Experiential learning lets students learn directly from real-world professionals, providing them with insights that go beyond the classroom. In Grade 5’s Unit of Inquiry on How We Express Ourselves, themed Passion to Profit, students got to meet a professional calligrapher, Ms. Thanchanok Suppasit, also known as Ms. Ploy. Through her inspiring journey, they learned how a simple hobby can grow into a fulfilling career.
Meet the Expert: Ms. Ploy, Lettering in the Cloud
Calligraphy, simply defined as “the art of writing beautifully,” has been around for centuries. It traces its origins to ancient civilizations, where early forms of lettering were crafted using reed pens, brushes, and carved inscriptions. Over the years, it turned into a respected art form.
For Ms. Ploy, the love for this craft started as a hobby eight years ago. While she never expected calligraphy to become her full-time career, today she runs a business offering custom calligraphy and engraving services. She’s collaborated with different luxury brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, DIOR, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and MONTBLANC.
But as Grade 5 students listened to her life story, one question stood out: How does a passion for art turn into a fulfilling profession?
A Hobby That Became a Career
Ms. Ploy’s journey didn’t begin in the art world. Like many, she started as a student with a simple love for writing. But despite her deep passion for the craft, she followed a traditional career path, working in an embassy and later in a consulting firm. Even with all her professional successes, she still never felt like she belonged.
Eventually, this led her to quit her job and fully transition into being a full-time calligrapher. She began attending workshops to hone her craft, which later helped her build confidence in her skills.
Under the name Lettering in the Cloud, she has built a strong online presence and a portfolio full of beautiful pieces. Her vast experience ranges from performing live calligraphy sessions to hosting exclusive calligraphy workshops.
Ms. Ploy’s story serves as a powerful reminder to Grade 5 students that by believing in yourself, you can open doors to many opportunities.
The Business of Calligraphy
Bangkok has only a handful of professional calligraphers, making it a challenging yet exciting industry. To stand out, Ms. Ploy shared that she had to go beyond her art and learn how to grow her business through branding, networking, and strategic opportunities.
She echoed the hard truth that talent alone will not guarantee success, as the creative world also demands resilience and a commitment to continuous self-improvement. She credits her past jobs for giving her the soft skills that have been crucial in dealing with different clients and she hopes to continue growing as an artist by exploring different styles, including doing calligraphy in different languages.
Her advice to the grade 5 students? “Don’t just listen or observe. You have to try it yourself because your experiences along the way will shape who you become.”
Grade 5 Students Try Calligraphy
For many artists, inspiration is just as important as the craft itself. When asked, Ms. Ploy shared that inspiration could come from many places, such as quotes, emotions, and even song lyrics. Every detail, from stroke pressure to color choices, influences the final message of a piece.
Eager to explore this firsthand, Grade 5 students picked up their brush pens and got to work. They had fun experimenting with different strokes, angles, and colors, really enjoying the freedom that calligraphy offers. Some students went for flowing, whimsical designs, while others liked the bold, edgy lettering.
After hours of immersing themselves in the world of calligraphy, the workshop gave everyone a new appreciation for this art form. And maybe, just maybe, one of them has discovered a passion that could one day turn into profit.
Special Thanks
D-PREP extends heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Thanchanok Suppasit (Ms. Ploy) for taking the time to share her skills and inspiring our Grade 5 students with her incredible story of resilience and following dreams.
To see more of her work, visit Lettering in the Cloud.
