Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanne Emerick.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have been mesmerized by calligraphy videos for a few years until I decided, I needed to stop watching these videos and start doing them myself. So, I delved into the world of modern calligraphy. Practice, practice, practice until I got better, enough for people to want to pay for me to create signs for them and address their wedding envelopes. Eventually, my husband (just a friend at the time) encouraged me to start a lettering business. And thus, JohnnieLetters was born. The purpose and mission of JohnnieLetters is to share God’s love through the lettering of His word.
Please tell us about your art.
The mission of JohnnieLetters is to share God’s love through the lettering of His word. I started out with practicing modern calligraphy with Bible verses. Eventually, enough people would see and I would be asked to create custom signs – on chalkboard, canvas, regular paper, anything. I never took any formal classes to lettering, but eventually, I did buy a few books and watched a few tutorials for little tips and tricks… but essentially, my style has been the sole product of practice, practice, practice. I hope others would be inspired to create and honor words for what they’re worth – which are so much to me. And I hope it would always be an encouragement as God’s word is all encouraging to the soul.
I also provide services for weddings and parties, such as placecards, envelope addressing for invitations and seating charts. I collaborate with Best Day Ever Weddings And Events for some work and others are just word of mouth. I feel so honored to help each bride have something special and unique for her big day. You can get any more “custom” than having beautiful handlettered signs and placecards at your wedding!
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
I’ve been told that I don’t charge enough for my services. Part of that was being new and wanting to draw in a client-base. Another part was not believing anyone would pay so much for what I do and it has sometimes been true. Unless, you have a true appreciation for custom artwork and handwritten signs, you won’t pay more for something that you can get plenty of at Hobby Lobby.
But there ARE still some who do appreciate true art. They come rarely, it seems but they exist. And they will find you. Keep doing what you’re passionate about and the opportunities will exceed your expectations. Focus on what you love to do – you can’t put a price on passion, but financial success will come if you keep focusing on your love for the art.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I am a new small business and most of my work is through word-of-mouth and custom pieces. You can see all my work on JohnnieLetters.com or my instagram @johnnie.letters. I sometimes do live art at The Rock Church East County in El Cajon, where I will do live painting and lettering during worship. Support by following and sharing with friends! And of course, buying and commissioning for custom pieces.
Contact Info:
- Website: JohnnieLetters.com
- Email: johnnieletters@gmail.com
- Instagram: @johnnie.letters
Image Credit:
Joanne Emerick
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