“Ascenders and descenders, flourishes and counters. Words that are foreign to us are everyday vernacular to Val Cole, Nashville’s go-to calligrapher. Whether it’s a traditional script for a wedding or a modern technique for a fundraiser, Val’s handwriting has added a refined touch to innumerable events for more than 20 years. A project in the sixth grade at Harpeth Hall sparked her interest in the art, and what began as a hobby blossomed into a full-time career. Her clients went from family and friends to the Swan Ball in no time. In addition to the white-tie gala, she made invitations, place cards and other pieces for the Ballet Ball, Frist Gala, Sunday in the Park, Conservancy Gala and Symphony Ball — to name but a few of her 2017 projects. When she’s not mixing inks for events, Val is custom-blending colors at her other full-time job, Daniel Cole Collection, the exclusive cosmetics line she founded with her late mother, making her a one-stop resource for brides. Val put down her pen to answer a few questions for us.”