Hand crafted script lettering in the time honored styles of the past.
All lettered meticulously by hand using the traditional methods from the Golden Age of Penmanship.
All lettered meticulously by hand using the traditional methods from the Golden Age of Penmanship.
bridal stationary | custom invitations | special occasions | commissioned art | poems | vows | monograms | custom crests | maps | on-site calligraphy | performance art for parties & special events | calligraphy workshops | one-on-one instruction | corporate events & marketing
My professional career as an artist began in graphic design, but my lifelong interest in hand lettering grew into a business I named "A Bit of Ink' that officially launched in 2002. Since then I have worked with countless clients creating my hand crafted calligraphy with passion and pure love for the craft.
To me, calligraphy is so much more than mere writing in a pretty way. It is evocative of all that it means to be human. It is of course visual, but also touch, thought, language, sharing, communication, expression, emotion, action, beauty, history, posterity; too much meaning to describe in a paragraph. Suffice to say, it is one of the treasures of humanity.
Fortunately, even in this digital age where its possible future demise looms heavily, calligraphers all over the world refuse to allow it to die. They continue to create it in its all it’s infinite forms.
Cheers to all the calligraphers and lovers of calligraphy out there keeping this treasured art form alive!
I specialize in Engrosser's Script, (commonly known as Copperplate), which is an elegant, shaded script with fine hairlines and graceful curves that is more akin to drawing that mere writing. It is derived from English Roundhand (the script style of the Declaration of Independence) and developed to emulate the elegant engravings by master engravers of the 1700s and 1800s. This script is very popular for wedding invitations and countless computer font variations have been made from this "mother" script.
I also specialize in (and adore!) Spencerian Script which is a uniquely American script created by Platt Rogers Spencer circa 1840. Known for its dramatic capitals, elegant ovals and threadlike, delicately connected letters, it's a supremely elegant and airy; perfect for a wedding invitation that wants to mimic antique correspondence. I love to draw these classic letters in their simplest, minimal forms, as well as to lavishly flourish them to create a feast for the eyes!
This is my favorite personal style. 💕
Vintage/rustic charm with a romantic vibe.
Over the years I've eased into my own personal style that developed naturally whenever I had creative freedom to play a little more. It has a vintage/rustic feel with a more spontaneous, freshly hand drawn look. Not at all polished. Lots of lush ornamental elements (maybe some birds and greenery) with a look that evokes something a little impulsive & spontaneously drawn rather than painstakingly planned & stylized to perfection. It's romantic and emotionally playful, using a few different hands that change direction. It's the opposite of minimalist or glam or glossy. It's quintessentially human and "perfectly imperfect" with what I hope conveys beauty and tradition with a charmingly warm and humble vibe. (Good traits to strive for!! ;)
Below are a few examples of this style.
This is my favorite piece I've ever created because it has a huge sentimental value for me. I made it in one sitting, (listening to Ella Fitzgerald which of course helped!). The saying is one I've loved since I was a child, My father spoke a little German and said it once, and I never forgot its simple yet powerful message.
The image shows a lonely bird at the top, then an open book (which as you can see, I clearly am!) written and bookmarked to the halfway point, and the other half is blank, ready for more chapters. Under the book two lovebirds meet, with one bird surprising the other with roses.
I'm sure you may have already guessed, this was created at the time when I was leaving a marriage in hopes of one day finding happiness with the right person. (I did!) I'm proud of this piece because I created it during a very difficult time, and I think that added to the purity of the emotion I was able to convey.
Media: Sumi Moon Palace ink, Micron pen .005, and goache.
As a member and former instructor for I.A.M.P.E.T.H., (International Association of Master Penman, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting), I have closely studied both one-on-one and in various workshops with expert calligraphers from around the world and acclaimed Master Penmen. With almost twenty years of experience, I've had the honor of creating original calligraphic pieces for many discerning clientele such as celebrities, major universities, local and national corporate advertising campaigns, many high profile events on-site and spot illustrations for fine stationers to use for engraved and letterpressed pieces.
I would love the opportunity to work with you! Please reach out with any questions you may have I‘d be happy to help!
Truly,
Monica
Clientele include:
Louis Vuitton
Christian Dior
Chanel
Tiffany and Co.
Cartier
Casa Dragones
Conde Nast
Pandora
Montblanc
Fendi
Grey Goose Vodka
Neiman Marcus
McGill University
And many fine stationers
References available upon request.
I'm based in South Florida but available to travel.
If you'd like more information and would like to chat with me, let's begin via email and I will get right back to you!
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Copyright © 2019 Monica Rachel Lima / Monica Rachel, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
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