Conversations with Jina Koh Truesdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jina Koh Truesdale.

Hi Jina Koh, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started Jina Koh Calligraphy as an “official” business in the summer of 2024, when I started performing as a live event calligraphy artist. I have provided services for brand activations in department stores, gifting for private events, entertainment for weddings, and influencer product launches. I specialize in freehand calligraphy engraving, heat foiling, pointed pen calligraphy, and painting for live events as well as studio commissions.

It has been an amazing year of meeting new people and being a special part of their lives. I love the reactions of guests when they receive their products – seeing their name or special message personalized in real-time truly transforms an ordinary product into a treasured keepsake.

Reflecting back, it is curious to see how my previous experiences helped lead me to where I am now. Years ago, I worked as a print production manager for an advertising agency, where my love and knowledge of paper, printing, and art grew. I loved all the aspects of print production – the logistics of coordinating with vendors and creatives, selecting paper, smelling the ink, press checks. In 2017, I reconnected with a designer friend, Minhee Cho, of Paper+Cup Design New York, who hired me for spot calligraphy projects which led to collaborative projects. Somewhere in between, I earned a graduate degree in communicative disorders and worked as a speech-language pathologist in acute neuro rehab with patients who had a stroke, brain injury, or spinal cord injury.

Advertising, rehab, calligraphy – they seem unrelated, but I have come to realize that whatever I do – it’s all about connecting with people. My mission is to have each person know that they are valued and loved – whether they are a patient, a customer, a client, or a guest. I love the intentionality of personalization – it shows purposeful thoughtfulness. I love that I am able to create something specifically designed with an individual in mind.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was confident in my lettering skills, but the unknown logistics of starting a new business was daunting. Fortunately, I happened to come across a local Small Business Association event that connected me with a business consultant who helped guide me. The timing was perfectly aligned with my new business venture. I also joined a community of calligraphy artists where I could ask questions and learn from others – having both of these supports kept me from floundering as I navigated this new business.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in freehand calligraphy, engraving, heat foiling, and painting. I define my typical script style as a modern classic style calligraphy, and I can write a clean sans serif type as well. I can personalize almost anything – nothing is safe! I love the beauty of hand lettering and calligraphy. You tell me what you want personalized and I’ll find a way to do it. Tote bag, water bottle, fragrance bottle, candle, wedding sign, place cards, note cards, ornaments – I’ll figure it out. I am proud of the way I can work with clients and guests to ensure their vision comes to life. What sets me apart from others is – me. I am engaging as a live event artist and love hearing others’ stories. People tell me their life stories while I am working – and I love it!

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I do not consider myself to be a risk-taker, so the fact that I wanted to start this new business was surprising to me. However, once I made the decision to do it, I decided to do it all the way. The worst that could happen would be that I did not generate any business. I wanted to give it my all, though, and know I tried my best. So I did it – I set up and published a website, pitched in person and via email to potential clients, met with my business consultant, listened to coaching calls from my calligraphy community, and continued to improve my skill set. Now, I am more open to taking risks and pushing myself to develop parts of my personality that I didn’t know existed!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jinakoh.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jina_koh/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jina-koh-truesdale-211a4665/