Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I don’t live in Seattle?
No problem. Most of my clients are actually distance clients and many stationary stores send their work out to a calligrapher who is not local. So if you do not live in the Seattle area, we can consult via phone or email. Depending on your project, I will send you a proof or rough draft via email. Once you have approved the rough draft, I will complete your project and return it to you by insured mail. The added cost for mailing envelopes or other things back and forth is minimal. For a more complete description of how to place a distance order with NRC, please see the details page.

2. Why should I use hand calligraphy when I can just use my computer to print off labels or the poetry passage I want to frame?
Printing off labels or passages produces the typical, cookie-cutter, digitized look. If you want something different, something personal and original, calligraphy is the way to go. Hand calligraphy gives any project a classy, unique look that stands out.

3. Why not just have a friend with good handwriting help me?
While using a friend is a better option than printing something off your computer, just because they have good handwriting doesn’t mean they know how to do a professional job. Find out if they know how to make guide sheets, what kind of nib width they plan to use, what kind of paper will have the appropriate absorbency… and you might discover that hiring a professional would be a better choice.

4. Why should I use Nancy Rust Calligraphy instead of another calligrapher or company?
Several reasons…

• Unlike most calligraphers, no job is too small. Whether it’s a few place cards for a small dinner party or addressing hundreds of wedding invitations, I am willing to do them all.
• Nancy Rust Calligraphy is personal. Rather than working with a stationary store or a party-planning company, this is a chance to work with an actual person. I’ll meet with you in person (or via phone & email if you are not in the Seattle area) and we can be sure that your job is done exactly how you want it.
• With Nancy Rust Calligraphy, you will get modern, high-class calligraphy at reasonable & affordable rates.

5. What kinds of projects would benefit from hand calligraphy?
The options are endless. Hand Calligraphy adds flair to almost anything. Projects I’ve worked on include…

a) Framed Poetry & Passages
b) Baby Announcements
c) Invitations
d) Envelope Addressing
e) Place Cards
f) Name Tags
g) Captions on vintage photos
h) Awards/Certificates
i) Elementary School Classrooms

6. How did you learn calligraphy?
I have been writing things out for people for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my mom always had me fill out her address books and rewrite her quote books. After graduating from Westmont College in Santa Barbara in 2001, one of my best friends starting teaching Elementary School and she had me do all the writing for her classroom. I did all the students’ nametags, the bulletin board displays, etc and I’ve been doing this for her every year since. And every year I would think, hey, I like this…I wonder if I could make a living doing something like this?

Soon after helping my friend in her classroom that first year, I started taking calligraphy classes through Adult Education in Santa Barbara. While keeping my day job, I took several classes to learn different lettering styles & scripts. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to self-teach myself other scripts and even made up some styles of my own. In 2005 I decided the time was right for me to start my own business.

7. Do you teach calligraphy?
Yes! If you are interested in learning calligraphy and you live in the Seattle area, contact me for information. Lessons are tailored according to what you (or your group) hope to learn.

8. What’s the history of Calligraphy?
Good question. There is actually a unique history for each different script. For a good overview, check out the wikipedia page on calligraphy.