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

Hi Shelly, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
Creating art makes me the most happiest. When I am feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, I like to pause and take time to just create anything. Sometimes, I’ll get some art supplies, hand letter positive quotes or paint away. On other days, I will create something digitally or create content for social media and my website.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a self-taught lettering artist based in Los Angeles, CA focused on spreading love and positivity through my artwork. I have a strong passion for sharing everything I know about how to get started with all things arts & crafts related. I host lettering workshops (both brush lettering and digital lettering) around Southern California, participate in Live Lettering events for brands, and license my artwork to brands. When I first started this lettering journey, I had no idea what was going to happen. I just believed in why I started this hobby, which was to decorate my work cubicle with positive affirmations hand lettered by me. I really had no idea about all the opportunities my love for Modern Brush Lettering was going to open up. This hobby, which has now transitioned into my full-time biz, has allowed me to understand myself better and appreciate the little things in life so much more. Never in a million years, did I ever think I would have the chance to create art on a daily basis, meet some amazing new friends along the way, and pursue this passion full-time.  Discovering my love for lettering and creating art has changed my entire perspective on life. Lettering to me goes way beyond exploring my creativity. For me, it creates an open, positive, and free outlet that I would love for others to join in on with me.   Always remember to live your passion everyday and pursue those dreams you have. It’s going to take time and patience, and you have to make sure your heart and energy is 150% all in. Trust me, it is soooo worth it because your journey and strength will inspire other people too. This is what my lettering journey has proven and shown me. I gained a “new purpose” in life all over again and I am loving everyday that I get to do lettering full-time. I’m also huge on #communityovercompetition — the more we support, share, and show each other compassion, we all win! Together, we can conquer anything!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love showing my favorite spots in LA through food. These are the number one spots (in my opinion) I would take my bestie to. – Sugarfish – KazuNori – Fiore Market Cafe – Bone Kettle – Broken Mouth | Lee’s Homestyle – Mo-Mo-Paradise – Bottega Louie – Marugame Monzo – Din Tai Fung – Tsuruhashi Japanese BBQ – Brodard – Union – In-N-Out – Kitakata Ramen

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My fiancé, Richard for believing in me and being my #1 Fan and my adorable dog, Max for being the best assistant ever.

Website: https://www.lettersbyshells.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lettersbyshells/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lettersbyshells
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/shellykim
Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5TOBl10l5QL7cXl9bwKDwG Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lettersbyshells/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shelly-Kim/e/B075XF5QBT?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1580686059&sr=8-2

Image Credits
Richard Saplan (for all photos) Bailey Made (book launch party)