This is a very sad time for me. I am so sorry to tell you that I am unwell and ceasing work on Beautiful Calligraphy. I hope this is temporary and I will have a recovery and be able to work again, which gives me such joy.
For the past year I have been treated by the MD Anderson hospital system working to rid myself of Leukemia. I've been in the hospital three times a week getting blood transfusion which take hours. Leukemia a very sneaky disease which keeps you on a roller coaster sometimes feeling almost normal, and other times in unrelenting pain, dizziness, and unable to focus.
If you want to help, please make a blood donation to your local blood back. You will be saving many lives with just one donation.
My Background
I'm Lianda Ludwig and I have been a professional calligrapher providing you with calligraphy services since 1979. I guess that makes me a calligraphy writer! WOW! It’s amazing how time flies!! So you can see me now and then. Back then, no glasses. And now I need magnifiers over my glasses. That's because I'm a bit of a perfectionist wanting to make your calligraphy art piece perfect!
Learning Calligraphy takes Time!
I remember thinking when I took my first calligraphy class that it would take a LONG TIME to learn! It's true. Lots of people take a class and think the same thing. It does take a lot of time and dedicated practice to learn- not just about calligraphy "fonts" (known as "hands") but about all aspects of being a professional calligrapher.
Working With Customers to Create Custom Calligraphy
I love to collaborate with my customers! If you have an idea for a calligraphy art piece just contact me. I’ll get back in touch with you within 24 hours. If you’re a last minute shopper very often I can deliver you calligraphy project very quickly!
Calligraphy Changes With Time and Technology
My handwritten calligraphy was frequently seen in the Plaza Hotel (went the way of the dinosaur- not in existence anymore- but now an incredibly expensive condominium right by Central Park South in NYC). It was so exciting when I actually wrote the name (and addresses) of famous stars and musicians for wedding invitation. I was commissioned by prominent people and celebrities.
I don't write calligraphy for envelopes anymore
When people think of calligraphy, they generally think of addressing wedding invitations. And before technology and the internet moved ahead most of the work I did was addressing envelopes for weddings and other events in my neighborhood. But now as a professional calligrapher, I rarely address envelopes. I have the joy of designing quotes, poems and other text and combining it with photography or artwork. Believe me, it’s a lot more challenging AND fun! Doing calligraphy is 99% happy work. The only sad work is writing memorials- especially for young people.
Where I Learned Calligraphy: New York
When I lived in New York, I had the pleasure and privilege to study with many of the world’s most respected professional calligraphers and calligraphy writers. I learned from the best! I took many classes with amazing scribes from the prestigious Society of Scribes and Illuminators.You know how a great teacher can inspire you? I had THE BEST teachers! And I even went to a calligraphy convention where teachers from all over the world came to offer workshops for an entire week.
Where I reside Now
I no longer reside in New York. In 1996 I followed my heart’s desire and moved to Tucson, Arizona, to be in warm weather near beautiful mountains. Then I moved again, and now live in San Diego. (but I still really miss Tucson!) It really doesn’t matter where I live, because I have done calligraphy services for people from many countries- mostly English speaking. (I'm studying Spanish now and would be happy to do a piece for you in español. I’ve even worked with our soldiers around the world to make sure their loved ones had anniversary or birthday calligraphy gifts delivered to them in the U.S. And, I ship calligraphy pieces all over the country.
Calligraphy & Photoshop
Although my calligraphy services are done by handwriting your text, I learned how to combine calligraphy with photography with using Photoshop. It was HARD and took quite a while. I am still learning because Photoshop keeps changing and improving and driving me crazy!
And now I do something entirely unique: Photoshop Magic – combining YOUR personal photographs (even selfies) with my calligraphy and then printing the art piece on a variety of different surfaces (canvas, wood, acrylic, glass and yes, paper). There is a great advantage to being able to print directly on your photographs, something that was rarely available in the past. And because of this technology, your piece can be printed/framed and ready to hang, right out of the box!
Let’s Work Together
If you’re not sure about how you want your calligraphy presented, I’ll work with you. Don’t worry! I believe that everyone is creative, and I can help you bring out that side in you! I’d be delighted to collaborate with you on a calligraphy piece for a gift or for yourself! So, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me to find out more. Make sure to take your time and look at examples around the site to get inspiration.
My Contact Information and why I don't call unless...
I know you will find it difficult to find my telephone number. That's because I forget details we talk about on the phone. My text would be overloaded. That's why I beg of you to first try my contact form. 99.9% of people are happy with working this way. But if you MUST speak with me, fill out the form, and then let me know your phone and time zone. I will call you.
Shop With Confidence
If you write to me, I will answer your request for information within a day. Yes, I live next to my computer! But seriously, I pride myself in excellent customer service (see my Google 5 star reviews!). My calligraphy services include proof reading your text to fix any grammatical or spelling errors (I have a Masters Degree in Education).
I will explain exactly how the process of ordering calligraphy ahead of time. I will do my utmost best to stay within your budget (if possible). I explain how my fees are determined.
Guaranteed Satisfaction
Because we have collaborated on a plan before I being your calligraphy poem or text, you will know what to expect. That’s why I ask you to write to me using my contact form rather than calling. I can remember much better when things are written down! LOL. That way we BOTH have the information we’ve agreed upon. However, if you absolutely need to speak with me, just provide your phone, time zone and best time to reach you.
When I’ve completed writing the calligraphy and the design work on your calligraphy project I will send you the first look at the calligraphy. At this point I can make any small changes, moving headings, adjusting size and fixing any errors. I’m not a computer, and unfortunately, sometimes I do make errors- but of course, I will correct them at no additional charge. (That doesn't mean changing the photo you originally picked because I've already done Photoshop Magic on it). Once the corrections are made, I’ll send you the corrected copy for your approval. Paying the balance for the piece at this point is construed as your acceptance of the final design. It’s ordered and shipped off to you.
Yes, I have made a two ordering errors- I have gotten confused with the type of framing when I get multiple changes in what my customer finally decided upon. But the buck stops here: If I make the mistake, I pay for the correction and you get just what you want. That’s my promise to you.
I am always thrilled when my customer takes the time to write back and tell me how much they love the calligraphy. Unfortunately, not all people take the time to write after they receive the final piece. But you can read my “rave reviews” to feel confident in ordering my calligraphy services.
Visit me on Facebook
I actually post quite a bit more with my newest commissions on Facebook. Why now "follow" and "like my page" so you'll see my latest creations! And, visit me there for more inspiration!
