Vendor Spotlight - Jan Boyd Calligraphy

We've had the pleasure of working with Jan for several occasions as her work is absolutely stunning. And since anything she does is to perfection, we just had to share her talents with everyone!

Company: Jan Boyd Calligraphy
Owner: Jan Boyd
Location: West Roxbury, Massachusetts
Phone: 617.327.6041
Website: www.janboyd.com


Years in Business: Since 1980 (so almost 30!)

Pricing Information: Pricing varies per request, but here are just some starting points for a few items.

-Place Cards start around $1.70 each
-Table Center Numbers and Names start around $5.00 each
-Envelopes start around $3.25 each
-Menus or Programs personalized with name start around $1.75 each
-Seating Scrolls (22"x28" - most common size) which includes up to 130 listings for approximately 225 guests is $400. Smaller and larger scrolls are priced upon request.

What makes me stand out with what I do: I have developed many, many different lettering styles over the years. I think I have about 30 on my website and I’m developing new ones all the time. With a basic, solid foundation in letter forms, I have learned to adapt lettering to match the style on each bride’s invitation – or to do a style that enhances the look of the invitation by being boldly different. If the invitation is printed in color, I hand-mix paint to come very close to an exact match for addressing the envelopes. I’m always learning and adapting to new styles, trends and colors. I also do “combo” styles on invitations so that if the invitation the couple has chosen has their names in script and the rest in block letters, for instance, I can replicate that look on the envelope. I have lots of samples on my site and in my studio for ideas and inspiration. I aspire to create envelopes that set the tone for the wedding. After all, it’s likely the first thing that the guests will have seen to herald the upcoming event.

I also feel that my studio stands out because of our professional approach to the business. I operate a full-time home studio, so doing lettering is not a hobby for me. My assistant and office manager, Ilene, manages all the details except the actual lettering. She goes over every list, checking with the bride for any missing details or questionable spellings, etc. She counts the list and envelopes to make sure there are plenty long before it’s a crisis (a list of 150 addresses and 125 envelopes, or inner envelopes that don’t fit into the outer envelopes has happened more than once!). In most cases Ilene also proofs my finished work before it leaves the studio. We are very accurate in meeting our deadlines – and are available and in constant contact for any issues that arise.

What’s the favorite part of my work? Creativity. I love meeting with a couple or a bride and her mom and brainstorming ideas about how to make calligraphy really add to the look of the wedding. From envelopes, invitations and place cards to signage, favor tags, menus, programs, bar signs, seating boards, gifts for bridesmaids, gifts for the bride and groom to give to each other, vows hand-calligraphed for the first anniversary (which is paper!)… etc., it’s an endless list of things that can be done. I love working with people who get excited about the possibilities ☺. My least favorite part is not having enough time – brides not knowing that they need to have planned ahead enough so that their envelopes get to me with enough time for me to hand letter each one. My normal turnaround is 2 weeks. I hate to disappoint people, but if I know I can’t meet their deadline, I’ll turn down the job.

What do I like to do in my spare time? I have learned that I need to have some “down time” in order to be my most creative and productive in my “up time”. I love to read, I paint watercolors and pastels, and I take weekly yoga and pilates classes. I usually take at least one master class a year with another calligrapher, and weekend classes in new techniques whenever I can. While my kids are grown, I love spending time with them whenever possible. My husband and I enjoy movies and gardening and great meals together (cooked by him!). I also travel to visit with my parents in Seattle at least 3 times a year.

Which charities am I supporting and why? I am supporting the American Cancer Society, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the ASPCA. All of those you support are very worthy of your involvement. We also support WGBH, Rosie’s Place, the Pan Mass challenge and are often involved with human service related agencies. My husband is a social worker (I was too, in a former pre-child life ☺) , so the myriad events run by his agency are a part of our lives.


Check out just a few examples of Jan's work...