We recently connected with Sara Levin and have shared our conversation below.

Sara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

My creative journey began as far back as I can remember and has evolved significantly over the years, leading me to where I am now as a dedicated calligrapher.

During my childhood, I was deeply involved in both music and dance, with dance becoming a passion that shaped much of my early life. This passion led me to pursue it as my college major, where I continued to grow as an artist. After my time on stage, I transitioned into a career in arts and design administration, where I had the privilege of helping creative leaders bring their ideas to life, managing projects from concept through to completion.

While I enjoyed working in an office environment, I found myself craving a personal creative outlet. Calligraphy, which had been a long-time hobby, became my focus. Living in New York City, I was fortunate to study in person with several notable calligraphers and master penmen. With that renewed creative drive, I decided to take the leap and fully embrace calligraphy as my new professional path.

Sara, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Calligraphy started as a hobby for me, something to do during the cold New York winters. I found a class within walking distance of my apartment, and once I gave it a try, I was hooked. What started as a fun weekend activity quickly grew into a real passion, and I began to take class after class, focusing on mastering the art of traditional copperplate letterforms. The challenge of perfecting my calligraphy felt a lot like of returning to the ballet barre, where discipline and grace are key.

Over time, my signature lettering style has evolved— still rooted in tradition but with a modern twist. Fluidity and precision have become the trademark of my writing, a natural extension of my dance background. I take pride in my ability to adapt my lettering style to complement the tone of each event or match the chosen typography on a wedding invitation.

Today, my business focuses primarily on wedding and event calligraphy. I offer personalized services, from envelopes and place cards to custom signage and unique gifts. While I work primarily from my home studio, I also perform live calligraphy at corporate events, brand activations, and retail locations, bringing my craft directly to clients and their guests.

What I love most about my work is that no two days are the same. The variety keeps the work fun and interesting, with every project bringing new challenges to solve. One day I’m addressing hundreds of envelopes, and the next, I’m up on a ladder designing a restaurant menu board.

Some of my most exciting projects come when a client presents me with an unconventional surface to letter on. From parasols to cowboy hats, and even fruit, I love the creative challenge of figuring out the best way to letter on unusual materials and finding the right tools to make it happen.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Supporting artists goes beyond simply making a financial investment or utilizing our services; it involves engaging with us to understand our stories, what we do, and why we do it. Having these conversations within the community helps create a network that genuinely values and appreciates creativity. Sharing the work of artists who inspire you is another great way to help us gain visibility and reach new audiences. The more people understand what we do, the better positioned to be hired and continue to create work.

A common reaction I receive when people learn I’m a calligrapher is, “Oh, so you do envelopes?” While I certainly address thousands of envelopes every year, my work extends far beyond that. My diverse skillset allows me to personalize various surfaces that are not only visually appealing but also deeply personal and meaningful – adding a special touch to important moments. The more we can show the full range of what calligraphy can offer, the more we can grow and innovate within our field.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal as a calligrapher is to celebrate the value of handmade work in an increasingly digital world. When I create calligraphy pieces, I’m not just using a computerized font; I’m crafting something unique that reflects the Client’s personality or the specific mood of an event. This personal touch makes each piece stand out and feel truly special.

For example, in a world where most of our mail consists of flyers and bills, receiving a hand-lettered envelope creates a memorable moment. Everyone loves seeing their name written in an elegant, personalized way. This level of thoughtfulness and sophistication is something that digital methods simply cannot replicate.

The joy of making people feel special and valued through my work is what keeps me inspired and motivated every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.saralevincalligraphy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saralevincalligraphy

Image Credits

Headshot photo credit: Kam Veakrakmann