Meet the latest Artist of the Month... Munzira! An ENT surgeon by profession, but an artist at heart. She began her journey exploring the art of the written word, but soon it became much more than that. Read on to find out more...
What is your background and when did your passion for Calligraphy and learning begin?
I’m an ENT surgeon by profession, but I’ve always had a deep love for art. My English calligraphy journey began in 2016 during MBBS, while exploring social media, purely out of curiosity, I was fascinated by how elegant and graceful letters could look when written intentionally. Over time, it became more than a hobby; it turned into something meditative and grounding for me. I also grew up surrounded by calligraphy — my father, late Dr. Rehan Ansari, was an Urdu Nastaliq calligrapher and used to teach the same. I think that early exposure to the beauty of the written word naturally found its way into my life and shaped how I see art today.
Who / Where do you take your inspiration from?
My biggest inspiration will always be my father — his dedication, precision, and love for Urdu calligraphy left a lasting impression on me. For English calligraphy, I’m deeply inspired by artists like Nina Tran, David Grimes, Suzanne Cunningham, and John Steven, etc. especially for their mastery over their respective scripts and flourishing.
But inspiration isn’t limited to people - sometimes it’s the soft rhythm of ink on paper or even a fleeting moment of calm that sparks creativity. I find that beauty often lies in the quiet details.
What in your opinion is the hardest and the most rewarding parts of working in a creative industry?
The hardest part, I think, is managing self-doubt, wondering if your work is “good enough” or if it speaks to others the way you intend it to. Balancing creativity with my medical profession also has its challenges, especially since inspiration doesn’t always follow a schedule!
But the most rewarding part is connection, when someone resonates with a piece I’ve written or feels something through my work. That emotional response makes every late night of practice completely worth it.
Do you have a favourite style?
Yes — Copperplate has my heart. There’s something incredibly soothing about its rhythm, balance, and grace. I love how expressive it becomes with flourishing, like music flowing across a page. I also love dipping into Italic and French Roundhand now and then, but Copperplate feels like home.
What are the most exciting projects you have worked on and what are you working on at the moment?
One of my most cherished experiences was teaching my first ever copperplate workshop. It was an online workshop, and I taught someone pretty famous in the calligraphy industry. I also love working on engravings and embossed pieces for weddings and keepsakes, embossing adds such a timeless, tactile quality to lettering. It turns a written word into something you can feel, not just see. Took a few embossing workshops as well, sharing the art with beginners and watching them fall in love with the art was truly special. I’ve also enjoyed doing engraving projects — from wedding keepsakes to personalized gifts.
At the moment, life has taken on a new rhythm. I recently got married, and began working as a lecturer in a medical college, so I’ve been a little less active as a calligrapher lately. But creativity always finds its way back, and I’m gradually returning to my desk, planning future workshops and projects for Munziraphy.
How does your work relate to your everyday life?
Calligraphy and medicine might seem like two completely different worlds, but they actually balance each other beautifully. My medical profession can be demanding, and calligraphy offers me a sense of calm and mindfulness. The patience and precision I’ve learned from art help me in surgery, and the discipline of medicine, in turn, shapes my approach to art.
It’s almost poetic how both require a steady hand, focus, and a touch of heart.
What are your favourite tools to use?
I love the simplicity of traditional tools: dip pens, oblique holders, straight holder and pointed nibs like LPEF and Hunt 22B and broad nibs like Tape nibs are my go-tos. I love working with fountain pen and glass pen as well! And Pencils are evergreen to make any mistakes and correct them. Walnut ink has a special place in my heart; its natural tone and flow bring such warmth to a page. Lately, I’ve also been experimenting with engraving tools and metallic inks, it’s always exciting to explore new mediums. As well as Procreate when I’m out and don't have much access to tools.
What would your advice be to people new to the creative industry and any tips on how to get started?
Start with curiosity, not perfection. You don’t need fancy tools or perfect lines in the beginning — you just need consistency. Practice regularly, follow artists who inspire you, but don’t compare your progress with theirs. Your journey will unfold in its own time.
And most importantly, enjoy the process. Calligraphy teaches patience, discipline, and stillness — things that are rare and beautiful in today’s fast world. Let your art grow with you, not apart from you.
To see more of her beautiful work you can follow her Munzira (@munziraphy) and remember to follow @manuscriptpenco on social media where we will be showcasing her work throughout the month!
