MEET THE PENWOMAN

I'm Karissa, a lawyer turned calligrapher. I studied photography and Japanese at the College of Charleston but left my creative life behind to pursue a law degree. Missing my artistic side after law school, I went to my local craft store and bought a calligraphy starter kit. What started as a way to occupy my new free time turned into a life passion for studying traditional rules of calligraphy and then breaking the rules to create my own styles.

My inspirations include fashion, flora and fauna, the Victorian Era, Medieval heraldry, Japanese culture, mahjong, and children's book illustration.

SELECT PRESS

COLLABORATIONS

Clive Christian Perfume

Garden & Gun

Kendra Scott

Maker's Mark

Sarah Bray Bermuda

I hold a Certificiate of Proficiency in Engrosser's Script with the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting, where I serve on the Board, and have studied with several Master Penmen.

My studio is based out of my 113 year old mill house in a small town in South Carolina with my husband and menagerie of animals.

Pretty Written Things proudly advocates for and supports LGBTQIA+/BIPOC clients.