De Ann is the publications chairman and has been editor of the journal, “Calligraph” for 4 years of the Society for Calligraphy, Southern California.

The Society for Calligraphy, Southern California, is a non-profit educational organization which promotes the study, teaching and practice of calligraphy and related disciplines. It also encourages the exchange of ideas through speakers, program meetings, workshops, its journal and bulletin, the annual retreat and regional groups. The SfC provides many activities to help in the learning and appreciation of calligraphy. We bring world - renowned calligraphers from all parts of the globe to conduct workshops and lectures. There are regional groups all over the Los Angeles and Orange County areas to bring programs to local areas. $42 memberships go from July 1- June 30 of each year. There is an e-bulletin which gives up to the minute information about activities and articles of interest. A bulletin that comes by mail 6 times yearly.  And the journal “Calligraph” once per year. We have exhibits and social parties throughout the year. If you are serious about doing calligraphy the best place to start is joining the Society for Calligraphy.

Dear fellow calligraphers,

How is your summer so far? Isn’t it going by quickly? Classes will be beginning and a new year of activities for the SfC. I’ve managed to get some yard work done. And very little calligraphy. One client called and needed some work done right away, I said I’d do it for her but I normally take July and August off so if she didn’t mind coming over and I didn’t have makeup on and dirt on my hands then I’d do it. She said that didn’t matter. So maybe I think people care about my looking professional and they really don’t as long as they get their work done. I used to think that you couldn’t be a professional unless you had a separate studio or storefront. You know, the “my niece does calligraphy” routine. I thought clients wouldn’t take you seriously if you worked at home. Then I realized that most very successful artists work from their home. It doesn’t make sense to pay the overhead if you don’t have to. Besides, you can do all the other things that need doing if you are at home. (Maybe, that’s not an advantage after all!) I used to have one wall of my living room as my “studio”. It worked quite nicely and I fit a large amount of stuff neatly on that side of the room. Then my husband converted our 2 car carport into a studio for me. It was the best thing ever! A real studio! How would I ever fill all that space? Well, somehow I managed. And then it was, “where did all that
space go anyway? “ I also got a clue about clients and how they would take you seriously if you demanded to be treated seriously. It took awhile to learn to do the job and not get involved in the event. Clients have a way of dragging you into their drama. So at midnight they call with a last minute place card and a long story about the people who showed up that weren’t supposed to.....yada, yada, yada.....
So armed with the knowledge that I can’t get dragged in if I don’t let them was a big help. It was good to finally learn that I don’t have to do everything for the client or I wouldn’t be considered a “professional”. I used to bend over backward trying to please them and now I tell them what I’ll do and what I don’t do and they can have me do it or go to someone else. I don’t have as many clients but I don’t think the small amount that I generally get paid is worth the headache. See what age does for you? My body feels worse but I’ve
developed a “Clue”.

I find it really great to have friends that do calligraphy. We talk over
pricing, how to execute something, how to deal with clients. I know that if I have a problem or need help I have a whole list of people to call. Isn’t that a wonderful way to live? And in some of those moments we are all sitting around working on artwork and having a discussion about whether a calligrapher must start with the basics to move on to free and expressive work or start somewhere in the middle if they have a natural talent for it...... How great is that!!!! Not a bad way to spend a morning or afternoon, huh?

Well, I’m looking forward to attending workshops, programs and parties with our members. Join us will you?

Love, DeAnn