Marked With Love
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Professional calligrapher and owner of Marked With Love, Kristen Campbell |
In today’s world of technology, you don’t find yourself putting pen to paper too often. But that’s what makes Kristen Campbell, owner and professional calligrapher of Marked With Love, even more special.
Campbell grew up admiring her mom as she would always address their family Christmas cards in calligraphy, then in her junior year of high school, she dabbled with a calligraphy pen in her Arts/Crafts class but could never truly grasp the concept of holding the pen properly in her left hand so she stopped.
She picked the calligraphy pen back up in college when she enrolled in a lettering course, and the rest is history. “That class spurred my desire to learn more about calligraphy and keep fine tuning my skill,” says Campbell. “I’m one of those individuals that loves receiving a hand-lettered note in the mail. I still make it a priority to write thank you letters by mail, as everyone loves seeing/receiving a note that is unique!”
Calligraphy often acts as an escape for Campbell. “Much of my work is a culmination of many hours meditating on God’s Word,” she explains, “many hours practicing the letterforms and planning all aspects of the design and composition for her clients.”
While she has been doing freelance calligraphy work for clients intermittently for the past six years, she officially launched her company, Marked With Love, on Valentines Day, Feb. 14 2014.
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Campbell officially launched her company, |
On average, prices range from $100 to $300, but price points vary depending on the project, materials needed to create the work and the time involved. Since launching, her projects have ranged from addressing stationery to home décor. And she recently began a collaboration with local fashion designer, Imbue by JRusso.
“I collaborated with Jena Russo, local Cincinnati fashion designer, owner of Imbue by JRusso, this past spring on the Fall 2014 ‘Love Letters’ gown collection,” says Campbell. “She approached me last summer about writing love poems on these gowns. I absolutely loved the idea!”
Over the course of the year, Campbell and Russo experimented with various fabrics and ink to get the right consistency and look for the gowns. “There are four different gown types,” Campbell explains. “And we’re excited that the collection will be featured at the Red, Pink and Blue fashion show coming up.”
The Red, Pink and Blue fashion show – where Imbue by JRusso is the featured fashion designer – takes place on Friday, August 8, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Newport Syndicate 18 E 5th St, Newport, Kentucky. Click here to learn more and register.
“After this show, I hope more brides will be interested in seeking out Jena and myself to customize their wedding gown with hand-lettered text of their choice for that special day!” says Campbell.
Campbell sees Marked With Love expanding to lettering on walls in baby nurseries and in homes and businesses in the near future. Her and her husband are expecting their first child, a little girl, in November. So, she plans to calligraphy her name and a scripture verse on the wall in the nursery this fall.
“I would love to see that concept develop into other friends and families homes that desire a unique touch to a room,” says Campbell.
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An Imbue by JRusso design featuring Campbell’s calligraphy |
Regarding the quality of paint, she plans to use a greener, healthier, paint that is non-toxic, free of VOCs so it is safe for the baby and anyone in that space.
“I also see myself continuing to letter family genealogies for my clients as that’s an heirloom that can be treasured and passed down from generation to generation,” says Campbell.
Campbell also offers beginning calligraphy classes out of her home art studio for anyone interested in learning the art form. The class fee is $20 an hour per class. The cost of materials needed is not included with that rate.
For more information, “like” Marked With Love on Facebook, call (513) 549-0383 or email Campbell at markedwithlove@gmail.com.
