Kelly Spencer

What are some of your earliest creative memories and what lead you into design?

My school projects had amazing title pages, and illustrations of animals. I made the title pages for my friends projects too. I remember getting feedback on my study of Canada in primary school where I’d completely neglected to deliver anything other than great headings and drawings of Canadian animals. As a child I would spend hours in my bedroom drawing houses (like, floor plans and elevations), clothing (often on sassy troupes of dancing girls), and lettering. Once I finished high school I couldn’t deal with the thought of 7 years of architecture school, so that got ruled out in favour of a fashion design diploma. But by my early 20’s fashion was no longer making my heart sing, so I dove head first into option 3 — illustration — and now I’m a letterer. And I‘m part of an 80’s dance crew. It was all in the stars.

Where did you study and what were some of your first jobs?

I didn’t study. I’ve always been a bit impatient with academia. I know now there would’ve been some sweet benefits and less guess-work but I otherwise don’t regret it at all. My first jobs were a lot of posters for my friend’s bands. Oh and underpaid graphic design work for a local bar.

Give us the elevator pitch on what you do

Illustration, lettering, sign painting, and street art. I draw pictures of letters, and animals.

What do you look for in a great client?

Someone that writes a beautiful brief. A brief with good use of bold, italics, and bullet points — and which clearly states the clients wants and needs from the get-go. The best clients are the ones that come to you because they love what you do.