Meet Brittany Arita

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Arita.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up in Northern New Hampshire, in the White Mountains. I’ve always been interested in art in one way or another, probably very typical of most artists/designers – I was always the ‘artistic’ friend and all that. So, when I looking at colleges, I was dead-set on going to art school. Which I did, for one semester. After spending time in these classes, it started to dawn on me that I’m just not cut out for the fine art field, so I transferred to a liberal arts college – where I then discovered graphic design. It combined everything I loved about fine art but there were also specific purposes and messages to convey clearly (not up to interpretation).

I fell in love with typography, specifically. It wasn’t until after I graduated that I fell into the world of lettering, which is where I find the most joy. Women like Mary Kate McDevitt, Jessica Hische, Lauren Hom – they were all drawing letters and making a living. In retrospect – I’ve always had a passion for drawing letters – from spending too much time drawing block letters on posters in middle school, to obsessively drawing blackletter & gothic type in high school, that has been a thru line I wish I had picked up on sooner. Currently, I work as a full-time art director at a small studio in Springfield, MA and practice lettering outside of work. I also have been running and curating a small zine for like-minded letters to practice and grow our craft; The LetterZine.

Please tell us about your art.
My passion is lettering. I’ve found lately that it’s one of the ways I can best express myself. Particularly in this political climate, with this administration, I constantly find myself frustrated and overwhelmed. I’ve found that lettering a phrase or a quote is a great way to release that energy in a positive way. I’d say a lot of my lettering work is personal, I love to letter lyrics and quotes and phrases that mean something to me, so in that sense I create a lot of work for myself. I hope that when people look at my work they feel a connection, that something I’ve lettered speaks to them, maybe makes them feel heard or less alone. Through my work on the LetterZine, I also hope to inspire other people with an interest/passion for lettering.

Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I would say these events impact my art heavily. I constantly feel a pull to create art as a reaction and a way to cope with the seemingly insurmountable shit-storm we’re in. I think the role of artists has always been the same, just as dire as it is today. Throughout every revolution, art has given a visual voice to the resistance. I can’t tell you how many artists I’ve seen, who after every unconscionable action this administration has taken, stand up with their art and as a result have raised thousands if not millions of dollars for incredible organizations doing incredible work. Art gives people hope. And I think we, as artists today, need to remember that.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can view our entire archive of issues of the LetterZine at letterzine.com/issues and sign up for our mailing list so you know when a new issue release. You can see my personal work on my Instagram @BrittanyArita (instagram.com/brittanyarita), and my middle-of-an-update website at brittanynarita.com.

Contact Info:

• Website: letterzine.com
• Email: brittany.n.arita@gmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/brittanyarita
• Other: instagram.com/theletterzine

Image Credit:
(for my personal pic) Stephanie Craig Photography.

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