After starting my business in Key West, I am now based out of my home studio in Dunedin, Florida. I service the general Tampa Bay area and I also travel to teach workshops and do live event calligraphy, bottle painting, and engraving!
Hi, I’m Margot! I’m so glad that you are here.
“What an absolute pleasure working with Margot. From start to finish she was amazing. We took our full length mirror from our house and had her make it the seating assignment chart! It was such a hit and everyone loved it!!!!
-Laura and Eric
Looking for a whimsical, creative calligrapher who can make whatever your heart desires? From hand drawn maps to traditional envelopes & verses, I’m your girl. I specialize in bespoke artwork and one of a kind projects, eat dessert for breakfast, and LOVE to celebrate love in all its forms.
Let’s make something fun!
Here’s my story…
I graduated from Trinity College in 2006 with a degree in studio arts, focusing on oil painting with a minor in architecture. Having no desire at the time to become a commercial artist, I joined the maritime industry, sailing to Key West and ending up back in New England at the International School of Yacht Restoration. Two years of wooden boatbuilding and historical preservation later (and a preview of working slowly and with precision,) I moved back to Key West with my now husband and the knowledge that my passion lies in working with my hands on traditional, functional art. Eventually I added Eco Tour Guide to my list of jobs and realized how much I love experiential education. These days I spend about half my work week teaching people calligraphy and watercolors!
In 2016 I decided to focus my artistic energy on learning calligraphy. My first jobs were often menu-lettering projects done after hours in chalk marker while balanced atop bars or curled awkwardly around equipment at local restaurants. I eventually added watercolor painting and paper-cutting to my offerings, then won a grant to teach free local workshops and continued to provide classes. Teaching has taken me to several states and allowed me to connect with hundreds of people. Recently I have enjoyed studying some more traditional forms of broad edge calligraphy and started practicing the art of hand engraving and hot foiling. I love learning new aspects of calligraphy and remaining versatile in the art that I produce. I’m still inspired by the coastal scenery and wildlife I spent so many years working alongside. I especially love being able to share in others’ special moments and I’m so grateful to work with my clients!
Media Interviews
Get to know me a little bit through print articles, a podcast episode, and a live TV appearance!
https://www.fox13news.com/video/1432428
http://voyagetampa.com/interview/daily-inspiration-meet-margot-griffin/
https://canvasrebel.com/meet-margot-griffin/
https://versachalk.com/blogs/chalkboard-101/the-awesome-double-life-of-an-artist-sailor
Wondering what a calligrapher does?
It’s a little different for all of us so I’ll give you my answer! “Calligraphy” literally translates to “beautiful writing” and for me that includes writing on paper with a nib, using a brush on a wall, and writing with a paint pen on a piece of acrylic. I’m not picky about my medium and I even offer digital calligraphy, done on a tablet and ready to reproduce. I am NOT a graphic designer and I prefer not to use premade graphics created by other artists. I don’t mind using fonts, which are typed, as part of a stationery design; however, they are not my forte and my expertise is very limited. What does that mean for you? It means that I only take on projects that include a hand lettered or hand painted aspect.
Take a look through my portfolio and website and make sure you like my style before requesting a commission! While I can emulate a general look (let’s say Art Noveau or The Roaring 20’s,) my calligraphy reflects my own personal hand and will never look exactly like another calligrapher’s. But yes, I’d be happy to reproduce your great Grandma’s chocolate chip cookie recipe to the best of my abilities!
