Meet our new Artist of the Month... Cecilia. Based on the island of Sardinia, Cecilia enjoyes using a range of calligraphic tools. Read on to find out which styles are her favourite...!
What is your background and when did your passion for Calligraphy and Lettering begin?
I am a calligrapher, letterer, and illustrator from Italy. I have been living in the island of Sardinia with my husband and our cat, Sirius. I grew up in a family of artists: both my mother and my sister are painters, and I have been drawing for as long as I can remember.
My passion for calligraphy began in 2017, starting with brush lettering and later exploring classical styles. I love studying these styles, and whenever I have the opportunity, I enjoy teaching others what I have learned over many years of study and research.
Who / Where do you take your inspiration from?
I see myself as a highly imaginative person, often allowing the moment's inspiration to guide my endeavours.
But I'm also fortunate to have many creative friends who are a constant source of inspiration! I'm on Instagram both as a content creator and as a user, and often it's the work of other artists that gives me the motivation and desire to pick up pen and paper to write!
What in your opinion is the hardest and the most rewarding parts of working in a creative industry?
In an age dominated by digital media, it's a challenge to garner appreciation for handmade work. Behind every single piece there isn't just a few hours of work but rather a path of studies, failures, and experiments that have lasted for years and years. The greatest risk lies in undervaluing oneself and accepting to work for visibility alone: this is a typical reality for all creative works, and the hardest part is making companies and clients understand that our work deserves compensation just like any other. The most rewarding part, for me, has been meeting people from all over the world united by this passion, finding a stimulating and (almost always) serene environment!
Do you have a favourite style?
My favorite technique has always been brush lettering for its freedom of interpretation and the infinite range of creative possibilities it offers. Nevertheless, I think that at the foundation of all my works, there's always a touch of copperplate, which remains my favourite style for its elegance and versatility.
What are the most exciting projects you have worked on and what are you working on at the moment?
I am truly honored to be the AoTM of March! Furthermore, I have collaborated with many important international companies in this field, brands that I admire and that have allowed me to be part of their creative process. I have been Brand Ambassador for Tombow Italy and I have also contributed to the creation of two lettering books named 'Lettering Lovers' produced by CreaMe.
How does your work relate to your everyday life?
In everyday life, you would never label me as an artist! However, I channel all my creativity and color into my sketchbooks.
What are your favourite tools to use?
I love brush pens for their ease of use and versatility. When it comes to pointed pen styles, I'm crazy about oblique pens with Leonardt EF principal nibs.
What would your advice be to people new to the creative industry and any tips on how to get started?
My advice is to embrace experimentation: what initially catches our interest might not necessarily be our true calling, and the real 'aha' moment can happen unexpectedly.
To see more of Cecilia's work you can follow her @cecilia.doing.art on Instagram. Remember to follow @manuscriptpenco on social media where we will be showcasing her work throughout the month.
