Meet our new Artist of the Month... Hannah A! @hanmade_designs. Hannah has always had an interest in art, stemming from her father's signage business. After art school she went on to start a creative business of her own! Today her style and offerings are ever evolving, but still in her signature style. Read on to find out more...
What is your background and when did your passion for Calligraphy and learning begin?
I studied a foundation diploma in Art & Design at a local Art’s College, after completing my A-levels in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Media Studies & Psychology. Shortly after in 2013, I started my own business, primarily this was in the Wedding Industry. I created handmade Wedding Invitations, Day Stationery and Hand Painted Signs. With the start of online marketplaces, I began to create one off unique items for weddings. I would hand letter Bridesmaid names and then digitally vectorise the lettering, and print them using my sublimation printer and press. I continued to grow my online business over the 7 years, to over 15,000 sales globally whilst also documenting my joinery online through Youtube. During this time, I created a various courses to help others learn basic calligraphy skills and use various printing techniques. I paused my career for a short while, to have my Daughter and in the last few years have evolved the business to help other Artist and Makers market their products effectively and authentically.
Who / Where do you take your inspiration from?
My Dad has always (and still is) my inspiration for my lettering. He went to Art School on the evenings when he was younger to become a sign writer - a profession he carried out for many years, on buildings, signs and vans until the rapid decline of signwriters as vinyl began to make way. Luckily the skill of signwriting is once again being appreciated and is making a come back! I have my Dad’s old books for reference, something I always carried around with me during my college days. My inspiration for my lettering comes from old shop signs, book covers and vintage movie posters. I love a nostalgic vintage style, and something I want to lean into more in the coming years!
What in your opinion is the hardest and the most rewarding parts of working in a creative industry?
The hardest part is understanding how to create a consistent income. There are higher months, and naturally lower months - both income and time spent in the business. However I’ve always seen this as a rather exciting aspect. It’s kind of thrilling to not know what opportunities might present themselves next month!
After over 10 years in business, you learn to find the rhythm in your business and what that looks like for you. Making your business work for you and your schedule/commitments is key, because what works for someone else might not work for you.
Do you have a favourite style?
I’ve always had a soft spot for the Victorian era. From print presses, typeset to dip pens and ink. There’s something about the style that just intrigues me. Oh and I love florals and nature, so if there’s a way I can combine the two, I will!
What are the most exciting projects you have worked on and what are you working on at the moment?
When I first got my laser machine and created a few cake toppers, I got asked by Etsy to create a cake topper for their Blogger Event in Germany. I was equal parts excited and nervous!
I’m currently working on something a little different, which is my teaching qualification. I’m looking at teaching Adults in the Marketing Sector for Artists and Makers, and wanted to make sure I was fully equipped with the right tools to deliver a successful course.
How does your work relate to your everyday life?
I’ve always felt like my business has two parts to it. The business side (which is the marketing aspect) and the Lettering side. I’m neither on one side or the other, I simply enjoy a mix of the two. During the day, I log into my business and tick off the jobs that are needed but when it comes to my lettering - it’s always done from a ‘in the moment’ approach. I very often don’t plan what I’m going to write or create, as it’s usually based on how I’m feeling, or something I want to share. Or sometimes, I find it therapeutic to just write the day of the week and not think too deeply about what it is i’m creating but more so the mindfulness of the moment.
What are your favourite tools to use?
Can I say everything? As a creative spirit, I have phases where I’m reaching for my paintbrushes one week, or my dip pens the next. I’ve always been interested in using multiple tools to complete a task. I may start with a calligraphy dip pen and ink, but will take it one step further by scanning in the lettering - digitising the words and then laser cutting it onto wood. Calligraphy fonts can be great for different projects, but nothing quite beats the uniqueness of your own lettering!
What would your advice be to people new to the creative industry and any tips on how to get started?
Gather inspiration and create a visual space for it. This may be magazine cuttings, or a phone snap of the local village shop sign. Then when you feel the creative juices flowing, take inspiration from these cuttings to create your own lettering piece, and practice, practice, practice. My first attempt at calligraphy was terrible, and so was the next. Just keep practicing, create muscle memory by repeating drills (even though they may seem boring and repetitive) and reach out to artists you are inspired by and let them know. We we’re all beginners once!
To see more of her beautiful work you can follow her Hannah A (@hanmade_designs) and remember to follow @manuscriptpenco on social media where we will be showcasing her work throughout the month!
