We were lucky to catch up with Gayle Lynn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gayle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

The first dollar I ever earned was doing place cards for a friend’s wedding. She was having a small, intimate reception with only about 30 people. I had done some other unpaid pieces and projects for friends and family before but was setting myself up to get more “real” clients. We were having dinner, and I was explaining my latest initiatives related to calligraphy. She had been a business owner before, so she started giving me some tips and tricks and things to think about. At some point, she said that I should do her place cards, and I was thrilled.

It was an excellent learning experience, and there are a few lessons from working with her that were key to working with any future client!

Lesson 1: I went home and immediately started coming up with different designs and options for her. She replied with a place card design that wasn’t even close to what I had mocked up (it was beautiful, by the way), and that taught me the value of asking up front if the client has any initial ideas of what they are looking for.

Lesson 2: The design she wanted was relatively simple, but also required some testing and mockups. I spent hours upon hours cutting paper to just the right proportion, which … wasn’t profitable! That process taught me to be efficient in my mockup and design process, and that I don’t need to be so exacting in the initial testing process.

I still abide by those two simple but important lessons: align with the client, and be as efficient as possible on prep work!

Gayle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Gayle, and I am a North Dallas-based calligrapher and artist. My art includes a mix of calligraphy, hand lettering, watercolor, and engraving, and I work on many different surfaces – paper, glass, metal, acrylic, stone, or digital work, the sky is my limit!

Several years ago, I picked up a calligraphy pen on a whim. I initially started writing on little note cards for my husband, or doodling in my spare time. I even went on Reddit to the r/RandomActsofCards page offering to send cards, just so I would have more people to write things to! I began sharing a on my personal Instagram. Soon enough, friend started making requests: would I write a quote, or make some cards, or paint some bookmarks? I enjoyed the process so much, I decided to start a separate Instagram account just to posts my calligraphy, which led to a website, which led to taking more classes and connecting with a strong network of other calligraphers world-wide.

Today, I am fortunate to work with many different types of clients. I like to say that I work with clients who are looking for a special touch. From brides to brands (and everyone in between), sometimes we need that something “extra special” … for ourselves, our loves ones, or our clients! I work with luxury brands and fine stores in the area to provide personalized items on-site (such as cards or perfume or wine bottles, for example). I also work with brides for anything they may need leading up to, and on, their special day, from addressing envelopes to welcome signs. Some of my favorite projects have been a client looking for a really personal gift or keepsake.

The core of my brand is just as my business name states: Letters in Love – the key word being love. To me, love is communicating clearly, expressing gratitude, providing exceptional customer service, responding promptly, exceeding expectations, standing by my word, and truly, genuinely caring about the outcome of a project, no matter how big or how “small.”

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Calligraphy, like any other art form, can be deeply rewarding and fulfilling, but it can also come with its own set of challenges, especially when running a business. In my creative journey, I wish I had connected with the calligraphy community a little sooner!

Connecting with the calligraphy community has been a game-changer for me. It opened a new world of resources, support, and inspiration, and I found like-minded individuals who share a common passion. One of the most valuable aspects is the willingness to share information and knowledge with each other. Everyone, from the most highly experienced to the most recent beginner, is eager to offer tips, techniques, and advice.

There is immense value and power in collaborating and sharing. Creativity thrives when nurtured within a community of like-minded individuals who can encourage, challenge, and inspire each other.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My primary goal is simple: finding simple joy in creating calligraphy and art for whoever wants it. I have plenty of specific aspirations, but the core of my creative pursuit is to share the beauty of calligraphy with others, and bring happiness to those who appreciate it – including myself.

I find much fulfillment in knowing that my designs can brighten someone’s day or make a special moment even memorable. Whether it’s writing addresses for a suite of wedding invitations, creating artwork for someone’s new home, or penning a heartfelt message for a loved one, the act of sharing my art brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment to my creative journey.

Those who know me know that I appreciate the simple things in life, and my art and business is no different. The beautiful simplicity of creating, sharing, and hopefully spreading joy and love, is enough of a mission for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lettersinloveco.com/
• Instagram: @letters.in.love
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LettersInLoveCo/