How to commission a calligraphy piece
If you’ve ever thought that you’d like something written in my calligraphy style, but weren’t sure how to go about it, here’s what to expect.
What I do (and don’t do)
Not all calligraphers offer the same services, so while you’re always welcome to just ask, it can be useful to have some idea of what I tend to make for clients.
I only work on paper, using a traditional pointed pen. I can digitise my artwork and may do so for some projects, but I specialise in physical one-off pieces. I do most of my work (especially display pieces) on handmade rag paper, which has a beautifully textured finish with rough edges.
I also only offer one calligraphy style. Hopefully my style is one of the reasons you’ve come to me, but if you’re looking for something different (such as traditional copperplate, or ‘bouncy’ modern calligraphy) another calligrapher will be a better choice.
While I’m always open to ideas for other formats, these are the items I usually work on:
display pieces suitable for framing (for example quotes or poems)
letters and envelope addressing
calligraphy inside my own hand-bound notebooks
I can also make bespoke notebook formats if you have a specific idea (with or without calligraphy).
How to contact me and what to include
The best way to contact me is by email, at hello@inkysquare.com. Instagram DMs get too easily lost and tricky to refer back to!
Please give as many details as you can about what you have in mind. You don’t need to have all the answers at this stage, but the more you share, the easier the process will be.
Some of the things to consider are:
the text, or at least its length
the format/size and paper type
your preferred ink colour
when you need it by
If you would like something added to one of my standard products (such as a dedication or title page for a notebook, or longer than standard text for a message in a bottle) please do also contact me by email instead of placing an order through my shop.
There is of course absolutely no obligation to go ahead with a piece once you’ve been in touch, so don’t hesitate to come to me with ideas, even if you’re unsure.
I may be in touch with some follow-up questions to help me prepare a quote. Usually a couple of emails will be all that’s needed to settle details, but I may also suggest a Zoom call, especially for more complex projects, a little later in the process.
Quotes, price and schedule
Once I have all the basic information I need, I will let you know whether I can take on the work, indicate any adjustments to your idea that might be needed (for instance to fit text into a particular format), and give you a quote, The quote will include full details of what the price covers, and I will also give you an indication of timings.
A little note on pricing… All custom calligraphy incurs a minimum charge. This is because every commissioned piece involves a set amount of planning, layout, time to communicate with the client, and administrative time, from quoting and invoicing to packaging and posting. This means that very small pieces (such as just one word) might seem expensive compared to some larger ones. This is worth bearing in mind to avoid surprises or disappointment.
My minimum turnaround time is two weeks from the time details have been agreed and either the full cost or a deposit has been paid. This also depends on my availability, but I will let you know when I can start and finish the work. If you need the piece urgently and if I am available, I may be able to do the work sooner but will then charge a rush fee (this is a percentage of the cost which varies according to how quickly the work needs to be done).
The making process
Once you’ve agreed the price and paid either the full amount or a deposit, and after any final details have been agreed, I will start working on your piece. I will provide a photograph of a pencil sketch of either the full piece or, if it is longer, a representative sample, so that you can see and approve the layout. The price for the piece includes one round of adjustments at this stage, so it is your chance to make sure that you are happy with the overall look and layout.
Unless it is a particularly complex piece with a lot of details to discuss, I shouldn’t need any more input from you once the layout has been agreed. I will turn to completing the work, and the next thing you’ll receive from me is a despatch confirmation!
The most important thing is to ask any questions you may have, and mention any particular requests from the start, so I can make sure the piece is exactly as you want it.
