As a lettering artist, I offer a variety of custom services from my Lake Oswego, Oregon studio. (Near Portland). Please read through the categories below and consider your preferences.

My original calligraphy, illustration and illumination is executed by hand for individuals, publishers, businesses, universities and churches. I work with clients internationally, so with technology, distance is not a problem.

Lettering Styles

A variety of lettering styles are available. Italic, Engrosser’s Script, Old English, Blackletter, Uncial, Book Hand, Brush lettering, to name a few.

Creative Lettering & Design

Custom design, unique to your project and tastes can be created for framed lettering art, handmade books, greeting cards, invitations & announcements, logos, family trees, awards, mastheads, packages, and other custom work.

Layout & Design

Traditional calligraphic designs are often centered or flush left and are enhanced with decorative letters, borders and flourishes. For a more contemporary layout, letters can dance across the page with overlapping backgrounds and various lettering styles. Options for creative contemporary layouts are limitless. A rough of your layout prior to final approval is provided.

Color

Any colors that you desire can be incorporated into the calligraphy. You may designate your colors according to a Pantone color chart, a mat board sampler, an electronic jpeg image, or by sending fabric or painted swatches.

Illustration • Borders • Logos

Custom illustration, your logo or decorative borders can be included in your final design. Logos: please include an illustrated drawing or TIFF file.

23.75K Gold Leaf • 23.75K Shell Gold • Genuine Palladium • Imitation Metallics

For the discerning client, add elegance to your calligraphic design, by choosing 23k gold or palladium leaf. (Palladium looks like silver, but it doesn’t tarnish.) The result is a brilliant metallic letter, word, or decoration with a raised appearance, that adds distinction to your final artwork. Leaf can also be laid on a flat base.

23K gold powder is a flat alternative to raised gold leaf. It is painted onto the surface of the vellum or paper and then burnished to give a heightened luster. It can be debossed into the surface giving a gem like effect.

Imitation gold, silver, bronze and variegated leaf is also available on a raised or flat base. The least expensive way to add shimmer to your design is imitation metallic gouache, which is a paint containing mica flecks. It comes in a variety of colors.

Fine Art Paper

Standard paper options are white or eggshell acid free fine art papers. Colored papers are also available. Prices range between $10-20.00 per sheet in the range of 22″ x 30″. Larger sheets are available.

Handmade Papers

Beautiful handmade papers with embedded flecks, fabrics, strings, confetti, cornhusks, ferns and flowers or marbled effects are available. They run the color spectrum. Once you have chosen the colors you wish to have in your design, we can explore the paper options that might work for you. Most of the handmade papers have deckled edges on all four sides. Many are rectangular but some also come in the following shapes: circle, heart, elongated rectangle, square. Pricing on handmade papers varies according to size and finish, but typically range between $5-30.00 per sheet.

Vellum • Parchment

Genuine vellum or parchment (calfskin) is the ultimate surface for lasting durability, precise detail and brilliant color. A whole skin usually costs $150-300 or more depending on size. Smaller creations are charged for the portion of the skin used.

To Order a Custom Calligraphy Design

1. Review components described on this page.
2. Browse through my PORTFOLIO and SHOP for examples that fit your taste. If you don’t find an appropriate design, contact Holly for additional samples.
3. Email Holly with your wording, a description of your project and deadline. If I can meet your deadline, it is helpful to have a phone conversation to clarify specifics.

Framing

We offer custom frames for any calligraphic design. Frames and mats are selected to match the art and your budget.

Rag mats and Conservation Clear or Museum glass are recommended for original work.

Digital photos of options and price quotes can be sent for approval.

Shipping Boxes
(for large designs)

A special Airfloat Box can be purchased to insure that your order arrives safely. Unframed calligraphy is shipped using a special flat shipping pad. Prices vary according to size.

For framed work, the boxes are priced according to box size: often $40-100+. Box can be reused. Using these boxes is comparable in price to having a shipping company package it. They are reusable and can be saved by the recipient if the art needs to be moved in the future.

Smaller framed pieces can be packaged by weight, materials and time in boxes that I have on hand.  (Typically, 18×18 or smaller)