Whether it’s legal writing or handwriting, Taylor Mattson has many talents.  A third-year law student at the University of Arkansas School of Law, Taylor runs her own calligraphy business called Scrivendi. 

Taylor’s interest in calligraphy began when her best friend got engaged.  “We were just trying to get ideas for her wedding, and we ran across a calligraphy website,” she remembers.  After comparing prices and products, Taylor realized that she could address her friend’s invitations herself.  “Originally, I just wanted to do it for her, but I enjoyed it too much!”  Taylor says.

After finishing her exams, Taylor further researched the calligraphy business and taught herself various techniques.  She established her own website, and Scrivendi Social Script was born. 

According to Taylor, one of the best parts of having her own business is the ability to do something creative to temporarily escape from the pressures of law school.  Her calligraphy serves as an artistic outlet as well as provides a service that many people can use.  Most of Taylor’s business stems from weddings, and brides use her talents for everything from invitation envelopes to table place cards.

With ambitions to have a career in criminal prosecution, Taylor already has made great strides towards her future in the legal field.  She has worked as a Judicial Intern at the Supreme Court of Arkansas as well as an Intern in the U.S. Attorney’s office.  Her summer at the U.S. Attorney’s office led her to develop her interest in prosecution because it “ruined me for anything else,” jokes Taylor.

Taylor’s handwriting is commendable, but so is her legal writing—she was in the top eight teams in the school’s internal Spring 2009 Moot Court competition.  That honor qualified her to interview for the UA’s traveling Moot Court team, and she was named to a traveling team that will compete in St. Louis in November.  Taylor will write half of the brief that the team will then argue against teams from across the country.

Taylor is a 2006 graduate of Texas A&M University where she obtained her degree in English.  A diehard Aggies fan, Taylor was a little disappointed in the results of this year’s Southwest Classic, the first time the Razorbacks met the Aggies on the football field since 1991.  “Our teams are so similar that it was a great game regardless,” Taylor said after the game.

Some advice that Taylor offers to anyone who wants to start his or her own business; “As long as you enjoy doing it, go for it! And don’t be afraid of people thinking you’re crazy,” she laughs.  Samples of Taylor’s writing are available at www.scrivendi.com.