Tara, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Creativity has always had a strong presence in my life. When I was in grade school, I would always find a way to turn any school project into an art project. If I had to do a book report, I would turn it in with accompanying illustrations or a fancy handwritten cover. I was very good at sneaking art into everything I did, and I was very aware that going the extra mile in a creative way made me happier than anything.
In college, I studied interior design earning a bachelor of fine arts. I went on to work in the interiors field after college but found it left me unfulfilled creatively. I didn’t enjoy being confined by tight budgets and the hierarchy of a structured office environment. I craved the instant gratification that came from simply making stuff, and I knew I needed to find something that I could do on my own.
Next began the process of finding out what it was I wanted to do. At first, I started my own interiors business offering my styling services to friends and family. That turned into me refinishing and selling furniture I’d find at flea markets. Next, I ventured into the world of graphic design. I built websites, I designed logos, I did it all. And through that exploration, I discovered the art of typography and lettering.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I specialize in creating custom, hand-lettered artwork for businesses big & small. My goal is to help businesses connect with their communities in an impactful and personal way through my art.
If you look around, you’ll notice that lettering is everywhere. It’s on the packaging of the foods we eat, the card you send your mom on Mother’s Day, the chalkboard menu at your local coffee shop, and the cover of your favorite book. It’s an art form hidden in plain view, and as soon as I was introduced to it, I was hooked.
I became obsessed with letters, studying all the subtle nuances that make each letter special. What I loved most was the familiarity we all share with letterforms. We interact with words every day. However, there’s something very special that happens when you combine the written word with the art of lettering and design. It forces people to stop and ask questions, to dive deeper into the meaning of why it was created.
Taking my art to large-scale was the next natural step. Murals help build a sense of community. They provide a new way for people to experience the city and they spark conversation. In cities like Houston or Austin, murals shape the cultural landscape and add to the unique energy that attracts tourists to the city. They have the ability to dramatically impact all those that pass it by. Plus, they help artists be able to follow their passion and share their talents with a wider audience.
What do you know now that you wished you had learned earlier?
Don’t be afraid to say no. Not every project that comes your way will benefit you in a way that’s worth your time. Learn to see the red flags early on, and turn down projects that aren’t the right fit. Don’t tie yourself up in stressful situations that you end up missing out on your dream opportunities. You can’t say yes to your ideal client if you never say no to the wrong ones. Also, make friends with other artists. It’s amazing what we can learn from each other when we share our victories and struggles.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I post new work weekly on my Instagram, and you can visit my murals in person at local businesses in Austin. Check out my website to learn more! The easiest way to support me is to simply share my work or posts. A lot of my work comes from referral, so tell your friends! I’m always available for mural and lettering commissions. I also have an online shop with a small selection of hand-lettered t-shirts, and I’ll be adding new designs and art prints in 2019.
Contact Info:
- Address: Austin, Texas
- Website: tarajohnston.co
- Email: tarajohnston@live.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/
taraleighjohnston - Facebook: facebook.com/
taraleighjohnston/
Image Credit:
Chelsea Francis Photography
Tony Moreno
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston 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.
