Alpena, MI - September 2022
For September's local creative highlight, we approached Alpena native Mariah Brancheau who is an aspiring young artist creating beautiful work throughout the community.
Mariah fell in love with art at the age of 14, filling numerous sketchbooks full of doodles and practice paintings. Now, at the age of 18, she is the owner and artist behind Lovely Little Lettering Co. You can find her work for sale at art shows across Northeast Michigan, and you can even attend some of her classes as she has found a passion in sharing art with others through teaching.
Hi friends! I’m Mariah Brancheau, the owner, and artist behind Lovely Little Lettering Co. based out of Alpena, Michigan. My signature style showcases modern hand lettering, blooming florals, and vibrant colors. My love for all things creative flows in many forms, including ink, watercolor, acrylic, chalk, and more. I have loved art for as long as I can remember and I have tried just about every form of art until I fell in love with hand lettering and painting at around the age of 14. I filled sketchbook after sketchbook with practice paintings and doodles.
I sold my first watercolor pieces and cards to a few friends and family members when I was around 15 and now, at 18 years old, my business has grown more than I could have ever imagined. I have painted murals, business windows, and countless signs, and designed stickers, cards, chalkboards, and wedding stationery.
I have sold my art at multiple art shows throughout Northeast Michigan, where I’ve met so many amazing artists and friends. Another favorite way of mine to share art with others is through teaching. I have taught multiple classes at Art in the Loft in Alpena and have calligraphy class dates planned for this month at both Art in the Loft and the Watercolor Cafe on Mackinac Island.
I have been blessed with such a supportive community of friends and family who have helped me grow my business in so many ways. Whether it is helping with art shows and classes or putting up with having paint on everything I own, my family has been so encouraging in everything. I can’t wait to see where this business takes me in the future. I have so many big dreams and lots of things I’m excited to learn more about, including art licensing, graphic design, and more.
Creating beautiful things brings me so much joy. I also love beautiful words and the presentation of words. Whether it’s a verse, fun pun, or popular quote, my aim is that my art would bring a smile to someone’s face. I find inspiration for my art. I find inspiration for my art everywhere: in nature, in my hometown, in colors, in music, and in other artwork; the inspiration is all over. My faith in Jesus also inspires all of my artwork. I love using scripture verses throughout my art to encourage and uplift others. My hope is for every piece I paint, letter, and draw to remind others that they are so loved, they are created for a purpose, and there truly is wonderful joy ahead.
I’d love for you to follow along as I share my love of art with others! Follow along on Facebook and Instagram at @lovelylittleletteringco where I’ll share art, class info, art show dates, and other fun creative content. If you see a product you love, shop my Etsy: LovelyLilLetteringCo. Thank you for supporting my small business and dream!
Mariah Brancheau
Lovely Little Lettering Co.
The Sunset Project seeks to elevate every creative in the community regardless of subject or outlet. The ideologies and beliefs found within creative pieces are those of the artists, not necessarily The Sunset Project as an organization.