About RACHEL
Hello and thank you for landing on my site! I’m an artist and calligrapher living and working in Washington, DC. I create watercolor and gouache illustrations for personal clients and hand-lettered signage for weddings and businesses. I like to paint the people, places and things that are important to my clients.
How I got here:
I have loved to paint and draw my entire life. I always knew I wanted to work in the arts, but never thought I could “just be an artist.” With an interest in teaching, I studied art education and taught elementary art for DC Public Schools for three years. When my younger brother Andrew died unexpectedly in 2017, I felt so strongly that life must be filled with as much joy as possible that I decided to no longer ignore the desire to paint and draw all the time. I made a career-pivot and have now been at this for over three years!
I’m an “extroverted introvert” who finds joy in my work, spending time with loved ones, deep conversations, painting for myself, tending to my plants, traveling, eating, laughing, and the list goes on.
I’d love to hear from you. For inquiries about commissions, to ask questions or just to say hello, email me at hello@rachelheiss.com.