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! – Jen
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Diane McGregor Photography
What a wow statement this giant menu board makes in a reception!
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.”
“I’m a huge sucker for letterpress and handmade paper,” says Ruth. (Me too!)
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.
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