Prague and Budapest had everything you could want in European destinations – stunning city centers, history, great food, varied  restaurants, a busy buzz around town, diverse museums, an edgy side, friendly locals, easy transportation, a sense of safety and even an artsy side.

Street art was visible in Prague, though this scene was not quite as in-your-face as Athens or Budapest. Prague owned a different side of the art game – chalkboard charm. It makes sense. Cafes and fun restaurants crowded the central blocks, and well, let’s face it – cafes and chalkboards go together like peanut butter and jelly, or as Marie Schrader said, “apple pie and Chevrolet”.

Budapest was also plastered with beautiful white on black, colorful and unique chalkboards. Advertising hot soups, sweets, coffee and alcohol to locals and tourists alike who are freezing their asses off in those treacherous Hungarian winds. It made sense that countless cases of chalkboard art could catch your eye because Budapest was, in fact, a very artsy city. The truth is, chalkboarding is pretty much an official, however new, art form in 2019. Even edgy Budapest embraced the upbeat trend.

It’s funny, looking back on my work in Richmond, VA, I can confidently call myself ‘a chalkboard artist’. After making dozens of elaborate menus and attention grabbing sandwich boards, I have a special eye for this mode of illustration and lettering which I carry with me everywhere.

When creating a chalkboard, I am trying to achieve the perfect balance of:

• POP that grabs the attention of potential customers;
• the inviting sense of delicate charm AND
• the subtle appearance of classic effortlessness.

Chalkboard art is a harmony of fun and functionality. On top of that, the style and level of creativity in finding new arrangements within a perfect square or rectangle can sway a passerby looking for restaurant refuge. I like to think that the creativity which goes into a chalkboard is representative of the creativity offered by the actual kitchen or proprietor. The attention to detail in the lettering and typography can say ‘this is the level of precision and care we will put into your experience here’.

In Prague, you were offered countless options for the same product, such as chimney cakes and sausages – read all about that here. So often, I think pedestrians were quick to buy from the most visually appealing place. Adding to the enchanting experience of the Czech Republic. Take a look at the charming Czech chalkboards we enjoyed through our strolls. Maybe it will spark your appreciation for lettering and typography as it did for me.

 

A classic, centered calligraphy style for an upscale feel in Budapest near the opera house.