The “Lost Art Form” Meghan Markle Says Should Make a Comeback
In a world of overflowing inboxes, communication is often instant, nearly constant, and usually “urgent.” And brief, if we’re lucky, because the daily struggle to get to inbox zero is all too real.
Sure, you can get your flirt on via text or email, or send off a quick thank you or congratulations, but what happens when you want to communicate in a more personal, romantic, lengthy or memorable way?
Meghan Markle, herself a former calligrapher, is a big fan of the handwritten note. “The idea of someone taking time to put pen to paper is really special,” says Markle, who still has a letter her dad wrote her when she booked her first pilot. Lucky her, this soon-to-be HRH is about to gain some seriously impressive letterhead.
Putting pen to paper is a powerful way to show genuine thoughtfulness and make your recipient feel special. It also has a host of real health and happiness benefits for you, the writer — everything from improving cognitive function and memory, to increasing gratitude and sparking creativity. Handwritten letters and notes create a tangible memory that can be re-read, shared, and cherished long after they are written, sent, or read for the first time.
And while you may not be planning your own royal wedding, you can definitely get in on the handwritten note action — it’s as easy as picking up a pen. Or if you’d like to turn it up a notch (or procrastinate like a true writer!) Instagram is brimming with beautiful modern calligraphy inspiration to fuel your handwriting fire.
If you’re interested in honing your handwriting while we wait for the debut of Megan’s Royal Letterhead, here are a few good resources for getting started and staying inspired:
Laura Hooper Calligraphy (above) has a gorgeous instagram feed. Check out her website for all things modern calligraphy: supplies, custom invitations, online courses, and workshops.
Get inspired by Ladyfingers Letterpress — they have a wicked sense of humor and a fun hand-lettered style, as well as workshops at their gorgeous flagship store in Colorado Springs.
The Inky Box is a beginner hand-lettering subscription box that delivers a curated selection of lettering tools and supplies to get you started (and make sure you keep at it!).
Stay stocked up on cheery stationery with Rad & Happy’s Rad Mail paper goods subscription, so you can concentrate on your content instead of your calligraphy.
And finally, Calligraphy Nerd has great videos and always lists her pen/paper sources which is really helpful!