Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Gardner.
Ashley, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I am the designer / owner behind Printable Wisdom, which I run with my husband, Daniel. Our brand focuses on hand lettering, and bright florals and we create everything from hand lettering instructional materials to fresh, modern wall art and home decor.
I started Printable Wisdom in the summer of 2012, while I was attending medical school (and was completely naive to what running a business was all about!).
Soon, I had more business than I could have ever imagined. I noticed that calligraphy was becoming extremely popular (and still is!) and decided to start searching for fonts to give me that hand lettered look. Eventually, I had found the same calligraphy fonts that every other designer had and noticed that these fonts never seemed to give me exactly the hand-crafted look I was going for. I wanted something custom, something totally “me.” I eventually decided that hand lettering each piece was the only way to truly accomplish this and call myself a “designer.”
Now, Printable Wisdom has branched out into all kinds of collaborations, book publishing deals, and unique product lines. We can’t wait to see where this business takes us next!
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I create hand lettered art prints and canvas prints. My style is unapologetically “girly” and I love using bright floral motifs and lots of organic watercolor designs.
I focus on turning words of wisdom into works of art, so that people can surround themselves with quotes and Bible verses that make them feel uplifted.
I also create hand lettering instructional materials, to help others navigate the sometimes-intimidating world of calligraphy and hand lettering. I try to present everything I’ve learned in an easy to digest manner so that we can continue growing this newly-burgeoning hand lettering community.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
I think a huge challenge is to find your own voice. In this social media, Instagram-crazy world it can be so easy to have your work influenced by others’ art. Sometimes, we don’t even realize it. That’s a dangerous place to be in, and it’s so difficult to navigate.
I love following other artists on social media, but you have to find the right balance to make sure that you aren’t following the crowd so-to-speak. I heard some great advice from Jenna Kutcher on her Goal Digger podcast the other day (which everyone should totally listen to) – she recommends creating before consuming. That means that you should create your art before looking at what everyone else is doing. I really try to take that to heart and hope that this can become something we talk about more in the art community.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I love posting on Instagram – @printablewisdom
All of our designs are available on our website – printablewisdomco.com
Our blog is launching soon (April 27th!) and will have TONS of free resources, small business tips and tricks, and inspiration for fellow artists.
Contact Info:
- Website: printablewisdomco.com and printablewisdomblog.com
- Email: ashley@printablewisdomco.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/printablewisdom/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrintableWisdom
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrintableWisdom
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.
