Hi, my name is Sarah.
I’m a city-based calligrapher, graphic designer, photographer…and generally artsy/creative-type.
My work is motivated by a somewhat nihilistic worldview, refracted through a scratched-up lens of deep reverence for craftsmanship and tradition, into a rainbow of restraint, precision, beauty, and weirdness. I believe that old methods can tell new stories (though there’s really nothing new under the sun), and that rules exist for a reason: to be learned, respected, and broken. My background is eclectic, as I’m self-taught; and my main muse—if such a thing exists—is written language (orthography).
When not painting, calligraphing, designing, photographing, writing, or singing showtunes, you can find me trying to pet your dog or cat.
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A treat, obviously!
Just kidding—although I do try to make the entire process—from ideation to final product—as painless, responsive, and custom to you as possible.
First, I’ll ask you what it is you need to communicate, or what you want people to know or feel when they look at your piece or product. I may also ask for reference photos or if there’s any of my past work that caught your eye.
Depending on the project, I’ll come back to you with a loose sketch, or options for directions to explore further.
Once you pick a direction or are happy with the sketch, I’ll get to work!
If you’ve purchased a digital file, I will send a hi-res file by email. If you’ve purchased a physical item, I will mail it via USPS.
Want to hear some really nice things some past clients have said about me? Head over to my Etsy page for reviews, or scroll down to see some of my favorites below.
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
I charge $50/hour, so the final price is up to you, based on how many rounds of revision you’d like.
CALLIGRAPHY & PAINTING
Pricing is based on complexity, scope, and size of the work, what tools I need to make it, and word count (for calligraphy). For general reference:
a 6”x4” mini-llumination is $60 for about 25 words and an inch of art all around
an 8”x6” mini--llumination is $120 for about 75 words and an inch of art all around
a much larger, say, 11”x14” manuscript-style page with 200+ words and an inch of art all around would be about $470
Royal pet portraits are priced at $3.50/sq. in., rounded to the nearest $10. So, a 4”x6” royal pet portrait would be $90, and a 5”x7” pet portrait would be $130
envelope addresses are $3/each using black ink and plain paper; other options are available
Calligraphy only invitation design—up to ~50 words plus a monograph (for weddings)—$150
PHOTOGRAPHY
Hour-long photoshoot—$100
Multi-hour or day-long events—$50/hour
Both options include some photo curation so you can pick your favorites. I can also offer retouching for an additional $50/hour. Price includes hi-res originals.
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How many words I can fit into a piece depends on a lot of things—the content and complexity of the art, the “hand” (style of writing), and how you feel about line breaks, for a few.
For reference, generally speaking:
Using a dense style like Gothic textura quadrata, I can fit up to about 1½–2 words on average per square inch—so, about 50 words on a 4”x6” piece, or about 150 words on a US letter size paper (including an art border).
Using a much looser style like insular/uncial, I can only fit about 1 word per square inch, so about half those amounts.
The more art there is, the fewer words I can fit, and vice versa.
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Yes—come find me at a local art market or fair! My Instagram is your best bet for the latest info on upcoming in-person markets.
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Absolutely! Contact me with your ideas and we will make something beautiful and perfect for you.