Jessica Draper

Hello from the Greater Chicago Area! I started my calligraphy journey in fifth grade during a forty-five minute class on “Explore More Day”. Flash forward to 2013 when I got engaged, and I knew I wanted to incorporate calligraphy into my big day. I took a one day class and practiced my little heart out. I addressed all of my invitation envelopes and created calligraphy name tags for my guest favors. I really didn't think about making calligraphy into a full-time business until a few years later. I got laid off from my Federal Government Executive Assistant job, and then took a year to finish my Bachelor's Degree. I had just had my second child and was looking for a way to stay mostly home but still have a creative outlet (and hey, make some money out of it!) I set up my wedding calligraphy business and told myself that if I failed within a year, I would go out and get a "real" job. Well, not a couple weeks later and I had a signed contract with my first bride! It's been a whirlwind of a few years, but I am still in LOVE with my job and all the people I have met through it. I have been published in multiple blogs and a couple of magazines, most recently the Celebration Society Weddings Chicago. I have done calligraphy for private events as well as for Kendra Scott Jewelry. My favorite work, however, is with my lovely couples for their weddings and making their dream details come to life. I tell them that I make their Pinterest boards come true! I love calligraphy because you truly never stop learning, and you can always keep improving your style. Life is hectic, but I love sitting down and carving out time to write and create. It truly is therapeutic for me! I look forward to teaching new students calligraphy and giving them a creative outlet. When I’m not practicing calligraphy, you can find me playing board games with the family, “Netflix and Chilling,” or trying out new craft beers.