Today we’d like to introduce you to Alfonsina Rodriguez.
Alfonsina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was very creatively inclined growing up and was lucky to have parents that encouraged that part of me. From playing the saxophone to taking art classes, I have always been drawn to creating. I remember making little greeting cards for my friends and family’s birthdays and always dreamed about owning my own business.
When I was in elementary school, I remember deciding that I was going to be an architect. I’m not entirely sure how I even knew what an architect was at that age but the decision shaped who I am today. I attended architecture school and graduated with my Master’s degree in Architecture. My time in college taught me not only how to embrace my design skills/instinct, but also about graphic design and how to communicate my work to a greater audience.
Design basics such as composition, color theory, balance and texture were staples in my education, and shape how I work. Towards the end of my time in college in Boston, I took a calligraphy class from Lettering by Liz, which really helped ignite a new creative spark. I dedicated myself to practicing calligraphy and honing this new skill.
At first, I only created pieces for friends and family but as I kept practicing and feeling more comfortable sharing my work online through Instagram, I began getting requests for envelope calligraphy, signage and other lettering-related projects. From there, AMR Calligraphy & Design was born.
While I currently work full time in architecture, my business is a deep passion of mine and I give 100% to my clients. When I am not in the office, I am dreaming up ways to tell a client’s story through design on paper. I feel very lucky to be able to pursue two of my passions simultaneously.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As amazing as it is to have two passions that I am working at basically at the same time, learning how to run a freelance business while working full time is not the easiest. My education prepared me for a lot of things like managing deadlines and having a strong work ethic, but business basics were not one of them.
Everything in that aspect has been learn-as-you-go, so I have sometimes learned things the hard way. Another thing that is something a constant struggle is honing my focus. I always have a million ideas swirling through my head and sometimes get lost sticking to one idea. I feel like this is something a lot of creative struggle with.
Lately, I have been trying to be more mindful with everything I take on, and make sure that whatever I am doing has intention and meaning. This has definitely helped me hone my focus and be more selective about what I take on.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business specializes in custom calligraphy and wedding stationery services for clients who desire to incorporate fine, unique details that are authentic to them. I absolutely love getting to know my clients on a personal level to learn about what they love and value, and designing to that rather than creating something generic that can work for anyone.
A lot of my work features custom illustrations, modern calligraphy and a minimal aesthetic but I am open to exploring any style as long as it stays true to the client and their intention. In addition to calligraphy services and wedding invitations, I offer custom details such as menus, programs, seating charts, favors and anything else you might dream of.
I love collaborating to make outside-of-the-box ideas into reality! I also take on commissioned artwork and calligraphy pieces throughout the year depending on availability.
Contact Info:
- Website: amrcalligraphy.com
- Email: hello@amrcalligraphy.com
- Instagram: AMR Calligraphy & Design
- Facebook: facebook.com/amrcalligraphy
- Other: instagram.com/amrcalligraphy
Image Credit:
Lindsay Hackney Photography, Jess Jolin Photography, Samantha Altieri
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