spend) hours upon hours learning and practicing calligraphy.
It’s not just good handwriting; there are certain rules and techniques involved that you just won’t know how to do without education and practice. From why certain strokes are thicker than others to how to maneuver and use a pointed nib, the cost of custom calligraphy also factors in the time I took to learn the skill. No one can just “do it yourself” without taking the time to learn how.
Ready to take the first step?
If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind piece of art for your home, a stunning wedding invitation, or event signs, I would love to see if I would be a good fit! Click the button below for a free consultation. No strings attached – that’s my guarantee! I love helping you by answering questions and providing direction even if we don’t end up working together.
