In 2013 , learned person criticized the Obama administration for spending most $ 280,000 a twelvemonth on three White House calligraphist . Here ’s what you need to make love about every artistry major ’s dream job .
1. They’re a White House staple.
calligraphist have mold at the White House since John Adams pop out sending guests fancy dinner party invites back in 1801 .
2. They design everything!
Proclamations , citations , military commissions , particular announcements , menus , position cards , invitation , official salutation , and even signs for the White House vegetable garden . One day , a calligraphist might enroll the name of the Presidential Medal of Freedom victor . The next , they might pen a menu for a see monarch .
3. Like other experienced civil employees, they get paid handsomely.
The chief calligrapher makes $ 98,669 . Considering that virtually every head of state in the human race handles their artwork , we cogitate it ’s deserving it .
4. Hand cramps can’t stop them.
During Clinton ’s land tenure , the White House host more than 100,000 official guest . On a typical day , calligraphers may make 100 of situation cards just for meals .
5. November is the toughest month.
That ’s because the White House is prepping for an attack of vacation reception . In 2013 , calligraphers handwriting - deal 10,000 envelopes for the time of year .
6. They prepare for emergencies.
In cause special Guest appear for State dinner party or prescribed consequence unpredicted , the presidency stay fresh a calligrapher waitress in the wings . ( You never cognise when you might involve an emergency place plug-in . )
7. The team does about 40 percent of its work by hand.
The rest is done on the data processor when tight deadlines demand it .
8. They stash an arsenal.
Calligrapher Rick Muffler ’s toolbox check 28 pen holder , eight brushes , a bunch of neb , and one hair dryer , which he used to make the ink dry faster .
9. Which even includes a copier.
It ’d be impractical not to use one . After a calligrapher designs an invitation , for case , the design is ship to an engraver , who copies it . The copies revert to the calligrapher , who grabs a pen and personalizes the invitation with the guest ’s name , equalize the original mitt style .
10. The scripts are called “hands,” not fonts.
Which , view calligraphers are using their hands , makes sense .
