Harley Richeaux has always been artistically inclined. She used to channel her talents through fashion and styling, but within the past few years, she has found herself drawn to a new creative outlet: calligraphy.
“I often describe my journey into calligraphy as more of a stumble down a rabbit hole than anything remotely intentional,” Richeaux said. “It began as doodles during classes while I was studying fashion merchandising at LSU, but it eventually caught my interest much more than my classes.”
Furthermore, she began to realize that fashion, while a great creative avenue for others, was more of a way for her to meet her own insecurities.
“Calligraphy, on the other hand, I found was much more life-giving,” she said. “I found that the more I learned and practiced the skill, the more I realized how much weight and power words hold, and that was what sold me on it.”
She credits the creative community in Baton Rouge for influencing her as an artist.
“Baton Rouge is overflowing with unique, creative people who set themselves apart with their willingness to push each other forward, rather than compete,” Richeaux said. “I think something about blending that Cajun, Southern culture with creativity produces a really special kind of support system that not everyone gets to experience in their craft.”
However, it was not until she took a year off of school to travel and serve in her local church that she was certain of her decision to pursue calligraphy professionally.
She launched her own calligraphy business, Wit & Fellow, in September 2016. Since then, she has worked on a variety of projects like wedding invitations and, more recently, calligraphy workshops.
Richeaux is now able to help build the same community that helped her find her way creatively. She taught her first workshop March 4 in Baton Rouge and plans to hold more in the future.
Having taught herself calligraphy by looking at others’ work, buying different supplies and trying new methods, she understands the struggle of beginning the process.
“This is one of the main reasons I love offering workshops — to help create an environment for others to learn the skill and thrive creatively without the middle process and wasted money of trying to figure it out on your own.”
Another aspect of workshops that appeals to Richeaux is the sense of togetherness they foster.
“It was so refreshing to see strangers come together and learn a new skill and gain a new community, all revolving around something that has brought me so much joy,” she said.
Richeaux said she’s had women of “all ages” in a single room, laughing and practicing together, some in groups of friends and some with no connection to anyone there, but they “all left with new connections and a new skill.”
While calligraphy is typically thought of as a more traditional art form, Richeaux is able to combine both old and new techniques through her company.
“Although I hand-letter and illustrate everything by hand first, I often digitalize or rasterize it so that it can be incorporated in a large-scale project like wedding invitations,” she said.
The faith that helped guide Richeaux to pursue calligraphy continues to play an equally important role in inspiring her on a daily basis.
“I draw inspiration from God and all that He has created first, which is why I think my work has a less structured and more earthy-organic feel to it,” she said.
Richeaux advises those who are considering a creative career path to find their source of inspiration and run from comparison.
“Don’t let competition or imitation steal what makes you unique, because you have something really special, and completely new to offer the world,” she said.

Gallery • 3 Photos

Courtesy of Harley Richeaux

Former University student Harley Richeaux launched her own calligraphy business, Wit & Fellow, in September 2016. She has recently begun a new venture, hosting workshops.