Meet our new Artist of the Month... Ani! A calligrapher with a background in engineering, MBA and travel Ops. Her calligraphy journey began during the pandemic, inspired by an old journal she dove into the calligraphy world and hasn't looked back! Read on to find out her story...
What is your background and when did your passion for Calligraphy and learning begin?
I’m Anindita Biswas, a Mumbai based calligrapher with a professional background in travel operations, engineering, and MBA. My journey into calligraphy began during the pandemic, sparked by the rediscovery of an old journal. With no formal art training, I dove headfirst into the world of fine penmanship, offhand flourishing, gilding, and illumination and haven’t looked back since. Over the past four years, calligraphy has become more than a creative outlet; it’s my passion and purpose. In 2025, I earned the prestigious IAMPETH Certificate of Proficiency in Spencerian Script, a milestone that affirmed my deep love for this timeless craft. I have also had the privilege of teaching gilding and illumination, which has proven to be an immensely enriching experience. Professionally, I have worked on bespoke wedding invitations and had the unique opportunity to be commissioned for penmanship by Google, an especially fulfilling milestone in my journey as a calligrapher. To me, calligraphy is both a meditative practice and a form of visual storytelling, where each stroke reflects intention and grace. My travel and living across 16 countries, speaking 6 languages and 17 years of training in Indian Classical Vocal music training have provided me with diverse perspectives that continue to inform and inspire my artistic expression. I am also the co-host of the Calligraphy Artists’ Club podcast, where we engage in thoughtful conversations with fellow artists and celebrate the beauty and tradition of calligraphic art. For me, penmanship is not merely a skill but a lifelong devotion, an art form I hold close to my heart and strive to nurture each day.
Who / Where do you take your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from both historical sources and personal heritage. I deeply study traditional penmanship manuals and specimens from the 18th and 19th century works that embody timeless elegance, discipline, and craftsmanship. These texts provide a strong technical foundation and continue to guide my growth in fine penmanship and ornamental work. My inspiration also extends to the intricate details found in Old Persian Illumination manuscripts, as well as manuscript resources from the British Library and Archive.org. I've been fortunate that my calligraphy teachers, mentors and their works have not only inspired me but also profoundly nurtured my skills to an advanced level. On a more personal level, I draw immense inspiration from my grandmother and mother, both of whom were talented embroidery artists. Growing up surrounded by their handcrafted textiles and intricate needlework instilled in me a deep appreciation for detail, patience, and beauty. In particular, my mother’s extensive design collection has been an enduring source of creative influence especially when I work on border designs, gilding, and illumination. Her motifs often find new life in my calligraphy, allowing me to honour her legacy while creating something uniquely my own.
What in your opinion is the hardest and the most rewarding parts of working in a creative industry?
The hardest part of working in a creative industry while managing a full-time job is finding the time and mental space to create. There's also constant pressure to produce original work, which can be creatively exhausting. Additionally, it's often challenging to make people understand that calligraphy is not just decorative handwriting, but a serious, skilled profession that deserves recognition and pays too. Despite this, the most rewarding part is the joy of creating meaningful work, seeing your skills grow, and knowing you're contributing to a timeless art form.
Do you have a favourite style?
While I do tend to shift between different script styles depending on my mood, I find myself constantly drawn to Offhand Flourishing, Gold Gilding, Spencerian Script and Ornamental Penmanship. There is something profoundly engaging about the spontaneity and rhythm of flourishing, the opulence and visual richness that gilding contributes, and the timeless elegance found in historical penmanship styles. Each of these disciplines offers a unique blend of precision and creative expression, and I find them deeply fulfilling and inspiring in my artistic practice.
What are the most exciting projects you have worked on and what are you working on at the moment?
Some of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on have pushed me to grow across multiple creative dimensions. Designing a full wedding invitation suite from logo and layout to paper and print was deeply fulfilling. Another standout was a calligraphy piece for a UK client, featuring a handwritten anniversary poem with gold-gilded initials that were both technically challenging and emotionally meaningful. I also created name-writing certificates for Google, which felt surreal and affirming. One of my most joyful experiences was hosting my first gilding workshop; sharing my passion and watching others light up with curiosity was incredibly rewarding. Currently, I’m juggling client work and personal commissions while developing educational teaching materials around gilding and Indian border design.
How does your work relate to your everyday life?
Calligraphy is deeply woven into my everyday life—it balances the structure of my corporate role with creativity and mindfulness. It teaches me patience, detail, and intention, enriching everything from commissioned work to daily routines. For me, it’s not just a craft but a way of seeing the world with elegance and purpose.
What are your favourite tools to use?
I absolutely enjoy working with both straight and oblique holders, depending on the script style I'm practicing. My go-to nibs include the Leonardt Principal EF nib, which offers exquisite line variation, and the Roundhand nib, which I particularly favour for French Roundhand. I’m very particular about paper quality—smooth, bleed-proof paper makes all the difference. For ink, I love using walnut ink for its rich, warm tones and smooth flow. When it comes to gilding work, I rely on genuine gold leaf and miniatum ink, watercolours which add a luxurious and intricate touch to my pieces.
What would your advice be to people new to the creative industry and any tips on how to get started?
If you’re just stepping into the creative industry, my biggest advice would be: start small, but stay consistent. You don’t need perfect tools or a huge audience at the beginning. What you do need is genuine curiosity and the willingness to show up for your craft regularly. The more you create, the more clarity you’ll gain—about your style, your strengths, and what truly inspires you. Don’t be afraid to learn from traditional sources. In my case, studying old penmanship manuals gave me structure, discipline, and deep respect for the craft. At the same time, let your personal story influence your work, it’s what will make your voice stand out. Also, please remember: your work is valid, even if not everyone understands it yet. I’ve often had to explain that calligraphy is more than handwriting—it’s an art form and a profession. Keep advocating for your work with confidence. Lastly, be part of a creative community. Whether online or offline, having peers to learn from, share with, and grow alongside makes a world of difference. And most importantly—enjoy the process. Growth comes quietly, but it comes.
A final note and thank you: I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Manuscript Pen Company for supporting and nurturing the calligraphy and lettering community around the world. Your commitment to preserving the beauty of traditional writing, while also encouraging modern creativity, has made an incredible impact on artists like myself. Thank you for recognising and uplifting calligraphers at every stage of their journey. It’s an honour to be associated with a brand that values craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation in equal measure.
To see more of her beautiful work you can follow her Ani (@calliscript) and remember to follow @manuscriptpenco on social media where we will be showcasing her work throughout the month!
