Designing anything involving letters is similar to the process of logo creation. Everything needs to be well considered and nuanced. I cannot just dash your name off. At the beginning stage of the process, all artistic options and compositions are well considered.
First, I look at the letters abstractly, simply as positive and negative shapes. I find where the shapes want to take me. Sometimes a symbol will reveal itself in the design. I try to discern the inherent rhythm of the shapes against each other and try to enhance the emerging pattern. I often get good results, mainly using an intellectual/visual patterned approach.
This is usually as far as it needs to go with commercial designs. To advance to a more energetic level means allowing my intuition my undivided attention. After the immersion process described above, I intentionally forget everything. I banish it all into the background and do a physical activity (involves a different part of the brain).
The timing of the sacred process is whatever it needs to be. A visual answer will always appear before me in my mind's eye within one to three days. This inspired design is the template I'll use to create.
When I'm rendering the art, I still allow my intuition free reign. This adds to the clarity of the vision. When I'm creating, I will either I listen to uplifting music, become prayerful, or create in reverent silence. The finished result is a living piece of art, and one with empowering energy. Darlene, Master of the Lettering Arts
