Type influences us in our everyday lives. We see types in newspaper or while reading article in our mobile phones. Sometimes we find ourselves liking quotes with designed typography. We agree that different typefaces represent different mood and occasion.
Have you ever receive any wedding invitation card that's completely hand-drawn? Amused we are, and amazed by the talent behind the art. We're lucky to get in touch with local calligraphy artist, Sze. Let's get bee-zee.
LOKATA TRIVIA:
Nickname: Sze
Origin: Ipoh
Current Location: Kuala Lumpur
Alma Mater: MGS Ipoh, Universiti Teknologi Petronas
Designation: Founder of @paperer.zee, Calligrapher, Watercolorist
Hi, please introduce yourself and share more about yourself
My name is Sze. I am a full time engineer and part time designer. I focus on copperplate calligraphy, modern calligraphy and watercolour loose floral in my designing. The skills are mostly self-taught and I started the @paperer.zee Instagram account to record my art journey.
How did you get into the art of calligraphy and watercolour?
It started with a great interest on my part. I follow many inspiring artists and calligraphers in Instagram and after some time, I decided to pick up the skills wanting to produce pretty artworks myself! I attended a Copperplate Calligraphy workshop for beginners to learn the basics (because it is important!). For watercolour, I searched for online tutorials, got myself a few reliable tools and just went trial-and-error with it. After that, it is continuous practices and self-criticism to keep myself improving.
Why the name @paperer.zee?
I had a blogshop a few years back called Paperer’s Cards where I custom made greeting cards. It was a time where I tried to be as creative as I can with the papers and ribbons to make unique cards. I closed the business when I started my full time career thinking I will have limited time. It didn’t take me long to realize that I am craving to create again. So, to incorporate my time with Paperer’s Cards, which definitely made me who I am today, I decided to reuse the nickname “paperer” and combine with my usual name, Sze. Tadaa, you have paperer.zee!
Greatest moments you’ve had so far?
One of the greatest moments is having Paperer’s Cards featured in InTrend magazine. I just didn’t know I could achieve that. Another great moment is when I conducted my first Copperplate Calligraphy workshop as a fund raising activity for my church because I didn’t know if I had it in me to teach. By God’s grace, I did it and gave @paperer.zee a solid kickstart!
Any major projects going on?
Not really. I am keeping it small as I have limited time to manage my design job. I’d like to be able to give full attention to my clients so one-at-a-time strategy works at the moment. I am also conducting 1-to-1 Copperplate Calligraphy workshop during my available weekends. But I do have bigger plans in my head for the near future!
Quantity vs quality?
Quality, always. It is tough job to achieve good quality – managing cost, time and finding reliable partners – but keeping a high standard keeps the quality improving each time.
How can the community give support apart from monetary funding?
Followers can continue to support my humble works at @paperer.zee in Instagram by liking, commenting and chat with me if you want! I am happy to make new friends to discuss about calligraphy and watercolour since I am still so new in the Malaysia art community. These little things are what keeps me motivated to keep improving!
People who inspires you?
I follow watercolour artist Yao Cheng closely and recently, Jenna from Mon Voir for their tips on small business and watercolour tips. For calligraphy, I follow Younghae from Logos Calligraphy + Design and her skills are admirable!
Future goals, dreams?
I want to learn more art mediums and perhaps, a full time artist/designer.
What keeps you going?
My love in creativity and God. He is the reason I am doing art and since He thinks I should do this, I will do it to glorify Him.
Shout out to the community and many artistes who are working things out?
Keep practicing even if it looks ugly on some days! Find artists on the internet and make them your benchmark but keep your originality. Do give appreciation to those who have inspired you because it is always nice to be appreciated!
Follow paperer.zee here