325: Mastering the Art of Calligraphy: Insights from Margaret Shepherd

Artist Academy

This week’s episode features professional calligrapher, author, and educator Margaret Shepherd.

Throughout her 55-year career, Margaret’s calligraphy is currently in the collection of the Smithsonian Museum, the Rare Books Department of the Boston Public Library, along with freelance work for multiple colleges and law firms. She has taught workshops and given live calligraphy demonstrations to artists across the world, stemming from Boston all the way to Uzbekistan. Margaret has written 20 calligraphy books in her lifelong career and has a lot of information behind what it takes to make a career out of lettering.

This interview is like talking with my grandmother about the stories of her early art career. Even though I have no interest in switching from murals to calligraphy, Margaret’s advice made a few light bulbs go off in my head of ways to incorporate lettering even more into niche painting. For example, she talks about lettering envelopes for weddings, which would be a great addition for wedding portrait painters to add as a package deal.

There’s so much value in talking with artists who have made a FULL career in the arts because they’ve seen it all. I’d like to have a cup of tea with Margaret one day to chat more about some of the ways she’s made a name for herself in her niche, written so many books, and overall has had a very fulfilling career with calligraphy.

Let me know what you think of this week’s episode with Margaret Shepherd.

Margaret's website: https://margaretshepherd.com
Margaret's new book: Learn American Calligraphy