Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Semple.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I started calligraphy in 2015 when a friend bought a kit online and asked if I’d be interested in trying it out with her. I immediately fell in love. I thought it was so fun and such a unique art form. I am a serial crafter, picking up a new craft at least once a year, before eventually letting it drop to the wayside. Calligraphy was different for me, though. In 2016 I took a few more classes from Lauren Essl, who runs Blue Eye Brown Eye. Through her classes, I honed my skills and got enough confidence to really pursue calligraphy as an art. I kept practicing, doing a month-long letter writing campaign to friends, where I lettered cute phrases and Bible verses; doing anything that would get my nib on paper. In 2018, I decided to start my small business, Words Made Semple, based off my last name. I have thrown myself into calligraphy, specifically wedding and invitation design. Every time I finish a piece, I fall in love with calligraphy all over again. It is so beautiful and delicate and I am so excited I am able to do it every day.
Please tell us about your art.
I specialize in calligraphy for weddings. I do Save the Dates, Invitations, Envelopes, Place Cards, Menus, Signage; the whole shebang. I do all my calligraphy by hand, and then, if necessary, digitize it for printing. I love working in weddings because I think it is incredibly special to see a vision come together. Weddings are so fun and interesting to work on; a single day that took months to plan. A thousand pieces coming together to create a full vision. To be a part of that vision is definitely a privilege.
I love art and specifically calligraphy for that exact reason. To create something from just something someone sees in their mind. When I start a piece, I typically start from a Bride or Planner’s vision board. It can start with something as abstract as a few colors. When the end product is a stunning full wedding suite, or a huge acrylic seating chart, or a place card every guest wants to Instagram, I am blown away. I want to create things that are remembered, that add to the experience, and that create genuine happiness.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I think living in a digital age has been both beneficial and a little more difficult for artists. It’s easier than ever to share your work with the world and for it to be seen by a variety of people. You can have camera, editing software, and promoter all in your pocket with smart phones. Which, of course, does make the market more saturated. I think it’s beautiful though, for anyone who has art to be able to share it, and I love that the Internet makes that possible.
As someone who works in a science and math heavy industry, and works as an artist on the side, I think it’s incredibly important to promote art in schools, and to expose young children to a variety of art.
As a kid, my mom was constantly sewing, knitting, painting, taking me to plays and musicals, which I know had a profound effect on my love of art. I love Dallas because on any given day I can go to Fair Park and see a musical; go to Deep Ellum and see a new mural being worked on; go to the Design District and see a new gallery opening. Dallas seeks to give artists all the spaces they need to be seen and heard, and I love being part of such a welcoming and nurturing environment.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
As a new small business, I showcase all my work on social media, under the tag Words Made Semple. I am most active on Instagram right now. I am hoping to get a website together soon! If you’re interested in a quote or seeing more of my work, I am always available via email, which is listed on my social media pages!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 303-517-8910
- Email: erinsemple8@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/wordsmadesemple
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WordsMadeSemple
Image Credit:
Jessica Rockwell Photography
Abbie Mae Photography
Amanda Lane Photography
Ashton Brooke Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
