Creative Spotlight: Pieces Calligraphy
An Interview with Sharisse of Pieces Calligraphy
Sharisse of Pieces Calligraphy has such a sweet online disposition; embodying helpfulness, encouragement and lightheartedness. And her work is totally in-line with that perception. It's light, happy and beautiful. She styles her shots so professionally and in turn has a wonderfully curated feed! I love her emphasis on brush-lettering, because as you know, brush-lettering holds a special place in my heart! Enjoy this glimpse into her creative mind!
Fun Facts
Location: Elk Grove, CA
Best advice you’ve ever received:
On calligraphy, “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” – Melissa Esplin
On small business, “Position yourself as an investment to your client, not an expense.” – Sean McCabe
Favorite way to treat yourself:
Glass of wine and a Netflix marathon
5 adjectives that describe Pieces Calligraphy:
vibrant, energetic, passionate, exquisite, precise
Favorite tools of the trade:
Brush pens! I also love pointed pen and chalk.
How did you get started in calligraphy and how did you turn it into a thriving business?
I first took a local brush calligraphy class and loved it. Through social media, I began to discover the vast community of calligraphers and letterers, and was inspired to learn more. What has helped me to thrive as a calligrapher and entrepreneur is interacting with other creative minds and small business owners, observing and learning from them. Collaboration and engagement goes a long way in this field.
What are your favorite Instagram accounts?
Oh boy! Too many good ones! Off the top of my head…
@melissapher | @magicmaia | @amandaarneill | @anintran | @seanwes | @thefozzybook are accounts I admire.
What is your favorite type of client work to get?
Anything with a great story behind it. I love being the catalyst for taking what’s in someone’s heart and translating it onto the page. Seeing the joy and inspiration my pieces bring into the home, office, child’s nursery, or life – that is truly what I love most.
What has been the biggest hurdle to overcome in regards to learning calligraphy & starting a business?
Finishing a project before starting something new! I have a hard time saying, “no,” which leaves me spread so thin on my already full plate. Also, I struggle to embrace the fact that something may not be perfect, but it is still excellent. My obsessiveness and need for perfection keeps me from moving on from project to project – I will literally redo an entire piece even if just one stroke of a letter is off.
What inspires you?
Personally, I am inspired by my twin boys. Despite my exhaustion, they fuel my creative energy and give me reason to pursue what I love. Artistically, I am inspired by innovative lettering and design, passionate and positive people, and anything that is full of life and color.
How have you utilized social media to grow your business?
I am constantly glued to Instagram! I love the ease with which I can edit and post my work and share it with the creative community. Instagram is a great place to discover, connect with, and follow other calligraphers, letterers, and creative businesses. I also recently started a blog (piecescalligraphy.com) and plan to write weekly to promote more of what I do behind the scenes and to expand on what I post on Instagram.
Time saving tip for other calligraphers to try out:
Get a light pad! Being able to trace over a draft has saved so much time and paper.
What do you want your legacy for Pieces Calligraphy to be?
I want Pieces Calligraphy to be remembered as the magic that brings spoken and written word to life. I want people to know Pieces Calligraphy through the care and passion used to handwrite each piece. I see my pieces hanging in homes, offices, children’s rooms, and nurseries. They will bring joy and inspiration to the living space. Pieces Calligraphy helps people tell the stories in their hearts.
