Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Lowe.
Alyssa, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
A lot of people look at me kind of funny when they ask, “what do you do?” and I reply that I’m a calligrapher and hand lettering artist. And I know what they’re thinking because I thought the same thing… How is that a full-time job?
Well, I certainly didn’t study for it–in fact, a lot of people ask if I went to art school, but I actually got a degree in sociology from UCLA–lettering just sort of fell in my lap…
I had always enjoyed having good penmanship and even lettered some chalkboard menus for the restaurant I worked at in college, but never could have guessed that a career in lettering would be in my future.
In 2014, my husband–who had apparently caught on to my creative tendencies–gave me a calligraphy kit for my birthday… It was an intimidating little plastic box with pen handles and a hodge-podge of differently shaped nibs I had never seen in my life.
I had no idea how to use it, but I felt that I should at least give the thing a try. So in my precious spare moments, I made my first attempts at pointed nib calligraphy in my tiny studio apartment, while working a full-time job in human resources. With time, what I thought was just a hobby became one of my favorite creative expressions.
People insisted that I should try making money off of my new talent, but, as my boss at the time recently put it, I was the most risk-averse person I knew. Branching off from the security of the corporate ladder was absolutely not my idea of a good time. At least not naturally. But I felt a calling begin to resonate in my life to become what many affectionately know as a “girl boss,” encouraged by many other women I knew with successful small businesses.
And finally, in early 2017, after a successful period full of personal projects for friends, some exciting commissions and wedding calligraphy, I stepped out in faith, leaving that good old paycheck for a life of entrepreneurship.
Over the past two years, I’ve had the most incredible opportunities to work with dozens of amazing couples on their weddings, fashion designers, fancy parties, trendy companies, charitable events, and more… I’m so grateful to be where I am and so expectant for what the future brings!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
As a hand lettering and calligraphy artist, it’s sometimes surprising that I don’t just work with ink and paper, though I have a soft spot in my heart for it. My “canvases” have gone beyond paper to include personalization and lettering of things like marble, acrylics, wood, denim, leather, and even more unusual things like live roses, drumheads, and luggage!
However, most of my work, as one could guess from a glimpse at my Instagram profile, exists in the realm of weddings + events. In this industry, customized signage, invitations, and personalization are pillars of the modern celebration aesthetic, and I consider it my key industry.
A lot of my most favorite work, though, is for brands and local business, like sign lettering, customization activations at influencer events, and on-site personalization for brand promotions. This year, my work even included a giant chalk mural for a partnership at the Film Independent Awards installment!
What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’re concerned about?
I have so many reasons to love being an artist in the modern age. I love that it is possible to launch a small business and passionately pursue one’s art. I love that we have access to more resources, media, and projects than ever to be creatives. I love that we can learn to do almost anything and advance our art with the help of a massive global community with a click (or tap). And I especially love the many connections + friends I’ve gotten to make thanks to technology.
I also recognize that technology + social media make it difficult to prevent comparison from killing your vibe. I have to remind myself all the time that I’m running my own race, and that there is a time and place for inspiration–it has so many opportunities to call you higher, but has no place making you feel less (talented, well-liked, respected, connected, organized, etc.) than anyone else.
It’s also hard being a small business owner when so much is required of you between the administration, art, and social aspects. I realized in the past couple of years that politics really do matter differently when you are a business person and that my political voice spans a wider range of roles–citizen, city-dweller, business owner, etc. It’s both a privilege and a responsibility.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Publicly, you can catch my lettering at a few local spots, including the chalkboards at Sweetgreen restaurants across LA and the window + chalk art at Curtis Stone’s Gwen in Hollywood.
Since the majority of my work is done for private events, you can always catch the latest on social media–@fawnlettering on Instagram is usually the best spot to see what projects we’re up to.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fawnlettering.com
- Phone: 310.595.0362
- Email: fawnlettering@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fawnlettering
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/fawnlettering
Image Credit:
The Big Affair, Jon Cu, Dear Lovers Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
