Joy’s first introduction to calligraphy was during a weekend course at the Bluecoat Chambers in Liverpool, UK in 1979. She thought it was the best thing ever, and has been completely hooked on pen lettering ever since!
Initially, Joy was mostly self-taught with a bit of help here and there. Her interest in lettering got her a job as a poster writer at a silkscreen printers in Northampton, UK during the 1980s, when price tickets, posters and banners were hand written or hand painted. Joy then officially became self-employed, painting and writing letters for several companies. At the same time she studied part time, gaining a qualification in Signwork and as an Adult Education tutor at City & Guilds in London. As computers steadily took over the production of posters, Joy continued to use her talents commercially on a smaller scale, creating personalized hand-lettered designs for official documents and events, along with other calligraphic commissions.
Today, in between commercial and commissioned work, Joy likes to further her study of calligraphy by attending other tutors’ workshops whenever possible, and travelling around the country teaching hand lettering for regional calligraphy groups. She also runs a weekly class in Northampton, UK (now in its fourteenth year), combining calligraphy with hand-made cards, little books, boxes and special keepsakes to encourage students to create beautiful things with their lettering. It gives Joy great pleasure to bring out creativity in others, especially people who think they’re not ‘artistic’, and she always encourages her fellow calligraphers to share ideas and to give and receive encouragement. Joy enjoys learning and teaching – and always will!
www.joydanielscalligraphy.co.uk
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