Teaching, Learning, Settling In
JUN 2026
In my previous newsletter, I mentioned that I was splitting my professional services into two main areas: design services and education. From now on, these email newsletters will alternate between them too. This one is about calligraphy education.
Today, I’m writing to you from Rotson Studios. It’s been two months since I returned to Naarm/Melbourne and to my old co-working space, where I’m teaching calligraphy again. I have already delivered five lessons, with eleven more to go. This is the first time I’m offering this long-format calligraphy course and, so far, I’m truly loving it. The students are engaged and committed, and I have the opportunity to develop deeper relationships with them due to the length of the course.
This is also the first time I’m offering a hybrid format: in-person classes, live online sessions, and recorded lectures across three platforms. I feel like this is a solid structure to move forward with. If you missed my course and would like to register your interest for my 2027 edition, you can fill in this form.
Additionally, I’m coaching a lettering designer from Belfast, and the experience is deeply rewarding. We are both learning a lot, and he actually pointed me to the podcast interview you’ll find at the end of this newsletter, which I really enjoyed. Thanks, Tony!
Lastly, two more educational offerings:
The first is taking place this month, in June, at an international gathering called Calligraphy Meditation. You’ll find more details below.
The second is a four-day, in-person workshop at Tipo-G in Barcelona on October 16, 17, 23, and 24. You can register your interest.
What Now?
We are in the middle of winter. The sun rises at 7:30am and sets at 5pm. It’s cold and rainy at the moment. A couple of weeks ago, we finally purchased a bed frame after spending seven weeks sleeping on a mattress on our bedroom’s floor, and it felt like the ultimate luxury. It was an important reminder of the small, essential things in life we take for granted.
Since then, I’ve been falling more and more in love with our apartment, and I can feel a growing sense of routine as we settle in. The next three months are going to be cosy: staying indoors, enjoying my studio, and spending time with my students again. And I’m fckng grateful for it.
Below you’ll find in-person + online individual calligraphy classes available between June & August; an international calligraphy gathering; and a calligraphy Manifesto by ICKI.
On the last section you’ll find my series called ‘Calligraphy Spotlight’ where I interview professional calligraphers —from traditional practitioners, to others like myself who combine disciplines and move between analogue and digital practices— as well as calligraphy students at different stages of their learning journey, as I’m very interested in both points of view. In this chapter I’m delighted to have Gina Serret and Fahad Sohail.
And lastly, a podcast interview with Lieve Cornil via The Stone Carving And Lettering Takeaway Podcast.
Individual Calligraphy Classes: Online + In Person
On May 2nd, I kicked off my new long-format course called Learning To See Calligraphy Course. In this first edition, I have nine fabulous students from Australia and Singapore, and things are progressing very well!
I have now opened individual spots for students wanting to give it a try, meeting my current students and understand my specific teaching style and approach. These below are the classes available:
13/06: Neuland Calligraphy (A-Z)
20/06: Italic Calligraphy (a-z)
27/06: Italic Capitals (A-Z)
04/07: Intro to Copperplate (a-z)
11/07: Copperplate Capitals (A-Z)
18/07: Copperplate Variations (A-Z)
25/07: Flourishing & Numbers (0-9)
01/08: Brush Pen Calligraphy (a-z)
08/08: Intro to Script Brush Lettering (A-Z)
The Quiet Rhythm of Ink and Breath
This month of June, I’m joining an online gathering to explore the healing power of calligraphy—where presence matters more than perfection.
Calligraphy as Meditation Day is a 24-hour global event starting at 11 am Eastern on June 19. Bringing together 24 artists from around the world, each leading a one-hour session, with a short break between to keep the pace calm and human. Additionally, the event also supports the Emerging Artists Society, funding scholarships and creating more access to arts education.
ICKI Manifesto. For handwriting and calligraphy in education and throughout life.
Itinerarios de Caligrafía / Kaligrafia Ibilbideak (ICKI) is disseminating the “ICKI Manifesto: For Handwriting and Calligraphy in Education and Throughout Life,” presented last week at the Biblioteca de Navarra by Sonia Beroiz, designer and artistic director of the festival, and Glòria Jové, a teacher, pedagogue, and researcher in art and education from Lleida.
The Manifesto places handwriting and calligraphy within a highly relevant debate: how we learn, how we remember, how we think, and what role the body plays in the processes of knowledge acquisition. The proposal does not present a dichotomy. It advocates for a balanced use of technology and insists that handwriting remain an integral part of basic literacy, art education, cultural life, and the daily practices of all ages. You can read the original manifesto in Spanish below, and a translation in English here.
C A L L I G R A P H Y 🤓 S P O T L I G H T
Professional Calligrapher Spotlight: Gina Serret
This is a section on my Writing Calligraphy website where I interview professional calligraphers —from traditional practitioners, to others like myself who combine disciplines and move between analogue and digital practices— as well as calligraphy students at different stages of their learning journey, as I’m very interested in both points of view.
I’m delighted to feature my friend, classmate and talented calligrapher, letterer and type designer Gina Serret.
MM: Where are you based? And where are your clients based?
GS: I am currently based in Paris, but my clients are from all over the world. Naturally, I work with many French and Spanish clients (as I am frequently in Barcelona), but I also often collaborate with teams in the UK, across Europe, the Americas, and even Asia.
Calligraphy Student Spotlight: Fahad Sohail
My next Calligraphy Student Spotlight is with Fahad Sohail who was my student a few years ago at Rotson Studios. Fahad and I have been regularly in touch and I have referred his services to a few of my clients. He has a super positive attitude and bubbly personality that is super contagious.
MM: What recently “clicked” for you in your practice?
FS: Using professional supplies and not just practice grade supplies made a huge difference in my practice.
Lieve Cornil — A Continuous Experiment
In April 2026, Nina Bilbey & Charlotte Howarth are joined by Lieve Cornil—lettering artist, calligrapher, designer, and teacher. Lieve shares her journey into the lettering arts, including her key influences, passions, and deep dedication to her craft. We talk about her extensive teaching experience and what she's learned from helping others develop their calligraphy and design skills. Pop your headphones on while you work and listen in to get inspired.
