About

My name is Tome Plaza-Hope, and I’m the hand behind the pen at Ink & Oak Calligraphy.

I started studying calligraphy back in 1999, when I fell in love with my first italics class at the University of Iowa. I’d had a fascination with lettering and typography long before that, and I’ve been playing with handwriting for as long as I can remember.  I’m a member of Letter Arts Alliance of the Midwest and the Chicago Calligraphy Collective, and I continue my education by attending lettering conferences and retreats all over the U.S.

My goal is to provide my client with unique, beautiful calligraphy, whether modern or traditional, that will set his or her event apart. Hand-lettered pieces are so much more personal and welcoming than anything mass-produced. I like making the connection between giver and receiver a little more special.

I live with my husband, our 3 sons, and our 2 dogs, in Des Moines, Iowa, and work with clients across the country.