Chalkboard Lettering on the iPad
Guess I’m in a chalkboard mood lately.
A digital chalkboard mood, to be precise.
There’s nothing like lettering on a real chalkboard. I love it! But, when time doesn’t permit, I have a ton of chalkboard tools for the iPad too that will give me a similar effect.
Years ago, I first learned that chalkboard lettering was a thing when I saw the work of chalkboard lettering artist and graphic designer, Dana Tanamachi. She had designed the cover for O magazine in 2012. Her lettering was so beautiful and intricate, it was one of the things that drew me into lettering at that time. When I returned to lettering more seriously in 2020, those images still captivated me as much as they did the first day I saw them.
I believe that many of the lettering artists that catapulted their careers using chalk lettering may have also been looking at Dana Tanamachi’s work before beginning their own murals. Up until then, the chalkboard was a nearly forgotten tool of the classroom, being replaced in many by smart boards, white boards and screens. Today, it has become a wonderful tool to communicate all over again.
Check out a few lettering artists who have used (or are using) chalkboard lettering in their careers:
Also, check out this Domestika article on chalkboard art for a summary of its uses and a time-lapse of a chalkboard mural.
Yes, since chalkboard lettering’s surge of popularity, the humble surface that teachers use to educate has been elevated to beautiful works of art, regardless of whether it is for a wedding, a restaurant, a magazine cover, or just a home decor item. I love the wit and humor, the inspiration as well as the utilitarian aspect that allows chalkboard art to be such a flexible form of communication.
In my case, this week, I’m using it to share this powerful quote.
If you are not at the table, then you are on the menu.
I heard this variation of the quote from one of our state representatives recently. If I had heard it during Elizabeth Warren’s campaign, it must not have stuck at the time. It’s so arresting, it was most certainly lettered by someone, I’m sure. When I find it, I’ll link it up here…But, hearing it this past week, it almost bowled me over as she spoke about using your voice and being in a position to help influence decisions for the good of those you represent, etc.
Many of us tend to be that person who will push someone else into the spotlight and cheer them on from the sidelines. 🙋🏾♀️ And I honestly feel people like that are needed in this very selfie-centered world. But, then, there are times when we may have to play another position that’s definitely not as comfortable, and yet, just as necessary.
So while this won’t be on a physical chalkboard right now (sigh), I wanted to letter it as a gentle reminder of our own power when we allow ourselves to take up space…and a warning of what could happen when we don’t.
I’m chalking it up to a teachable moment. ♥️
