The Joy of Modern Calligraphy is Joyce Lee’s first book with Search Press. Joyce is a modern calligrapher who works under the pen name Artsynibs. Set up in 2015, Artsynibs creates bespoke artwork, runs calligraphy workshops and collaborates with various companies including Dior, Bentley and John Lewis. Joyce has also co-created a range of modern calligraphy kits with British pen company Manuscript, and these are sold across Europe, Asia and North America.

We caught up with Joyce to find out a bit more about her new book, her inspiration, and her Search Press journey!

How are you, Joyce? How have you been coping during the pandemic?

I’m doing great! On a personal level, the pandemic’s been strangely good for my mental health with things slowing down and just having to stay home more. But just like everyone else, work has been more of a roller coaster ride from the start!

How did your passion for calligraphy and your company Artsynibs begin?

My then boyfriend (now husband) actually introduced me to calligraphy. I think I’ve always had an affinity for pen and ink, but it never really stuck until I handled the pointed pen for the first time!

Artsynibs only came to be a few years after I started my calligraphy journey. It began after our relocation to Manchester. I was in a season of my life where I was thinking hard about life and what I wanted to do with mine. Being in such a vibrant city really helped me pluck up the courage to take a chance on my creative passion!

So Artsynibs started in Manchester, in the Spring of 2015.

Where do you get your inspiration for your calligraphy?

I’m the sort who’s easily moved by words – be it song lyrics, lines from a movie or book, or even something someone said!

How does it feel to publish your first book?

It feels surreal to be honest! Perhaps it’s the inability to celebrate due to the pandemic that’s minimized this achievement, but either way, I still can’t believe I’ve actually done it.

What are your favourite sections from the book?

I thoroughly enjoyed writing Chapter 2 – Calligra-Life Lessons – because I’ve realized that the non-writing habits are equally as important as the writing ones!

Do you have any advice for novices starting on their calligraphy journeys?

Go easy on yourself! There’s this huge risk of falling into the comparison trap because of social media. Although calligraphy may seem like handwriting, it definitely isn’t! So expect that you’ll take time to improve, just like learning a new language!

What are you currently working on at the moment? Do you have any upcoming workshops or events that you’re running?

I’m currently working on my new programme – The Teaching Calligraphy Bootcamp. After years of teaching the craft, I’m now teaching aspiring calligraphy instructors how to teach calligraphy. So yes! From now until the end of the year, I’ve got my flagship Modern Calligraphy courses and this teaching Bootcamp scheduled!

Where can our readers and followers keep up with everything you’re up to?

I always joke that I live on social media, so you can find me on Instagram at @artsynibs!

The Joy of Modern Calligraphy is available now from Search Press, RRP £15.99.