S P O T L I G H T :
KATHRYN CHRISTENBURY
ISSUE 3 TYPOGRAPHER
HOW DID YOU GET INTO CALLIGRAPHY/TYPOGRAPHY?
I learned calligraphy because I wanted to design my own wedding invitations and loved the look of hand lettering. I took a lesson with a local calligrapher and then became obsessed with teaching myself as many different styles as I could get my hands on.
WHERE DO YOU GAIN YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?
I find a lot of inspiration in old books, especially ones containing vintage typography. I also look to botanical drawings, Matisse paintings and traveling to gain a fresh eye.
WHAT IS THE COOLEST PROJECT YOU HAVE WORKED ON?
I had the opportunity recently to do some lettering on a miniature piano that was a baby gift from one well-known celebrity to another.
Even if the clients hadn’t been famous, it would have still been the coolest project - how often does someone ask you to paint on a baby piano?
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING TYPOGRAPHERS?
Keep your eyes open, don’t be afraid to ask questions, reach out to other creatives and practice everyday. Give yourself a daily assignment - even if its just ten minutes - and your ideas and style will evolve. Also look back on some of your older projects from time to time... I always find gratification to see the progress I’ve made!
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF
I recently moved from New York City to Los Angeles with my husband. It’s our third home together in (almost) two years of marriage, so you could say that transition has been a theme in our lives recently. It has allowed us to keep moving, reinventing and exploring. We don’t have any children yet, but are hoping to adopt a dog in the very near future! I love spending time with my family and friends, drinking good coffee (Stumptown is my favourite) or an oaky chardonnay and being active outdoors when I can sneak away from my studio.
This Issue Kathryn has done titles for, 'Bricks & Mortar', 'Jekyll & Hyde', 'Mind the Petals', 'The Road Less Travelled', 'Grand Feast' & '21 Lights'
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