Dana Tanamachi is a graphic designer and custom chalk letterer who hails from the Lone Star State, but now resides in Brooklyn, New York. Currently, she works at Louise Fili Ltd, a NYC-based studio specializing in logo, package, restaurant, and book design. After hours, Dana moonlights as a custom chalk letterer, creating large-scale chalk installations in New York City. She also applies her chalk lettering to a wide variety of uses for publications, packaging, and apparel. Having admired her incredible work, The Pursuitist asked Dana a few questions:
Q. How long have you been making your custom chalk creations?
A. I’ve been creating large scale chalk installations since November 2009, so just over a year and a half.
Q. What do you love about your medium (or regret)?
A. I love that it’s temporary and easy to manipulate. There’s no harm done if I make mistake, just erase and try again. And I can’t complain about the price— chalk is cheap!
Q. Who are some custom chalk clients?
A. Recently, I’ve collaborated with clients such as Google, Adidas, West Elm, Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine, and The Ace Hotel New York.
Q. Tell us about your day job…
A. I work at a small boutique design studio called Louise Fili Ltd. We specialize in high-end food packaging and restaurant design. My job is a mix of production, design, PR, and administration for the studio—since we’re small, we all wear many hats!
Q. And where did you study?
A. I studied Communication Design at the University of North Texas— a school primarily known for its art and Jazz programs. http://art.unt.edu/
Visit Dana Tanamachi online at: http://www.danatanamachi.com/
