Some projects push you creatively. Some push your endurance. And every once in a while, one comes along that does both. This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to hand paint and engrave 150 custom Woodford Reserve whiskey bottles for the Johnnie-O Plaza Del Lago Grand Opening in Wilmette, Illinois just north of Chicago. It was one of the largest studio commissions I've ever completed - and without question one of the most rewarding. With less than a month to complete th

There are moments in life when everything comes full circle. This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to provide live journal personalization at the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Chicago, and it's difficult to put into words just how meaningful this event was for me. For three days, I hand-lettered more than 700 journals for librarians, educators, authors, and library professionals from across the country. It was one of the busiest live event ac

Every spring, Chicago becomes the center of the culinary world as chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality professionals, and food lovers gather to celebrate the James Beard Awards. While the awards ceremony honors the industry's very best, the excitement begins long before the winners are announced - at the unforgettable welcome events and receptions that bring together some of the most influential names in food and beverage. For the third consecutive year, I had the incredible opp