Meet our new Artist of the Month... Carla Cosenza. Based in London, @paper__perfect favourite style is creating letterings with blended backgrounds. Read on to find out more about our Artist of the Month!
What is your background and when did your passion for Calligraphy and Lettering begin?
I am a Brazilian living in London working as a software engineer.
I believe I have always loved art since little. I remember this girl who used to babysit me and she had a really big collection of pens I envied. But my introduction to calligraphy happened I found a friend’s parallel pen at my university. I had never seen one so I was quite interested in seeing what it was used for. She then showed me gothic calligraphy and it was love at first sight (though I do not do gothic calligraphy anymore)
Who / Where do you take your inspiration from?
I love looking at other artist’s work for inspiration. Some people that I follow and adore are: @stefankunz, @dandrawnwords, @kailin_creates, @code_n_color
What in your opinion is the hardest and the most rewarding parts of working in a creative industry?
For me, the most rewarding part is looking at the final piece and knowing you did that. I love that feeling and I believe thats why I continue to letter, to challenge myself and make things I enjoy.
The hardest part is getting people to understand the process that it took to get to that final piece. Some people look at drawings and think its simple or nothing big, but sometimes years of practice and study are what led to that piece.
Do you have a favourite style?
My favourite style is creating letterings with blended backgrounds. I love seeing the mix of color and each background comes out different!
What are the most exciting projects you have worked on and what are you working on at the moment?
The most exciting projects to me are the ones I find challenging or that require some technique I have never used before. One example is a laser cut map I worked on. I am currently working on a set of astronaut pieces that I have been drawing.
How does your work relate to your everyday life?
I do not see lettering as work, I see it as my meditation. Its the way I relax after a hard day and seeing my progress makes me feel motivated. My pastime is watching Netflix and lettering! I do confess that I have stayed up more than I should drawing.
What are your favourite tools to use?
My favorite tools are brush pens. I love their versatility and all the colourful pieces that you can do with them.
What would your advice be to people new to the creative industry and any tips on how to get started?
Just start! Looking at the work of other people can be intimidating when starting, but just trying to do something, no matter how simple it is, is the way to go. We all started that way and its the way we learn. Calligraphy and lettering is a long process and the more you practice, the easier it will get.
To see more of Carla's work you can follow her on Instagram. Remember to follow @manuscriptpenco on social media where we will be showcasing her work throughout the month.
