Maricar Concepcion Ramos is an artist, educator, and entrepreneur based in the Philippines. She runs Seven Brushstrokes, an online teaching resource and popular Instagram account. Maricar is the author of Modern Calligraphy. We asked her a few questions about her artistic process. |
Quarto Creates: How did you first become interested in calligraphy and hand lettering?
Maricar Concepion Ramos: I first became interested in calligraphy during the time when I was experiencing great anxiety from my former job as a telecom engineer.
I needed a creative outlet that would break my everyday routine: eat, sleep, work and repeat. While browsing on Instagram, a friend shared a photo of her artwork and I felt an instant connection to the art. Her caption has the hashtag calligraphy so I started browsing through that hashtag. When I saw the beautiful lettering artworks, I immediately fell in love and told myself that this was the hobby that I was looking for. I want to learn how to do calligraphy. Since then, I became more interested to try new tools and lettering techniques.
QC: Have your finished products ever turned out different than your expectation, and how do you deal with that?
MCR: I am the type of artist who likes to go with the flow and so, I don’t really set too many expectations for my artwork.
When I have an idea and it turned out different than what I have planned, I just let go. I could try again and redo it if I need to, or let the process surprise me with the result.
QC: What is your advice for those who want to try calligraphy but aren’t sure where to start?
MCR: I advise them to start with small tip brush pens because they are easier to control and use smooth-quality paper.
Also, learn the basic strokes first before jumping into writing words because if you’d like to have consistent and beautiful calligraphy, the secret lies in mastering the basic strokes.
QC: What’s changed in the art and craft world since you started your creative career?
MCR: I’d say the way artists share their art on social media.
Before, people would post a static photo of an artwork with a beautiful flat lay. Now, artists are more open to sharing process videos and behind-the-scenes of how their artwork was created.
QC: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from creating?
MCR: I learned that creativity is a process and not a destination.
It’s more important to be in the moment and have fun while creating than to think too much about the outcome.
Learn more about Maricar’s work on Instagram @sevenbrushstrokes and online at sevenbrushstrokes.com. Be sure to order your copy of Modern Calligraphy available wherever fine books are sold, including:
Amazon – US UK Canada
Bookshop – US UK
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