Celebrate Black History Month with Us this February
Posted by Sarah @ PIA on Feb 7th 2025
February is Black History Month, and we’re celebrating by shining a spotlight on seven incredibly talented calligraphers of color, along with Calligraphers of Color, an inclusive community dedicated to uplifting BIPOC lettering artists. These artists are not only masters of their craft but also advocates for representation, accessibility, and empowerment within the calligraphy world.
In this newsletter, you'll discover a diverse range of lettering styles, artistic journeys, and contributions to the global calligraphy community. From breathtaking scripts and cultural storytelling to mentorship and historical preservation, each of these calligraphers is making a lasting impact. Scroll down to explore their work, hear their stories, and find new artists to follow and support!
Amanda Reid is a modern calligrapher, educator, and entrepreneur dedicated to making lettering more inclusive and accessible. As the founder of Amanda Reid Designs, she specializes in calligraphy and engraving for events and luxury brands, while also teaching fun, interactive workshops that introduce aspiring letterers to brush & dip pen calligraphy. But that’s not all––Amanda is the founder of Calligraphers of Color, a vibrant online community that uplifts and connects BIPOC calligraphic artists. Scroll to the end of this email to learn more about Calligraphers of Color.
Amanda is also the visionary behind the Luxury Calligraphy Retreat, an immersive experience designed to help calligraphy business owners grow their craft, refine their brand, and prioritize self-care. Amanda wears so many hats and her impact on the calligraphy community extends far and wide, whether she’s mentoring new artists or building spaces for underrepresented creatives to thrive.
Learn More:
AmandaReidDesigns.com | @amandareiddesigns
Dawn Reynolds, founder of Mod Girl with Vintage Love, blends nostalgia with modern elegance, bringing a touch of vintage charm to every letter. Passionate about reviving vintage hobbies and home decor, Dawn specializes in luxurious lettering styles that elevate weddings, events, and special occasions into unforgettable experiences. Through her calligraphy services, private sessions, and corporate workshops, Dawn shares the joy of calligraphy as both an art form and a mindful practice.
Beyond calligraphy, Dawn encourages others to express their personalities through embroidery, style, and rediscovering their vintage items in a new way. We are also overjoyed to carry Dawn’s Luxe Microfiber Nib Cleaning Cloth, designed to gently polish and protect even the most delicate dip and fountain nibs. This durable cloth is an eco-friendly, long-lasting alternative to disposable options, providing great value for both your pen collection and the environment. Whether she’s crafting bespoke pieces or teaching others to embrace vintage design, Dawn’s work invites people to slow down, be present, and find joy in the timeless practice of calligraphy.
Learn More:
ModGirlwithVintageLove.com | @modgirlwithvintagelove
Alishia Nastas is a Monterey, California-based calligrapher with 20+ years of experience and a passion for creating meaningful, heirloom-quality pieces. As the founder of Heirloom Ink Studio, she combines modern calligraphy with hand-engraving to craft personalized gifts that become treasured keepsakes. Whether working in her studio or engraving live at events, Alishia is dedicated to providing an interactive experience that emphasizes elegance and sentimentality
Beyond her incredible work, Alishia is a strong advocate for building genuine connections within the online creative community. She underlines the importance of engagement, storytelling, and generosity in fostering meaningful relationships, whether with fans and followers or peers and collaborators. Through her thoughtful approach to calligraphy and business, Alishia continues to inspire others, leaving a lasting impression one beautifully engraved perfume bottle at a time.
Learn More:
HeirloomInkStudio.com | @heirloominkstudio
Illyahna, the creative force behind Illyboo Designs, brings an energetic and expressive touch to modern calligraphy. With a background in fashion and knitwear from the Royal College of Art in London, she has a keen eye for design, which shines through in her signature bouncy, vibrant lettering. Her journey into calligraphy began with a personal challenge—creating her own wedding stationery—and quickly evolved into a passion that she now shares through workshops, calligraphy kits, and bespoke stationery for weddings, live events, and more.
What sets Illyahna apart is her fearless approach to experimentation and movement in lettering. She encourages others to explore different tools until they find their unique flow, a philosophy that fuels her own evolving style. From collaborations with brands like Tom’s Studio to hand-painted floral designs on glass, her work is as dynamic as it is beautiful—full of life, color, and personality.
Learn More:
IllyBooDesigns.com | @illyboodesigns
Christy Toney, founder of Calligraphy by CT, is a full-time wedding calligrapher based in Chicago. With a B.A. from Columbia College and formal training from institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago and the American Academy of Art, Christy’s expertise spans both fine art and lettering. She specializes in mirror calligraphy and brings a deep understanding of print production from her 18-year career in the industry.
An engaging presence on Instagram and TikTok, Christy openly shares lessons learned throughout her career—offering practical tips, business advice, and mindset strategies that help calligraphers grow. She believes in asking the questions others might shy away from and embracing lifelong learning. through workshops, 1-on-1 coaching, and her Calligraphy Unscripted podcast, Christy is passionate about teaching, sharing business insights, and fostering a supportive lettering community.
Learn More:
CalligraphyByCT.com | @calligraphybyct
Angenise Rawls, founder of The Graceful Pen Studio, has been captivated by beautiful lettering since childhood. From making handmade cards to perfecting Italic calligraphy in elementary school, her passion for the written word was always present—even during the years she stepped away from it. Her journey back to calligraphy was a leap of faith—both figuratively and literally, when a serendipitous gift of calligraphy pens from her pastor reignited her love for the craft. Rooted in faith and creativity, Angenise now uses her talent and kindness to inspire and encourage others.
A devoted mother of 12, Angenise understands balancing creativity with everyday life, but she finds strength in community and artistic expression. Through her work, she encourages fellow calligraphers to embrace their unique paths, take risks, and trust in the process. Whether crafting elegant lettering or sharing words of encouragement, Angenise reminds us that it all it takes is a small step––grace will do the rest.
Learn More:
TheGracefulPenStudio.com | @thegracefulpenstudio
Paul Antonio is a globally renowned calligrapher, scribe, and historian whose expertise spans both traditional and contemporary lettering arts. With a deep-rooted passion for historical scripts, Paul trained as a Scribe and Heraldic Artist before specializing in Archaeological Illustration with a focus on ancient writing systems. His work has taken him to extraordinary places––he was 1 of 4 Crown Office Scribes responsible for handletering UK laws onto vellum for Her Majesty the Queen, and his illustrations of Egyptian hieroglyphs are house in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Beyond his historical knowledge, Paul is a dedicated educator. We’ve had the privilege of hosting Paul in both our Nashville store and at the IAMPETH conference, as well as for a Fraktur and its Attendant Flourishing workshop with the Nashville Calligrapher’s Guild. His passion for teaching and preserving the history of letterforms is unparalleled, and he continues to inspire a new generation through his workshops, research, and collaborations––including virtual classes with Calligraphers of Color (below). Paul’s work is a testament to the enduring beauty and significance of the written word.
Learn More:
Want to find more? Calligraphers of Color is an inclusive community dedicated to uplifting and showcasing BIPOC calligraphers and their businesses. Founded in 2019 by Amanda Reid, the platform was born out of a need for greater visibility and representation in the calligraphy world. What began as a small Instagram page quickly grew into a thriving network. Today, Calligraphers of Color provides a vital space for artists to connect, share resources, and expand their reach, ensuring that the calligraphy community reflects the rich diversity of its practitioners.
One of their most valuable resources is a curated directory of Black calligraphers, making it easier for clients, event planners, and fellow artists to find and support their work. By championing diverse talent and creating opportunities for underrepresented artists, Calligraphers of Color continues to reshape the lettering landscape one flourish at a time.
Learn More: