Life & Work with Alex Gulick

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Gulick.

Alex, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My fascination with calligraphy started in elementary when I would wander into my mom’s art room and peer over her shoulder as she filled out diplomas at her massive drafting table. The precision and consistency in her lettering (primarily Gothic and Roundhand scripts) amazed me. On occasion, she would hand me one of her fountain pens, show me how to insert the ink cartridge, demonstrate how to get the ink flowing, and walk me through the strokes on paper, how to angle the pen, and when to apply pressure – all the while offering some of her own tricks of the trade. It was magical… Fast forward to my junior year of college.

At that point, I was gifted a calligraphy set with a dip pen & began to spend more time playing with styles of lettering beyond the cursive I was accustomed to. Modern calligraphy with hints of Copperplate became my favorite style and from there, I started practicing on an array of writing mediums: canvas, wood, chalkboard, glass, metal, cardstock, acrylic, fabric, etc. After years of continual nudges from friends and family to formally start a business for my calligraphy, Pen Oak Calligraphy and Design was officially established in 2020. The oak in my brand is of particular significance.

In 4th or 5th grade, I planted a Pin Oak in the front yard of my childhood home for Arbor Day (the leaf in my logo was taken from that exact tree & digitized by local illustrator, Tyrek Jones). Since then, I have made it a habit to drive by that tree from time to time to see how it has grown. On one particular occasion, as I drove down the road, something clicked & in that moment, 6130 represented more than just an address to mark where my tree was planted. A particular verse (Isaiah 61:3) came to mind: “and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” This verse encapsulates the why behind my work: all of it is for the display of His splendor & hopefully the means by which people can experience beauty, joy, and feel uplifted. Whether someone is looking for wedding calligraphy, home decor, or a special occasion gift, I’m devoted to capturing the story behind every custom order & infusing personality into every piece. I enjoy meeting with my customers face-to-face in order to hear the vision they have in mind for a piece, listen to their stories, and then bring their ideas to life! It is a chief privilege to provide lettering that will have a lasting impact and develop relationships with customers beyond the initial consultation.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Calligraphy is an ornate & intricate art form. One that cannot be quickly or easily learned & requires a considerable measure of finesse. Sort of like parallel parking. In such a hurried, instant-gratification saturated society, it can be hard not to strain and strive to speed up the process of developing my lettering. And yet, when I practice that posture of slowing down to enjoy the artistry and be intentional with a piece, I find the experience more rewarding and the result better than I could have asked or imagined.

As a recovering perfectionist, I find calligraphy a happy mixture of precision and playfulness, all within the context of the purpose that drives my work and the punctuality that calligraphy projects require. Another challenge, or solution opportunity if phrased differently, is trying to find a healthy work/life balance when I work full-time in addition to having a calligraphy business. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned the hard way: 1. Keep a ruler on hand and measure twice. 2. When fatigued, put the pen down. 3. Take breaks & move your body. I’m grateful for the support of my friends, family, and husband as I navigate the balance and continue to learn. Special thanks to my hype team of fellow creatives: Macyann Crawford, Meredith Graves, Elizabeth Messina, Emma Parks, Tyrek Jones, and Jerry Mosemak.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in modern calligraphy and hand lettering, especially in customized signage for weddings, special events, inspirational decor for home or office, & personalized gifts. My preferred mediums are chalkboard, acrylic, wood, and paper of various weights & sizes. I am most known for my own unique free-flowing calligraphic style. However, I do have some flexibility with the style, which can be discussed during a consult. I cherish this art form because hand lettering is becoming a lost art, as evidenced in the slow disappearance of cursive from standard school curriculums.

With that in mind, I consider it an honor to continue the legacy of calligraphic lettering that dates back to roughly 3,000 B.C. in the West and 202 B.C. in the East. What sets me apart from other calligraphers is that I am self-taught and my creative process is intentionally collaborative with each customer. The magic of what I do is fueled by the initial consult and ongoing correspondence with my client. At the initial consult, my primary goal is getting to know my client and making them feel seen before diving into the details related to their request.

I carry their stories with me as I work on their specific piece & make it a priority to check in with them at different stages during the creative process. As I get their feedback, I fine-tune the piece until they are excited about the final product. When a custom order is hand-delivered, I can tell that my client not only admires its material value, but is moved by the sentimental value of their particular piece, knowing that they had a hand in its creation and that I took great care to capture their vision.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
As it relates to calligraphy, my favorite childhood memories revolve around my mom letting me sit at her drafting table to scribble on a fancy piece of cardstock or parchment paper, using one of her practice pens to form different lines and shapes, flipping through a calligraphy book filled with different script styles and flourishes, and walking out of the art room feeling like a professional if I had ink-stained fingertips.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/penoakcalligraphy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penoakcalligraphy/

Image Credits
EAM Photography
TJ Stansbury Photography
MonPhotography