The Life of Letters

Laura Edralin
  • 5.0 (7)
  • VISUAL ARTS

A podcast on the history (and future) of calligraphy, penmanship, hand writing, lettering and much more. Hosted by me, Laura Edralin! I am on a journey to fill the gaps in my knowledge as a calligrapher, having light-hearted conversations with historians, artists, and stationery experts to discover the stories behind the pen and beneath the ink. This is for people who love the scratch of a nib on paper, who collect notebooks they’re too afraid to use, and who wonder what our writing says about us—past, present, and future. So, whether you're a calligraphy enthusiast, a history lover, or just curious about the stories behind the letters we write, join me for The Life of Letters. I’m not in this alone! This new podcast is produced by fellow calligraphy lover, Heidi Cullip. Follow us on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast Find Laura @lauraletterslife | lauraletterslife.com

  1. The Art of Tattooing Script: Where Calligraphy Meets Skin

    21 APR

    The Art of Tattooing Script: Where Calligraphy Meets Skin

    In this conversation, Kalo, a calligraphy instructor and tattoo artist, shares her journey from being influenced by her father's calligraphy to establishing her own business, Kalo Make Art. She discusses the evolution of her career, the challenges faced during political unrest and the pandemic, and her unique approach to tattooing that combines her calligraphy skills. Kalo also shares personal stories behind her tattoos, the process of designing meaningful tattoos for clients, and her involvement with the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH). The conversation highlights the beauty of handwriting, the significance of tattoos, and the importance of community in the art world. Here's a folder of images to accompany the episode, courtesy of Kalo. Find out more: Kalo's Website Kalo's Instagram - Calligraphy Kalo's Instagram - Tattoo IAMPETH - International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting -- If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:01:14) - Kalo's Journey into Calligraphy(00:04:03) - Transition to Teaching and Community Building(00:07:04) - The Evolution of Tattooing in Kalo's Work(00:09:34) - Personal Stories Behind Tattoos(00:12:15) - The Tattoo Process Explained(00:14:54) - Techniques and Challenges in Tattooing(00:19:37) - Dream Projects: Incorporating Manuscript Styles into Tattoos(00:21:15) - Personal Tattoos: Meaning and Significance(00:23:34) - IAMPETH: The Journey into Calligraphy and Community(00:29:46) - Memorable Projects: Commission for the Royal Family(00:32:59) - Kalo's Favourite Letter: Symbolism and Personal Connection

    37 min
  2. Exploring Etymology: The Origins of Words

    14 APR

    Exploring Etymology: The Origins of Words

    In this engaging conversation, Laura Edralin speaks with Richard Manning, founder of wordsecrets.org, about the fascinating world of etymology and the evolution of language. They explore the origins of words, the influence of culture on language, and how the digital age is transforming communication. Richard shares insights from his background in linguistics and his experiences in the civil service, highlighting the interconnectedness of languages and the importance of preserving linguistic diversity. The discussion also touches on personal reflections about favorite letters and words, emphasizing the ongoing journey of learning in the realm of language. To find out more about Richard visit his website and subscribe to receive his blog 'Secrets of the Words You Know'.  Richard mentions: - Dr George Gazis's epsiode from series four, listen here - Danny Bate's book 'Why Q Needs U' If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:01:57) - Defining etymology and its significance(00:03:26) - Richard Manning's journey into linguistics(00:05:25) - The influence of Friesland dialect on English(00:06:45) - The impact of Vikings and Scandinavian languages(00:08:23) - The Indo-European language family and its origins(00:10:54) - How languages evolve before written records(00:13:44) - The diversity of world languages and dialects(00:15:31) - Language contact and borrowing in the Philippines(00:16:41) - Language prestige and its effect on vocabulary(00:17:43) - English as a global lingua franca(00:20:14) - Common spelling patterns and anomalies in English(00:22:12) - The Great Vowel Shift and its historical significance(00:26:23) - The future of language in the digital age(00:29:37) - Language preservation and the impact of globalisation(00:30:49) - Favourite letter and word of Richard Manning

    39 min
  3. Creating Alphabets and Protest Signs with Chris Campe

    7 APR

    Creating Alphabets and Protest Signs with Chris Campe

    In this conversation, Laura Edralin interviews Chris Campe, a designer and writer based in Hamburg, Germany, who specialises in lettering and visual communication. They discuss Chris's journey into the world of lettering, the significance of letters as a medium, and the intersection of content and form in her work. Chris shares her experiences with analog and digital tools, her involvement in political expression through protest signs, and her publications on lettering. The conversation also touches on her teaching methods and the importance of finding one's unique voice in art. Find out more about Chris - visit her Website, connect on Instagram. Watch visual clips from this epside on The Life of Letters's Youtube channel. If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:11:04) - The Intersection of Text and Image(00:12:16) - Analog vs Digital: The Creative Process(00:19:10) - Protest Signs and Political Expression(00:25:57) - Overcoming Self-Doubt in Creative Work(00:27:05) - The Journey of Writing Books(00:33:36) - The Evolution of Chris's Books(00:37:52) - The Art of Lettering and Alphabets(00:45:47) - Teaching Lettering: Structure and Freedom

    53 min
  4. Written in Faith: Calligraphy, Kindness, and Community

    31 MAR

    Written in Faith: Calligraphy, Kindness, and Community

    In this conversation, Laura Edralin speaks with Angenise Rawls, a talented calligrapher and artist, about her journey into the world of calligraphy, the evolution of her business, and the impact of her faith on her art. Angenise shares her experiences of creating meaningful cards for her community, the importance of giving, and how her artistic practice has influenced her spiritual growth. The discussion highlights the connection between creativity and personal development, as well as the role of art in fostering connections with others. To find out more about Angenise, visit https://www.thegracefulpenstudio.com, on Youtube, or connect with Angenise on Instagram @thegracefulpenstudio. Mentioned in this episode: The Psalms of David: The Great Illuminated Psalter Dedicated to Queen Victoria --- If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:01:48) - How Angenise Found Calligraphy(00:05:12) - Early Learning and Practice(00:08:46) - Starting The Graceful Pen Studio(00:12:18) - Faith and Calligraphy(00:16:02) - Developing Her Style(00:19:28) - Meaningful Calligraphy Work(00:23:06) - The Power of Community(00:26:18) - Advice for New Calligraphers(00:29:08) - Reflections on the Journey

    32 min
  5. Redesigning the Streets of London

    24 MAR

    Redesigning the Streets of London

    In this conversation, Toshi Omagari, a typeface designer, shares his journey into typography, discussing key projects such as the City of London street names and his work on arcade game typography. He explains essential terminology in typography, the significance of kerning, and the challenges of designing typefaces for non-Latin scripts. Toshi also reflects on his favorite letters and the future trends in typeface design, particularly the impact of AI and the importance of diverse writing systems. View images of fonts and typefaces discussed in Toshi's epsiode. To find out more about Toshi, visit: www.tosche.net or connect with him on Instagram @toshiomagari. If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:01:45) - Discovering Letterforms(00:05:10) - From Japan to Type Design(00:09:30) - What Type Designers Do(00:14:05) - Reviving Historical Scripts(00:19:10) - Designing Multilingual Type(00:24:40) - Writing Systems and Cultural Context(00:29:20) - Tools and the Future of Typography(00:33:45) - Advice for Those Interested in Type and Lettering

    38 min
  6. How The Art of Printing Letters Has Changed

    17 MAR

    How The Art of Printing Letters Has Changed

    In this episode, Laura Edralin speaks with Kate Fishenden and Jonathan Mercer from Starch Green Studio about their creative journey, the tools they use, and how technology has influenced their design work. They discuss the importance of community, the evolution of design, and their favourite letters of the alphabet, highlighting the significance of typography in their work. To find out more about Kate and Jonathan, visit starchgreen.com or connect with them on Instagram @starch_green. Here's a folder of images to accompany the episode visually. If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:05:40) - The Journey of Starch Green Studio(00:09:46) - The Tools of the Trade(00:20:06) - The Evolution of Design and Technology(00:27:45) - Incorporating Letters into Design(00:48:39) - The Power of Self-Publishing and Technology(00:50:20) - Favourite Letters and Their Significance

    51 min
  7. Reviving the Art of Shorthand

    10 MAR

    Reviving the Art of Shorthand

    In this episode, Laura Edralin speaks with Devon, the creator of the Learn Gregg Shorthand project. They discuss the history and importance of shorthand, Devon's personal journey into learning and teaching shorthand, the current state of shorthand in society, and the intersection of shorthand with other writing forms like calligraphy. They also explore the community aspect of learning shorthand and the future of digital resources for teaching this valuable skill. View images that accompany the episode (i.e. 'Paracetamol') To find out more about Learn Gregg Shorthand visit LearnGreggShorthand.com, on substack as https://learngreggshorthand.substack.com or on socials as learn.gregg.shorthand: Instagram | Youtube | Tiktok. Devon's exciting new Gregg Shorthand course is now live, find out more here. Take the next step towards becoming a shorthand expert and enhancing your journal writing experience. Enroll now to unlock the secrets of shorthand reading and start your immersive learning journey today! --- If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:02:18) - How Devon Discovered Shorthand(00:06:42) - What Shorthand Is and How It Works(00:11:05) - Understanding the Symbols and Structure(00:15:32) - The Skill of Listening While Writing(00:19:58) - The Role of Shorthand Today(00:21:41) - Learning and Practising Shorthand(00:29:36) - Tools and Materials(00:33:12) - Meaningful Moments in Shorthand Work(00:37:08) - Why Shorthand Still Matters(00:40:12) - Final Thoughts and Reflections

    41 min
  8. Understanding the DNA of Letters (and making it a career) with Martina Flor

    3 MAR

    Understanding the DNA of Letters (and making it a career) with Martina Flor

    In this conversation, Martina Flor shares her inspiring journey from a graphic designer to an award-winning lettering artist. She discusses the importance of education, the craft of lettering, and how it allows for personal expression within constraints. Martina emphasises the significance of community and support in the creative process, as well as the importance of developing one's own style. She also shares insights into her favorite projects and the creative processes behind them, highlighting the role of teamwork in achieving success. Watch how the 'Futuremaker' piece came together here. To find out more about Martina Flor visit https://www.martinaflor.com/ or Instagram @martinaflor. More information for The Lettering Seminar mentioned, and Martina's Youtube channel. --- If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:01:28) - Martina's Journey into Hand Lettering(00:06:12) - The Importance of Community in Creativity(00:11:54) - Understanding the DNA of Letters(00:18:04) - Developing Your Own Lettering Style(00:21:41) - Favourite Projects and Creative Processes(00:27:41) - Building a Community and Giving Back(00:36:15) - Favourite Letter and Its Significance

    40 min
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About

A podcast on the history (and future) of calligraphy, penmanship, hand writing, lettering and much more. Hosted by me, Laura Edralin! I am on a journey to fill the gaps in my knowledge as a calligrapher, having light-hearted conversations with historians, artists, and stationery experts to discover the stories behind the pen and beneath the ink. This is for people who love the scratch of a nib on paper, who collect notebooks they’re too afraid to use, and who wonder what our writing says about us—past, present, and future. So, whether you're a calligraphy enthusiast, a history lover, or just curious about the stories behind the letters we write, join me for The Life of Letters. I’m not in this alone! This new podcast is produced by fellow calligraphy lover, Heidi Cullip. Follow us on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast Find Laura @lauraletterslife | lauraletterslife.com

Information

  • Creator
    Laura Edralin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Life of Letters

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