Crafty calligraphy meets beautiful business cards
We’re complete suckers for beautiful handwriting, and if you’re anything like us, you will be too! We were totally blown away by these two calligraphers – their wonderful talent, modern take on the craft and their way of incorporating their work into their business cards.
Meet Shelly and Mai – these wonderful ladies both specialize in modern calligraphy, each putting their own touch on the craft and each kind enough to share the story behind their businesses and stunning designs. We hope they’ll inspire you as much as they did us – we’re off to brush up on our handwriting!
Letters By Shells
Shelly Kim is a modern calligrapher based in Southern California. Shelly has always had a love for crafts and typography and first started teaching herself modern calligraphy back in 2015 – her purpose was to spread positivity by sharing quotes on social media. Shelly believes in motivating and uplifting one another, which is one of the main reasons she created Letters By Shells.
Before she started her calligraphy journey, Shelly was working full-time in a corporate office but she knew it wasn’t for her. She now guides undergraduate students, helping them discover their career path and is studying for her masters degree in the same field.
Shelly combines her love of teaching with her love of calligraphy – she hosts workshops in the OC and LA area at the weekends, teaching others the beauty of brush lettering. Her practice sheets and guides on how to get started can also be bought from her Etsy shop. Shelly’s inspiration comes from meeting new people, friends, family, and from other artists and calligraphers. She’s constantly looking for new ways to spread positive vibes through her lettering.
When it came to creating her cards, Shelly told us: “I really wanted to represent and incorporate my personality into my business cards. It was important that my business cards and the color scheme matched my work. I still use my original logo from when I first started modern calligraphy – it’s a constant reminder of the journey I’ve been on and how much I’ve grown. I love the Original Square Business Cards with a matte finish and the Gold Foil Square Business Cards. My cards represent who I am and the work that I do. It’s everything I expected my business card to be, and more! I’m impressed by the quality of the paper and print – MOO was able to capture my vision and turn it into a reality!
Put your personality onto Square Business Cards
Oh Mai! Art Creations
Mai Tran, based in San Diego, runs her own boutique art studio – Oh Mai! Art Creations (aka OMAC). She offers custom calligraphy and design services ranging from envelope addressing to entire wedding invitation suites, vintage wooden pieces and chalkboard art.
Mai is drawn to natural elements like greenery, succulents, and florals and whilst she often finds inspiration in her day-to-day, most of Mai’s inspiration is drawn from her clients: “I love listening to their visions and ideas and hearing the excitement in their voices. I take all of it in as part of my creative process. My ‘art creations’ tell a story about a person/persons or event through something I design. It’s unique. It may not significantly change the world, but each piece allows a person to see their story in their hands”.
“I’m an artist, calligrapher, designer and illustrator, and I wanted my business cards to reflect all of that without being “text” heavy. I love that I was able to upload multiple photos of my artwork on the back of each business card – plus there’s no upcharge for it, which is even sweeter! Most importantly, when I give my business cards out, I can pick the one that represents the service the client wants. Each business card is essentially a mini, portable portfolio”.
Mai chose Standard Business Cards in a matte finish: “I prefer the matte finish, because it has a more natural and organic feel to it. The paper stock is good – it doesn’t tear or bend easily and the printing quality is excellent! My #MOOcards do an excellent job of representing me as an artist, calligrapher, designer and illustrator. Plus, people really get excited about the rounded corners – it’s such a small detail but adds a special little touch. My cards are very professional but still have that personal touch and “OMAC” style and flair”.
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Nikki Farquharson is a freelance illustrator specialising in creating abstract and patterned art and typography by hand. She’s worked with big brand names such as Malibu Rum and MAC Cosmetics but where did the courage to go it alone come from and how did she get her first big client?
Tell us about your business
I’m a freelance illustrator. I fell into commercial illustration towards the end of my degree when I was given my first commission – I couldn’t believe that somebody wanted to pay me to do something I loved – and when I realised commercial illustration was a viable avenue, I stuck with it, and began doing lots of illustration work for domestic and international brands.
You specialise in abstract illustration and typography, drawn by hand – have you always worked in this way?
I studied graphic design at university, I particularly loved minimalistic design. While studying, I began to resent it for all the rules, which is what made me find my passion for illustration and abstract hand drawn work. I find illustration to be a lot more expressive, which compelled me to do more of it. I think it’s a lot freer to be able to just sit and draw as opposed to following design rules.
Where did the ambition and drive to start your own business come from?
Because I studied graphic design I assumed I’d be working a 9-5 job in a studio when I graduated. When I realised there was another pathway – to go it alone – I guess I just took the leap. My main goal is to express myself and to be really happy with what I’m creating, then, if other people like it it’s a bonus.
You’ve worked with some incredible clients; how did you get your work noticed?
I guess it was all a domino effect. It originally began when It’s Nice That published some of my work while I was still a student. My first client came from somebody seeing me on their website, and it followed suit in a similar way from client to client. The first major brand was Malibu Rum – they’d seen some of my mixed media work – a combination of illustration and photography.
Most of my commissions come from word of mouth but keeping your website up to date, having a social presence and a digital portfolio is really important – MAC cosmetics found me through my website.
How do you fulfil clients’ needs while still staying true to your own style?
Staying true to yourself can be hard when working with clients. When I was working with Malibu, they wanted to go down a photography and illustration route. I didn’t feel it was right for their product so I steered them towards my abstract illustration work. I always ensure I spend time working with my clients to get to a final outcome that really responds to their needs, but also stays true to my aesthetic and style.
What’s been your favorite client project and why?
I enjoy every job for different reasons. I collaborated with a photographer on a digital project which was a new medium for me. I still created all my illustrations by hand, and then digitised the artwork. It took me a while to find my way around Photoshop, which was really enjoyable because it was a completely new way for me to work. It’s nice when a project pushes you to experiment with something new.
How are you focusing on building and promoting your brand?
I like my work to speak for itself – it’s often colourful and bright. Promoting myself doesn’t really come naturally to me, which is something I’m trying to work on at the moment. I sometimes struggle with the business side of things – I’m an artist first and foremost.
At the moment, I’m working on building my online store. I’m creating greeting cards, gift paper and prints, but hoping to venture into patterned artwork on different textures, such as head wraps or tapestries – I love it when my illustrations actually become the final product! I want to create products that are as close to flat, ink on paper pieces as possible.
Do you use social media to promote yourself?
I do, Instagram is definitely my favorite as it allows me to show the process behind my work. As everything is hand drawn, there’s a lot that goes into each piece. I find that people really enjoy seeing the development of a piece and being part of my creative journey.
How do you use MOO?
I pride myself on producing high quality work; from the art itself right the way through to the packaging. I include my Luxe Business Card in every order as well as a MiniCard as a ‘thank you’ note. Every package is then sealed with a Sticker with my logo on it. It’s important for me to show a genuine sense of love and care when packaging my work and MOO helps me achieve that.
What’s next for you?
I’ve always wanted to use my art to express my own personal views on politics and social issues, so I’m currently working on some politically inspired typographic prints to sell in my online store – I’ve just finished a piece centred around the word “Resist”, inspired by the recent political goings-on.
What are your tips for aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to start their own business?
I always go back to how I felt at uni whenever somebody asks me this question. I remember showing my tutor some of my illustrations – I got told to put them aside and stick to graphic design. Negative criticism has a way of crippling people. Stick to what you love, don’t let anyone deter you from your ambitions, goals or passions. It really is about believing in yourself first.
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It’s not just us that love to send a Postcard – we also wanted to share these 3 businesses who are totally making the most of their versatility! From showcasing a portfolio to writing a personal thank you notes, Postcards are the real heroes here.
Meet 3 beautiful brands who specialize in creating and teaching art, graphic design and craft – each kind enough to share the story behind their businesses and stunning designs. We hope they’ll inspire you as much as they did us.
Tara Leaver
Tara Leaver is an artist, online art teacher, and creative encourager working from her attic studio by the sea on the south coast of England. Tara makes her own art, and creates and teaches online courses focused on helping others uncover and develop their own unique, artistic self-expression.
Tara’s Postcards are from a series called Moments of Freedom where she continues to explore the theme of freedom by playing with quick impressions gathered from sketches of the harbour at St Ives in Cornwall. She’s been selling the series exclusively on Instagram. She said: “I love writing cards featuring my own work – it makes it more personal while helping to spread the word in a low-key way”. Tara also uses the cards herself: “It’s a way for me to keep my favourite works after they’ve been sold”.
Both Tara’s art and the courses she offers are based on the premise of making art as an expression of freedom. She told us: “This focus emerged after a personal epiphany about my own art and lifestyle, as well as years of seeing people struggle to express what’s truly theirs.” So while her own art is about her personal exploration of what freedom means, the courses she runs offer ways for others to find their own artistic freedom of expression.
Tara’s cards are printed in a matte finish: “the cards are so soft and tactile, and the quality is excellent – nice and sturdy and beautiful to write on. The reproduction quality is amazing too – the best I’ve found for colour accuracy”.
Make your own mini works of art
Thomas Sturm
Thomas Sturm is a designer based in Salzburg, Austria. He works for design agency, KISKA and freelances on smaller side-projects in his spare time.
Thomas gives his Postcards out to new clients that he works with or has worked with in the past – the cards have multiple purposes for him – they act as his personal business cards and greeting cards that he can write personalized messages on.
He wanted to have a little goodie to hand over to his customers, to say thank you and to highlight his main focus whilst working as a freelance designer: “to always try to embrace the good times, the fun that often comes with freelancing and that I’m thankful to get to do the work I’m doing”.
Thomas loves the permanent element of print – being able to create something that will stand the test of time, living on beyond his digital creations. “Print is something real – it’s not a draft on your screen or something you can change if you’re not into it anymore. When it’s done, it’s done. And, of course, it’s personal”.
Thomas continues: “I could send the exact same cards via email instead of printing them – it would say the same thing. But at the end of the day, it’s not the same. Print is much more personal, something that someone has put effort into making.”
Thomas decided on the Luxe Postcards after ordering a sample pack: “I felt like the Luxe Postcards were the right thing to go with, especially with the yellow layer of paper in between – it goes well with the graphical elements embedded in my artwork. Most people I hand my Postcards over to don’t necessarily have the same attention to detail as I do when it comes to paper (compared to people who work in the same field as me). Still, the quality and the haptic aspects can be felt by everyone – this is what matters. So far, I’ve only heard positive reactions to my cards”.
TWO ME
Isabella Strambio founded her blog TWO ME a year ago as a way of documenting her amazing journey as she learns 12 crafts in 12 months. In October last year, Isabella started running workshops across London, along with few in Dubai.
Isabella started with macrame wall hangings, plant holders, crochet and weaving. It was after Isabella’s first workshop that she realized she could turn TWO ME into a side business running alongside her day job as an Interior Designer.
Isabella has collaborated with chefs and photographers, and is also busy planning her biggest workshop – a one-day Wabi-Sabi styling and making workshop in London, in collaboration with her friend Silvia, a photographer, food stylist and vegan chef.
Isabella designed her MOOcards as she was getting a constant stream of people asking for information about her and her workshops. Printed with a Matte finish on one side, Postcards are the perfect medium to showcase her crafts and write personal thank you messages. They also act as business cards as she prints her contact details on every card.
Helen Greenstein has made felt editions of more than 120 MOO crew – and we are in love with each and every one of them. We met her to find out more about her inimitable skill, and to find out where 3 of the felt portraits are now
Oh, we’ve never felt so good!
Visit us at our London HQ, and one of the first things you’ll see is a wall of tiny portraits – photos of felt portrait dolls. These are commissioned as a special thank you from one of our favourite customers and long-time collaborators, Helen Greenstein.
Helen, who works in Atlanta, Georgia, has made over 120 dolls in the image of MOO employees – it’s a gift we give people on their 2nd anniversary with the company. And she’s celebrating some of them herself over on Instagram at the moment under the tag #100DaysofDolls.
Each doll takes Helen around 20 hours to make – we take a photo of the relevant MOOster and send over to her. And, best of all, the more details the better. Helen’s made everything from tiny coke cans, football shirts, intricate tartans, jewellery and a guitar. As she says, “I’m all about the accessories.
But where are these dolls now? To celebrate 3 years of their production, we tracked down 3 of her alumni to find out where they are now… and what they’ve been up to since they shipped over from Atlanta.
Blanca Sabas Pascual – Ecommerce Marketing Manager, rocker of excellent biker jackets
Blanca and her doll portrait live and work side-by-side every day. And sometimes that means travelling side by side too. Blanca says: “She’s been everywhere with me – at home, in the office, and even back to Spain with me to see my mum. When I went back to Spain I made sure I was wearing the same outfit. It wasn’t hard – I’ve worn a biker jacket since I was 16. It’s my trademark!”
Blanca-the-doll added: “I’m a very efficient traveller. I pack a tight suitcase, and since I slot straight in the baggage scanner, I’m often through security a lot faster than she is. Gives me time to relax with a gin and tonic before wheels-up.”
Phil Thomas – Senior Product Designer, fan of dinosaurs
Phil had no problem choosing what his portrait doll should wear. “It had to be a dinosaur, as I had just started my own Dinosaur T-Shirt business (because I love dinosaurs),” he explained. “It’s called TEE-REX.”
Little Phil lives at home – he doesn’t get chance to come into the office that often. “It sounds a little self obsessive but my doll sits on my mantle piece inside a glass bell jar, to protect it,” Phil added.
Little Phil couldn’t be reached for comment.
Matt Avery – Lead Designer, percussion botherer
Matt’s all about design, colour and noise – of the best possible kind. His doll portrait is as elegantly dressed as he always is, complete with his very own tiny drum machine. Matt says: “I didn’t have to think too long about what I wanted my doll to wear – but I did have to think super hard about his accessory.”
“As well as being one of MOO’s creative leads, I’m a musician – so I could have picked anything from a Wacom tablet to a grand piano. That might have been a bit of a mean ask of Helen, mind.”
Mini-Matt said: “I’ve finally managed to get a bit of space to call my own so I could set this studio up. I tried to get room to compose on Matt’s desk but he wasn’t having it. Creative differences, you might say. I’m currently working on getting some bookings in. I’ve got a mate who swears he can introduce me to Todd Terje. Have you checked out my Soundcloud?”
Check out more of Eleni Creative’s amazing work
Not got a mentor yet? Maybe it’s time you got one. Having a mentor has all kinds of benefits, from profitability to peace of mind, not to mention a bit of much-needed company in this entrepreneurial journey.
Why would you want a mentor?
Plenty of people manage to be successful without a mentor — so you might wonder, why should you go through the trouble of finding one?
To set big goals — and then hit them.
Even if a person is only a few years down the line from you, they’ll have experiences that you can learn from. Not only can a mentor encourage you to set bigger goals (many of us, especially at the start of our careers, tend to limit ourselves!), they can also help you break down the big goal into smaller steps.
Breaking a big goal down into less-intimidating steps is helpful, but so is going over those steps (and when you’ll do them) with someone else. Multiple studies have shown that writing down or saying out loud not just that you will do something, but when and where you’ll do it, makes you much more likely to actually do it. Having a mentor can help you stick to that process, and gives you someone to hold you accountable.
To keep you focused on the big picture.
When you’re stuck in the day to day, keeping an eye on the big picture — not just this quarter, but also this year, the next five years, you name it — can feel impossible. You need an outside point of view to help you stay focused on your overall goals, and remind you what you’re working towards.
It’s also helpful to have someone around who can point out when you are making progress and can’t see it. When you’re taking smaller actions over time, it’s easy to feel like you aren’t making any progress at all — this is when having another person around to remind you of the progress you’re making comes in handy.
To give you a reality check.
Even if you’re doing your own research to stay up on industry trends, there are things you might miss without the insight of someone who’s been there. However much research you do, it can be easy to make mistakes about product development, time estimates and shipping costs. Over time, marginal errors can really add up.
Even if they’re not enough to sink the campaign or product, they can add a lot of unnecessary stress. With the guidance of someone who’s been there and done that, you’ll be able to dodge more of the pitfalls.
In addition to giving you “been there, done that, here’s what you need to know and definitely shouldn’t do” insight, a good mentor can also help you realize when you’re making a mountain out of a molehill, or when you’re potentially creating future problems by procrastinating on something right now. Having that outside perspective can make a huge difference.
Where to find a mentor (and what to look for)
Personal referrals and networking events or professionally-oriented meetups can give you a leg up in finding a mentor, but there are other options, too — including organizations that specialize in mentor relationships.
Here are a few organizations that can help match you with a mentor:
- MicroMentor pairs up entrepreneurs with mentors for free
- The National Mentoring Partnership helps with mentors across all areas of life, including career
- Score matches people with mentors locally and online
You can also check with your local chamber of commerce and small business organizations — they often have mentorship programs Virtual mentors are also on the rise. In particular, Slack groups are a great way to meet people, network, and get advice from peers at your level or a few years ahead of you. Good luck!
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