Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m Addie! Owner, designer, and creator of Adeline Margaret Lettering + Design. I hail from the small town of Freedom, Wisconsin, and moved to Milwaukee in 2011 to attend Marquette University, where I graduated with degrees in Marketing and IT. Fun fact: Since my grade school days, I have never taken any kind of art or design related class, so everything “artistic” I do is self-taught.
I work full-time at sōsh, a social digital agency in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, and I absolutely love it. If I am not there or at my apartment working on lettering projects, I am most likely up north at Kelly Lake with my family. I love a cold beer or a good whiskey old fashioned (sweet!) and I am obsessed with my family’s cocker spaniel, Gus.
What or who is the inspiration behind your work?
So much of my inspiration for my designs honestly just comes from scrolling through Instagram. I love finding ideas for new projects and slowly piecing together my own style not just from other letterers but from interior designers, fashion bloggers, and photographers (all subjects that I am horrible in myself).
Offering my designs to others took a lot of coercing from my family, and their support is a huge inspiration in all of my work. I am named after both of my grandmothers, so my business name reflects my roots and my main cheering squad.
On the business side, I draw a lot of inspiration from others who are juggling full-time jobs while keeping their creative passion alive on the side. When I feel exhausted and overwhelmed, the little wins, streamlining hacks, and honest stories they share on social media keep me pushing forward.
What are your favorite places and restaurants around Milwaukee?
The lakefront is my all time favorite running route. I’m a sucker for tacos and tequila at Bel Air. The Irish Pub is my fav wing spot (grilled Jameson wings are life). And honestly, anywhere I can eat and drink on a patio is good in my book.
What advice would you give to others just starting out in the art/design field?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and to take a break when you start to feel burned out. Set realistic deadlines so you aren’t up finishing projects in the wee hours of the morning. Just keep creating and learning. Not everything can be taught in a classroom; you truly learn as you go. (Note to self: start following my own advice!)
What, to you, makes Milwaukee/Wisconsin feel like home?
First, the people! My friends, those from my hometown and those I have made in Milwaukee over the years. My family, all of which live in Wisconsin and many in Milwaukee.
Second, the vibrancy of Milwaukee. My boyfriend and I have been putting together our new apartment downtown for the last couple of weeks, and it’s been so refreshing to be able to look out our window and see the busy Riverwalk and the boats of people constantly going by from one end of the city to the other. There is always something going on no matter what neighborhood you’re in.
Also, the Green Bay Packers give me that warm and fuzzy “home” feeling. Is that normal?
What is your favorite part about Broadway Paper?
Their local selection! They take pride in this city and the creativity that thrives here, and I like anyone that likes to talk about Milwaukee.
Stop in to Broadway Paper to pick up her clever Wish You Were Beer card today!
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