The first post-TTR interview is featuring font debutante LeChefRene and talk debutante CybaPee :) We continue the tradition of presenting a new font made for this event, see Mountain Climber by LeChefRene. Have fun!
 
 René, what would you like to let us know about yourself?
 
Well, at forty-something, I am the oldest of 5 children, and a domestic engineer married to the love of my life, Tim, for the last 6 years. We have no children, except for a Beagle/Lab mix named Alex.
I was born in a small town in Minnesota, but we moved around frequently as I was growing up. We finally settled in Nashville TN when I was 14, and we lived there until I was in my early 20's. I've lived in St. Petersburg, FL for the last 21 years, and as most of my online friends are aware, hate living in FL…the heat and humidity here keep me almost a recluse in the summer. I call it my "hibernation" period! LOL
I love to cook, read, work in Paint Shop Pro and Photo Shop, and of course, my newfound obsession, design Letterbats and Dingbats.
Since I don't work outside the home, I have a lot of spare time, but have had to learn to limit my computer time so as to give equal time to hubby and household necessities. But as far as managing my time…well, I dedicate a certain amount of computer time in the mornings, afternoon, and evenings. (Sometimes I'll sneak on at odd times, too, tho!)
     
 How did you make it to fonts? And how would you explain your addiction to a font ignorant?
 
When I first bought my computer about two years ago, I knew absolutely NOTHING about computers, graphics, or fonts. However, I quickly became bored with just the fonts that come with Windows. I began looking in the computer stores at software containing additional fonts, thus the beginning of my addiction.
After I began learning to do graphics in Paint Shop Pro, and joined a few graphics lists on AOL, I began collecting even more. Soon, I would unconsciously begin to identify different fonts on TV commercials, billboards, in magazines, and on businesses. Then I would begin telling whoever happened to be with me at the time what font that was on that sign, or that billboard, etc. It was then that I knew I was totally addicted to fonts.
I've only been designing fonts for a very short time, but my interest in doing so goes back for months. I just was too chicken to try it. Finally I took the plunge after I made some frame templates in Paint Shop Pro and decided they would make great Dingbats for my graphics friends….and I haven't been able to stop since!
 


LCR Luv To Paint
     
 Are there any favourite designers on your list, free or commercial?
 
Oh, wow, now that's a hard one…I love so many! But I guess if I had to name a favorite, it would have to be Ray Larabie. Many designers seem to stick with one style, but to me, it seems that Larabie's fonts are all different…a "variety" if you will. Also, they are so versatile, and easy to use, easy and pleasant to view, and there's really something for everyone. His talent amazes me, and I truly respect and admire his work. Others among my favs are Jeffrey Levine, and Nick Curtis.
As far as LetterBat and Dingbat designers, at the top of the list would be my friend and inspiration, Kat, of Kat's Fun Fonts, and of course Nght, Lime, and JLR, just to name a few.
     
 Some words about your process of being inspired or the source of your ideas? (Seasons? Daily life? Mom's parrot?!)
 
As I mentioned, I belong to several AOL graphics lists, and I take requests from them for their favorite things, and have made specific fonts for several individuals. Pansy Peepers and Gardening With Sue were made for my dear friend Sue, who loves flowers and gardening.
 
 
I also have made some of MY favorite things, ie, Playful Dolphin, Stitched By An Angel and LeChef. I love Country, and angels, and that's how I came up with Stitched By An Angel. I have also done some for family, and dedicated to family.
I first began with my nieces and nephews, and their favorite things or personalities.
   
 
Case in point, Shelby's Flower. Shelby is my 5-year-old niece, and we were at a family gathering at my parents' house. Shelby drew a flower for me, and my first thought was, "hmmm, I wonder if I could make that into a font?" I went home, scanned the picture she had drawn and got to work, and the final result was Shelby's Flower.
Mom's Rose Basket was made for and dedicated to my Mother, who collects porcelain baskets, and adores roses.
I also love to do the seasons, or special occasions. My first seasonal font was LCR Autumn.
2001-09-01  

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