Collective Member Spotlight: Emily LeVault with Letters by LeVault
We are so excited for the opportunity to host a Collective Workshop with a Dive Collective member. Emily LeVault is part of our community and is teaching Lettering Basics beginning next week, and we wanted to dig a bit deeper with her and her love for both teaching and the art of lettering—we decided to ask her a few questions.
1. How did you first get into lettering?
Making a sign for my front door! Thankfully it wasn't a "Pinterest fail" and I decided to keep up with lettering.
2. Who or what has inspired your creativity?
It's usually a quote I see that inspires me. Once I see it, I can't get the colors and shapes out of my head until I put it down on paper, or whatever medium I'm using.
3. What is your favorite medium to work with in projects you create?
Love, love, love watercolors! They're unpredictable and have their own personality, so I feel like it gives each piece that extra little bit of a unique touch. I'm not very good with watercolor paintings because my inner perfectionist comes out and I want things to be realistic, but watercolor lettering is a whole other animal and I love the imperfections, blends, and new colors that come with it.
4. What project has been your favorite to do so far?
It's actually sitting on my desk because I took it to a shop to sell and then picked it back up because I missed it so much. It's a watercolor lettering piece that reads, "The point is to die young as late as possible." I love the sentiment, I love the colors, I love the shapes and the style. I can't imagine parting with it so hopefully people will be happy with prints!
5. What is the strangest project you’ve ever been asked to do?
A bride asked me to do a "broken glass seating chart." I recommended asymmetrical glass tiles with the names and table numbers on each one but she had broken a window and wanted to give me the pieces. For the sake and safety of my hands and her guests, I politely declined.
6. What aspect of teaching others do you enjoy the most?
I love seeing people be pleased with their project. Giving someone the tools and confidence to be successful is such a joy. I truly believe that everyone is just one tip or trick away from being really, really happy with what you're creating.
7. What is one piece of advice you would give someone who doesn’t think they’re creative enough to learn Lettering?
Be kind to yourself. You are so much more creative, imaginative, and capable than you think you are.
8. What is something you wish someone would have told you when you began lettering?
DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF TO INSTAGRAM. I wish someone had told me that before social media even existed, ha! But, really, the professionals on there are that good, that popular, and that busy for a reason. It's something to aspire to but not envy or compare. It makes a huge difference in your work if you're happy where you're at and also aiming for a certain goal.
9. What are you most looking forward to in this Workshop?
I can give the same project to four different people and get four different results. I love seeing how each individual takes the piece and makes it their own. I really cannot wait to see what you guys create!
10. Who do you think should take this Workshop?
Anyone who's ever wanted to be more creative, anyone who wants a relaxing new hobby, anyone who wants an excuse to play with their Crayolas, anyone who's interested in DIY… everyone!
11. Do you have any additional thoughts or insights into lettering or the Workshop?
Lettering is a science and an art. I love being able to give you the "rules" and teaching you how to break them so you can create things you love. And that's what this is all about—taking something you love and putting it on paper. Nobody prints out a facebook status, or a tweet, or Instagram post and puts that on their fridge or their desk. But people love handwritten notes, and making it really and truly a piece of art fills up your heart and theirs.
My go-to supplies
About the Workshop
The Collective Workshop: Lettering Basics begins Wednesday, September 2nd, and Saturday, September 5th. In this live, interactive 4-week workshop, you’ll not only learn the basic building blocks of hand lettering, you’ll also acquire stylized techniques like flourishes, layout, mixed media, and more. By the time you’ve completed this workshop, you’ll be able to letter beautifully on any surface! Visit our website to register—we’d love to have you!
To see more of Emily’s work, visit her website lettersbylevault.com
Wait, there’s more!
Get to know Emily on a bit more in Episode 3 of our Dive Collective Podcast!
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In a world dominated by social media, Christians are under a microscope like never before. We’ve put ourselves out there to be criticized by others and looked at with scrutiny, but on the other hand, this could be the greatest opportunity to show Christ’s love.