Creative passion can be the glue that holds us together during challenging times. In this episode, I was joined by Lauren Fitzmaurice, an elementary teacher, calligrapher and hand lettering artist. It was during a difficult year in her life when her love for lettering emerged. She shares her story of how she got started and her advice for those who are curious about this craft. We discuss how you can use your creative gifts to make the world a better place, how she discovered her style as a left-handed calligrapher and habits she developed to improve her lettering practice.   What’s in this episode: How letting has helped Lauren stay sane during times of uncertainty Her advice for people just starting out in lettering and calligraphy Lauren’s story of how her passion for letting came about What she did to discover her style as a left-handed calligrapher Frustrations she felt when first getting started Habits she developed to improve her lettering Why you don’t want your lettering to be “perfect” Her experience of working with Tombow The next step for her in her lettering journey Tips for people who don’t feel like they have time for their creative hobbies How crafting can help you through more difficult times   About Lauren: Lauren Fitzmaurice is a left-handed calligrapher and hand lettering artist from Owensboro, Kentucky. A full-time elementary teacher in real life, and when she’s not busy teaching or being a mommy to two sweet boys or wife to her husband of 10 years, she can be found in her lettering studio with a brush pen in hand. Lauren’s passion for lettering began 5 years ago right after her youngest son recovered from open heart surgery. Her mom bought her an online calligraphy class so that she could learn a hobby and have something to do for herself to help with healing and recovering from a difficult and stressful year. As Lauren learned calligraphy, she started sharing her work on Instagram and over the years has grown a large following with her lettering tips for lefties, positive quotes, and love of bright colors. She’s also loved the opportunity to work with brands she loves and adores teaching lettering and calligraphy in her own community through her in-person workshops. Lauren’s mission for Renmade Calligraphy is to lift others with letters and she continues to strive to bring joy and creativity to others’ lives through her love of lettering. Connect With Lauren: Website | Instagram | Facebook   Links: Everyday Watercolor: Learn to Paint Watercolor in 30 Days by Jenna Rainey Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert   Hope you’ve enjoyed this episode! Would love to hear from you. What is one thing you can do with the wisdom and guidance you’ve extracted from this episode to make a positive and lasting change in your own life? Connect with me on social media. You can find me @amytangerine on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and pretty much anywhere. If you’re enjoying this podcast, please rate and review on iTunes, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and let your friends know about it too! The more we spread the creativity and happiness that comes from pursuing our passions, the better off our amazing community will be. Hope you feel uplifted, energized and inspired.