Make It: Lettering with Gemma O'Brien

TL;DR

Gemma O'Brien shares her journey from law school to becoming a successful hand-drawn typography artist in New York.

Transcript

I remember thinking that there was only one aesthetic and the topography aesthetic was slick clean lines and that anything that was kind of hand-drawn was like messy, or clumsy, or not finished. But I think that I slowly realized that there is a way to have something that is considered and refined, but then also has a human quality. I love working ... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Gemma O'Brien's journey highlights the importance of pursuing one's passion despite societal expectations.
• 🫶 Hand-drawn typography offers a unique and personal touch to art and design projects.
• ❓ Finding a unique voice in a crowded market requires focusing on one's interests and originality.
• 🫷 Large-scale projects can provide artists like O'Brien with a sense of achievement and push creative boundaries.
• 💦 Embracing handmade work brings a sense of fulfillment and connection between the artist and their creations.
• 🤗 Working by hand allows for a more tactile and immersive creative process.
• 🫶 The physicality of hand-drawn art adds a human touch and authenticity to the final piece.

Questions & Answers

Q: What motivated Gemma O'Brien to transition from law school to design?

Gemma was unhappy studying law and felt the need to pursue a more creative and fulfilling career, leading her to switch to design.

Q: How did Gemma O'Brien find her unique voice in the design industry?

O'Brien focused on her interests and stripped back her work to drawing, writing, and illustrating lettering, creating a style that was distinctively hers.

Q: Why does Gemma O'Brien prefer working on large-scale projects?

Working on large-scale projects gives O'Brien's art a powerful presence and allows her to explore her style further, receiving positive feedback from viewers.

Q: Why does Gemma O'Brien believe there will always be a place for handmade work in the industry?

O'Brien finds working by hand more natural and rewarding, creating a direct link between physical effort and the creation of art, which she believes is irreplaceable.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Gemma O'Brien transitioned from law to design due to her passion for hand-drawn typography.

• She found her unique voice in a saturated market by focusing on her interests and creating original work.

• O'Brien's love for hand-drawn art stems from the physicality and satisfaction of bringing imagined ideas to life.