We have the privilege of getting to walk alongside some inspiring, growing, and dynamic creatives as we navigate the small biz world as creators ourselves. In our new blog column, In Good Co., we want to feature some of these artists and share a little of the story behind their craft, how they create their work, and what makes them tick as a artist.

This week we are ecstatic to show off our friend and collaborator, Mary Deaton Heldman – whimsical calligrapher, natural photographer, lovely watercolor artist, and right hand gal of EOH. Mary Dea joined the EOH team about a year ago and brought her wealth of talents to many of the latest EOH designs. Take a look below at a little of the Mary Dea magic…

What’s your story? I have always enjoyed art, as a hobby. After college, while I was living in Portland, Maine, I started illustrating for a children’s book and becoming more familiar with watercolor. That lead me to dive deeper into the medium and become more comfortable with what used to be very foreign to me.

When I returned back to Nashville I had some surprise calligraphy lessons lined up. I personally never thought about calligraphy and the results of my page after the first class could testify. But, after some practice, I fell into the rhythm and fell in love with creating new fonts. I have always enjoyed the art of letter writing; which has grown into a career. Emily is the one who truly boosted my confidence about this work. Ever since I collaborated with her on projects, it’s been full steam ahead.

As for photography… I first became wide-eyed with the art at a young age in the darkroom at camp. Sounds scandalous, but watching each frame reveal itself as I would drop it into the developer was magic. I started becoming very passionate about photographs in general.

Now that I am back in Nashville, I believe everyday schedules, lives, and routines are threaded with photographic stills. I create and capture moments because art and images are pieces of history you can hold, see and touch, and reminisce over again and again. I love light and I love to seize its many forms. Photography is more of a natural concept to me, and my camera is my third arm.

What’s your craft? I create calligraphy prints, stationery, wedding invitation suites, blessings for homes, marriages, and babies…anything commission based. My style of photography is more documentary or everyday with movement, artistry & life captured in a still, which can tell a continuing story.

Where do you find inspiration? I am very much inspired by the earth, sea, and sky. Places I’ve visited and places that remain on my bucket list. Poets, literature, and all my favorite books & quotes have a huge influence on my artwork. My imagination takes over once I get in the groove of creating something new. I am very inspired by Dorothea Lange, Kandinsky, Degas, Sally Mann, Elizabeth Messina, Louis Faurer, Lamb Loves Fox, Bojon Gourmet, Samm Blake and so many more.

Favorite EOH paper? Oh man, my favorite piece from EOH….how can I choose only one?! I love her hand sketches and watercolor crests, anything with a nice personal touch really stands out to me.

Thanks for Mary Dea sharing her gifts with us and so many of the EOH clients! You can see more of her work here or collaborate with her for your next project! (Or if you want to purchase a print, check out her lovely selection here!)

And a big round of applause to MD on the recent release of her first published children’s book illustrations for Sheila and the Magnificent Tale!