Let’s Talk Calligraphy!

How did your journey with letters begin?
My background is in graphic design, although I tried my hand at calligraphy when I was at school. I rekindled my love of calligraphy a few years ago when I started my stationery brand.

Where does your passion for calligraphy stem from?
I’ve always loved typography. My father has an amazing collection of vintage packaging. Calligraphy is just a part of that, another style of lettering, and it’s such a relaxing thing to do.

You run modern calligraphy workshops – what do you enjoy about teaching?
It’s a great feeling when people get passionate about something I love. What’s lovely is that people don’t copy my style, they learn to put their own personality and stamp on it. I enjoy connecting with people I’ve taught on Instagram so I can see their progression and journey.

What inspired your new book Modern Calligraphy Workshop?
There’s so much that I don’t have time to cover in a workshop, so this is my way of delivering an intensive one-to-one class. I’m totally self taught so I’ve aimed it as the kind of book I’d have liked when I was starting out. It’s got plenty of in-depth information on tools and equipment, but equally you can just dip in for inspiration and ideas.

I enjoy connecting with people I’ve taught on Instagram so I can see their progression and journey - Imogen Owen

Do you have a favourite calligraphy technique?
This changes all of the time, one day I’ll be in love with brush lettering, another it’ll be calligraphy with a particular nib or drawing type. I’m really lucky that I get to use a range of styles in my day job.

Is there a material that you enjoy decorating most?
I love a challenge or doing something different so I’ll try anything. I enjoy writing on shiny surfaces like glass and agate. I’ve just adorned some lovely oyster shells for a wedding client that were great fun. I appreciate variety as that’s what keeps my job interesting – if I was addressing envelopes every day I’d get a bit bored.

You run a letterpress and lettering studio – how do you juggle everything?
I always take on far too much work! I love my job so I end up working long hours which is very tiring. This year I’m trying to take a step back and keep my evenings and weekends free. When you’re running your own business it’s hard to switch off, I’ve learnt that I need some level of pressure, but it’s about getting the balance right.

Imogen’s top calligraphy tips:
-Practise little and often, you’ll notice an improvement just from doing 30 minutes a couple of times a week

-Keep each practice sheet so you can see how your work has progressed – you’ll have improved more than you think!

-If you spend time perfecting the basics such as the alphabet, you’ll be able to create fabulous pieces

Imogen’s new book Modern Calligraphy Workshop is available now (£15, Quadrille) hardiegrant.com