Calligraphy Commission FAQ

Filling services start at $200, wedding suites start at $2,500, and framed calligraphy pieces typically range from $2,500 to $5,000. Major engrossed artworks begin at $10,000 and are quoted per project (framing is quoted separately).

Pricing depends on the length of your text, the complexity of the writing styles, the time and materials required, the dimensions of the piece, how the artwork will be used (a framed original versus reproduction or licensing), and your deadline. All prices are in US dollars. For an accurate quote, use the inquiry form.

I do occasionally offer calligraphy services for weddings with 75 guests or fewer. I can provide stationery design including envelopes, invitations, and RSVP cards, as well as day-of signage such as seating charts, place cards, and table numbers. Wedding suites start at $2,500 USD, and I offer special consideration to couples interested in commissioning their vows in calligraphy.

I do accept commercial and branding-related lettering work. My process begins with an informational interview to get to know you and your organization so that I can bring as much historical charm and care into the design as possible. I can produce artwork to be delivered as an original work of art or fully digitized into ready-to-deploy, scalable formats for web, video, and print media.

While calligraphy is generally defined as the art of beautiful writing, engrossing is an old-fashioned word for the craft of designing artistic documents like certificates, resolutions, charters, and memorials. Engrossed artwork typically includes calligraphic elements as well as some combination of ornamental borders, illustration, watercolor, and/or illumination.

The primary differences between paper and calfskin are that of color, lifespan, and hygroscopicity (a material’s ability to attract and hold water molecules from the surrounding air).

Paper comes in a variety of colors, sizes, and textures and is more resistant to fluctuations in ambient humidity than calfskin, but its lifespan is significantly shorter (decades/centuries vs millennia). Calfskin comes in a more limited variety of colors ranging from dark to light and has a distinct texture and variegation to the surface—often showing the pigment fluctuations of the animal it is derived from. It can be difficult to secure quality skins at larger sizes, so calfskin may not be an option for all projects.

Clients often elect to have their commissions penned on calfskin when a piece of calligraphy is a family heirloom intended to be passed down through generations. If properly framed and cared for, a calfskin document can last well over a thousand years.

I work with two trusted framers in the Portland area to ensure that your artwork is safely framed using materials that will protect it for years to come. “Conservation framing” is a set of framing standards that include techniques like using only acid-free archival-quality mats and backing materials, careful assembly of the framing packet inside of the moulding to mitigate acid migration from the wood to your artwork, and museum-quality glazing options such as Tru Vue Museum Glass or Acrylic, which block 99% of harmful UV light from fading or damaging your artwork.

Yes, I can match the existing writing on your historic document, including using the same tools and materials previously used to provide a seamless filling/correction. I pride myself in possessing professional competency in a number of styles of historic calligraphy from different periods over the last millennia. If your specific document contains a script style that I have not practiced before, I will require additional lead time to develop my ability to write that style of calligraphy in a professional manner that meets the standards of my studio.

No part of my calligraphy process includes the assistance of generative AI in any capacity. I research, brainstorm, design, draft, revise, and produce all artwork using traditional methods, by hand. This includes sourcing inspiration from out-of-print books and purchasing traditional materials from suppliers all around the world. The works produced from this studio are the product of thousands upon thousands of hours of diligent study and care poured into my practice.

Commissions typically take between one and six weeks to complete from the first stroke to final delivery. Some projects require more research and discovery than others, which adds lead time to the front of things. Depending on the complexity of your project, reaching out months in advance can be to the advantage of both of us. Of course, I am happy to work under accelerated timelines in certain circumstances for an additional fee.

Currently booking commissions to be delivered December 2026 through May 2027.

I ship original artwork in custom boxes and crates depending on if they are framed or unframed. I painstakingly design and stress test my packing materials to ensure that your artwork arrives safely and in a timely manner. All shipments are insured for their full value and tracked in transit with no exceptions.

Once a deposit is received, I will produce a draft for your approval prior to beginning any work on the finished piece. I do include one major revision before initiating a discussion about change in scope. In some circumstances, I offer a paid design consultation for $500 USD before you commit to a full commission to help you determine if I am the right artist for your project. When you move forward with a full commission, this fee is deducted from the project total.

I require a non-refundable 50% deposit on all commission work at initiation of your project. The remaining balance of each project is due after images of the final work are approved, prior to delivery of final files or the original artwork. In some circumstances, my contracts may include kill fees for projects that are discontinued at the client’s request.

I absolutely work with clients outside of the Portland area. I have extensive experience shipping artwork around the world and am happy to discuss your project, wherever you are. I do not typically accept on-site calligraphy work outside of the Pacific Northwest, but I can always make exceptions for the right project.

To give you an accurate quote, I need to know the scope of your project (complete text to be written, desired dimensions, required materials and techniques), the intended distribution (original artwork hanging on a wall, licensing for reproduction or online use, etc.), and the deadline you need your artwork by. If you are a corporate design consultant or a private collector with a budget in mind, knowing your target purchase range can also help me accurately scope the work I propose to your needs.