Touring Kristara Calligraphy’s Houston Studio

Calligraphy art has become ever popular and workshops to learn the pretty trade are in high demand. Kristara Schnippert offers just that with Kristara Calligraphy, her business that bloomed out of a childhood hobby. Her gorgeous array of hand-written calligraphies can be seen all over wedding invitations, commercial materials, and her office. We’re touring her bright, brick-walled, minimalistic, and inspiring calligraphy studio on our business blog today and picking her creative brain on how she got here, and what’s next.

Name: Kristara Schnippert
Company: Kristara Calligraphy
Title: Owner & Creative Director
City: Houston, Texas

Kristara Calligraphy Studio Tour - Inspired by This

Tell us a little about Kristara Calligraphy and your inspiration for this space! 

Kristara Calligraphy specializes in teaching the art of lettering and creating bespoke calligraphy. I’ve worked with brands like Omega, Kendra Scott and Madewell and been featured in numerous print and online publications.

As far as my studio, I wanted a space that would represent me without sacrificing functionality. That’s why you’ll find that most of the objects in my studio serve multiple purposes. For example, my desk is on rollers, so I can use it as a portable workstation when I need to. The hanging gallery wall adds dimension and color, but it’s also my portfolio. And I use the giant chalkboard wall to teachmy classes, but I also draw on it for statement art and fun photo backdrops.

Kristara Calligraphy Studio Tour - Inspired by This Kristara Calligraphy Studio Tour - Inspired by This

Kristara Calligraphy Studio Tour - Inspired by This

Kristara Calligraphy Studio Tour - Inspired by This Kristara Calligraphy Studio Tour - Inspired by This

When did you start calligraphy? What drove you to start your own business?

A lot of people are surprised to find out I’ve been doing calligraphy since I was 12. I found a book at my grandma’s house and fell in love. I never thought I would become a professional calligrapher, but it all happened very organically. Working in advertising, I was always surrounded by gorgeous typography. And when all of my friends started getting married, guess who got tricked into helping them with all of their calligraphy?

After 7 (awesome and sometimes crazy) years in the advertising industry as a writer, I decided to follow my dreams and officially start my business. Now I’m using my background in writing to develop an online calligraphy class and a how-to book on modern calligraphy. I’m really excited to announce that they’re going to be out later this fall!

Kristara Calligraphy Studio Tour - Inspired by ThisKristara Calligraphy Studio Tour - Inspired by This

Your space is so bright and pretty! What goes on here on a daily basis?

I’m always doing something different in my studio. Some days I’ve got paper spread out across every flat surface. Others, I’m hosting a photo shoot. But most of the time, I use my space to teach private and public monthly calligraphy classes. That’s why it’s so important for me to have a space that inspires creativity and makes people happy (the cookies help, too).

Kristara Calligraphy Studio Tour - Inspired by This

Kristara Calligraphy Studio Tour - Inspired by This Kristara Calligraphy Studio Tour - Inspired by This

Kristara Calligraphy Studio Tour - Inspired by This

Do you have a favorite vignette?

It’s really hard to pick, but I’d have to say my favorite part of my studio is my 16-ft-high chalkboard wall. It’s literally a blank slate with so much potential. I love doodling things on it when I have time. And it’ll always have a special place in my heart because we used it as the backdrop of our pregnancy announcement!

 

Kristara Calligraphy Studio Tour - Inspired by This

We’re sure as a calligraphy artist you get to work on a lot of fun projects, what has been one of the most unique ways you have been able to use your talent? 

Most people only associate calligraphy with weddings. But it doesn’t stop there. I’ve done calligraphy and hand lettering for bar menus, corporate events, brand videos, and more. I especially love doing on-site calligraphy for my clients because people have so much fun watching me write.

Kristara Calligraphy Studio Tour - Inspired by This Kristara Calligraphy Studio Tour - Inspired by This

If I wasn’t a calligrapher I would be a: Writer

What gets me going on a Monday morning: Coffee, lots of coffee

Design style crush: 
Joy Cho of Oh Joy!

Secret talent: 
Yoda voice

I can’t live without: Pizza

Kristara Calligraphy Studio Tour - Inspired by This

 

 

Vendors

Calligraphy: Kristara Calligraphy
Photography: Carr Cormier Photography
Flowers: Maxit Flower Design
Paper Flower Installation: Blome’s Paperie
Custom Barnwood Table: MM Craftsmen

 

11 responses to “Touring Kristara Calligraphy’s Houston Studio

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.