Meet Kathy Milici

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Milici.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve had a love of letters since childhood. Thank goodness my parents were aware people, and they nurtured and encouraged me any way they could as a young child, from trips to the library to take out lettering books to purchasing art/writing supplies for me. As I got older, my passion for letters just continued to get stronger and stronger. I became a professional calligrapher at the age of 19. Forty years later, here I am! I pinch myself every day, because I get to do what I love for a living now!

Please tell us about your art.
I’m a professional calligrapher & designer, teacher, author and mentor.

As a calligrapher, I specialize in wedding work and corporate commissions; anything that involves beautiful writing. This includes envelope addressing, menu design, wedding vows, certificates, diplomas, poetry, logos, etc. My work doesn’t always center around writing on paper, or work for reproduction. Over the years, I’ve been asked to write on umbrellas, wine bottles, rocks, crystal paperweights, walls, windows, furniture, and most recently, a ukulele! I never know what I’ll be asked to write on next! My work, more specifically, involves Ornamental Penmanship and Flourishing from the 18th and 19th century. That’s what I’m known for the most.

I started teaching basic calligraphy in small groups in 1979, but only in the past 9 years, I have developed a large social media following, which has dovetailed into national invitations to teach at state calligraphy guilds, arts organizations, and international calligraphy conferences. I also have a healthy private student list. My teaching style is classical, light and fun, and based on historic foundations. I think of myself as a “letter technician.” Sharing what I know with others is a great joy in my life.

We all know that writing by hand is what makes us human. My mission is to preserve the art of beautiful writing. In fact, that’s still my business tag line, one that I’ve trademarked! It’s vital that we keep writing by hand. We mustn’t let this amazing art form die out in the next generation. Luckily, calligraphy is in a huge renaissance now, thanks to social media. The irony of that isn’t lost on me! Also, cursive penmanship and fountain pen clubs are becoming very popular now in schools. No matter what happens with technology, there will always be groups of kids who love handwriting!

As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
To me, success is being the best that you can be, right at this moment. If we are always listening, learning, striving and bettering ourselves each day, that’s success.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I’ve been so lucky to have my work chosen for magazines and publications, like Cooking Light, Pen world, Dasherie, Brides, Contemporary Bride, Brides NJ, The Knot, and Paper and Ink Arts.

Most recently, the 100th anniversary edition of The Speedball Textbook and the book “The Complete Guide to Bible Journaling,” by Joanne Fink.

Contact Info:

• Website: kathymilicicreative.com
• Phone: 973-300-0331
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathymilicicreative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathymilicicreative
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/kathymilicicreative/

Image Credit:
Kathy Milici Creative.

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