Inside Look | Emily Ann Lettering
Swooping lines. Glints of gold. Rustic richness. Short & sweet.
It's all part of the package with Emily's new endeavor, the eponymous Emily Ann Lettering.
Collaborating on an overcast Saturday morning over coffee in my light-filled studio with big sister Miranda meant a whole lot of play! We chatted and styled and shot and arranged. (I absolutely adore creating galleries for small businesses. If you're interested, check out my Small Business Starter Package!) We got everything from Emily drawing to product photos to embossing demonstrations to get a real look into the "how" behind the "what." (To see a set of just Emily, go here.)
Her creations are simple, beautiful, and just that perfect little something to brighten - and class - up any space.
Here's a Q&A with the lady of the hour:
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Q: Can you tell me a little bit about your work?
Emily Ann Lettering began in December of 2016. Being a full-time student, I would always try to find a way to de-stress. I wound up picking up brush lettering and calligraphy from a friend and it wasn’t long until I started taking all of my class notes in calligraphy. It is a bit of an obsession! Shortly after practicing every day, I realized that I wanted to cultivate this talent I loved by providing signs/handmade artwork that encourages college students to dream and be themselves. I am targeting college students because I think that we constantly need a positive reminder in our busy lives. Everything from a quote nestled in a hand-cut wooden stand (cut by me!) to thank you cards to signs to wedding decor to custom orders.
Q: What was your inspiration? When did you realize you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
A: I am constantly inspired by the community of fellow designers who never see competition, just collaboration. I often scroll through Instagram in awe of the calligraphers who can make art simply out of words. I have always had an eye for tiny details and love working with my hands. Because of this, I have a few goals for Emily Ann Lettering. I want all of my work to be unique and made with intention by hand. I chop, cut, and sand the cedar/oak wood for the stands. As well, I envision all of my products to be hand-written, rather than printed.
I have a TON of inspiration from my parents, too! They own three businesses of their own, so growing up in that atmosphere bred in me an entrepreneurial mindset. I have been called a serial entrepreneur - start a ton of things and never really stick to one. However, Emily Ann Lettering is backed by my passion, and never seems to be work for me when I am filling orders.
Like I said, the entrepreneurial mindset was branded in me as a kid, so starting something has never been a problem for me. I am involved with a program on campus called Engler Entrepreneurship. Here, they really push us to start NOW, so that is what I did!
Q: In the last few years as a student and entrepreneur, what are the biggest lessons you've learned?
Patience. It seemed like everyone around me knew exactly what their passions were, and then there was me. I never have been fortunate enough to “just know” what I wanted to do or even what my passions were. This definitely forced me out of my comfort zone in college. I had to put myself out there to create opportunities, and I grew very impatient and irritated for a while.
As a student, I have learned to prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. Honestly, school isn’t my priority. My biggest priority in college has been making connections and creating lasting relationships. These connections have brought me to people who constantly push me to reach my dreams and to start something.
Q: What projects are you most excited about?
Gifts! When someone reaches out to commission me to create something meant as a gift for someone they love. I get excited for a couple of reasons:
They often ask me for my opinion and input on possibilities, which in return helps me get to know them more.
They are doing exactly what my mission is! Gift-giving excites me so, so much. When a customer trusts me to make something to bless someone with, it fills me with joy!
Q: What is your favorite pick me up?
Lettering + coffee + worship music.
Like I said, I started all of this because I was crazy stressed at school. This business is my escape from my to-do lists. It took me a long long time to find my “pick me up,” but it only made sense to make it into a business after I gained skill.
Q: Are there any new things we can look forward to from you?
I am aiming to target more weddings, as well as working directly with local boutiques and start-ups. A dream of mine would be to eventually teach hand-lettering classes.
Q: Where can people find you?
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I love these Bledsoe girls. Thank you, Emily, for sharing your heart and talents! Now enjoy a snippet of my favs from our shoot...
