An Artistic Touch: Studio Heidi, Calligraphy & Live Illustration Artist

There is something undeniably romantic about the flourish of ink across paper, the sweep of a brush, or the delicate lines that capture a fleeting moment. In the age of instant imagery, calligraphy and live illustration offer something rarer — a keepsake that feels timeless, personal, and imbued with artistry. At weddings and events, these touches elevate the experience, weaving beauty into every detail and gifting guests a piece of the day to cherish forever.

We spoke with Heidi Sangster, a calligrapher and live illustrator whose work has been enchanting couples and their guests, bringing a sense of poetry and craftsmanship to modern celebrations.

Your artistry feels like it belongs to another time, yet it’s so beautifully at home in modern celebrations. What first inspired you to pick up the pen and brush, and how has your creative journey unfolded?

Thank you. Interesting you say that, I feel like calligraphy’s always been with me. Ever since I picked up a pointed pen (pen holder with a nib attached to the end) and dipped it in ink and started writing, at 8 years old on an excursion to Sovereign Hill, an olde town in Victoria, it’s always felt natural to me, a space to be playful and serious. It transcends time, marrying old and new, crossing all eras, and brings me great joy and peace. One of the last ones to be taught copperplate in the classroom, I am forever grateful I was shown the value of good penmanship and the importance of the craft of calligraphy from the beginning. In a modern world, I believe it still has great beauty and purpose, and has the ability to move people. Since starting my calligraphy journey it has seen me write personal love letters to lover’s lost, help brands make their mark in the industry, and has enabled me to offer the gift of personalisation and customer/guest experience to the corporate world. I am lucky enough to be doing what I love every day.

Artist Heidi Sangster in her Melbourne Studio.

Live illustration has become one of the most enchanting trends we’re seeing at weddings and events. Why do you think couples are falling in love with this idea, and what kind of magic does it bring to the day?

It brings an excitement because people love seeing themselves drawn. Having an Artist there, live, in front of you, sketching you is showstopper, watching the strokes of paint fly across the paper, the quick sketch of a pencil, with the Artist’s own style is nothing short of magic . It creates a unique experience for guests who are dressed to the nines and feeling the high of the event by capturing a moment in time for them to take home. It leaves them talking long after the event, and I absolutely love providing this service

When you’re sketching live, there’s such an intimacy in capturing a moment in real time. Can you share what that process feels like for you, and how you manage to reflect the essence of your subjects so quickly?

There really is. With practice I’ve got better at looking at my subject matter and capturing what stands out best - key elements - like a glass of champers, a bestie hug, a favourite handbag. This brings joy and happiness to the guests, especially because all their favourite things are on paper. I’ll often have a few people watching me as I sketch and I love the delight in their eyes as they study what I’m doing. Capturing guests quickly is something I’ve been training for my whole artistic life and I try not to the think too much whilst doing it, I just let my hand flow. It’s as magic to me as the guests receiving it

“Live illustration captures not just a likeness, but the very essence of a moment.”

In a world so often dominated by digital, your hand-drawn details feel like treasures. Why do you think couples are turning back to craftsmanship and artistry as part of their wedding story?

Because it has heart and soul, and makes people feel something

For couples considering this special touch, what advice would you give on weaving live illustration and calligraphy into their wedding in a way that feels deeply personal and unforgettable?

Good choice! In the beginning stages I will work with my couples to understand their aesthetic/vibe of the night planned, so I can fit in with that, normally through a mood board. Then we talk about how my calligraphy and illustration style can marry and create a cohesive flow from start to finish. We’ll discuss everything from ‘save the date’ correspondence to post-wedding ‘thank you’ notes, with the illustration style of sketching tying in the event. I love being part of this process as I get to know the couple and their unique vision. Calligraphy, together with illustration, is a stunning way to create an unforgettable event - the wedding of your dreams! Afterwards, I gift a special drawing of the couple in their most special moment on the night, and it’s been known to bring tears, as the memories are hit all over again, and that’s why I do it - bringing the magic back, over and over again…

There is a certain quiet luxury in choosing the handmade over the mass-produced, in pausing to honour a moment rather than scroll past it. With her elegant calligraphy and enchanting live illustrations, Heidi reminds us that love stories are best told not only through photographs, but also through art that carries the soul of the day — brushstroke by brushstroke, line by line.

Follow @studio.heidi