Anyone do calligraphy? What do you charge?

[MaryAnnDVC]

I need to get into the calligraphy business lol.

I should though, is it hard to do? I am getting married in Aug so it would be helpful.

To do it and do it well requires a lot of work. Quality calligraphy requires many hours of practice and training. And talent. It's an art. If you've got the talent for it, that's half the battle. I saw some women in classes who took calligraphy thinking they'd address their own wedding envelopes (and maybe they did) and were surprised it wasn't just a matter of taking a class. And I saw others who blossomed quickly, who had a talent for it and put the time in. There's a lot more to it than it being nice penmanship.

If you're getting married in August, I'd take a class now. And then decide if you should continue or hire someone.

My sister was a professional calligrapher (with an BFA/MFA) and addressed my envelopes and did my place cards. I took calligraphy after my kids were born, and spent tons of time practicing. I never did it for work...I'm too much of a perfectionist, and didn't want to deal with brides anyway. I did things like certificates for my kids' schools, book plates with everyone's names when a class donated a book to the teacher's classroom....that kind of thing. But I've seen some really bad calligraphy that I think people actually paid for, like in Dr's offices hanging on their walls.

 

[poohs_hunny]

Anyone else have any input? I am definitely doing the inner and outer envelopes, and the place cards a bit later. I said I'd get back to her with prices. I'd like as much input as possible! Thanks again!

 

[Sherlee]

21 years ago I paid $1.00 per invitation, outer and inner. I found the artist at a bridal fair. It was the best $125 I spent for our wedding!