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In this episode, Laura is joined by Sam Roberts - editor of BLAG magazine, the world's only magazine dedicated to sign painting craft, community and culture - for a fascinating conversation about the art of sign painting, ghost signs and the timeless craft of lettering. Sam shares his journey from writing about signs since 2007 to building a global community of sign painters through events, films, books, and now BLAG itself. They explore how a passion for lettering on walls and windows has fostered connections across the world and what the future holds for this beautifully human art form. A wonderful note to end the series on. ️✨ As a special thank you to The Life of Letters listeners, Sam is offering exclusive discounts on BLAG: $30 off the annual plan for the first year - just $89 instead of $119: https://bl.ag/lol30 25% off the monthly plan for the first year - just $9/month instead of $12/month: https://bl.ag/lol25 If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:02:01) - Sam's Journey: From London to Sign Painting Enthusiast(00:03:45) - Discovering Ghost Signs and Their Significance(00:07:03) - Building a Community Through Archives and Publications(00:10:01) - The Evolution and Resurgence of Sign Craftsmanship(00:14:58) - Creating Books and Magazines to Preserve the Craft(00:20:12) - The Design and Production of the Sign Painting Magazine(00:25:09) - Surprising Elements in the Magazine's Layout and Inserts(00:29:58) - The Future of Sign Painting and Challenges from AI(00:40:08) - Personal Reflections and the Sign Painting Community(00:47:54) - Favourite Letters and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Laura is joined by Katie Johnson and Ilana Griffo - the duo behind Goodtype, one of the most vibrant and beloved communities for lettering artists and designers. They share how they met in 2017 and built something truly special together, the creative journeys that brought them both to lettering, and why community has been at the heart of everything they do. They also talk about their new book Follow Your Art - a beautiful guide to help artists discover and embrace their own unique style. A joyful, inspiring conversation that will leave you wanting to pick up a pen immediately. Good Type - Official Website - https://goodtype.us  Good Type - Instagram https://instagram.com/goodtype Ilana Griffo - Instagram - https://instagram.com/ilanagriffo  Katie Johnson - Instagram - https://instagram.com/katiejohnson If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:01:40) - The Formation of a Creative Partnership(00:04:33) - Artistic Evolution and Collaboration(00:07:06) - Navigating Freelance Challenges(00:09:26) - Building a Supportive Community(00:12:25) - The Good Type Community and Its Growth(00:15:18) - Educational Initiatives and Events(00:20:56) - The Evolution of Good Type(00:21:41) - Unlocking Creativity Through 'Follow Your Art'(00:23:22) - Finding Your Unique Style(00:27:00) - Engaging with the Book's Content(00:29:43) - Book Launch and Author Experience(00:32:50) - The Importance of Imperfection in Creativity(00:36:45) - The Challenges of Letter Design

In this episode, Laura is joined by Tim Brookes, founder of the Endangered Alphabets Project, for a fascinating conversation about the minority scripts around the world that are at risk of disappearing, and why it matters so much that we fight to save them. Tim shares the origins of his passion for carving and writing, how a personal hobby grew into a global activism effort and the profound cultural and spiritual significance of writing itself. They also explore the joy of writing by hand, the impact it has on personal expression and mental health, and the grassroots movements bringing endangered scripts back to life. A conversation that will make you look at every letter you write with fresh eyes. Endangered Alphabets - Official Website Atlas of Endangered Alphabets Tim Brookes on Twitter If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:03:01) - The Genesis of a Passion: Carving and Writing(00:05:57) - The Evolution of the Project: From Hobby to Activism(00:09:08) - Global Perspectives: Scripts and Their Stories(00:12:01) - Cultural Significance: The Spirituality of Writing(00:14:47) - Innovative Approaches: Games and Education(00:18:09) - Exploring Unique Scripts: Beyond Traditional Writing(00:20:51) - The Performance of Writing: A Multi-Dimensional Activity(00:24:12) - Cultural Identity and Endangered Scripts(00:29:11) - Grassroots Movements for Script Revival(00:30:04) - Exploring the Impact of Handwriting(00:39:15) - The Art of Writing by Hand(00:45:14) - The Joy of Handwriting and Personal Expression

In this episode, Laura is joined by calligraphy and type designer Matthias Hertzberg for a fascinating look at his creative process, influences and projects - including a unique book cover and custom fonts that push the boundaries of letterforms. If you thought you knew what letters could do, this one might just change your mind. Matthijs’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/herzbergdesignco Matthijs’s Website - https://herzbergdesign.com  Sinistral Hand by Phaedra Charles - https://undercase.xyz/media/pages/custom/a-guide-to-sinistral-hand/2af7767931-1658855020/sinistralguide_072622.pdf  FontLab Software - https://fontlab.com If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:08:42) - Designing Book Covers: A Case Study(00:12:17) - Exploring Favourite Projects and Retail Fonts(00:18:31) - The Creative Process: From Sketch to Digital(00:22:47) - Understanding Monograms and Ligatures(00:29:11) - The Emotional Connection to Seeing Your Work(00:30:15) - Favourite Letters and Cultural Significance(00:32:59) - Exploring Letters Through Books

In this episode, Laura sits down with Alison Hitchcock who shares her remarkable journey from a city career to founding a letter writing charity, and the extraordinary power that heartfelt letters can have in healing and transforming lives. A beautiful conversation about what can happen when we slow down, pick up a pen and truly connect with another person.  From Me To You - Charity Website - https://www.frommetoyouletters.co.uk/about  A Diagnosis and an Unbreakable Friendship - Book - https://www.frommetoyouletters.co.uk/the-book/p/from-me-to-you-the-book  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frommetoyouletters/  If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:02:04) - From Personal Connection to Charitable Mission(00:09:30) - Creating Community Through Letters(00:15:02) - The Logistics of Letter Writing(00:18:18) - Heartfelt Stories from the Letters(00:21:40) - The Therapeutic Power of Letter Writing(00:29:10) - From Me To You: A Journey of Friendship(00:34:36) - Connecting Through Community Events

In this episode, Laura is joined by Pooja Saxena who shares her wonderful journey into the world of calligraphy, typography and Indian scripts. Together they explore the rich history and extraordinary diversity of letter forms, and what the future might hold - with an emphasis on cultural context and why accessibility in design matters so much. A rich and inspiring conversation that reminds us just how wide and wonderful the world of letters really is. Matra Type - Pooja Saxena's Practice - https://matratype.com / Instagram - https://instagram.com/matratype  Alphabet Soup - Book by Women Typeface Designers - https://example.com/alphabet-soup  My Typographical Eye, Issue № 12 / Pixel Type & Needlework: https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?u=00db3d2423772a3f86d6e22a1&id=4fa7cefeef  FontStruct - Modular Typeface Tool - https://fontstruct.com If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:02:20) - Pooja's Journey into Typography(00:04:26) - Understanding Indian Scripts(00:08:45) - The Technical Aspects of Scripts(00:10:54) - Pooja's Favourite Scripts and Design Preferences(00:12:38) - The Motivation Behind India Street Lettering(00:14:55) - Collecting Visual References(00:16:25) - The Intersection of Needlework and Typography(00:23:09) - Hopes for the Future of Indian Scripts(00:25:25) - Pooja's Favourite Letters and Closing Thoughts(00:30:52) - Exploring Letters Through Books

Ever wondered how the alphabet actually came to be? In this episode, Laura is joined by linguist and author Danny Bate for a fascinating conversation about the alphabet - where it came from, how it’s evolved and what the future might hold for written language. If you’ve ever been curious about the letters you love to write, this one’s for you.  Find out more and connect with Danny: Website: https://dannybate.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannylbate X - https://x.com/DannyBate4 If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:03:34) - The Journey into Linguistics and Writing(00:06:40) - Making Linguistics Accessible to the General Public(00:09:18) - Evolution of Letters and Their Visual Forms(00:12:02) - The Development of Uppercase and Lowercase Letters(00:17:24) - The Evolution of Language and Writing(00:20:12) - The Relationship Between Speech and Writing(00:23:18) - The Diversity of English Speech(00:26:10) - Fascinating Facts About Letters(00:29:34) - The Impact of Social Circumstances on Writing Systems(00:32:44) - The Future of Language and the Alphabet(00:35:32) - The Ongoing Journey of Alphabetic History(00:38:09) - The Role of Technology in Writing(00:41:09) - The Importance of Teaching Spelling(00:44:22) - The Legacy of the English Alphabet

In this episode, Laura sits down with Carl Rohrs, the editor of the 26th edition of the Speedball Textbook, for an exploration into the history of calligraphy, the evolution of one of the most iconic books in the craft, and the lettering styles and artists who’ve shaped it. If you’ve ever picked up a Speedball pen and wondered about the story behind it, this one’s for you.  Resources Here's a folder of images to accompany the episode. Speedball Art - https://www.speedballart.com  The Life of Letters Podcast - https://www.lauraletterslife.com/the-life-of-letters-podcast  Rick Griffin's Artwork - https://www.rickgriffindesigns.com/  Sheila Waters' Calligraphy - https://www.calligraphersguild.org/sheila-waters  If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook.

Our podcast producer, Heidi Cullip, introduces the next series of The Life of Letters with host Laura Edralin. They explore this series' theme, and discuss the fascinating world of books and letters celebrated with interviews authors, artists, and experts in the upcoming season! Find out about the line up, get excited about the conversations and a sneak peek of what's in store for series 6. If you’re enjoying The Life of Letters Podcast, it would mean the world if you could follow or subscribe, leave a quick review, or share the episode with a friend. Every little action helps more people discover the calming, creative world of calligraphy and lettering.️ Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✍️ ✨ Want to bring a little calm and creativity into your own life? Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook.

In this conversation, Kalo, a calligraphy instructor and tattoo artist, shares her journey from being influenced by her father's calligraphy to establishing her own business, Kalo Make Art. She discusses the evolution of her career, the challenges faced during political unrest and the pandemic, and her unique approach to tattooing that combines her calligraphy skills. Kalo also shares personal stories behind her tattoos, the process of designing meaningful tattoos for clients, and her involvement with the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH). The conversation highlights the beauty of handwriting, the significance of tattoos, and the importance of community in the art world. Here's a folder of images to accompany the episode, courtesy of Kalo. Find out more: Kalo's Website Kalo's Instagram - Calligraphy Kalo's Instagram - Tattoo IAMPETH - International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting -- If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:01:14) - Kalo's Journey into Calligraphy(00:04:03) - Transition to Teaching and Community Building(00:07:04) - The Evolution of Tattooing in Kalo's Work(00:09:34) - Personal Stories Behind Tattoos(00:12:15) - The Tattoo Process Explained(00:14:54) - Techniques and Challenges in Tattooing(00:19:37) - Dream Projects: Incorporating Manuscript Styles into Tattoos(00:21:15) - Personal Tattoos: Meaning and Significance(00:23:34) - IAMPETH: The Journey into Calligraphy and Community(00:29:46) - Memorable Projects: Commission for the Royal Family(00:32:59) - Kalo's Favourite Letter: Symbolism and Personal Connection

In this engaging conversation, Laura Edralin speaks with Richard Manning, founder of wordsecrets.org, about the fascinating world of etymology and the evolution of language. They explore the origins of words, the influence of culture on language, and how the digital age is transforming communication. Richard shares insights from his background in linguistics and his experiences in the civil service, highlighting the interconnectedness of languages and the importance of preserving linguistic diversity. The discussion also touches on personal reflections about favorite letters and words, emphasizing the ongoing journey of learning in the realm of language. To find out more about Richard visit his website and subscribe to receive his blog 'Secrets of the Words You Know'.  Richard mentions: - Dr George Gazis's epsiode from series four, listen here - Danny Bate's book 'Why Q Needs U' If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:01:57) - Defining etymology and its significance(00:03:26) - Richard Manning's journey into linguistics(00:05:25) - The influence of Friesland dialect on English(00:06:45) - The impact of Vikings and Scandinavian languages(00:08:23) - The Indo-European language family and its origins(00:10:54) - How languages evolve before written records(00:13:44) - The diversity of world languages and dialects(00:15:31) - Language contact and borrowing in the Philippines(00:16:41) - Language prestige and its effect on vocabulary(00:17:43) - English as a global lingua franca(00:20:14) - Common spelling patterns and anomalies in English(00:22:12) - The Great Vowel Shift and its historical significance(00:26:23) - The future of language in the digital age(00:29:37) - Language preservation and the impact of globalisation(00:30:49) - Favourite letter and word of Richard Manning

In this conversation, Laura Edralin interviews Chris Campe, a designer and writer based in Hamburg, Germany, who specialises in lettering and visual communication. They discuss Chris's journey into the world of lettering, the significance of letters as a medium, and the intersection of content and form in her work. Chris shares her experiences with analog and digital tools, her involvement in political expression through protest signs, and her publications on lettering. The conversation also touches on her teaching methods and the importance of finding one's unique voice in art. Find out more about Chris - visit her Website, connect on Instagram. Watch visual clips from this epside on The Life of Letters's Youtube channel. If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:11:04) - The Intersection of Text and Image(00:12:16) - Analog vs Digital: The Creative Process(00:19:10) - Protest Signs and Political Expression(00:25:57) - Overcoming Self-Doubt in Creative Work(00:27:05) - The Journey of Writing Books(00:33:36) - The Evolution of Chris's Books(00:37:52) - The Art of Lettering and Alphabets(00:45:47) - Teaching Lettering: Structure and Freedom

In this conversation, Laura Edralin speaks with Angenise Rawls, a talented calligrapher and artist, about her journey into the world of calligraphy, the evolution of her business, and the impact of her faith on her art. Angenise shares her experiences of creating meaningful cards for her community, the importance of giving, and how her artistic practice has influenced her spiritual growth. The discussion highlights the connection between creativity and personal development, as well as the role of art in fostering connections with others. To find out more about Angenise, visit https://www.thegracefulpenstudio.com, on Youtube, or connect with Angenise on Instagram @thegracefulpenstudio. Mentioned in this episode: The Psalms of David: The Great Illuminated Psalter Dedicated to Queen Victoria --- If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:01:48) - How Angenise Found Calligraphy(00:05:12) - Early Learning and Practice(00:08:46) - Starting The Graceful Pen Studio(00:12:18) - Faith and Calligraphy(00:16:02) - Developing Her Style(00:19:28) - Meaningful Calligraphy Work(00:23:06) - The Power of Community(00:26:18) - Advice for New Calligraphers(00:29:08) - Reflections on the Journey

In this conversation, Toshi Omagari, a typeface designer, shares his journey into typography, discussing key projects such as the City of London street names and his work on arcade game typography. He explains essential terminology in typography, the significance of kerning, and the challenges of designing typefaces for non-Latin scripts. Toshi also reflects on his favorite letters and the future trends in typeface design, particularly the impact of AI and the importance of diverse writing systems. View images of fonts and typefaces discussed in Toshi's epsiode. To find out more about Toshi, visit: www.tosche.net or connect with him on Instagram @toshiomagari. If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:01:45) - Discovering Letterforms(00:05:10) - From Japan to Type Design(00:09:30) - What Type Designers Do(00:14:05) - Reviving Historical Scripts(00:19:10) - Designing Multilingual Type(00:24:40) - Writing Systems and Cultural Context(00:29:20) - Tools and the Future of Typography(00:33:45) - Advice for Those Interested in Type and Lettering

In this episode, Laura Edralin speaks with Kate Fishenden and Jonathan Mercer from Starch Green Studio about their creative journey, the tools they use, and how technology has influenced their design work. They discuss the importance of community, the evolution of design, and their favourite letters of the alphabet, highlighting the significance of typography in their work. To find out more about Kate and Jonathan, visit starchgreen.com or connect with them on Instagram @starch_green. Here's a folder of images to accompany the episode visually. If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:05:40) - The Journey of Starch Green Studio(00:09:46) - The Tools of the Trade(00:20:06) - The Evolution of Design and Technology(00:27:45) - Incorporating Letters into Design(00:48:39) - The Power of Self-Publishing and Technology(00:50:20) - Favourite Letters and Their Significance