Like most Creatives, I started out drawing/making things the traditional way - with pencil and markers. I still enjoy drawing and have always been interested in hand lettering and exploring different illustration techniques, both digitally and on paper.

A hand lettering sketch sparked and idea for a coffee shop branded identity concept.

A few examples of some wedding printed pieces I helped to create.

I learned to weave in the fall of 2021. After over a year and a half stuck inside due to the pandemic, I was more than ready to get back into a classroom and learn alongside my peers. I had such a great time trying new techniques and color patterns, I decided to keep the craft going! I hope to one day sell my work through commissions or online/in-store.

You can follow my journey on Instagram here

This was a SkillShare project taught by Aaron Draplin, where you create your own modern family crest. I started with some research into the meaning of my maiden name, Granata, which has a few disputed origins.

Some say it comes from the word “pomegranate” which may also be a trade name for a “grower or seller of fruits”. It is also an Italian nickname for someone with red hair or a red complexion. The shape of the pomegranate is also where we get the word “grenade”, yet another close origin.

CREST DESIGN BREAKDOWN:
A Pomegranate - Taken from the Italian naming origins.

Treble Clef/Barbershop Stripes - My Dad is a Babershopper (the singing kind) and all of the men in his family (5 brothers and his father) have all been involved in Barbershop Quartets.

Trees/Water - A reference to the island of Sicily, where some of my family is from.

Coffee Cup - Everyone in my immediate family has a strong addiction to coffee and wherever a Granata resides, you will always find some brewing.

“Nice Talk” - A motto, common saying, or inside joke by my father to us children when we curse.

Open Book/Design Tools - We are all creative in some way: be it writing, woodworking, design, DIYers, crafters, makers, etc. We are all super big book nerds.

COLORS:
Blue & Red - Standard Barbershop colors

Red & Green - We are really into the Christmas holiday and its when we get to spend the most time together

Gold & Red - Sicily’s national flag and coat of arms colors

I am a casual photographer, but I often find myself attempting to capture those “hey, that looks kinda cool” happenings. A moment in an otherwise unremarkable day, but has managed to catch my eye. Here is a small collection of those moments while out and about town, as well as those taken on my travels.