You'll take more pride in dotting your i's and crossing your t's after getting to know Alyssa Robinson.
This Tucson artist has been sharing her love of calligraphy on in Instagram for a little less than a year under the username @lyssletters.
With 22,600 followers and growing, Robinson posts images of her impressive lettering skills — with words and phrases from movies, books and pop culture, sure to make you smile.
She also uses the space to display her watercolor works.
As part-time receptionist for a small law firm, Robinson spends most of her time working her way toward becoming a freelance artist.
Here is what she had to say about he life as a growing artist and advice for people who want to pick up the pen.
How long have you lived in Tucson?
18 years (my family moved here when I was five)
What made you start an Instagram account?
I wanted to start selling my art and try to get design jobs, but I was incredibly unsure of myself as an artist. I created the account to test the waters and see if people would actually like my work. I also was feeling rather lost, being a college graduate with no direction or concrete plan for my life. Maintaining the account kept my brain active and helped me stay busy.
What do you like to post?
I post mostly hand-lettered pieces, but I also feature watercolor illustrations. I especially love to paint galaxies, cacti, and flowers!
What got you into art and lettering?
Art has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I applied to be an art student at the University of Arizona, but after being rejected I had to find a more practical route to my bachelor's. I didn't really make art for the majority of college and my first year after graduating, but while scrolling through Instagram one day I saw a lettering video by @kellycreates. Watching her write was so satisfying and inspiring, and it galvanized me to buy some brush markers and give it a try! Through Instagram lettering I was also exposed to watercolor. I picked that up last summer and fell in love with the medium!
What inspires you to create and share your work with others?
I'm inspired by nature (plant life especially), by music, and quotes I come across in books. There's something special about being able to convey how a lyric or a quote made you feel through composition and color! Art helps me process my emotions and share that experience with the world.
I also share my work because I spent so much of my life doubting myself —especially after that rejection in college. Instagram gave me the gift of confidence and love for my craft. I am the happiest I have ever been because of how uplifting and inspiring the lettering community is. I want other artists to believe in themselves, because I know how painful it is when you don't. Sharing my art on Instagram not only gives me way to connect with people all over the world but to hopefully inspire anyone who is struggling the way I was.
What are some of your favorite pieces?
Recently I painted a 14" x 14" galaxy with "I love you to the moon and back" lettered in white on it as a commission. It was one of the biggest pieces I ever made and it still remains a personal favorite of mine! In general my galaxy pieces tend to be my favorite. They require a lot of layering, blending, and patience, and I love the idea that I can never make the same one twice.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to try lettering?
Be patient and practice. You are completely capable, but you have to do the work. You should also dabble in different styles and mediums (some people prefer less loopy letters, watercolor letters, pointed pen, etc). Eventually the muscle memory will develop, as will your personal style and preferences!
What do you hope people take away from your images?
I hope that I convey love. Creating art, hosting lettering challenges, and interacting with everyone makes me so happy, and I try to make that gratitude and enjoyment come through! And if my pictures aren't worth quite that many words, I at least hope that they looks nice enough to evoke a smile!
Who else do you like to follow on Instagram?
Two local letterers who are also very close friends of mine are @desert_dwellers and @chelcletters. They are both incredible artists with unique styles! Other artists who I follow that constantly inspire me to expand my watercolor skills are @creativeingrid and @electriceunice. And as far as non-art accounts go, I am crazy about @imjennim for fashion/makeup inspiration and @juniperfoxx for my daily dose of animal cuteness!
