What makes Dana Tanamachi’s designs stand out? Chalk it up to chalk. This graphic designer and custom letterer transforms menus, event signage, and monograms into hand drawn limestone masterpieces. When Dana isn’t drawing on walls across New York City, she’s working at Louise Fili’s studio specializing in logo, package, restaurant, and book design. Draw inspiration from Dana in her 10 ANSWERS below.
1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Handmade, ephemeral, nostalgic.
2. Who is your creative role model?
My Grandmother, Mitsuye “Mitzi” Tanamachi. Though she’s pint-sized, she packs a mighty creative punch. She learned to sew and make patterns in the Japanese-American internment camps during WWII. She used to create beautiful shoes, purses and garments with what little materials were available. These days, she sews, hand-embroiders and beads stunning Christmas stockings for each family member. Her patience and attention to detail are astounding. Everything she makes, she makes with love.
3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Rest and celebrate more.
4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
Sunny Southern California. I find myself day-dreaming about riding a bike along the Santa Monica pier or driving up the Pacific Coast Highway for a day-hike in the Malibu hills. Something about the slower pace and abundant sunshine makes me think there’d be more time and energy for creative endeavors. Could be totally false, but it’s hard to resist the thought when you’re in the thick of winter in NYC!
5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
I would love to be a country western singer for a day—belting out old honky tonk tunes backed by a pedal steel guitar and fiddle; watching couples two-step all around the dance floor. Being a Texan through and through, country music is food for my soul. I’d love to step in to those boots if only for a day.
6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
Hand-embroidered monograms inside tiny wooden embroidery hoops. Or anything made from felted wool.
7. What is your favorite object in your home?
A big, (artificial) potted Aspen tree with white/translucent leaves that seem to glow when the light is just right in my living room.
8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Progress, not perfection. To me, this is a reminder to remain teachable, humble and to take steps toward a goal instead of burning out or being crushed under the weight of immediate perfection. And it applies to all areas of life.
9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
Etsy, CRAFT, Eric Ryan Anderson, Kelsey Foster, Jeff Rogers, Paper Parasol Press, Rifle Paper Co., Twigs & Honey, The Sign Painter Movie Blog.
10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
After I’ve inhaled a solid amount of chalk dust and my black hair turns to a dusty charcoal.
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