So You're EnGAYged, A Gay Wedding Blog

With an incredible sense of humor, Leigh Wells fills us in on getting “legit” as a calligrapher to riffing on traditional forms.

Please tell us a little bit about your business.

I have had a successful commercial illustration business for the last fifteen years, working for magazines, publishers, and advertising. Early in 2009, I decided to offer calligraphy services to individuals, families and couples for their special events.

How did you get into doing what you do?

After being interested in calligraphy since I was a kid, then studying typography as a designer and incorporating many types of lettering into my illustration work, I finally decided to get “legit” about calligraphy and teach myself how to letter with a finicky dip pen.

What do you wear when you’re doing what you do?

A Marie Antoinette getup of sorts. The best part is the very, very tall powdered wig.

What do you love about what you do?

I love working with paper and color and making things by hand… giving a human touch. The proud feeling of seeing dozens of invitations ready to go out and to think about how thrilled the recipients will be.

What do you love about working with gay couples?

Adding a little beauty to an event for a gay couple, and providing good service is my very small positive counterbalance to so much of the negativity that has been circulating with last year’s Prop 8 here in California, etc.

I am currently working on invitations (from design to mailing) for a couple who is having their 30th anniversary! An amazing accomplishment that I am especially proud of since they are two of my best friends. The party will be at my house… which is not a service I offer usually to calligraphy clients!

Do you have a favorite “moment” that happens while you’re doing your job?

I do like the feeling of “flow” during the slow, solitary process of lettering. Also riffing on traditional forms.

What is unique about your style?

My approach to calligraphy is self-taught and less formal than many other people who do this work. I think that it gives the work more personality, and if it fits with the client’s sense of the event, it is a perfect match.