Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Sutachan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hi, I’m Melissa! I’m a calligraphy writer, sign maker, and amateur artist. Most importantly, I’m a proud mom to a sweet one-year-old, Emma Belle. I’ve always found joy in creating beautiful things with writing and fell in love with cursive at a young age after learning it in grade school. What started as a fun hobby—making custom signs for friends and family—quickly turned into something more. From welcome signs to personalized invitations, the demand grew, and so did my love for it. It brings me immense happiness knowing I can help make someone’s special day even more memorable with a custom wedding sign or birthday banner featuring their favorite characters and being part of their special day in one form or another.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting something new is always nerve-racking—but honestly, just starting is the hardest part. As an artist, there’s a delicate balance between knowing what’s “good enough” and having the courage to put your work out into the world. We can be our own worst critics. My first paper banner was one I created for my daughter’s first birthday earlier this year, using leftover paper from painting her nursery. It was my first time using paint to hand letter—a totally new medium for me—but it ended up being so fun and therapeutic to create something so personal! I wasn’t worried about how perfect it looked; I just knew it would be a cherished memory for her birthday. Once I posted the sign and shared the process, my following grew overnight and requests for banners as well. That simple project unexpectedly opened new doors for me to share my art. It taught me to try something new, see how it goes, and adjust from there!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
You can see all my work online-mostly on Instagram. Through postings I’ve learned that there’s a real appreciation for the behind-the-scenes—people love seeing the process of how signs and ideas come together! There’s something so calming and almost therapeutic about watching pretty handwriting and art come to life. What excites me most is turning that curiosity into something others can experience too! I always hear ‘I wish I could write like that or I wish I could learn!’ I’m thrilled to be starting a new venture as a calligraphy instructor with Sip & Script, and I can’t wait to share the art of calligraphy with others this summer! I took a class myself last year and was blown away at the community of artists sharing their work online and teaching calligraphy all over the country!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to connect with me is by joining one of my modern calligraphy classes! I’ll be offering workshops in North County San Diego and Temecula/Inland area very soon. These classes are perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a fun and creative outlet. Whether you come on your own or bring a friend, it’s always so rewarding to try something new in a relaxed, supportive setting with others learning alongside you. I’ll also be sharing new projects, behind-the-scenes content, and plenty of calligraphy inspiration over on Instagram — follow along at @signedby_melissa! Come say hi!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signedby_melissa
Image Credits
-Photo of Emma and I is @wildwestxphotography
-Photo with flower cart was taken at Anthropologie event in Carlsbad, CA by @nestandstem
-Clipboard was customer order for teacher appreciation day
