Modern Calligraphy and Botanical Lettering

The art of calligraphy has evolved beyond tradition, merging expressive mark-making with contemporary design. For UK-based illustrator and lettering artist Jessie Bayliss, this fusion of classic and modern techniques lies at the heart of her practice. Known for her nostalgic, botanical illustrations and refined Victorian-inspired lettering, Jessie demonstrates how calligraphy and Fineliner work can be elevated into dynamic, characterful compositions.

Modern Calligraphy Techniques

Modern calligraphy allows artists to explore rhythm, flow and spontaneity, balancing control with the freedom of expressive ink. Jessie begins her process by creating a fluid foundation — laying down a light water wash before introducing rich calligraphy inks that move and merge organically across the page. Tilting the surface slightly encourages the pigments to run together, creating intricate tonal blends that serve as an atmospheric backdrop for lettering.

Once the ink has settled, she turns her attention to structure and precision. Working on a marker pad, Jessie practises her letterforms and flourishes, finding the right movement and spacing before committing to her final composition. With a dip pen and metallic ink, she builds each letter with intention, weaving together delicate strokes and bold gestures.

Her approach is both deliberate and intuitive. “It’s nice to mix upper and lower case in a composition,” she explains, using words like ‘of’ and ‘or’ as opportunities to play with open counters, graceful serifs and the rhythm of the piece as a whole. Jessie’s calligraphy is as much about balance as it is about flourish. Each curve and cross stroke contributing to a composition that feels harmonious and alive.

She often finishes her lettering with fine decorative details such as a constellation of tiny stars or a scattering of gold speckles flicked from a dry brush. The result is a piece that feels both timeless and spontaneous, shimmering with energy and craft.

Fineliner lettering with botanical elements

While her calligraphy celebrates movement and flow, Jessie’s fineliner work embodies precision and structure. She begins with quick compositional sketches, using rough rectangles to explore different layouts before selecting one that feels most balanced. This preparatory stage, she notes, is essential for client work, allowing for quick iteration and refinement of ideas.

Her chosen composition features serif letters entwined with botanical motifs, merging typography with natural form. The initial pencil sketch is carefully built up with ink, starting with crisp outlines that define the letter shapes. Using a variety of fineliner nibs, Jessie adds layers of detail — thicker lines to anchor the composition, finer strokes for delicate veins, petals and vines.

Cross-hatching brings depth to the foliage, while block-filled letters create contrast and visual weight. The result is an interplay between structure and softness, where typographic discipline meets organic ornamentation.

One of Jessie’s key considerations is the permanence of her materials. The fineliners she uses contain water-resistant, non-fading ink — essential for combining pen work with watercolour or ink washes without risk of smudging. This also allows her to scan the artwork at high resolution and explore digital colouring options, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern versatility.