In March of 2026, my clients requested an illuminated leadership certificate to present to their manager for her 10 year anniversary. They wanted me to replicate an original WWII era certificate era presented to one of their great-grandfathers. The original certificate featured gold leaf, illustrated letters, and broad edge calligraphy — all of my favorites! Judging by the heinous amount of photos and videos I took of this project, it’s safe to say I loved working on it!
Features
- Completed Work: 13.5″ wide and 19″ tall
- Materials: gouache, graphite, silver leaf, and gold leaf on Arches Hot Press Watercolor paper
- tooling in the metal leaf letters
- shading below main heading; highlights in the calligraphy
- custom mixed gouache
- 3 columns of light horizontal pencil lines below the main text for organized team signatures
Illuminated Letters and Broad Pen Calligraphy
Nothing lights up a room like gold leaf, and no printed letters can compare to the juicy thick strokes of handwritten calligraphy. You read it here — this illuminated leadership certificate was based on a calligraphy certificate handed down after generations, commemorating the admiration the the recipient. Not only do these materials stand the test of time, but they’re a way to preserve the legacy of the people you respect and care about.
For the full process, view Illuminated Certificate for 10th Anniversary
Is this just what you’re looking for?
Fill out our inquiry form, sharing your details, what you envision, and when you need it by. We’ll get back to you with some ideas for materials, layout options, and a quote.