Put a Word On It! 18 Typographic Pillows

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been plenty busy prepping for their May 19 wedding, with Kensington Palace taking us along for the ride as it offers up deets on everything from the couple’s cake (lemon elderflower, FYI), to their invitations, which publicly debuted this Thursday. While the cards were regal to be sure, with the three-feather badge of the Prince of Wales and gold ink featured in die-stamping, there was one detail in particular which had shrewd eyes doing a double take, as there seemed to be a typo, and a rather large one at that.

As those looking close enough might have noticed, the space allotted for Prince Harry’s name seemed to read as something else entirely: “His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales requests the pleasure of the company of ______ at the marriage of his royal highness Prince Henry of Wales with Ms. Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on Saturday, 19th May 2018 at 12 noon followed by a reception at Windsor Castle.”

Wait just a minute… Prince Henry?!

That’s right! Fret not, though, royal enthusiasts: Printmaker Lottie Small knows her stuff. The younger son of Princess Diana and Prince was actually given the name Henry Charles Albert David Mountbatten-Windsor at birth. Despite the fact that we’ve know him as Prince Harry since… well, forever, it’s merely a nickname that reportedly stuck in childhood.

Markle, by contrast, did NOT opt to use her real name, which isn’t Meghan at all, but rather Rachel (Meghan is her middle name). Her title was kept formal, however, with the “Ms.” reportedly chosen to reflect the fact that she is a divorcée.

Other chatter surrounding the invites seemed to stem from the fact that its tone differed slightly from that of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s.

As some have pointed out, Lord Chamberlain was commanded by the Queen to request guests’ presence, where Prince Charles merely requested it.

The reasoning is anyone’s guess, but some speculate it may have to do with the royal rank of the two princes.

Did you know Harry’s real name wasn’t Harry? Sound off over @BritandCo.

(Photos via Victoria Jones + John Stillwell/WPA + Chris Jackson/Getty)

We are beyond excited that cursive is making a comeback in American elementary schools. As we fondly recall our younger years of diligently practicing our signature (and our crush’s), we thought we would challenge ourselves by trying to regain our skills in the art of lettering — whether that means trying our hand at fauxligraphy (AKA calligraphy without all the fancy tools) or even iPad lettering.

No matter if you’re a typography newbie or a seasoned lettering pro, one of our favorite things to do when we’re trying to learn a new skill is to follow a TON of experts on social media for inspiration. So whether you’re looking to make your mark in hand-lettering or prefer using digital tools instead, here are 12 beautiful typography-themed Instagram accounts that’ll inspire you to create.

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So apparently today is Pineapple day🍍 Who knew? This is for today's #GoodtypeTuesday led by by @goodtype Drawing on the train is not easy..

A post shared by Olga Muzician | Lettering (@olgamuzician) on Jun 27, 2017 at 5:39pm PDT

1. @olgamuzician: This Ukrainian-born, Brooklyn-based designer is a lettering queen you *must* have on your Instagram feed. Although she started off as a painter, she has since transitioned into graphic design and lettering, and we couldn’t be more impressed with her work so far. Heck, she even does murals and chalkboard lettering throughout NYC!

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I was so excited to stumble upon the @janedavenport watercolor palettes yesterday at @michaelsstores - even better I had a coupon!!! How could I not try it out with this prompt from my #calligrabesties #funfirstmay challenge - with @tjt.design @chrystalizabeth @tiffyinspirations ❤️💛💚💙💜 . . . #type #brushtype #penandink #handfont #moderncalligraphy #calligraphy #brushcalligraphy #handwriting #brushlettering #brushlettered #brushletter #letter #handlettered #typography #handlettering #lettering #handtype #brushtype #brushscript #dndchallenge #togetherweletter #rockyourhandwriting #bujo #bulletjournal #bulletjournaljunkies #brushpenlettering #brushpen #watercolorlettering

A post shared by DawnT (@cre8tivesun) on May 29, 2017 at 1:40pm PDT

2. @cre8tivesun: If you’re a fan of bold colors, you’ll want to check out this boss lady ASAP. We love that she posts a ton (sometimes multiple times a day!) of eye-catching, Pinterest-approved designs that are sure to inspire you to launch your own lettering side hustle.

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First proper attempt at this style and I like how it turned out! Horcrux for day 22 of #HPDaily! . . . . . #letteringpractice #letteringchallenge #dailylettering #moderncalligraphy #calligrafriends #handletteringpractice #practicemakesprogress #letteringleague #typespire #horcrux #halfbloodprince #tombowdualbrushpens #beveled #beveledletters

A post shared by Ali LePere (@alilepere) on Jun 22, 2017 at 1:28pm PDT

3. @alilepere: Calling all Harry Potter fans! Ali LePere’s Instagram account is a great follow for lovers of the wizarding world. As a self-proclaimed Hufflepuff, she regularly makes stunning masterpieces out of wizarding phrases and often experiments with different styles, colors, and textures to keep things interesting.

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Decided to do something different instead of watercolor wreaths!

A post shared by ❥ 𝙼𝚎𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚜 (@melowrites) on May 29, 2017 at 4:41pm PDT

4. @melowrites: While this hand-lettering enthusiast is known for her gorgeous watercolor wreaths, she also dabbles in new forms from time to time. If you love florals and beautiful hand-drawn typography, she’s definitely one to follow.

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🍉🥝🍎🍋Fruitopia🍓🍌🍑🍒 I LOVED these drinks back in the 90's! I hadn't thought about them until I saw this prompt. Fruitopia & New York Seltzer were my favorite things to drink! 😊

A post shared by Gina • Feather Park Lettering (@featherparklettering) on May 30, 2017 at 4:26am PDT

5. @featherparklettering: Join calligraphy and watercolor artist Gina from Feather Park Lettering on her inspirational creative journey to lettering bliss. She often plays with different mediums and themes to create her amazing designs.

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Just create something everyday!😊✏️✨ . . 93/365 of my project #365daysoflettering #letteringbyora

A post shared by ORAARTS — Ora Orawan Siripin (@oraarts) on Jun 24, 2017 at 3:20am PDT

6. @oraarts: Ora is a freelance graphic designer and lettering artist based in Bangkok, Thailand. She mostly works in black and white, and her inspiring designs often mix different lettering styles to create one cohesive piece. You can visit her Etsy shop for instant download prints of her awesome designs.

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If you like pina coladas 🍹☀️ #100daysofnicoleytype 68/100 #the100dayproject #100dayproject #pinacoladas #cocktail #summer #ifyoulikepinacoladas #illustration #illustrator #digitalart #digitalillustration #type #typography #typographypractice #drawingtablet #wacom #doodleaday #dailyart #doodleaday #nicoleydesigns

A post shared by nicoleydesigns (@nicoleydesigns) on Jun 22, 2017 at 1:27pm PDT

7. @nicoleydesigns: In need of a daily dose of cute type? Look no further! Nicole Yates creates digitally illustrated cards, notebooks, and prints, which are all for sale on her Etsy shop. We think her Instagram account is absolutely lit.

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S #36daysoftype #36days_s #catchingup #delaypost #typographylove #typographychallenge

A post shared by Monica Rojas (@atypecal) on Apr 2, 2017 at 4:54pm PDT

8. @atypecal: Graphic designer and lettering lover Monica Rojas may be relatively new to Instagram, but her awesome aesthetic is definitely #creativitygoals. We especially love her take on the 36 Days of Type series — she’s using everyday objects to give each letter and number it’s own ambitious makeover.

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Glip glop: "It's like the n-word and the c- word had a baby and it was raised by all the bad words for Jews." -- Day 25 of #rickandmortyletters with @letteringwithtran and yours truly! . . #lyssletters #createtucson #typography #rickandmorty #adultswim #danharmon #glipglop #lettering #handtype #handlettering #dailytype

A post shared by Alyssa Robinson (@arobinsonart) on Jun 25, 2017 at 3:20pm PDT

9. @lyssletters: With gorgeous lettering and illustrations popping up on her feed all the time, it’s no wonder why lettering queen Alyssa Robinson is majorly popular with the Instagram lettering community. She often participates in lettering challenges, so watch her bio for a sneak peek of what she’s going to be creating next.

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Nasty > Nice #nasty #type #typography #drawing #handlettering #letters #lettering #draw #illustration #handtype #women #ladiesgetpaid

A post shared by NSFW Letters (@nsfwletters) on Jun 8, 2017 at 4:40pm PDT

10. @nsfwletters: WARNING! This Instagram account definitely includes its fair share of NSFW content. But with a tagline of “Pretty inappropriate words by a lady who letters,” that’s kind of the whole point. It showcases her gorgeous personal style and a seriously colorful aesthetic. We’re definitely here for this fearless lettering rockstar.

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Over Yeezy, Yeezy, Yeezy. -Facts, 2016 G.O.O.D. Times Visit Kanyegg.com for more bad yolks, pimpin' cups.

A post shared by Danielle Evans (@marmaladebleue) on Jun 13, 2017 at 12:14pm PDT

11. @marmaladebleue: Foodies, this one’s for you! Designer and lettering artist Danielle Evans has gained international recognition for her use of food typography. With clients including Target, Disney, and Bath & Body Works, she’s obviously a lady boss you need to follow. Just be warned: Evans’ Instagram account is almost guaranteed to make your tummy rumble.

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It's always enjoyable to break the routine and do something different. These past few days in Amsterdam have been awesome and I can't wait for more trips like these in the future! Speaking of doing things differently, what do you think of these letters? I tried a few new techniques here which I will be exploring more very soon!

A post shared by James Lewis (@jamesllewis) on Jan 18, 2017 at 7:49am PST

12. @jamesllewis: James Lewis is a freelance lettering artist based in the UK. He often uses craft paper as a canvas to help his designs stand out from the rest. Combining his graphic design skills with his passion for letterforms, there’s almost always something new to envy on his feed.

Do you know of any typography rockstars we should be following on Instagram? Tweet us @BritandCo.

(Featured photo via @nicoleydesigns)

Mariska Hargitay is the woman of the hour anywhere she goes, with her iconic Law & Order: SVUrole as Olivia Benson under her belt for the last 25 years. The character is an absolute advocate to women — and assault victims of any gender — through her words, actions, and powerful convictions of each perpetrator on the show. She takes great care with her victims and pursues perpetrators with fervor, and slowly as you watch the show..the line blurs between Olivia and Mariska.

This isn't anything new — just recently Mariska literally stopped production on the show to help a child (who mistook her for an actual police officer) find her mom. It's just who Mariska is. She walks the walk and talks the talk — including during her speech at Variety's Power of Women's Power of Women event.

Image via NBC Universal

As a Power of Women honoree, Mariska was recognized in regards to her work as an advocate for sexual assault survivors. She took the stage and used her platform to discuss rape and assault conviction reversals, shining a light on the recent overturned ruling in Harvey Weinstein's landmark NYC case. Here's what she said:

Today I want to talk about reversing convictions, and more specifically I want to talk to you about how impossible it is to reverse mine. It’s impossible to reverse my conviction that survivors matter. It is impossible to reverse my conviction that what happens to us matters, and that our society must respond to survivors with a more a compassionate, holistically, deeper, and more nuanced understanding of what healing means.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that after a trauma, survivors can reclaim lives of hope, of possibility, of audacious risk, beautiful intimacy, and glorious, glorious abundant joy. And I stand before you as evidence of that statement.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that we must listen to survivors as experts on what justice means. It is extraordinary how little their voices are consulted, let alone incorporated, in the process of deciding how to repair harm. Justice is not a one-size-fits-all journey.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that patriarchal impunity has to end. Patriarchal impunity is when a male-dominated system exempts perpetrators from punishment. Studies show that only 20% of all rape cases in the U.S. are reported to the police, and that between 5 and 0% of all rapes result in a guilty plea or a conviction. So why do 80% of victims not report? Because they're met with a system that grants impunity to perpetrators; a system that blames victims; a system that accepts only those victims who are experienced as "real" rape; a system that completely misunderstands the neurobiology of trauma, which causes behavior in women that doesn't fit the picture of how a "real victim" would act.

Is that change needed that victims should just pull themselves together? Just buck up and report anyway? No. No, it's the system that receives them that needs to change

It is impossible to reverse my conviction — and the conviction of my extraordinary team, The Joyful Heart — that the backlog of untested rape kits can be brought to zero; that the testing of all new kits must be mandated; that we need a statewide kit tracking system; and that survivors have the right to access the status of their kits.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that grammar — yes, grammar — that we use when we speak about rape must change. In the sentence, "A woman is raped," there's a crime and there's a victim, but there's no perpetrator. Where's the perpetrator? Where is he? Statistically, as we know, most likely he's walking free. He's so free that he doesn't even appear in the language about the crime that he committed. Is that not extraordinary? It's extraordinary that in the very grammar, the perpetrator goes free. Reintroducing perpetrators in the language of rape will make some very unwieldy grammar, but that's the nature of change. It's unwieldy, it's messy, it's uncomfortable, but it's necessary.

Image via NBC Universal

Hargitay continued on in her prolific speech to describe that rape shouldn't be considered a "crime of passion" because it's "not simply the next step in the trajectory of his passion" when a man takes a consensual hookup too far and assaults a woman against her will. She stated that it's "an exercise of power," doubling down that the language we use is important.

The speech went on to address that rape is both about power and control, as a "construct" that was "built, and assembled, and reinforced over time." She noted that there are people with these positions of power — and she specifically called out those in the entertainment industry — that could make a difference and aligned themselves to victims and survivors.

After this and some other remarks, Hargitay specifically called out the Weinstein conviction reversal. She said:

I do want to say something about the Harvey Weinstein conviction, specifically about the reason that it was overturned: too many women's voices. Too many women's voices were allowed to speak. Hallelujah! Amen! I can't imagine anything more beautiful than that. The Daily podcast episode talked about how it was so risky for the prosecution to have that many women testify. Risky to let women speak? You're damn right it is!

Too many women speaking brings change. Too many women speaking shakes the establishment. Too many women means we get listened to more, and people might actually hear what we have to say. Look what happened when women started saying just two words, right? Me too — just as an example — a tidal wave of change. Me too.

And then of course, there was the response: the Me Too Movement. The backlash. The examination of whether the changes that have come are lasting, or are even positive. Of course there's a backlash! What did they expect? For women to speak repeatedly, loudly, together, with a purpose — for there to be no backlash? The backlash is evidence of how powerful those voices were, how powerful those voices ARE.

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Header image via NBC Universal