Calligraphy Inspiration: Ruth Jahja of Seniman Calligraphy

Hey everyone! I’m excited to share some pretty lettering work with you today. What I love in the paper world is when you spot wedding invitation suites that don’t look quite like everyone else’s. And I’m a big fan of seeing calligraphy in places beyond paper. Because why not dress up a celebration with pretty lettering in other places, too?! So here’s a look into the lettering work of Ruth Jahja of Seniman Calligraphy. Let’s hear what Ruth has to share about her experiences as a calligrapher! â€“ Jen

Calligraphy Inspiration: Ruth Jahja of Seniman Calligraphy

Calligraphy Inspiration: Ruth Jahja of Seniman Calligraphy

Photo Credits: Tenth and Grace

Ruth Jahja is Indonesian and she came to the United States for her bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture. “Drawing and painting have been something I’ved loved to do since I was a kid but I decided to pursue something a bit more stable for my degree,” she shares. After working for a few years as an interior designer in Los Angeles, she stumbled on calligraphy while trying to find a new hobby. It turned out to be even more fun than she expected, and she wanted practice, so she decided to set up an Instagram account and Etsy shop to make a little extra pocket money. One thing led to another, and after a couple of photographers took a leap of faith and collaborated with her on some styled shoots, more work followed. “Almost a year since I posted my very first Instagram photo, I decided to do this full time and it’s been an adventure ever since,” shares Ruth.

Calligraphy Inspiration: Ruth Jahja of Seniman Calligraphy

Photo Credit: Tenth and Grace

Where does the name come from? Ruth shares: Seniman means artists and craftsmen in Indonesian, so it’s my little homage to my heritage and a commitment for what kind of work I want to produce.

Calligraphy Inspiration: Ruth Jahja of Seniman Calligraphy

Photo Credit: Diane McGregor Photography

What a wow statement this giant menu board makes in a reception!

Calligraphy Inspiration: Ruth Jahja of Seniman Calligraphy

Ruth shares that she prefers a strong contrast between the thick down-stroke and the delicate up-stroke, the bold lines and the bouncy flourishes. “I do notice my writing evolves as my ability to control the medium improves over time,” notes Ruth. “I’m able to work with strokes and curves that feel comfortable and natural to me instead of trying to copy others’ writing.”

Calligraphy Inspiration: Ruth Jahja of Seniman Calligraphy

“I’m a huge sucker for letterpress and handmade paper,” says Ruth. (Me too!)

Calligraphy Inspiration: Ruth Jahja of Seniman Calligraphy

Photo Credit: Tenth and Grace

“I love working on non-paper medium — from glass/mirror, tile, natural stone, ribbon, and wood,” says Ruth. This bottle of bubbly with her hand lettering is definitely my fave.

Calligraphy Inspiration: Ruth Jahja of Seniman Calligraphy

Photo Credit: Ether and Smith

Many thanks to Ruth for sharing a sweet peek into her lettering work and work process!

Photo Credits: Seniman Calligraphy except where noted