An artist based in United States, Los Angeles
Nina Tran
Nina Tran is a beloved calligrapher and instructor, residing in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Her Instagram page inspires her over 54 thousand followers with her calligraphy adventures in Copperplate, Spencerian, Foundation, Gothicized Italic script, Fraktur … and she continues to add to her vast repertoire of calligraphic scripts as well as other related skills such as book-binding, watercolours, and so forth.
Well-loved as a calligraphy instructor in many parts of the world, Nina’s classes, both online and in-person, are always sold-out. Students testify to her ability to breakdown the most complex concepts into simple, doable steps. Nina shares her journey into calligraphy:
My first exposure to art was my grandfather’s sketches on the back of cardboard boxes using the end of burnt twigs when I was about 5 years old. I recall very clearly wanting to draw too and so he first taught me how to see. He said, “Don’t think of objects as whole things, but as pieces of shapes put together.” This may very well be my first memorable lightbulb moment.
My journey began with an attempt at modern calligraphy back in December 2014 when a friend invited me to help her calligraph signage for her wedding. Unfortunately, I did not apply this lesson from my grandfather to my early calligraphy practice and struggled so much that I nearly gave up after a month of frustrated dabbling (or maybe it was more like wrestling) with the pointed pen. In January 2015, I came across Dr. Gail Madalag’s Instagram account and I had the same lightbulb moment from childhood. A few months later, I was invited to join an Engrosser’s Script study group with Andrew H. and Judy Garcia. And, in July 2015, Dr. Vitolo reached out a helping hand to me and offered to give me feedback on my work. I was one lucky beginner to have such support – especially during a time when I was not aware of other resources.
Like so many others, my casual hobby turned into a fiery passion and obsession. While I love writing, there is nothing I love more than teaching and sharing the things that I have learned.”
Fans love Nina for her humour, humility and approachability as well as her pursuit of excellence and discipline in her art. Not one to look down on small beginnings, Nina usually has a word of encouragement for the struggling calligrapher.
“My goal is to inspire you to pick up a pointed pen and to help you along your calligraphy journey by sharing my personal experiences and the tips and tricks I have picked up along the way. Let’s do this!”
Mom to three wonderful children — Miles, Emily, and Alyson — Nina loves beach days, riding bikes, swimming, and reading books and exploring art together.
Nina was part of the Symbiosis II exhibition, working in the mentoring group led by Yukimi Annand, working with the theme Wearable Calligraphy — Calligraphic Textures. Visit Nina’s art in the exhibition gallery to see how she created scripts based on natural forms, and how she translated them into wearable art! Nina will also be hosting a sharing session about her daily journal project, as well as a Meet the Artist session where you will get a behind-the-scenes peek into her creative process during this mentoring journey.
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