We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa McCague and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lisa, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
The decision to become a full-time calligrapher was actually made to improve my work-life balance! Having a part-time, yet demanding, job as a wedding florist outside of my home was creating a huge strain on my family’s mental health. Even though my children are college-aged, we have always been a very tight family. I homeschooled them for K-12, so we were always connected throughout the day. And just because they go to college doesn’t mean your job as a mom and wife stops! When I thought I could go back to work during the day about three years ago, I had no idea how much of an effect me being out of the home Tuesday through Saturday for five to six hours a day would have! So many projects at home were ignored, chores were difficult to manage, dinners were a scramble, homework still needed help, my calligraphy side hustle wasn’t hustling…and I was exhausted at the end of every day! So in November 2022 I left my part time job and came back home. Best decision of my life!
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My calligraphy story begins probably like most. You stumble upon it for one reason or another and are just drawn to it. I did broad edge calligraphy in junior high and high school, but didn’t really revisit it until 2020 when my studio had just been built in the backyard and I was looking for some artistic and easy things to do with my girls while we were all shut down for the pandemic. It started with brush pens, but I soon fell in love with the precision of pointed dip pen calligraphy. Being in the wedding industry already as a florist, I knew this was what I wanted to dive deeper into. I took quite a few online courses and practiced a lot. After about a year, this was when I knew that if I wanted to be serious, I needed to be full time. So in November 2022 I quit my job to focus on Beautiful Day Calligraphy!
By then, I had joined a fabulous group of calligraphers as part of a coaching group called The Craft Academy with Rosie Chhun of The Wandercrafter, and that is when things really started to ramp up! There was so much support there, and so many calligraphers are doing live events at luxury stores. That avenue was part of my five year plan…but it quickly became a five WEEK plan as I learned that one of the hottest upcoming trends in the luxury live event market was called bottle painting, which is essentially painting on perfume bottles for brands such as Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Jo Malone, etc. This was something that I could jump in on rather immediately because I had been a glass painter over twenty years ago, and already had the tools, knowledge, and speed to jump on this train for the 2023 holiday season. And what a ride! My style is rooted in folk art brush stroke work, so it is very unique compared to other artists that I have seen using this medium. And because I had done all the troubleshooting so many years ago, I already knew the paints, strokes, and methods to use to get the results I wanted straight out of the gate.
I always had loved painting on glass, and this allowed me to share that joy with an entirely different set of people. During a live event at a luxury store, clients view either the samples I’ve painted ahead of time for the brand at the table, or look at my portfolio of designs I bring with me, and then we create something unique right there in front of their eyes! This makes the gift they are giving even more valuable. I have had clients love it so much that they will buy something else, just for themselves a lot of the time, simply because I am there performing this service. Its the greatest joy that an artist can have!
I also enjoy doing hand engraving, wood burning, and heat foiling. These are other mediums that are wonderful for live events. I never dreamed I would be creating art for people! I love it when clients can watch what I’m doing, chat with me about it, and most of all, I get to hear their stories behind the gift and who it’s for. Its all deeply personal, and that is what makes life so beautiful.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite place to go is Balboa Park. There’s a little bit of everything there! I love the International Houses, the free concerts at the Organ Pavilion, and the GARDENS! So beautiful! And then, of course, the world famous San Diego Zoo is right there, and all of the museums. I would definitely hit Old Town and Little Italy. All of the food and culture downtown is enough to keep you busy all week long! And who could visit San Diego and not hit the beach? I grew up in North County, so I love Carlsbad State Beach. Walking along the boardwalk or in the sand with no shoes…its the best!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband has made all things possible for me and my children! He has a fantastic job as a chemical engineer. We own three homes…two are rentals. I have always been so incredibly blessed to be a stay-at-home mom and homeschool our children. Our home is truly my happy place! I have been able to pursue my own dreams and desires as an artist in so many ways. He has always been a huge supporter of that, and stands alongside me in all of my efforts. He built me a studio in our back yard from the ground up so I could have a space to create. We have a vegetable garden, chickens, and a beautiful butterfly-friendly yard that is truly an escape from the world. It is all because of him.
Website: https://beautifuldaycalligraphy.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautifuldaycalligraphy/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beautifuldaycalligraphy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautifuldaycalligraphy/
Other: https://www.pinterest.com/beautifuldaycalligraphy/