MAKER MONDAY: ALY BECKER DESIGNS
Alysha Becker is a graphic designer by day and avid doodle do’er by night. Hours of browsing Pinterest and Instagram has led her to a passion for the art of hand-lettering and creating her own text based designs. Simplistic, playful and stylish, Aly’s prints add a ton of personality to your living space. With pen in hand (preferably a Tombow) she’s been hard at work creating brand new designs for you to check out at the next Makers North market. Read on to learn more about Aly Becker Designs!
You can read our last Maker Monday interview with Little Pear Boutique here
How would you describe your style as a maker?
Mostly playful or whimsical, but also very versatile. I’ve been recognized for my modern calligraphy style and have created many other pieces that have stronger and bolder styles.
How did you get into lettering?
I studied Graphic Design at Cambrian College (also, just a touch of Civil Engineering) and I fell in love with my typography class. It’s such a broad and diverse subject that holds so much more than just a few letters that form the words we read — so once I was out of school, I wanted to learn more. In my searches online, I stumbled upon the world of hand-lettering. Since then, my Saved Images Folder on Instagram and Pinterest feeds have been brimming with inspiration of the most gorgeous lettering pieces and typography.
Where do you find inspiration for new lettering projects?
As a designer, I spend a good chunk of the day on my computer allowing me to find the majority of my inspiration online. I love feeling inspired by fellow Makers, magazines, or vintage signage, too!
What range of items do you offer?
I offer custom pieces, so that could be anything!
Previously, I have sold prints of various sizes, embossed kraft journals, cork and wooden coaster sets, cards, bookmarks, magnets and buttons. I am currently working on widening that rage a little more for the next Maker’s Market.
What are your favourite materials to work with?
I LOVE a good brush pen (along with a nice, 0.25 mm fine tip Micro Line).
Currently, my favourite is the classic Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen. I am definitely a little paper-obsessed. I could just hug a big pile of unused white paper! And of course, the speciality paper aisle at Michaels is my jam!
Any upcoming markets we can catch you at?
Yes! I will be at the Makers North: Handmade Holiday Market on Saturday, November, 24th (from 11am-4pm). This wonderful market runs both Saturday and Sunday, so I encourage everyone to check it out both days so you can see all of the different, wonderful Makers!
Do you do take custom orders? Have you had any favourites?
I absolutely love custom orders. In the past, I have worked on several chalkboard menus within Sudbury — those are always fun and challenging. I believe my favourite custom orders would have to be for weddings in general. Invitations and other stationery, table numbers, name cards, favour tags, welcome signage, you name it!
Do you have any tips for other makers who may be looking to start selling their own pieces of art?
I do! I have 2 important tips.
- Don’t be afraid or hesitant to start. If you’re anything like me, you may feel like your pieces are never quite ‘ready’ or ‘good enough’, but I promise, they are! This is also your opportunity to track your growth as you improve your skills.
- Reach out to your fellow Makers. We are lucky to have such a wonderful community of Makers. If you ever need any advice, have questions, or just want to talk about what you’re creating, reach out to one of us! It helps to have peers that are driving themselves toward the same goals.
Where can we follow you for updates and to see more work?
You can always follow me on Instagram (aly.becker). I’m currently working on a Beginner’s Brush Lettering booklet, so find me on there to see when that is ready!
If you’d like to take a look at some current pieces that you can physically pick up and buy if you love it, head over to KuppaJo Espresso Bar downtown — those lovely people invited me to have a display shelf there! Did you know I was the lucky bugger that got to write out their chalkboard menus?
***Head over to our Instagram to enter to win a beautiful Aly Becker print***
Jessica Lovelace
Jessica Lovelace is a Public Relations and Communications grad, musical theatre enthusiast, lover of live music and part-time unicorn tamer. Some have said that the Big Dripper from Sub City is a regional delicacy and the perfect end to a Sudbury Saturday Night – Jessica is definitely one of those people. No, the hair is not a perm.
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