Kinjal Gala Hariya, a Chartered Accountant who followed her passion for art, transitioning into a full-time calligrapher and artist. As an entrepreneur, she excels in diverse art forms like calligraphy, watercolor florals, bottle art, engraving, and beyond. Her remarkable work has been recognized and featured in prominent platforms such as The Flourish Club and Global Bottle Paintings.
Join us for a delightful conversation with Kinjal Gala as we uncover her secrets and dedication behind the journey to becoming a successful calligrapher and artist.
Hi, Kinjal. Your work is amazing! What motivated you to start learning calligraphy? How did you discover it and make the decision to pursue it?
When I delivered my baby I learned she was a special child, it changed everything. I used to be an accountant, but taking care of her while working seemed tough. I tried various arts, but I could not feel that connected to it. But, when I first saw copperplate calligraphy, something clicked within me. Its elegant script caught my attention, drawing me to it. It was around November 2020 when I began learning. For about a year, I dedicated myself to practice and I learned a lot about copperplate calligraphy. Since 2021, I’ve been sharing my work on an Instagram page dedicated to this craft. That’s how my calligraphy journey began.
How did you start learning calligraphy?
I joined Avinash Kharat’s online session during the pandemic and learned from his workshop. After that, I explored on my own for about six months, practicing intensely. But I felt something was missing—I wasn’t satisfied with my progress. I sought further guidance and enrolled in Sanjana’s Copperplate Calligraphy course. I also took early morning Nina Tran’s demo sessions which truly helped me.
I have digital downloads from various calligraphers and a few books that I refer to for learning. I constantly keep updating by going through these resources.
And yeah, YouTube has been a great platform for learning too, especially from creators like Paul Antonio.
What was the biggest struggle for you in your journey?
I had trouble with composition and specific letters, searching for a complete course that covered everything. That’s when I found Sanjana’s course. It covers composition from the beginning to the final output, and it’s made a big difference for me. Starting out, I had so many questions about what to do and when. This course answered all those questions and more.
What are your favorite tools and supplies in calligraphy and watercolors?
I mainly use an oblique holder with a Leonard Principal nib for my calligraphy work. I really like the flexibility of that nib. As for ink, I usually prefer gouache inks. I mix them myself using Brustro gouache. When it comes to watercolors, I enjoy using Art Philosophy watercolor collections. their pigmentation and vibrant colors.
I use normal Camlin brushes in sizes 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 for the last two years.
For paper, I use Hindustan Trading Company’s 300 GSM, 100% cotton paper, and occasionally Brustro’s 100% cotton paper. Good paper is important, especially for watercolors—it should hold water well.
There might be a misconception that you need lots of expensive supplies. But in reality, you don’t have to invest in expensive materials right away. Mastering the basics is important—the foundation matters most. Once you’ve got that, then you can gradually invest in professional-grade materials.
What is your biggest inspiration for the floral designs and calligraphy pieces that you share on Instagram?
Firstly, it is Sanjana for calligraphy. For watercolors, it’s Shayda Campbell on YouTube. Her floral work captivated me from the first video I watched—her techniques felt easier to watch and understand.
Another artist, Vedisha Jid, who runs Colors and Joy, became my mentor for watercolor florals. I joined her membership about a year ago and learned intricate details about watercolor florals—how to use colors, different compositions, various techniques, and more. Her lessons were thorough.
Who’s been your biggest cheerleader since you began your calligraphy journey?
My biggest motivation has been my family, especially my parents—they’ve always supported me. And then my daughter, I give all my credit to her, she is the reason I found my passion. She’s a special child and has constantly encouraged and kept me motivated. Alongside her, I always have the constant support of my husband.
How do you plan on expanding yourself as a calligrapher and as an entrepreneur?
I’ve been experimenting with calligraphy on different surfaces lately. Teaching has also become a part of my journey—I’m currently teaching calligraphy watercolor florals. Alongside, I’m exploring bottle painting and engraving, learning how to digitise calligraphy, and using tools like Procreate, Photoshop, or Illustrator has become vital lately. It’s good to broaden your skills in calligraphy.
What do you feel is something you want to see happening in the world of calligraphy and art? It could be anything from crediting, to more practice.
Firstly, it’s community. Being part of a community is really important for calligraphers. These groups are supportive and help you get answers to your questions.
Another big thing is pricing. Sometimes, people charge less to get clients initially, which is natural. But by charging when too little, you’re giving double the effort than what’s asked for. So, why settle for just half of what it’s worth?
For instance, when writing a single letter, it takes around 4 to 5 hours to draft, write, and finalize it. There’s a lot of labor involved. Valuing yourself comes first; it sets the tone for how others see you. So, don’t hesitate to charge what your work is worth. You might lose some clients because of pricing, but maybe they’re not the right fit for your work. Don’t doubt yourself or your work’s quality. Have confidence in yourself and know your worth. This is a key principle I focus on.
What is your biggest milestone till now?
I’ve finished many projects and even got featured in places like Flourish Club and among global bottle painting artists. I’m really happy and proud of following my passion. It brings me so much joy compared to a regular 9-5 job.
How did you discover or create your signature watercolor style?
I began learning florals from Shayda Campbell on YouTube and got guidance from my mentor Vedisha Jid. Combining both methods made me feel more connected. I Integrated these styles into my work that caught people’s attention. That’s how I found my unique style after practicing consistently for about a year and a half, merging different elements.
My message to everyone is that it takes time, so don’t rush towards finding your own style. Give it some time and it will come to you naturally. It might take six months or even a year of exploration before you come up with your own style.
Can you share your experience with your first client? How did they find you, what kind of project was it, and what did you learn from that experience?
My first client found me through Google by searching for calligraphers in Mumbai. She wanted a travel journal with calligraphed names of 100 countries as her anniversary gift.
The big lesson I learned was to trust myself, even when unsure. Determination helps exceed expectations. Now, I have faith to take on tough projects, find inspiration, and give my all to clients.
Lots of Love,
