Jessica Hische in KC!

I have long admired Jessica Hische's beautiful lettering, and the moment AIGA KC announced she would be speaking I immediately bought a ticket. Here are a few quick takeaways from her talk, I can't wait to read her new book In Progress, which I was lucky enough to get signed! Thanks, AIGA, for bringing such a wonderful speaker to KC. 

Jessica Hische in KC! | Letters Are Lovely
  • Jessica talked about how she was most motivated when she could picture someone using/enjoying the end result of the project. 
  • She has found that it's best to do the heavy lifting of a project through sketching (more work in analog=less work in vector).
  • Her process order includes researching, brainstorming, thumbnail sketches, real sketches, and vector drawing, and she has found that a consistent process matters a lot. 
  • She recommended visiting the Letterform Archive in SF
  • Something I found really relatable was when she talked about how it is necessary to start to vary the skeleton of your letterforms in order to create more unique lettering. I have seen in my own work that I have often changed the "dress" of the lettering, rather that starting with a different and unique skeleton. This is something I hope to continue to develop in my future lettering work. 
  • In her final remarks she listed some practical (life) tips, which included a remark about how designers are like indoor cats. Of course I couldn't resist including that in my notes. But seriously, I truly appreciated her humor and willingness to be open about how she works and also how she interacts with clients. Thanks again, Jessica and AIGA KC!

March Around The Web

I hope you all have had a wonderful March! I couldn't think of a better representation of my favorite things on the internet this past month than Libby VanderPloeg's "Lift Each Other Up" illustration for International Women's Day (which was March 8th). I am very proud to work with and have so many talented & driven women friends who inspire me daily. Take a look at Libby's website to see more of her wonderful illustrations! 

March Around The Web: Libby VanderPloeg | Letters Are Lovely

Other tidbits from this month include:

Personally, my favorite moments from March were spent in Portland with my family, and outside enjoying the warmer Spring weather. I can't wait to see what April will bring!

Mint, Gold, and Neutrals for Spring

I've rounded up a few items on my wish list this Spring. I included a few local KC artists, as well as some other items I would love to purchase. Enjoy!

Letters Are Lovely | Mint, Gold, and Neutrals for Spring

Ring Dish in Mint—Suite One Studio
Open Hearted T-Shirt—Jess Lively for Spirit+Style
Marbled Canvas Cross Body—Maker Goods
60 MM Sequins—Oh Happy Day!
Praise Hands Pin—Pintrill
Celestial Coaster Set—Anthropologie
Create Pillow—Hibrid for 5 Points
Productivity Planner—Intelligent Change

February Around The Web

February is one of my favorite months of the year because I get to celebrate Valentine's Day and my birthday in the same week! This month also was full of wonderful inspiration around the web, and I loved    A Beautiful Mess's Palm Springs Kitty Scratch House DIY. I need to make one for my kitty, Otto.

This month at Hallmark my team was busy working on Valentine's Day cards for NEXT year. I loved seeing all the heart day inspiration floating around the internet this month, as well as all the beautiful cards in stores. I also had the opportunity to visit KU and help Hallmark recruit interns for next summer! My internship sometimes seems like it was a long time ago, and other times I feel like I was just an intern –     but I loved being back on campus and in the design building.

Personally, my wonderful family and friends made this one of my best birthdays ever. I enjoyed dinner at Lydia's in KC with my whole extended family, and a fun weekend in STL with friends. I also loved getting together with friends to watch the Oscars. Now here are a few of my favorite links:

Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful week!