We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carmen Mejia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carmen below.

Carmen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

When I jumped into the world of calligraphy, I was totally clueless, just winging it, you know? Those awesome pics on Instagram and Pinterest always got me thinking. So, one day I grabbed any old pen and pencil, followed a YouTube tutorial on faux calligraphy, and bam, my journey began. But let’s be real, this gig needs heaps of patience, determination, and loving what you’re up to. It wasn’t all rainbows though; I got seriously annoyed ’cause finding the right tools where I lived was like a treasure hunt. This was way back in 2017, and sure, maybe taking a course could’ve smoothed things, but the stubborn side of me was all about going solo. Tried my hand at different stuff, different ways, and whoa, suddenly a whole bunch of doors swung open to possibilities I’m all about exploring down the line.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I initially picked up calligraphy just as a fun hobby, but over time, something interesting happened. People began inquiring about my rates for specific projects, and my friends at work insisted I create an Instagram account. That marked the beginning of an unexpected journey. As opportunities streamed in, I felt compelled to broaden my skill set. I delved into creating canvases adorned with quotes and experimenting with acrylic paintings. My repertoire expanded to encompass wooden art pieces, acrylic work for weddings, delicate watercolors, and intricate envelope calligraphy for various occasions. However, a true highlight emerged when I delved into engraving, a craft I’ve grown to adore. From engraving perfume bottles to engaging in live events, the world of engraving has become a passion I intend to nurture moving forward.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As a calligrapher, the ultimate source of fulfillment lies in observing people’s reactions to my work—their initial expressions and the feedback they share. It’s an incredible feeling to recognize that you’re contributing to a significant moment in someone’s life. Leaving behind a fragment of your creativity at a wedding, event, or in someone’s life as a whole, and realizing that they specifically chose you for this, is undeniably awe-inspiring. It’s an experience of genuine gratification that resonates deeply.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

One of my objectives is to reach a point where I can commit my entire time to this pursuit. However, before reaching that stage, there are a few other projects I’m eager to tackle. The consistent backing I receive from my husband, family, friends, and clients (many of whom have evolved into friends) as well as the incredible community has been a cornerstone of my journey. It’s this unwavering support that fuels my ultimate ambition: to immerse myself in this craft full-time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/cscalligraphy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cscalligraphyhn/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-mejiah