Blank Slate: Featuring The Houston Hand Lettering Meetup
When we got our new chalkboard wall in our new office seasoned and primed, we knew we needed to christen it with something big. We invited not one, not two, but a whole GROUP of artists, designers and doodlers to come make their mark on Blank Slate—our chalkboard mural project.
Our friends at The Hand Lettering Meetup stepped into our space with a Texas-sized plan. When asked to share what they’d miss most if they left the Lone Star State, their minds two-stepped straight to Paul Wall, queso, armadillos, poop Emojis on bluebonnets…. Yeah, we’d miss all that, too.
To tell you what this group is all about, we’d like to introduce you to Tim DeSilva and Katy Holton, old friends, fantastic thinkers and the masterminds behind this group of hand-lettering heroes. Then, the group shares a little bit about creative processes.
From Katy and Tim
Tell us about your group.
We host casual, monthly exhibitions and quarterly workshops devoted to practicing, educating and pushing the limits of how “hand lettering” is perceived and presented. The group is designed to be led by the community. There are no figureheads. We are always learning from one another. And every month without fail we’re enamored by the work that comes out of the group. It’s hugely inspiring.
Why a Hand Lettering Group?
The initial goal of this endeavor was to make time to practice our hand-skills more regularly and learn from one another. As we found ourselves sketching in cafes and getting into conversations with curious passersby, we thought, why not explore the idea of bringing together a broader community of artists that share similar passions. Culture Pilot [Tim’s company] has always encouraged building communities and brands with an educational backbone, and through these experiences and support from our friends, HandLetterHou was born. We didn’t know what to expect, but within the first year we’ve met countless talented collaborators and the group continues to grow. We feel so honored and continually encouraged by these amazing folks.
Can you tell us a little bit about the work you created for The Black Sheep Agency office? Where did you get the idea, and what did you learn from it?
We’re always brainstorming on new ways to collaborate, especially as the group scales. When Black Sheep approached us about participating in Blank Slate, the first thing that came to mind for a larger-than-life chalkboard collaboration, was the state that’s larger-than-life itself. We asked the question “What would you miss if you left Texas?” and the answers were hand-lettered within one of 28 taped sections making up a giant outline of Texas. Who knew we’d practically be creating a menu with about 50% of the artwork being food-related! It looks like we learned (or should we say reaffirmed) that Texas is a state full of passionate foodies.
How can more people get involved with the Hand Lettering Meetup?
It’s fun, it’s free and it’s happening on the last week of each month. Follow the hashtag on Instagram #handletterhou and sign up to stay in the know on our site.
From the Meetup Group
Being that this is a meetup GROUP, we couldn’t stop before hearing from the artists themselves. Here’s what they had to say.
What inspires you?
Everything. It could be animals, whatever I’m eating that day… It really depends.
—Melanie, @oneilldesignco
What is your most favorite thing you’ve created?
A 3D shadow box I did in school. We had to take a piece of abstract art and dissect it into its major elements. Then we took those elements and created a physical piece. Everyone’s projects turned out awesome.
—Allyson, @lukky_13
What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
I check my phone.
—Anna, @ninjananners
What is the first thing you do when you begin a new art project?
Think a lot. Furrow my brows.
—Nina, @theneener
If you could be any artistic tool—pencil, crayons, oil pastels, computer, etc.—which one would you be?
A computer mouse.
—Shawn, @shawnroneill
Artists are notoriously weird. Prove it. (Or argue it.)
I don’t know how I would be weird. I’m normal to me.
—Shawn, @ei_castillo
Has anyone ever said to you, “I don’t get it?” If so, how do you respond to that?
When it comes to client work, it’s frustrating because it’s all subjective. I try to persuade people to see it from my point of view, and if that doesn’t turn out well, I’ll try to see what they’re thinking and rework the piece. When it comes to my own art, everyone likes my stuff… especially if it’s free.
—Jody, @jodycochran
Fill in the blank. “I would die without __________.”
A paintbrush.
—Jessica, @jessicajillguerra
What advice do you have for other creatives?
Increase your variety, especially in regards to what websites you look at. Change your perspective by going outside. Be active. Get the things done that you want to, it can spark a new idea. Always write notes to yourself.
—Karla, @karlozgarzos