Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh King.
Josh, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I worked in the corporate world from age 16-30, and after realizing I was unhappy working for someone else, my friends, family, and co-workers pushed me to start my calligraphy business Simple Man Lettering. I started my company with the intention of creating home signs for friends and family, but quickly realized my passion was in weddings! From welcome signs, envelope calligraphy, and my specialty, seating charts, I knew this industry was for me. I decided to switch gears and focus on meeting as many wedding coordinators, photographers, florists, and anyone in the industry that might help get my name out. One of my best friends and mentors, Heather Piland, has helped me from the beginning to push me out of my comfort zone and just to try new things. Not to mention her full book of clients keeps me incredibly busy! I really wouldn’t be here without her!!
I would say starting in 5th grade, I would change my handwriting every year to go with how I felt. One year was all cursive, then next bubble letters. I really found it was the only way to get my creative energy out at such a young age. I wasn’t into sports or video games, but I really found joy in something as simple as writing the alphabet in as many different ways as I could.
The name Simple Man Lettering came from the 70’s Southern Rock song “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. My mother sang this song to me all the time before her passing in 2009 and I really tried to live by the words she sang to me.
“Boy, don’t you worry
You’ll find yourself
Follow your heart
And nothing else
And you can do this
Oh babe, if you try
All that I want for you,
my son, is to be satisfied.”
Everything I do in life is to make her proud every day! I am fortunate enough to have 4 best friends, including my husband, who let me know how proud she is of me, even though I can’t hear it from her lips. So, this story wouldn’t be the same without all of you. I love you CJ, Tory, Courtney, and Heather!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The first year in business was very slow starting, but each year has gotten better and busier. I would say the biggest struggle I faced thus far would be Covid-19 canceling all weddings for almost the whole year. I am lucky to have my husband who is also a small business owner, be able to make ends meet during that challenging period.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a wedding calligrapher, so I specialize in everything from welcome signs, seating charts, escort/place cards & envelope calligraphy. I perform on multiple mediums such as mirrors, wood, acrylic, and paper goods.
With my home signs, I typically create one-of-a-kind pieces for each client. I build the wooden frames and backing and hand-letter each sign. Whether it’s someone’s last name as a house warming gift, custom family trees, or your favorite movie quote, I can take the lead to design something fancier than the typical mass produced signs available in big box stores
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
To just take life day by day. Live in the moment and don’t stress about the things you cannot change.
Contact Info:
- Email: Simplemanlettering@gmail.com
- Website: www.simplemanlettering.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/simplemanlettering
