Meet Kim Rygiel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Rygiel.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My company, Maple Street Lettering Co., began as a creative outlet for me. I have always been a doodler, for one. The margins of my school notebooks were filled with either song lyrics in cursive or tiny drawings—my little trick to make it seem like I was paying attention and taking notes! Since I have always loved seeing my handwriting fill up blank spaces, I developed a love for hand lettering as I took on the daunting task of addressing my own wedding invitations. Taking inspiration from my dad, who learned calligraphy in order to address his own wedding invites, I took to Pinterest and Instagram to learn how to do it right. There, I discovered a wonderful community of talented hand letterers who created stunning products and art. I’d watch these beautiful lettering creations and think, “Maybe I can do that!” So, I did. I’ve spent countless hours perfecting my craft and growing my own hand lettering business, where I create custom cards, wood signs, digital images, and more!

Please tell us about your art.
My current work includes a variety of products. As my business is still in its youth, most of my hand lettering artwork stems from custom orders, such as handmade cards, wood signage and chalkboards. I work locally in Mesa, Arizona to help make customers’ ideas come to life. I’ve created custom photo backdrops for baby showers, chalkboard programs and signage for weddings, t-shirts, and coffee mugs, just to name a few. I love helping people take the ideas they have for their special events and make them a reality. I hope that everyone who buys one of my pieces feels the same joy in receiving it as I do making it. All of my artwork is a labor of love, as I put many hours into every project I create. I want my customers to know that I will work closely with them to create a one-of-a-kind product that they will cherish.

We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Social media can be a great way to connect with other artists from around the globe. I am constantly inspired by the amazing work of fellow artists. Even though I have not met many of my favorite hand lettering artists in person, being able to interact with them on social media has helped me gain confidence and feel like I belong in this amazing community. I often will follow hashtags on Instagram that interest me so that I can connect to like-minded people and artists. This gives me good insight on the current trends and how other artists have been successful in the past.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Currently, I conduct business through my Instagram account, @maplestreetletteringco. There, you will find examples of art I have created in the past and get some ideas as to what you may be looking for. Feel free to direct message me on Instagram for custom orders. Be on the lookout for my Etsy shop opening soon: MapleStLetteringCo. You can also email order inquiries to maplestreetletteringco@gmail.com. To support my work, please follow me on Instagram and let me know which artwork your favorite is!

Contact Info:

• Email: maplestreetletteringco@gmail.com
• Instagram: @maplestreetletteringco
• Other: Etsy: MapleStLetteringCo

Image Credit:
Kim Rygiel
Xavier Torres

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