Today we’d like to introduce you to Devin McSherry.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am a born and raised Chicagoan with a passion for hand lettering and illustration. I recently transitioned from a 9-5 marketing job to get a part-time gig and focus the rest of my week on growing my freelance design business.
I really didn’t know what I wanted to do career-wise until about a year ago. I got my first “adult” job out of school working in marketing for a nonprofit association in Chicago. With a small team we had no graphic designer on staff, so a lot of the design work fell to me. It was enjoyable, but I honestly had zero clue what I was doing, so I signed up for the Graphic Design Certificate program at the School of the Art Institute (SAIC). One day while I was waiting for my Adobe Illustration class to begin, I stumbled on an article that changed everything. The article featured ten lettering artists with examples of their work. I was mesmerized by the detail, style, and pure talent of every single one. I was, no joke, obsessed immediately. I knew in my bones that I needed to try it for myself.
So now, a little over one year later (with a boost of self-confidence gained from time and practice and with the support of my husband, Ryan), I am taking the leap into growing my freelance business!
Please tell us about your art.
Ever since I was little, I’ve loved art and my craft supply has never been lacking. Roaming the aisles of Hobby Lobby with a coffee in hand is my idea of a great time! But until I got formal training in design, I never really took myself seriously as an artist or allowed myself to think I was good enough to make a career out of it. It wasn’t until I gave myself the time and permission to practice hand lettering and illustration that I began to see a future in the arts for myself.
Hand lettering is a niche within the illustration realm, and illustration is a niche within the design realm. I’ve often been asked the difference between hand lettering and calligraphy. Calligraphy can involve mastering several styles and nailing them perfectly with repetition, while hand lettering can take on many styles, and each combination of letters may look different from the last – it’s more about the mood and how the letters are meant to interact with each other in that specific piece. I’ve also realized it takes A LOT of practice… I still have so much to learn! But if you persevere and commit to honing your craft, the possibilities are endless. I dream of designing gift cards for major brands, beer and wine labels, album covers, book covers, and so much more.
I would say I’m still developing my style, but overall, I enjoy using happy color palettes and funny or encouraging phrases. I have a big heart for environmental and ethical causes, and I especially love anything to do with coffee or beer. Ultimately, I want my work to bring joy to others.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
In the age of Instagram, it can be easy to get into comparison mode and then inevitably, self-doubt creeps in. Beautiful, impressive lettering designs are shared on social media every day – it can be inspiring, but it can also be easy to fall into the mindset that my work is less than or unimportant. In those moments, I need to remind myself that there is room for me, and there is room for ALL artists, to bring their unique talents and perspectives to the table.
If you constantly live in a scarcity mindset – the thought that there are only so few opportunities out there – then you will be driven crazy with competition and fear, and it’s difficult to create good art in that frame of mind. One artist’s good fortune does not take anything away from someone else – so we can and should celebrate other artists’ successes!
There are infinite opportunities to find that big project or special client. The key is to stay committed and figure out your niche. What are you passionate about? Get specific. Really take the time to get to know yourself – what excites you, what breaks your heart, what makes you weird – and embrace that and allow it to inform your work.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can find me on Instagram to follow along with my work! If you need editorial illustrations, a hand lettered logo, social media graphics, or something similar, please fill out the contact form on my website or shoot me an email for project inquiries! I also recently opened an Etsy shop for those interested in supporting my work by purchasing greeting cards, art prints, stickers, and more. All paper goods are printed on 100% recycled cardstock and 10% of all Etsy profits are donated to a chosen cause of the month!
P.S. I love stepping away from screens and getting my hands dusty – any local Chicago businesses looking for chalkboard art? Send me a quick email and I’d be happy to discuss your project with you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.devinmcsherry.com/
- Email: hello@devinmcsherry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devin.mcsherry/
Image Credit:
My personal photo session was with Claire of Clairelyseen Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago 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.
