Fine Calligraphy from Portland, Oregon

I formed Studio Masgrimes in 2014 to build a calligraphy atelier where fine craftsmanship was the standard that set me apart, and where the work is allowed to speak for itself.

Let’s make something that lasts »

An Engrossing specimen by David Grimes.
Broad Pen Title Design by David Grimes.
An engrossing specimen David Grimes.
An Italic specimen by David Grimes.
An Engrosser's Script specimen by David Grimes.

— Featured Works —

Death Is Nothing At All — A piece of traditional engrossing artwork penned by David Grimes

Death Is Nothing At All

Works of Poetry Traditional Engrossing

This artwork combines twentieth-century versal design with a subtle watercolor palette to match the somber atmosphere of a famous Henry Scott Holland poem. It reflects on the changes that death leaves behind for those who endure. In this piece, I call this pensive grief forward with an elegant mixture of muted greens and blues alongside a modest Engrosser’s Text for the prose.

Watercolor & Japanese sumi engrossing on Stonehenge paper.

A traditionally Engrossed prayer rendered on calfskin by David Grimes

Prayer of My Heart

Devotional Art Traditional Engrossing Illuminating

This traditional calfskin engrossing was commissioned by a gentleman immersed in the process of renovating an old monastery converted into condominiums. A devotional prayer like this deserves the structure and strength of Old English, or “Church Text” to communicate sincerity and intention. The calfskin was carefully sourced from a tannery in New York and the gold from Wisconsin. When framed, this piece is suspended on a net of Irish linen thread to allow the piece to react to ambient humidity (for calfskin is notoriously hygroscopic) while remaining taught in the frame.

Watercolor & Japanese sumi engrossing on calfskin vellum.

Aurelia Demark brand mark by David Grimes of Masgrimes

Aurelia Demark

Brand Design Lettering

Aurelia Demark is a collection of modern and feminine jewelry pieces founded by its namesake in 2017. Aurelia’s love of the whimsical moments and memories of childhood and motherhood inspired her to create silhouettes in gold that celebrate life’s precious milestones. Together, we created a brand design pulling from the styles of feminine icons like Audrey Hepburn, art nouveau, and the humble elegance of vertical French handwriting.

Hand sketches and vector drawings.

A lettering specimen inspired by Daniel Ames, by David Grimes.
A selection of Engrosser's Text inspired by a shingle from Charles Norder.
A French Roundhand specimen by David Grimes.
A traditionally engrossed Certificate by David Grimes.
A traditional Engrossing piece rendered by David Grimes in collaboration with Dyson products.

Why Masgrimes?

Having the patience to do things well is a point of pride. Whether I am carefully stretching a piece of calfskin, illuminating versals using a 15th-century gesso recipe, or researching medieval writing systems, I’m a scribe that cuts quills, not corners.

My specialty lies in creating calligraphy artwork on archival paper and calfskin for framing and display. From charters, certificates, and documents of recognition to personal projects like family trees, wedding vows, and works of poetry, I do it all with the care and consideration of an expert in my craft.

While I accept commissions worldwide, all of my writing is produced in my Portland, Oregon studio with equal care for clients in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Inquire and Commission

My commission process begins with a simple conversation to learn more about your needs. Reach out with details about your project, timeline, budget, and any inspiration you can share to take the first step. Let’s work together to make something that lasts.