The Life of Letters

Laura Edralin
  • 5.0 (3)
  • 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. 9h ago

    Designing the Scripts for The Lord of the Rings

    In this episode, Laura is joined by Daniel Reeve, the calligrapher behind some of the most iconic props in cinematic history. Daniel shares his remarkable journey from a childhood fascination with Tolkien's scripts to becoming the person responsible for bringing the written world of Middle-earth to life on screen in both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. From the intricate maps and invented scripts to the legendary Red Book and the ring inscription itself, Daniel walks us through the painstaking and deeply creative process of designing authentic lettering for a world that had to feel truly real. We explore the role calligraphy plays in storytelling and film production, the challenges of working on props that millions of people would scrutinise, and why authenticity and character in script design matters so much… especially when the source material is as beloved as Tolkien's. A fascinating and wonderfully detailed conversation about what happens when a lifelong passion becomes the work of a lifetime. Find out more about Daniel: www.danielreeve.co.nz. Connect with him at danielreeveartist on Facebook, or @reevedf on Instagram. - 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! 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 lauraletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. Chapters (00:04:22) - Getting the call from the Lord of the Rings film team(00:08:56) - Creating scripts for different races and cultures in Middle-earth(00:13:41) - The making of the iconic ring inscription and its filming(00:19:16) - The significance of the Red Book and its storytelling role(00:20:03) - Designing scripts for hobbits and other characters(00:23:18) - The challenge of writing upside down and fixing mistakes(00:25:02) - The multiple actors and doubles behind Bilbo’s character(00:27:51) - Creating the Middle-earth maps and the process involved(00:34:37) - The evolution of the Burglar Contract in The Hobbit(00:36:52) - The extensive process of creating the map for the films(00:44:30) - The style guide and its importance in film merchandise

    Designing the Scripts for The Lord of the Rings

  2. Season 7 Trailer

    Series 7 Trailer: Magic & Mystery

    Our podcast producer, Heidi Cullip, introduces the next series of The Life of Letters with, me, your host, Laura Edralin. We explore this series' theme exploring the enchanting world of Japanese calligraphy, ancient scripts, and the cultural magic behind letter crafting in this episode. Discover stories from New Zealand, Japan, Ireland, Norway, and more, revealing the rich history and modern mysteries of writing. Find out about the line up, get excited about the conversations and a sneak peek of what's in store for series 7! If you’re enjoying The Life of Letters Podcast, it would mean the world if you could follow or subscribe, leave a quick review, or share the episode with a friend. Every little action helps more people discover the calming, creative world of calligraphy and lettering.️ 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 lauraletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✍️ ✨ Want to bring a little calm and creativity into your own life? Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook.

    Series 7 Trailer: Magic & Mystery

  3. Aug 25

    Ghost Signs and the Art of Lettering

    In this episode, Laura is joined by Sam Roberts - editor of BLAG magazine, the world's only magazine dedicated to sign painting craft, community and culture - for a fascinating conversation about the art of sign painting, ghost signs and the timeless craft of lettering. Sam shares his journey from writing about signs since 2007 to building a global community of sign painters through events, films, books, and now BLAG itself. They explore how a passion for lettering on walls and windows has fostered connections across the world and what the future holds for this beautifully human art form. A wonderful note to end the series on. ️✨ As a special thank you to The Life of Letters listeners, Sam is offering exclusive discounts on BLAG: $30 off the annual plan for the first year - just $89 instead of $119: https://bl.ag/lol30 25% off the monthly plan for the first year - just $9/month instead of $12/month: https://bl.ag/lol25 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 (00:02:01) - Sam's Journey: From London to Sign Painting Enthusiast(00:03:45) - Discovering Ghost Signs and Their Significance(00:07:03) - Building a Community Through Archives and Publications(00:10:01) - The Evolution and Resurgence of Sign Craftsmanship(00:14:58) - Creating Books and Magazines to Preserve the Craft(00:20:12) - The Design and Production of the Sign Painting Magazine(00:25:09) - Surprising Elements in the Magazine's Layout and Inserts(00:29:58) - The Future of Sign Painting and Challenges from AI(00:40:08) - Personal Reflections and the Sign Painting Community(00:47:54) - Favourite Letters and Final Thoughts

    Ghost Signs and the Art of Lettering

  4. Aug 18

    'Follow Your Art': Unlocking Your Creative Voice with Goodtype

    In this episode, Laura is joined by Katie Johnson and Ilana Griffo - the duo behind Goodtype, one of the most vibrant and beloved communities for lettering artists and designers. They share how they met in 2017 and built something truly special together, the creative journeys that brought them both to lettering, and why community has been at the heart of everything they do. They also talk about their new book Follow Your Art - a beautiful guide to help artists discover and embrace their own unique style. A joyful, inspiring conversation that will leave you wanting to pick up a pen immediately. Good Type - Official Website - https://goodtype.us  Good Type - Instagram https://instagram.com/goodtype Ilana Griffo - Instagram - https://instagram.com/ilanagriffo  Katie Johnson - Instagram - https://instagram.com/katiejohnson 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 (00:01:40) - The Formation of a Creative Partnership(00:04:33) - Artistic Evolution and Collaboration(00:07:06) - Navigating Freelance Challenges(00:09:26) - Building a Supportive Community(00:12:25) - The Good Type Community and Its Growth(00:15:18) - Educational Initiatives and Events(00:20:56) - The Evolution of Good Type(00:21:41) - Unlocking Creativity Through 'Follow Your Art'(00:23:22) - Finding Your Unique Style(00:27:00) - Engaging with the Book's Content(00:29:43) - Book Launch and Author Experience(00:32:50) - The Importance of Imperfection in Creativity(00:36:45) - The Challenges of Letter Design

    'Follow Your Art': Unlocking Your Creative Voice with Goodtype

  5. Aug 11

    Endangered Alphabets and What Happens When You Write By Hand

    In this episode, Laura is joined by Tim Brookes, founder of the Endangered Alphabets Project, for a fascinating conversation about the minority scripts around the world that are at risk of disappearing, and why it matters so much that we fight to save them. Tim shares the origins of his passion for carving and writing, how a personal hobby grew into a global activism effort and the profound cultural and spiritual significance of writing itself. They also explore the joy of writing by hand, the impact it has on personal expression and mental health, and the grassroots movements bringing endangered scripts back to life. A conversation that will make you look at every letter you write with fresh eyes. Endangered Alphabets - Official Website Atlas of Endangered Alphabets Tim Brookes on Twitter 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 (00:03:01) - The Genesis of a Passion: Carving and Writing(00:05:57) - The Evolution of the Project: From Hobby to Activism(00:09:08) - Global Perspectives: Scripts and Their Stories(00:12:01) - Cultural Significance: The Spirituality of Writing(00:14:47) - Innovative Approaches: Games and Education(00:18:09) - Exploring Unique Scripts: Beyond Traditional Writing(00:20:51) - The Performance of Writing: A Multi-Dimensional Activity(00:24:12) - Cultural Identity and Endangered Scripts(00:29:11) - Grassroots Movements for Script Revival(00:30:04) - Exploring the Impact of Handwriting(00:39:15) - The Art of Writing by Hand(00:45:14) - The Joy of Handwriting and Personal Expression

    Endangered Alphabets and What Happens When You Write By Hand

  6. Aug 4

    Designing for the Page: Book Covers and Beyond

    In this episode, Laura is joined by calligraphy and type designer Matthias Hertzberg for a fascinating look at his creative process, influences and projects - including a unique book cover and custom fonts that push the boundaries of letterforms. If you thought you knew what letters could do, this one might just change your mind. Matthijs’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/herzbergdesignco Matthijs’s Website - https://herzbergdesign.com  Sinistral Hand by Phaedra Charles - https://undercase.xyz/media/pages/custom/a-guide-to-sinistral-hand/2af7767931-1658855020/sinistralguide_072622.pdf  FontLab Software - https://fontlab.com 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 (00:08:42) - Designing Book Covers: A Case Study(00:12:17) - Exploring Favourite Projects and Retail Fonts(00:18:31) - The Creative Process: From Sketch to Digital(00:22:47) - Understanding Monograms and Ligatures(00:29:11) - The Emotional Connection to Seeing Your Work(00:30:15) - Favourite Letters and Cultural Significance(00:32:59) - Exploring Letters Through Books

    Designing for the Page: Book Covers and Beyond

  7. Jul 28

    From Me To You: Letters of Hope

    In this episode, Laura sits down with Alison Hitchcock who shares her remarkable journey from a city career to founding a letter writing charity, and the extraordinary power that heartfelt letters can have in healing and transforming lives. A beautiful conversation about what can happen when we slow down, pick up a pen and truly connect with another person.  From Me To You - Charity Website - https://www.frommetoyouletters.co.uk/about  A Diagnosis and an Unbreakable Friendship - Book - https://www.frommetoyouletters.co.uk/the-book/p/from-me-to-you-the-book  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frommetoyouletters/  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 (00:02:04) - From Personal Connection to Charitable Mission(00:09:30) - Creating Community Through Letters(00:15:02) - The Logistics of Letter Writing(00:18:18) - Heartfelt Stories from the Letters(00:21:40) - The Therapeutic Power of Letter Writing(00:29:10) - From Me To You: A Journey of Friendship(00:34:36) - Connecting Through Community Events

    From Me To You: Letters of Hope

  8. Jul 21

    The World of India’s Street Art: History, Diversity and Design

    In this episode, Laura is joined by Pooja Saxena who shares her wonderful journey into the world of calligraphy, typography and Indian scripts. Together they explore the rich history and extraordinary diversity of letter forms, and what the future might hold - with an emphasis on cultural context and why accessibility in design matters so much. A rich and inspiring conversation that reminds us just how wide and wonderful the world of letters really is. Matra Type - Pooja Saxena's Practice - https://matratype.com / Instagram - https://instagram.com/matratype  Alphabet Soup - Book by Women Typeface Designers - https://example.com/alphabet-soup  My Typographical Eye, Issue № 12 / Pixel Type & Needlework: https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?u=00db3d2423772a3f86d6e22a1&id=4fa7cefeef  FontStruct - Modular Typeface Tool - https://fontstruct.com 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 (00:02:20) - Pooja's Journey into Typography(00:04:26) - Understanding Indian Scripts(00:08:45) - The Technical Aspects of Scripts(00:10:54) - Pooja's Favourite Scripts and Design Preferences(00:12:38) - The Motivation Behind India Street Lettering(00:14:55) - Collecting Visual References(00:16:25) - The Intersection of Needlework and Typography(00:23:09) - Hopes for the Future of Indian Scripts(00:25:25) - Pooja's Favourite Letters and Closing Thoughts(00:30:52) - Exploring Letters Through Books

    The World of India’s Street Art: History, Diversity and Design
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Life of Letters

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