A: I fell in love with hand-lettering about 6 years ago, but couldn't seem to get the hang of it. I first took a local calligraphy class, which taught me the basics, but it wasn't the right tool (a hard pen and nib). Then I discovered brush lettering, which felt so much like me, kind of rustic, modern and free flowing! I just continued to practice and practice until my shapes began to look more like letters. I started following other hand letterers that really inspired me like Shauna Panczyszyn and MaryKate McDevitt. I took some classes on Skillshare.
Once I discovered I loved hand-lettering, I again was frustrated that I couldn't get my letters and shapes to look very good. I would try hand drawing them, tracing them, scanning them in—nothing seemed to be working. It wasn't until I discovered a Wacom Cintiq tablet that my art really took off! I could use my love for hand-lettering with a "medium" that really worked with me! There was a command + Z (undo) option! Working in Photoshop has really allowed me to use my love for hand-lettering and illustration together!
Then I discovered ProCreate and the Apple iPad and Pencil. Another medium that fit well with my style of lettering. I actually created Roadtripper on my iPad Pro. When I make up my mind to do something, I do it. I took a font making class online, where I learned the basics. But I didn't want to invest in the program to develop the font fully until I knew I loved making fonts, so I downloaded the free 30 day trial. That gave me 30 days to program my font and get it released. I know it sounds crazy, but it works for me. I'm happy to report that I loved designing Roadtripper, and I'll probably design more fonts in the future.
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| Love the energetic swoops & swirls! |
Q: You are currently represented by the art licensing agent, Cinnamon Joe. What has your experience being agented been like with: 1) self-promotion 2) trade shows 3) following trends 4) workload.
A: I started working with Cinnamon Joe about 2.5 years ago. I had actually emailed Cinnamon Joe before, but with no response. I continued to develop my style until I felt it was good enough. Then I emailed CJS a year later, and this time we signed contracts. It has been great being my art directed by Andrea & Paul Turk. They really know their industry! My hand-lettering has really taken off and I've been able to see what is selling.
1) As far as self-promotion, we aren't able to show any full pieces of our work we develop for CJS due to copyright issues, but we can always develop other pieces to show. That's why I start passion projects, like my State Postcards, to show off my hand-lettering and illustration skills.
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| How totally fun!! I need the one from North Carolina! |
2) Trade shows have been great because we don't have to pay any of the up front costs. We just pay for prints. I have attended 3 trade shows, 2 of them being Blue Print, which CJS hosts each year. It's great to meet other artists, agents, and buyers. Everyone is so friendly. It really does feel like family.
3) Andrea sends us mood boards almost every week. We can decide if we want to follow the trends she's sending, or stick to our own. But it really is up to us.
4) As for workload, CJS likes to have 2 collections from us each week. I don't quite get that many, as I'm a mom to 2 littles, and I work part-time for PetiteLemon.com designing Christmas Cards for Shutterfly.com. So that does take a good chunk of time. But any moment I get, I try to design some new collections for CJS. It has been super rewarding.
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| Love this hand-lettering & the sophisticated color palette! |
Q: Tell us all about your MOST favorite illustration project: one from your past and one from your present.
A: I have really loved designing water bottles for CamelBak. They were one of the first "big" companies that contacted me to do work for them. It was a huge learning experience, as I had to use only a few PMS colors and learn all about a roller printer. That's how the bottles are printed with this rolling printer. Kind of cool!
I'm not working on any illustration projects right now, other than Christmas cards for Petite Lemon for Shutterfly. Christmas Cards keep me busy about 9 months of the year. But I am working on some personal projects that I hope to share soon!
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| Ooo! There's still time to order your holiday cards on a fabulous design by Muffin!! |
Q: Give us the scoop on who/what/where inspires you the most!
A: Honestly, my family inspires me the most. My kids, because they are always so intrigued by new things, and I hope that they see my passion and want to pursue their own interests. And my husband, because he is always so supportive of any crazy ideas I have.
I also love love love books! I'm always on the hunt for any new art or vintage books. Usually about things that I'm interested in, whether it's lettering, interior design, or even a book about animals.
Q: What advice would you give fellow illustrators looking for success in the field of art licensing?
A: I would say get your art out there. Don't be afraid of rejection (something I'm still working on). Reach out to other artists, agents and buyers. And eventually something will work.
Just start creating and showing others your amazing art.
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| Bright, modern & totally rock star! |
Q: Describe your most perfect Sunday.
A: Sundays are all about family. It would start with a hot breakfast. One of my faves being Leige waffles with strawberries and whipped cream. Church. Lunch. Games with my family. A nap. A walk. And perhaps I'd have some friends or family members over for dinner. I've chosen not to work on Sundays, and it has been the greatest blessing in my life.
Thank you so much, Muffin, for chatting it up with us here at Bird Meets Worm! We think you're fabulous!
