Meet our new Artist of the Month... Risha! She swapped audits for engravings when she went all in on her calligraphy business and hasn't looked back since. Now she is always learning and expanding to grow her business while remaining a creative at heart. Read on to find out more...
What is your background and when did your passion for Calligraphy and learning begin?
My journey from the world of accounts and audits to becoming a calligraphy and lettering artist was a transformation that occurred almost overnight during the 2020 pandemic lockdown. One day, I decided to start my own YouTube channel, as I had always had a passion for art and lettering. Throughout my school years, I was fortunate enough to be given numerous opportunities to nurture my artistic skills and participate in various inter-school and intra-school competitions. Since then, my journey has been one of continuous learning and growth. During this time, I revisited, refined and honed my calligraphy skills through online resources—books, workshops, videos, and classes. I am proficient in both traditional and modern English calligraphy styles, as well as Arabic calligraphy. Additionally, I can write in Devanagari (Hindi) and possess basic skills in Urdu. As events and activations began to increase, I expanded my creative repertoire to include new techniques such as engraving, gold foiling, fabric painting, embroidery, and bottle/product painting. While I may not consider myself an expert in all these fields, I proudly embrace the title of "jack of all trades."
Who / Where do you take your inspiration from?
I believe inspiration is everywhere, and I draw from it constantly. Whether it's the motivating words of my family or the incredible work of fellow calligraphers and artists, I always strive to learn from those around me.
What in your opinion is the hardest and the most rewarding parts of working in a creative industry?
The most challenging aspect these days is staying on top of trends and consistently posting my work while managing my social media profile as a content creator—alongside my responsibilities as an artist and calligrapher. However, the most rewarding part is knowing that my work brings joy and inspiration to others, whether it's through on-site projects or off-site creations.
Do you have a favourite style?
I have a deep appreciation for various calligraphy styles and love them all. Whether it's italic, copperplate, brush lettering, or modern calligraphy, each style has its own unique charm, making it difficult to choose just one favorite.
What are the most exciting projects you have worked on and what are you working on at the moment?
All of my work and projects are deeply meaningful to me, but if I had to choose the most exciting one recently, it would be the jewellery engraving activation. It was an entirely new venture that I hadn’t even considered before, and when I finally tried it, I was truly amazed by the results.
Currently, I’m focused on creating more calligraphy tutorial videos for my YouTube channel, aiming to share my learning process and help others discover the art of calligraphy.
How does your work relate to your everyday life?
I make an effort to strike a balance between my work and everyday life. When your work is creative and artistic, it inevitably reflects in your surroundings. For me, "beautifying" everything around is the true essence of "hands in art."
What are your favourite tools to use?
My go-to tool is a black brush pen, but right now, I’m absolutely obsessed with the oblique pen and Leonardt nib.
What would your advice be to people new to the creative industry and any tips on how to get started?
Embrace the journey of learning, practicing, and growing. Trust in the Almighty and keep pushing forward, but don’t forget to follow the rules and invest time in studying! Begin with mastering the basics of strokes and letterforms, select the right tools, and prioritize consistency. With each imperfection, improve and evolve. And above all, just be patient.
To see more of her beautiful work you can follow her Risha (@handsin_art) and remember to follow @manuscriptpenco on social media where we will be showcasing her work throughout the month!
