CALLIGRAPHER

Print shops, craft stores, schools, colleges, and publishers hire calligraphers. As Tuttle reports, “One of the biggest employers of calligraphers in the U.S. would have to be greeting card companies, like American Greetings. Card companies usually attend a yearly international conference just for job recruiting.”

The job rate for calligraphers has steadily grown over the past few years. But, cautions Tuttle, that doesn't mean someone is ready to become a professional calligrapher with only a little practice. “Sometimes the local area is flooded with individuals who feel they can offer calligraphy services after taking one course or learning from a book.” People who set themselves up as professionals too soon actually end up hurting the field.

There seems to be more of a demand for calligraphy in larger cities and neighboring areas. But, Tuttle adds, “Calligraphers can find work just about anywhere as long as they look.”

Working conditions are as varied as the types of projects that calligraphers can create. A calligrapher can be self-employed, work in a corporate environment, or work in the White House, penning invitations to special events or for awards. For people interested in pursuing a career in calligraphy, Richard thinks that it is also important to be interested in art.