We recently connected with Baylee Jutting and have shared our conversation below.
Baylee, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
As a calligrapher, many assume that my job entails simply writing aesthetically pleasing content all day long. However, the reality is that I spend less than half of my time actually lettering and creating, especially when I’m caught up in the administrative aspects of my small business. Oftentimes my creative juices run dry and I crave the chance to do something artistic.
Whenever I find myself stuck in a rut, I like to take a break and do something creative. Whether it’s painting or working with clay, these activities give me a chance to express myself and forget about the stresses of everyday life. It’s amazing how much better I feel after spending just a little time being artistic.
The beauty of being in the creative industry is that the opportunities to learn and develop new skills are endless. Whether it’s sewing, knitting, sculpting or any other craft, I always have the option to expand my skillset and add to my list of hobbies.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I taught myself how to letter during my senior year of college and quickly fell in love. I didn’t expect for it to take me where I am now, but I’m so grateful that it did. I would spend my free time practicing until I got good enough (or so I thought at the time) to sell me craft. Fast forward to my big girl design job and I found myself uninspired & looking for something else. It wasn’t long before I left my very safe career and jumped head first into my small business specializing in wedding calligraphy.
My favorite things to make are name cards, table numbers, aisle runners and the occasional customized gift. I love helping couples bring their ideas to life! In my free time you can find me juggling too many DIY projects, traveling with my partner, or falling asleep on the couch.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
For me, three key qualities have been absolutely vital to my success: persistence, self-motivation, and a willingness to learn. Along my journey, there were countless moments when I felt like throwing in the towel, but I’m so glad that I kept pushing forward. Starting a small business is far more challenging than most people realize, and relying on yourself to make a living can be incredibly stressful.
Through it all, my unwavering persistence has been a saving grace. Whenever I faced setbacks or challenges, I refused to give up. I dug deep, found my motivation, and pushed myself to keep going. And whenever I hit a roadblock or needed to develop new skills, I approached the situation with a growth mindset and a willingness to learn. These qualities have allowed me to overcome countless obstacles and achieve my goals, despite the many difficulties along the way.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
Having spent the past four years as a full-time calligrapher, I’ve decided to branch out and start teaching calligraphy workshops. I’m excited to share my passion with others and help them discover the beauty and joy of this art form. Of course, taking on this new challenge means juggling yet another aspect of my business and once again relying on myself to make it a success.
While I’m a bit nervous about this new venture, I’m confident that everything will work out in the end. I’m looking forward to bringing the joy of calligraphy to more people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tinycraftsbybay.com/
- Instagram: @tinycraftsbybay
Image Credits
Elisa Rose Photo
