ABOUT CHELSEA
I was the kind of kid who was into fancy words. I didn't just like them, I loved seeking out new words and trying to implement them. There was never enough vocabulary to sate my interest. I moved to Seattle in 2017 with my husband and two dogs and turned to the art world to meet new friends. On a whim, I enrolled in a copperplate calligraphy class. Words suddenly were not just stocked full of charm and meaning, they could elicit new levels of emotion when written in different styles PLUS they looked fancy! I was (and still am) hooked!
Since beginning on the penmanship path, I have become a member of the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting. I’ve been fortunate to study under some of the world's most celebrated calligraphers, such as Chantelle Hoffmann, Suzanne Cunningham, Kestrel Montes, Master Penman Pat Blair, Heather Held, Master Penman Harvest Crittenden, and more. They continue to encourage my growth into new scripts and ways of designing.
My personal design style can be characterized by my love of bold, bright colors (a shocker!) and my respect for historical penmanship. I often take inspiration from historical or archived calligraphy to further the craft, then meld it with modern phrasing and pops of color. Some of my favorite archives to go through include the sign painters, medieval manuscripts, and ornamental work from the Victorian era.
Custom projects hold a special place in my heart. When someone has put so much effort into thinking up their big day or a special gift, I do all that I can to bring that image to the page. Whether it’s studying new writing styles, sourcing specialty paper, or hand-delivering; nothing is too crazy. My custom work is almost always based on a historical foundation - each letter form is drawn slowly and meticulously. I love working on one-of-a-kind gifts, whether an award or a birthday surprise; there's so much excitement from the gift-giver and loads of stories that inspire it.
I love getting up in the mornings, knowing my day will be rich with handwriting happy moments for people.
