THE BACKSTORY

Chronically Positive is truly the evolution of success with two signature Lettering Works passion projects: Steph’s Stickers and Cool Beans.

Steph’s Stickers highlighted the incredible talent, abilities, and positivity of Steph Perry, our friend who has faced countless challenges as a result of being an adult with autism and Elhers Danlos syndrome, among other disabilities. Steph’s favorite things to do are to make people laugh and advocate for others. She’s been a huge inspiration and helped me personally realize the potential impact our creative energy can have if channeled into meaningful work. You can read more about Steph’s story here.

Steph’s mom, Barbie Perry, played a huge role in bringing Steph’s Stickers to life and has been an incredible supporter of mine since my artist residency at the Prairie Center of the Arts in Peoria back in 2016. She was incredibly encouraging as I developed Cool Beans and brought her unique perspective of living with her own chronic illness.

Cool Beans raised awareness for kidney disease while showcasing my creative abilities through the lens of restaurant branding. What I found to be the most powerful outcome was the connections built between myself and other kidney patients. The playful and encouraging tone opened up conversations and helped those who engaged with the project see chronic illness and disease in a new light. I fell in love with beginning to build a community around shared experience, one that is positive, encouraging, and supportive.

THE PROCESS

A natural progression of focus on impactful and encouraging work brings us to the creation of Chronically Positive. This creation began with a Zoom call with Barbie, where we wrote out countless phrases that she tells herself (often on repeat) to maintain her high spirits despite any challenge she is facing. Images of flowers and growth swirled around in my mind as we chatted. Days later, I brought the list out ready to sketch out some ideas. I sat for hours on a Saturday sketching out options for each of phrases Barbie shared.

I decided to challenge myself in a new way and used each of the hand-rendered sketches as a template for a completely vectorized design (using the Pen Tool and all). I love how the monoline designs represent simplicity and lightness.

BUILDING A PASSION PROJECT WITH PURPOSE

These designs are intentionally crafted for all those facing challenges posed by chronic illness and mental illness. But also for anyone who is trying to stay positive but feeling the stress of the global pandemic we are living through.

The goal of this project is to spread and foster a mindset of intentional positivity in a thoughtful way that relates directly to a population that is experiencing heightened stress as a result of increased health concerns.

I believe that positivity is a choice and a challenge. One that should be embraced and worked towards every single day. If you give up on your wellbeing and happiness, what else are you left with? Sure, it’s not easy. Especially if you’re living with a chronic illness (or multiple) and have to put in more work to maintain your overall wellbeing. You must remember that it is okay to ask for help. It’s actually essential to reach out and find the support that you need, regardless of the shape or form.

A Chronically Positive postcard or sticker will not erase your challenges with chronic illness or struggles with pain management, but it may be just what you needed to see before starting another tough day. Even through the best of days, you could probably use a little boost of encouragement. A nice note to yourself, sitting by your workspace, to help you start each day on an intentionally positive note. I designed them to keep you going, to remember to be gentle with yourself, and to remind you to reach out for the support you need.

There are a lot of things out of your control when you are dealing with a chronic or mental illness. But there are also simple things you can do for yourself that can have a big impact, like treating yourself to a care package, taking time to rest when you need it, and helping others in ways small or large.

I hope you’ll choose to join me in being Chronically Positive, in advocating for yourself, and surrounding yourself with the positive energy that your wellbeing requires now and always.

The best way to support this project right now is purchasing a postcard pack, care package, the sticker collection, or coloring page downloads. I hope you find the messages included in this series to bring you hope and encouragement through your best and worst days.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Chelsie Tamms is an award-winning lettering artist and designer based out of Chicago. She is the owner of Lettering Works, a branding studio that connects businesses to their audience through creativity and strategy. With over 10 years of practice of lettering and design, Chelsie is passionate about craft and intention. When she’s not designing, she can be found eating ice cream, traveling internationally, or starting a new passion project.