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Meet the Maker: Rhianna Marie Chan
Have you seen our new Pencil Pocket Protector tees?
![](https://longhandpencils.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Screen-Shot-2020-10-19-at-12.31.29-PM.png)
They’re nerdy and cute and soft and I’m obsessed with them. I’m also obsessed with the designer behind the exclusive tee — Rhianna Marie Chan.
![](https://longhandpencils.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_9619-scaled-e1606623016276-1011x1024.jpeg)
As an Austin-based designer, illustrator, and letterer, Rhianna creates one-of-a-kind designs — while raising awareness for important causes.
Today, Rhianna’s chats with Longhand Pencils about passion, the creative process, and where she finds inspiration. Everyone, meet Rhianna!
![](https://longhandpencils.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dogs-1024x1024.jpg)
How did you get into your field?
I got into graphic design/illustration kind of by accident. When I graduated from college I knew I didn’t want to use my degree, so I took up calligraphy as a hobby while I figured out what I wanted to do next. I started selling product and getting hired for freelance work. I wanted to expand my skills and my business, so I taught myself how to draw and the basics of graphic design. The rest is history!
![](https://longhandpencils.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/DSC_0454-768x1024.jpeg)
What inspires you?
I mainly draw inspiration from women of all shapes, colors, and sizes. I love to draw the strong, stylish women I see in real life or (especially this year) online. It’s easy for me to draw inspiration from everything though – music, a fun color palette or pattern, other artists. You name it!
![](https://longhandpencils.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Boogie-1024x1024.jpg)
What is your creation process like?
It differs from project to project. If it’s client work I usually start with a mood board then go into a pretty intensive sketching process before getting feedback and cleaning things up. If it’s something for me I’m a little more laissez-faire. For personal work I usually have an idea of the colors I want to use or font/style of lettering I want to use. Sometimes I sketch out a drawing before going into the final product, but sometimes I dive straight in. Hand-lettering is a little more methodic only because I use grids and letter guides to make sure everything’s the same size. Then I play around with flourishes or changing things up until it feels right.
![](https://longhandpencils.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Vote-1024x1024.jpg)
What makes you passionate about art?
I saw the quote “the role of the artists is to make revolution irresistible” recently, and it’s been my driving force for 2020. As much as I like creating lighthearted pieces I’ve been more passionate about creating activist work for myself or for causes and organizations I believe in. It’s been rewarding to use the money I create from selling art to support nonprofits as well as provide information and encourage involvement in a fun way.
![](https://longhandpencils.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/DSC_0418-731x1024.jpeg)
Find Rhianna online on her website, and on Instagram @rhiannamariechan.