My path to letters: from web design to calligraphy

Hi, friends! I’m Mary—a lover of words, hidden meanings, and all things creative. You might know my last name from the dessert (yes, Pavlova!), but instead of baking with sugar, I create joy with ink.

My journey into creativity started with an unexpected twist. Back in 4th grade, I had to pick an extracurricular activity. Torn between art school and tennis, I chose tennis—but the group was full. So, art school it was—and that “happy accident” turned into a life-changing decision.

As I grew older, I discovered another passion: science. I loved mixing technical precision with artistic freedom and dreamed of studying at a university where I could blend these two opposite worlds. This desire fueled my ambition and shaped the path I took—four years of art school followed by three more years of refining my work to prepare for university.

From earning a degree in silicate materials, mastering everything from chemistry to crafting ceramics and glass, to shifting into digital product design and creating innovative solutions like voice interfaces, I embraced every twist in the journey.

Blending Science and Art

I've always been drawn to the exact sciences—algebra, geometry, chemistry. They fascinated me. Drafting came naturally, perhaps because my grandmother was a draftsman and my uncle created posters in college. I dreamed of finding a university where I could merge my love for creativity with science.

Though life didn’t follow the path I originally envisioned, I graduated from a university that still nurtured my passions, becoming a certified specialist in silicate materials.

What truly captivated me was the magic of chemical processes—the way colors blend or how crystals grow, seemingly on their own. Colloid chemistry, with its intricate dance of particles and solutions, felt like watching art come to life.

Math, too, became a fascinating world of visualizing big data. It wasn’t just numbers—it was about translating complex systems into something tangible and beautiful. The physics-chemistry processes felt like unlocking the secrets of the universe.

Beyond theory, I’ve always loved creating things with my own hands—whether shaping ceramics, crafting glass, or experimenting with new materials. There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming raw elements into something meaningful and unique.

After graduation, I started working as a web designer, right when the field was booming. I’d always loved computer graphics, so the transition felt natural. But I quickly realized I needed more training. 

The moment that pushed me to my passion

I spent 2 years diving deep into interactive design, and then one project changed everything.

The project pushed us to reconnect with the physical world and explore how words can impact people. That moment sparked something inside me, pushing me to think outside the box. 

I threw myself into a lettering project, working day and night to perfect it. That’s when I truly fell in love with lettering. 

Even though I put my passion aside for a while, that experience left a lasting impression on me.

Life happened… 

I put lettering and calligraphy on pause for about 7 years while I grew as a digital product designer. During that time, I worked on cutting-edge tech and built innovative products like voice interfaces. 🚀

Then, everything changed… My career in Russia came to an end when my husband got a job offer in the US, and we made the big move. When I moved to the U.S. and became a mother, I rediscovered my passion for letters—a perfect blend of structure, spontaneity, and self-expression.

Supporters, Doubters, and Family Inspirations

My journey has been shaped by a mix of supporters and doubters. In art school, I fell in love with design, surrounded by people who inspired me—especially my mother, whose encouragement lit my creative spark. I also drew inspiration from my grandmother, a talented draftswoman who passed down her love of technical drawings. Her precision and creativity deeply influenced my appreciation for structure and detail.

Of course, there were those who doubted me, and they became my silent motivators. Every step I took, every challenge I overcame, was my way of proving them wrong.

Thoughts? Feel free to reach me out hi@marypavlova.com. 
Can’t wait to chat with you!