Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Chase
Hi Rob, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My love of lettering first manifested as an interest in handwriting. I was always intrigued by the fact that we have all developed a unique artistic expression of ourselves, but one that was so connected to the mundane that it was never seen as anything more than rote. It was in this light that I began to practice different lettering styles – a small way to bring artistry to the everyday.
During this time my mom gifted me a set of disposable calligraphy markers for my birthday and I simply fell in love with the craft. I began with gothic calligraphy and found it was the first time a visual art really made sense to me. There was enough structure and repetition within the letters that learning the fundamentals was mostly a matter of muscle memory, allowing me to practice as a form of relaxation. At the same time calligraphy also inherently allows for enough freedom to truly allow a sense of self-expression to shine through the systems inherent to letter forms.
Over time I also became intrigued by forms of lettering that expanded beyond the limitations of ink and paper. While exploring this space I came across the art of sign painting, and was drawn by the diversity in both style and medium of the art. I experimented several times, but unlike calligraphy I found the learning curve was too steep for self-teaching. So in the middle of 2020, during the height of the COVID lock down, I enrolled in an online class with Australian sign painting legend Lianne Barker, and truly learned the fundamentals not just of signage, but of letter forms and design as well. Since then I have continued to hone this craft, and was fortunate to study under Mike Meyer in 2023.
While traditionally sign painting is a commercial craft, I really became intrigued by applying these fundamental skills to artwork – to make lettering for the sole purpose of making lettering. My love of bright colors, geometric forms, and traditional lettering styles have formed the core of my personal style, along with a healthy dose of cheekiness and mirth in my selection of phrases.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This journey has not always been a smooth road, and I think balance is the primary struggle. Learning a skill with such a steep learning curve as sign painting requires countless hours of practice to acquire the fundamental muscle memory and eye. Balancing this practice with the creation of finalized works of art has always been a challenge, not to mention all the other aspects of life that demand time and attention.
I also, like many artists, struggle with the balance of creativity versus entrepreneurship. I’m good at holing up in my studio and dedicating the time to my art, but putting that same level of energy into self-promotion and business practice has always felt like a daunting task.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a lettering artist specializing in sign painting and calligraphy. My work is steeped in the tradition of both of these arts, but I’ve never been drawn to that tradition as an ends in itself. While sign painting is typically a commercial art, heavily tied to advertising, but my work has always tried to present the craft as an artistic ends to itself.
Most of my pieces are done on vintage mirrors and picture frames, with custom lettering designed in the tradition of the craft. I’ve always tended towards loud bright colors in life, and my work certainly reflects that. I’ve also always been intrigued by geometric designs, particularly the Swiss Design school – elements of which will often make their way into my pieces.
The phrases can range from cheeky and mirthful to poetic, as I think we all can from time to time.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My family and my amazing girlfriend Lauren are far and away my largest circle of support. I have been fortunate enough to learn form two different masters of the craft of sign painting – Mike Meyer and Lianne Barker – whose guidance has been invaluable in my development. Lastly, the fellow artists that make up my community in Austin have provided not just a creative resource, but a deep well of friendship and contentment.
Pricing:
- Custom Mirrors – $150-300
- Large Custom Frames – $120 – 250
- Small Custom Frames – $25-50
- Murals and Commercial work quotes by request
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.RobChaseLettering.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RobChaseLettering
