Welcome to Nerissa B. Calligraphy
Based in Chicago, scribing worldwide
Custom calligraphy for weddings & special occasions
Little Luxuries,
big memories
Welcome to my studio. You’ve probably already pinned me as a lifelong lover of beautiful and precise handwriting. Yes, I was the kid who geeked out learning cursive in second grade. I was also a sixth-grade finalist at the state spelling bee (count on me to spot all the typos)!
I turned my personal passion into a business to bring back an elegant practice once taken for granted (fine penmanship). I’m honored to bring calligraphy to your event as a full experience and to put it in your hands as a little luxury to be treasured and remembered.
Because Fine lettering is like chocolate cake
It’s decadent in the sense that we don’t need it. But could you imagine life without it? Life’s all the sweeter when paired with a little “something” special.
Especially for the moments worth celebrating.
Maybe it’s the engraved street number on the tiny, house-shaped Christmas ornament for your new home. Or the whimsical, gold-foiled note to your daughter from the Tooth Fairy.
If I can make one little corner of your world happier with the stroke of a pen, I know it’s worth pouring my heart’s energy into.
Calligraphy is more than pretty penmanship. It’s an expression of love, lettered.
Love of the craft shows up in my service to you as…
Proficiency
Honed through a decade of calligraphy experience, a passion for continuous learning, and a curious drive to find the best approach for your project.
Integrity
Of connection, communication, and work. It’s my sincere honor to spend time with your vision and the story behind your treasured piece. And to ensure my pen brings it to life in beautiful detail.
Commitment
To follow through on clear expectations. When hiccups or challenges arise, I’m here to find solutions and alternatives to present you with my best work. I really care!
“She was patient, honest, and so, so kind."
“Nerissa understood what I wanted to accomplish, gathered all of those ideas, and sent me a list of recommendations for items, ideas, fonts, etc. She was patient, honest, and so, so kind. She sent over different samples of each product and I loved all of them! Thank you for putting so much love into all these items as I prepared the perfect gift for my husband!”
-Isabel G.
More about your calligrapher
A little bit of this. A little bit of that. A little about me, Nerissa B.
Never-Miss Podcast
Sarah Marshall’s
You’re Wrong About
Guilty Pleasure
AITA on Reddit
Signature Scent
Tom Ford Oud Wood
Drink of Choice
You know it’s coffee!
Astrological Sign
Sagittarius
Go-To Dance Music
90s pop, hip hop and RnB
Myers-Briggs Personality
A reserved-yet-spontaneous, sentimental INFP
Secret Talent
A keen eye for hanging art (and holding to lines on the page)
Can’t Get Enough Of
International travel, especially Europe!
What I 'm Inspired By
Vintage postage stamps
Paris, Lisbon, London
Natural light & Modern architecture
Vintage flair
Fashion books
Home decor
What I'm learning
If there’s anything that sets me apart in calligraphy, it’s my high level of professional study, preparation, practice, and attention to detail. Each project brings new and specific challenges.
I’m always learning for you. If your project is one I’ve never attempted, you can trust that I’ll dedicate a significant amount of time to researching and planning before executing the details. There’s no “faking it till I make it” here!
Who I'm learning from
My early training is rooted in classic copperplate-style calligraphy. While remaining rather classic and elegant in letter style, I’ve gathered some modern influences and flourishes along the way. Recently, I’ve taken an interest in old Italian script.
Most of my learning comes from the Chicago Calligraphy Collective, where I enjoy collaborating with my "calligrafriends.” Over the years, I’ve studied under several master penmen, including a former chief calligrapher of the White House. I’ve also recently joined the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting to expand my learning and begin teaching the art of fine penmanship to others.
A little more on how the letter of love is practiced at Nerissa B. Calligraphy, as paraphrased from a magnificently penned prayer by Pedro Arrupe, SJ:
What you are in love with,
what seizes your imagination,
will affect everything.
It will decide
what will get you out of bed in the morning,
what you do with your evenings,
how you spend your weekends,
what you read,
whom you know,
what breaks your heart,
and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.
Fall in love,
stay in love,
and it will decide everything.
xoxo, Nerissa
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