Meet our new Artist of the Month... Shannon Layne. Seven years ago Shannon wanted to try a new hobby, today Shannon's hobby is also her job. Read on to find out about Shannon's favourite tools to use...she sure does have a talent for using our Manuscript Aquabrush markers. And you'll be able to see those creations across our channels this month. Here's what Shannon has to say...
What is your background and when did your passion for Calligraphy and Lettering begin?
I am a hand letterer and artist from Barbados. Growing up, I never considered being an artist because I didn’t like drawing or painting at all! But 7 years ago, the summer after I graduated secondary school, I was looking for a new hobby and after seeing tons of cool hand lettering pieces on Pinterest I decided to give it a try. I would spend hours everyday practicing and trying different tools and techniques and even when I got frustrated I never felt like giving up, so that was when I realized how much I loved lettering.
Who / Where do you take your inspiration from?
Most of the lettering I do is representational so once I know the quote or phrase I want to write, I experiment with colours, patterns and textures to bring it to life.
What in your opinion is the hardest and the most rewarding parts of working in a creative industry?
Creative blocks are one of the hardest parts of working in a creative industry. They can happen at any time and overcoming these takes a lot of patience and resilience. Thankfully, I've learnt that stepping out of my comfort zone and trying a new medium or art style, is the best way to get rid of my creative blocks. On the other hand, the most rewarding part is being able to see something that started as an idea turned into something physical that others can interact and resonate with.
Do you have a favourite style?
I love modern calligraphy! While traditional calligraphy styles are very beautiful to look at, I love to break the rules and experiment a lot and modern calligraphy allows me to do that.
What are the most exciting projects you have worked on and what are you working on at the moment?
I have been lucky enough to work on lettering for a children’s book cover and lettering for a companion colouring book to match it.
How does your work relate to your everyday life?
Hand lettering and art is currently my full time job, I make logos, custom artwork, teach classes and sell digital products. But lettering is also still very much a hobby for me and most of the pieces I share on my Instagram are done for fun as a way to relax and express my creativity.
What are your favourite tools to use?
At the moment I love using markers, mainly water based ones, because I love blending and mixing colours.
What would your advice be to people new to the creative industry and any tips on how to get started?
Forget about perfection, being creative is about learning new things, experimenting and enjoying the journey along the way. Also, you don’t need to limit yourself to one tool, one technique or one style, instead try different things and find ways to make them work for you.
To get started, I would say just dive right in! It’s so easy to spend hours on the internet researching and trying to find the right way to do something before doing it. And while that can be helpful, it can also make you doubt yourself or procrastinate.
To see more of Shannon's beautiful work you can follow her @byshannonlayne and remember to follow @manuscriptpenco on social media where we will be showcasing her work throughout the month.
