Suzie Beringer headshot

Suzie Beringer

When was the first time you picked up a calligraphy pen?

I had always loved handwriting—since I was very young—but didn’t actually pick up a broad edge pen until I was in my early twenties.

What is the best advice you ever received (lettering or otherwise)?

Know that you are exactly where you are meant to be—where and how much you develop beyond today depends on you…AND…slow down and have fun!

Why do you letter? What keeps you coming back every day?

It is a part of who and what I am.  I have been focused on creating beautiful letterforms since I was very young and didn’t even realize there was such a thing called ‘calligraphy’ back then.  I couldn’t imagine not lettering and creating!

What is your dream project?

Working on a traveling exhibit.

What research do you do when learning or starting something new? i.e. a new style or new project.

I gather as much information as I can. Since I am a very visual person, I like to find as many images as possible—then I begin studying and practicing.

Name 3 non-lettering artists who inspire you.

Leonardo Da Vinci, Gustav Klimt, Paul Klee

What do you aim to say with your work?

I want my work to be a reflection of who I am as an artist.  Hoping the viewers will experience the emotion and feeling I have put into each piece.

Why do you teach? What is your teaching ethos/style?

I teach because I love to share with others those things that bring me joy!   I am a very spontaneous person and like to keep things fun – yet informative (I believe people learn better that way).  My greatest joy is when I see the sparkle in someones eyes as they ‘get it’ …what can be better than that!

What is your favorite pastime when not in your studio?

Biking, gardening and in the winter skiing.

What jobs have you done besides being an artist?

Waitress (loved that job), Real Estate, Sales Assoc. for a stamp/paper store in which I used to handle/order paper.

You love to letter on anything that crosses your path. What is your number one tip when lettering on a surface you have never written on before?

Try to obtain some extra pieces of the substrate you will be working on.  If that is not possible find an indiscreet area in which you can test different tools and mediums.  The golden rule is that the surface, medium and tool should play nicely with each other—and don’t be afraid to experiment!

Your instagram feed is filled with tiny Roman Caps and giant beach writing. Does the size of these letters inform their style?

Sometimes.  I love to work small and when I am in my studio I find that most everything is done small and delicate regardless of the hand I am doing.  When I do get to the beach I love working large because I use most of my body to pull strokes and it feels good.  I use different hands when I letter in the sand.  Everything is dependent upon how I feel at the time.