{atlanta creates}
I have a bit of a crush on the art of hand lettering. And it’s not as easy as this lady makes it look. Jenn Gietzen is one of the warmest most genuine people I know. She’s hilarious and kind, and clearly she’s wildly talented! Read below to get to know her and then treat yourself to a pretty hand-lettered piece from her shop!
Name and age: Jenn, 27
Current neighborhood: Midtown
Hometown: Georgia Nomad
What brought you to (or kept you in, or brought you back to) Atlanta?
After high school, I always imagined I would move away and experience a new city. However, Atlanta keeps luring me in in some way – usually job related! I’ve tried to move a few times and then job opportunities present themselves and they’re just a little too hard to turn down. 🙂
What is your job? If it weren’t that, what would it be?
I’m a freelance graphic designer, hand letterer and also a “friendistant” to Ginny Branch. Yes, she came up with that title and I proudly wear it! 🙂 At 27, I’ve already had several different careers. And I have to say, I am most proud of this one and I wouldn’t change it for a thing. I always imagined myself not working at a desk, having the opportunity to design and be creative all day. My heart swells to wake up every day knowing that I’m doing what I was meant to do and busting it to make it happen. But, if for some crazy reason this couldn’t be, I could see myself working in the veterinary world. However, that much schooling makes my head spin! 😉
What do you create?
Art. On all levels. Graphic design, hand lettering, assisting Ginny to help make a beautiful photo. They all are different forms of art that I’m thrilled to be a part of! Going to school for graphic design – I love that I get to use my skill/knowledge to create beautiful websites for fellow creatives. I’ve had a love affair with calligraphy and hand lettering since middle school. Watching this part of my business grow and unfold before my eyes is really surreal and makes me incredibly happy! And learning about prop styling with Ginny – what an incredible opportunity to learn from one of the best! I never knew much about it, but it fascinates me to watch her work, learn from her and help problem solve while on set. So much fun!
What do you collect?
Growing up in a sports-oriented family, baseball has my heart! I have probably more baseball cards than any girl should. 🙂 However, I also have an insane amount of movies and books. I also can’t pass the candle aisle without slipping one in my cart.
Your favorite artist now and as a child:
I’ve always been mesmerized by Jackson Pollock’s paintings when he used his “drip” technique. I could stand in front of his paintings for hours! I get lost in the colors, the drips, the strokes and lines of the way the paint moves. It’s so intriguing how they’re all so unique yet so cohesive with one another.
Last memorable home-cooked meal:
My mom and I whipped up a pretty tasty meal last thanksgiving! Including my one request – brussel sprouts!
An only in Atlanta moment:
Randomly driving down Peachtree late at night, seeing those little yellow signs directing for movie set traffic and silently stalking it until you “just happen to drive right up” to the movie set. Yes, I’m that person. And it thrills me every time.
A favorite local business:
I’m pretty partial to any local restaurant! My mom would always say when I was growing up, “It’s all about the food!” We laugh about it now, but how true! Food can really bring a group of people together or be a great conversation starter! I’m a fan of any local restaurant – and lately I’ve been loving Victory Sandwich. Their pimento cheese jar, jack + coke slushie [in the awesome size!] and a chocolate chip cookie. Yes, please!
Favorite way or place to unwind:
I just spend a weekend in Highlands, NC. Can’t go wrong with the mountains, a good book and a crackling fire.
Longest plane ride:
I studied abroad in college and lived in France for 3 months! The plane ride was 9 hours long – whoa! But, best 3 months of my life. I’d do it again in a heart beat. We learned about art during the week and traveled every weekend. I mean…
What occupation did you want to do as a child?
I was pretty sure I was going to be a professional football player. Even thought I knew nothing about the game!
What is your favorite dessert?
Ah! I love sweets so much, so that’s hard to choose! But a warm piece of pie with ice cream gets me every time.
What song do you love most (or what’s on your playlist now)?
I shamelessly just danced around my house to “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John.
Concerts or museums?
I really love both, but a good concert is really hard to turn down! The last few concerts I’ve been to have been at the smaller, more intimate venues around town (The Vinyl & Eddie’s Attic). Just can’t go wrong with live music when you can see the crazy facial expressions in person!
Sweet or savory (or your favorite brunch menu item)?
When I think of brunch, two things come to mind :: 1. Brown Sugar Bacon from West Egg. 2. Eggs Benedict from Buttermilk Kitchen.
Favorite dog breed:
Gold Retrievers! I’m waiting for the day when I can get one. A boy. And name him Wrigley. After Wrigley Field in Chicago. See, that baseball love is just shining right through. 😉
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“Atlanta Creates” is a project intiated by Buffy Dekmar Photography to build creative community and share the faces and personalities behind creative businesses in Atlanta.
Follow this project on Instagram (@buffydekmarphoto + @dekmarfilms + #atlantacreates) and Pinterest. You can also send us your nominations for creative people you’d like to see featured here!
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