Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Aurelio.
Cheryl, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Growing up, art was a great outlet for me; I would sketch for hours and was frequently complimented on my handwriting, which I practiced as well. I eventually went to college for business, but was always interested in art, art history and graphic arts. As I got older, married my husband and had kids, any creative hobbies and interests I had took a backseat to the everyday adventure of raising a family. I think a lot of mothers go through the struggles of raising a family, with the lack of time being one of the biggest issues. Combine that with being a military family and moving frequently, there just wasn’t time for creativity beyond deciding what’s for dinner (again) and how to transport kids to their various activities.
A couple of years ago I decided to take a calligraphy class, which totally opened up a new world. The teacher commented that I “definitely had a style already”, which encouraged me to practice more and figure out what that style was. That practice led to lettering becoming a major hobby and big part of my life, which has led to opportunities such as selling prints, designing shirts, logos etc.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I specialize in hand lettering using different mediums such as pointed pen, brush pens, chalk, and digital designs. I’ve always been interested in graphic design and am excited to keep learning in that area as well. I practice and try to create something almost every day, even if it’s just lettering one word, trying a different style, or working on layouts and composition.
My work is definitely inspired by the many years that I lived in Hawaii and the island lifestyle. I moved to San Diego a little over a year ago and although I love it here, I still daydream about spending hours in the ocean and the calmness and tranquility that I get from that lifestyle. I find that the ocean and the “Aloha” lifestyle greatly influences a lot of my lettering and designs. I hope that’s what people take away from any pieces they see of mine; I hope it makes them smile and their day a little bit brighter.
How can artists connect with other artists?
Instagram has been amazing for connecting to other artists and events. As I got deeper into the lettering world, I found many local letterers and events, from craft fairs and lettering workshops to groups that focus on women-owned businesses. But honestly, many artists that I interact with on Instagram that I have become friends with live in all different parts of the world.
I find that for the most part, people are willing to help as well. In the past I have reached out to designers that I didn’t know at all to ask different questions regarding pricing and contracts and they were so helpful! Tapping into other people’s experience is a great resource. In general, I think most artists know that there is room for the table for everyone, and the more we help each other by talking about pricing, selling, and every other aspect of being an artist, the more we can all feast. There’s room for all of us.
I would encourage other artists to reach out to others, whether it’s by just interacting on social media or planning a meet-up. The companionship and knowledge you will receive is invaluable
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sweetalohalettering.com
- Email: sweetalohalettering@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweet.aloha.lettering/
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