Meet Tracey Harris | Modern Calligrapher and Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tracey Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tracey, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is scary, it can put you in a vulnerable place, but for me I’m ok with this. Risk falls on both ends of a spectrum, if you do something its risky, if you choose not to do something it can still be risky. In my life I’ve always chosen to proceed, even when I don’t know what or if there is risk. Letting the unknown stop me would have been self sabotage. Career wise it is similar for me in that I always want to take the risk, if, that is, there is outcome that could possibly benefit me twofold; a win for me and a win for the client.

With risk, I think it is natural to think “what if” both personally and professionally, the fear of the unknown can paralyze us into doing nothing when in reality it shouldn’t

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a creative, I’ve become comfortable with the craft I call my own. When there are so many of us providing the same service, it was difficult for a long time to separate myself. One thing I try to keep in mind as a creative is that someone is always going to be better than me, but often times, I am going to be better than someone. This doesn’t necessarily mean in skill, it can just mean a better fit, something different. Calligraphy is visual and a client either has a vision for what they want or they expect you to envision something for them. It was and still is never easy to get in the running, but building relationships with not only clients but other creatives has helped me. We help each other get commissions, we give kudos to each other, we share techniques with each other. This is how I overcome challenges. What I’ve learned is that approach and allowing my clients to come to me is sometimes best. I am force of greatness but sometimes people see me coming and they take off running. Allowing others the ease of getting to know me has been pivital to my success. My brand isn’t just about beautiful writing and illustrations, its about comfort, it’s about my clients being ok with us figuring it out together. Sometimes its about penciling everything in 100 times before we decide it’s good enough! I want clients to know, when you come to me, know that I am here for you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were coming to visit and she’d never been out West, I’d plan a couple of days at my favorite places. I’d plan a trip to Lake Tahoe for a few days just to enjoy all the beauty but also we’d do a ropes course and maybe a gondola ride. There’s a really cool mountain coaster that we could try before we settle on al the fun food we’d enjoy.

Catch up of course and then fly back to LA where we could enjoy the city, do a few touristy things and maybe hike Bronson Caves. Once we head back closer to Orange County we could plan some shopping and of course the beach…..Laguna would be my choice.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am a firm believer in Christ and I believe he continuously shows me which door to walk through, He is my hand holder. In addition, my first born is my biggest supporter, my son Bryson is a creative too so his objective input and sound mind has played such an integral part in my journey, whether it be showing me shortcuts or setting up my equipment, he is here for me. But I can’t forget my husband for he lets me do this, he’s my cheerleader behind the scenes and knows how important this is to me.

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Image Credits
Images by SoWriteImages