Hi, I'm Ellie Heywood, a calligrapher, lettering artist and sign writer. I work on various projects, anything to do with letters really, but I specialise in blackletter calligraphy & blackletter scripts.
Did your love for letters start early?
Definitely! I’ve found old cards and leaflets I made as a kid. They were full of decorative borders, bubble letters, and extravagant styles of writing. I think my pull towards letterforms started then. Art has always been part of my life—I can’t imagine not creating.
Did you have an “aha” moment about your lettering journey?
Not one big moment, but lots of small ones over the years. During my final year of university, I felt frustrated because I knew my work wasn’t where I wanted it to be. I practiced relentlessly, and gradually, I’d have moments where everything clicked. One pivotal step was an online class with Luca Barcellona around 2018 or 2020—it was a game-changer.
Why should someone create their own fonts?
It depends on what you’re aiming for. If you’re a designer wanting to make unique fonts quickly, or just exploring typography, creating custom fonts is invaluable. Tools like broad nibs, brushes, or even pencils help you learn the anatomy of letters. Plus, creating by hand keeps the art of calligraphy and lettering alive in our digital age.
What’s your experience with font creation tools?
I’ve made fonts using Glyphs and Glyphs Mini—both great but a bit daunting for beginners. For someone starting out, Fontself Maker is a better choice. It’s intuitive, and seeing your designs turn into fonts instantly is so motivating. It eliminates the steep learning curve that other tools might have.
What impressed you most about Fontself on iPad?
Drawing directly into vector format was a revelation. Traditionally, converting sketches to digital mockups and then vectors is a lengthy process. With the Fontself app, you can draw directly with your Apple Pencil, and it’s immediately a vector. It’s perfect for lettering projects—I’m excited to explore it further.
Do you have a creative ritual?
Not really—it depends on the day. Coffee helps, as does music. For calligraphy, I do warm-ups like writing the alphabet with an “N” between each letter. Sometimes, if my hand isn’t cooperating, I’ll take a break and try again tomorrow.
How do you tackle creative blocks?
When I’m stuck, I do something completely different—a run, gymnastics, or yoga. Shifting energy often clears my mind. Another trick is starting with random scribbles or drawing something unrelated to letters. It sparks creativity and brings a fresh perspective.
Where do you see the lettering industry in the next 5–10 years?
AI is an unknown territory, but I’m not worried. People value human expression, and hand-drawn letterforms will always hold a special place. Accessibility is also increasing, which means more people can experiment with fonts and typography. It’s exciting to see where it goes.
Who inspires you?
There are so many people, difficult to choose! I’m particularly fascinated by sign writers and calligraphers, but if I had to pick one person it's Snooze One, a lettering artist from Germany. He’s incredibly creative and experiments with so many materials and very different analog & digital processes—plus, he’s an absolutely lovely human being!
What songs are you loving right now?
I’ve been hooked on Ewa Inu by KOKOROKO, A Long Time by Mayer Hawthorne, and Piece of My Heart by Janis Joplin. They’re soulful and uplifting—perfect for getting into a creative flow.
One more thing...
Ellie created a gorgeous custom app icon & splash screen for Fontself on iPad. These easter eggs are exclusively available from her Instagram profile @elettr. Check them out!
PS: wanna watch the whole interview in video, because why not?
