Veronica Halim

Pen pal

VERONICA HALIM IS a calligrapher, known for the expressive, delicate and graphic quality of her penmanship. Trained in graphic design with a resume as a creative director for corporate and lifestyle clients, Veronica receives commissions from brands such as BMW, Chanel, Gucci, Penhaligon and TWG. The author of Calligraphy Styling, published by Shufunotomo in Japan, she holds workshops in Japan, Singapore and Jakarta.

“I grew up with a deep love and appreciation of art,” says Veronica. “I used to collect my aunt’s vintage accessories and also my grandparents’ stamps and their handwritten letters. After I graduated from university (the Swinburne School of Design in Melbourne) and started my career in graphic design, I realised that people are starting to write less by hand. In today’s world, people tend to focus too much on technology. It’s so easy to forget the beauty of handwritten writing. Therefore, I am always inspired whenever I have the opportunity to write for my friends and family. And I am even happier when they write back to me. I love my job so much, and I’m doing my best to remind others that writing by hand is one of the most beautiful and therapeutic things in the world.

“Over the years, I have discovered many new things about myself. One of them is that I tend to be overly serious and perfectionist when working. I have learned that perfection may not always exist. However, it is most important to live in the moment and enjoy each process of my projects, such as selecting color palettes, creating mood boards. I think one of the most important qualities a person must always have is an open mind. We are able to grow only when we are open.”