We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Giselle Williams-Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Giselle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

I’ve always found solace in simply taking pen to paper and just writing. On the rare occasion of getting a seat on the train heading to my 9-5, I would whip out the my latest magazine subscriptions, find a page and just write. If there was an ad for Chanel, Tom Ford, Fashion Fair or whatever brand, I took the opportunity to put my own spin on it with my handwriting. I would write the name repeatedly with the aim of having each one look different. It definitely put me in a good mood before heading in to work. Instagram was also new. So, like most, I would post my handwriting just for the fun of it because it was the new and shiny social media platform to post daily passions.

After years of working that 9-5, my contract wasn’t renewed. I wasn’t sure what the next step would be. It so happened that on my way home on my last day of work, I was contacted by a major publication to write the names of some celebrities for huge upcoming event. It was Major with a capital M. I was beyond thrilled and excited at the prospect of my work being used on such a grand scale. The proposal was made and I accepted it. It was at that point it clicked and made complete sense. I’d use my handwriting for special projects and commissions like those mentioned. I always imagined myself writing composing the signatures of celebs specifically and was enamored by Oprah’s signature logo. I studied it — the tilt of the ‘O’, the extension on the ‘h’ and so on. I would study signature logos (like Ray Ban, Sur la table, Salvatore Ferragamo, Paul Smith etc) and pay real attention to all the details. I thought that it was something that I could definitely do. One day on IG someone said that my handwriting was so beautiful and they would pay me to write their name. The idea of using my handwriting to start a business was born.

I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it or what I was going to accomplish but I felt that it was the thing to pursue during that time of uncertainty. I had to take a chance on myself and it was scary. At night I would find videos about typography and lettering on YouTube and Vimeo and simply practice. I simply needed to bet on myself.

Giselle, 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 handwriting has always been ‘my thing’. I’m Trinidadian and did most of my schooling in Trinidad. Back when I was studying for A’ Levels, picture me writing my classmates names on their books while sitting by the table under the mango tree in our school’s courtyard. I wrote on absolutely everything. One day, one of my classmates said, ‘you’re always writing on something! It’s best they call you the handwriting artist.’ Fast forward a couple of years and I’ve decided to fully utilize my talent. The Handwriting Artist was beyond fitting.

Custom signature logos have been my main offering thus far. I’m sought out by the client who wants to amplify their branding with something other than just basic typography. My client is seeking a standout signature logo that still feels personal and sets them apart from the competition. In addition to branding, designing prints for the home, creating custom 1-of-1 hand painted accessories — from bags to shoes and everything in between are the things that feed my creative passion.

I’m most proud of the way that I support and encourage my clients. There usually is a string of motivational words or phrases throughout our conversations. Seeing my clients win is probably one of the best feelings I could have.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

This may sound cliche but simply being to bring to life what you see in your mind is so beautiful to me. It’s the discovery of new styles, seeing how it’s received by people and how they are affected by it. Of course, art is subjective but I do believe that there is beauty in everything. I’ve created some beautiful custom hand lettered logos for brands and it’s been such a joy to see these entrepreneurs grow and bloom. For me, it’s seeing the empowerment of these brand owners (mostly women) as they pursue their goals. At the end of it all, I really want to create pieces that inspires the client/customer to not only have the vision but to put the work in to achieve their ultimate dream. In addition to branding, I would love to work with more publications and companies for collaborations on custom lettering in the style for which I’m known for (#THAscript).

As a creative, I have many talents. I’ve used my lettering to design t-shirts, hats, murals, custom sneakers and even limited edition hand painted tote bags and accessories. Moving forward, I’d like to take my talents beyond branding and delve more into the fashion and art spaces. I do envision myself offering new lettering prints, canvases and eventually some home decor collaborations.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

If I can create for you, the underlying feeling of bold and unbridled confidence is what I’d like you to feel. I design primarily for women and it’s with them in mind that I create what I do. I want to help them amplify their brands with #THAscript. Whether it be through my story about persistence and figuring it out, pursuing your dream scared or simply having people see that there are opportunities in using your creativity, My overall goal is to inspire women, one art piece at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.thehandwritingartist.com
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/thehandwritingartist

Image Credits
Giselle Williams-Thomas