Today we’d like to introduce you to Adria Vey.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
From the time I was little, I’ve always been extremely into arts and crafts. In third grade, I dressed up as an artist for career day! Throughout school, I consistently participated in art classes and fell in love with painting, photography, filmmaking, acting, singing and dancing. At home, I learned how to cross-stitch, crochet, knit, and often did paint by numbers! I come from a creative and loving family full of music, art and laughter.
I knew straight out of high school that college was not for me. At the time, I was a budding makeup artist and I was holding down a job at a cosmetics counter while making makeup tutorials on YouTube. I loved what I was creating, but was not so keen on the daily sales goals and pressures at the job I had.
Through the years, I worked a few other jobs and developed eczema on my face in 2018, which made it difficult for me to continue wearing makeup on a regular basis. I found my love for calligraphy around this time and my life completely changed! I was practicing in notebooks and found inspiration from others online. I also went on a limb and bought an iPad and Apple pencil because I was enamored by artists online that were creating digital works of art!
It was August of 2018 when my sister was getting married, and I was tasked with my first wedding sign. The wedding planner told me I should consider doing this professionally and it really planted a seed in me. At the end of that year, I started working on launching my business, Draft & Ink Calligraphy Co.
Launch date fell on March 12, 2019 and I truly wish I had started sooner. Since then, I have constantly been fulfilled more than any other creative endeavor I’ve taken. I took a leap of faith and left my corporate full-time job in October to put my whole heart and all my focus into my business.
Draft & Ink has been so fulfilling and more successful than I had imagined. I have extremely supportive people in my life that understand this is where I’m meant to be and I’m extremely thankful for where I am today!
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting my business was not a smooth road. Prior to leaving my full-time corporate job, I was taking on client work and Etsy orders after work and on weekends. I was completely exhausted. Despite this, there was not a moment when I considered quitting on my business or not completing client work in the most efficient timeframe possible.
My advice to anyone starting their own business is to start today. It doesn’t have to be perfect. There will be a transition time just like I had where it will be exhausting and difficult. If this is truly your passion, it will be so worth it! No one has found success without taking risks, and I think that is a necessary thing to do. I have taken “the leap of faith” a few times with Draft & Ink. It’s like any other scary thing in life, you are scared to do it at first, but once you go for it, there’s no turning back and you are thankful you did it!
We’d love to hear more about Draft & Ink Calligraphy Company.
Draft & Ink Calligraphy Company specializes in customizable hand-lettered pieces, which includes hand-drawn digital art and physical hand-painted products.
The name Draft & Ink comes from my process. Whenever possible, I make a draft and send it to the client for approval before moving forward so we can visualize exactly what the finished product will look like and make any necessary tweaks. So, quite literally, I draft and ink all sorts of my projects and products! This sets me apart from others who provide the same service because I really work with the client to get them exactly what they need, while still giving my input as the artist on what will look best.
I have completed projects from illustrating animals to creating movie posters, to designing and hand-lettering wedding invitations. One of my most popular products and something that I am known for are my hand-painted doormats. I have also launched a section of my website in which clients can rent chalkboards and other signs from Draft & Ink for events. Anything you can think of that has words on it, I can help you create.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
My biggest inspiration is my sister. Arielle is a photographer and has built her business from scratch. I grew up with her creativity and passion for art as a great example for me.
Arielle’s business has become a wonderful success and it is such a blessing to have her guiding me in this journey. My sister has taken that “leap of faith” and understands everything I am going through. I’m honestly so thankful for her entrepreneurial and creative mind being an influence on me!
My mom is also extremely supportive of me and my sibling’s endeavors. It’s been so inspirational to have her positivity in my business. She gets so excited about my new ideas and always pushes me to make things happen!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.draftandink.com/
- Email: draftandink@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/draftandink/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/draftandink
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DraftAndInk
Image Credit:
Vivienne Tyler Photography, Maramba Media
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