Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Redell.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started Darling Lettering in the summer of 2016. While I was working as a personal assistant for Barn Relic, a wedding rental company, I was put in charge of creating signs and products. A wedding planner noticed my writing in the shop and asked if I could help her letter a wedding menu. I was able to replicate the desired lettering and was given the advice to start a business. I created an inventory of designs, started an Instagram account posting my creations, and sold greeting cards at my family’s business, The Solvang Bakery. I was noticed by local businesses as well as brides to be and was hired to sell my cards in other local boutiques and do lettering for weddings. From chalkboards to invitations, I became a wedding calligrapher. The business has continued to grow as I continue to create. I have started getting creative project design jobs from packaging design for a suncare brand to logos and social media content creation.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The only struggle I have found is my love for creating paper cards and that we are moving into a more digital world. This is still my side hustle but who knows maybe one day it will become my full-time job. The joy I get from creating is knowing the impact my designs have on others. That the greeting cards I design are picked out with the intention of bringing joy to the person who is going to receive them.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am known for my hand lettering and greeting cards, but I have worked on some really cool design projects that I am very proud of. Like brand packaging for lumasol suncare, marketing for Pepperdine University’s events on campus and community maps for lululemon. I also do custom projects from logos, graduation cap design to embroidery.
What sets me apart from others is my unique whimsical style. I have a passion for thoughtfulness, laughter, inclusion and impact. It brings me more joy to know that my work can speak to people in a deeper way through cards or the event work that I do.
Additionally, my creativity is impacted by my other passion of comedy. I find myself “yes and-ing” myself when I create a project or working with a client to make their design dreams come true.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Go into every experience thinking how can I leave this place and person better than when I found them.
It is important to always be humble and kind and look at every opportunity that presents itself as a learning experience. I am not trying to sound cliche, but this is advice that I live by. You never know what a first impression will mean to someone or what it can do for you. Intentional listening goes a long way and always send a handwritten thank you notes when someone does go the extra mile to meet with you.
Pricing:
- Greeting cards $5 +tax each or open a wholesale account with me 🙂
- Design work $50 (an hour)
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
- Website: https://darlinglettering.com/
- Instagram: @darlingletteringco or @brookeredell
Image Credits
Courtesy of Lumasol Suncare and nordstrom.com
