Hey, I’m Zainab! A modern calligrapher, illustrator and painter.
I have spent most of my childhood and youth living abroad in Africa and South East Asia and also lived in Brisbane, Australia during a semester abroad.
Through all of these experiences I love to travel (also very much for work!) and get to know new people, cultures and places.
My mother tongue is German, but I am also fluent in English. And I hold a Master’s degree in Cultural, Media and Communication Studies.
Now I specialize in bespoke calligraphy, illustration and painting, both live on-site and in my studio. I love to work with brands and individuals who seek and value a unique and playful style.
About Zainab
Lover of ink, flowers, architecture and painting
I began my journey with lettering in 2017, when I was trying to find a creative outlet besides my Master’s degree. But I have always had a love for words and for beautiful letters, so my love for lettering and eventually calligraphy doesn’t come as a surprise.
I must admit that flowers are my other guilty pleasure. And because of that I could only fall head over heels for the beauty of floral illustrations. Now I also sketch out beautiful venues and homes too.
Painting on products and packaging is a new passion of mine. It has helped me marry my love for flowers with painting. And it is such a joy to turn everyday objects into bespoke keepsakes.
I also wholeheartedly believe that joy is meant to be shared and „is not made to be a crumb“, as Mary Oliver said so wisely.
Joy is not made to be a crumb“ - Mary Oliver
Reading
I love to read (mainly Fantasy!) and come from a family of avid readers. So lending and recommending books is definitely one of my love languages.
Some faves: Kristen Cashore’s Graceling series and Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows.
Plants
As you probably guessed, I love both flowers and plants and enjoy surrounding myself with them! I didn’t know I had a green thumb, but now that I’ve got my own plants they have been giving me lots of joy. And best of all – they thrive.
Some of my favourite things
Traveling
As mentioned above, one of my greatest passions is to see and travel the world.
This spark comes from my time living in Indonesia, Tanzania and Zambia and also from my semester abroad in Brisbane, which I’m happy to call my second home.
Getting to know new places, other cultures and to connect with people has always had a special place in my heart.
Baking
I really enjoy baking and trying out new recipes. And baking is just so meditative and fun to me!
Want to exchange recipe tips or talk about baking? Just write me a message!
Creating memorable experiences
one stroke at a time
On-site and in-studio
I have specialized myself in calligraphy, illustration and painting. And you can hire me for various bespoke services:
From personalized calligraphy and floral illustrations to hand-painted products and venue illustrations.
Think we'd be a good match?
I’d love to work with you! Please reach out and tell me about your next creative project, exciting event or memorable commission etc.!