You can't live life on the edge, you have to make the jump. That is exactly what Michael Cerda did a few years ago when he decided to leave his full time job and pursue his true passion of Design and Sign Painting. Problem solver and brand developer, Michael has created a line up of thoughtful and curated branding using his background and expertise in art and graphic design. His focus is to build relationships and memorable experiences with his clients in order to see their vision come to fruition. Michael is a full time designer/sign painter that works with local small businesses and large companies. Whether you find this taco connoisseur at a local taco truck, practicing his lettering, walking through the streets of Milwaukee, or simply playing his favorite synthesizer, Michael finds inspiration in the most ordinary things. The pursuit of perfection in his work is never ending.

Abi is a designer at heart with a taste for letters that has been latent since she was a child. Her parents work at the Central de Abastos Market and since she was little she was close to popular graphics such as labels in warehouses and fluorescent cards. She began labeling after the pandemic with a first approach in calligraphy and lettering, and then with wooden labels and signs. In addition to traditional signage, she also works digitally through designs and logos based on popular Mexican graphics, which is her main inspiration. She has explored different media including jewelry, ceramics, and cookies, among others. Abi has also explored techniques such as enamel on sheet, enamel on wood and vinyl on wood.

Cyla Costa is a Graphic Designer and Lettering Artist working with all kinds of projects in which letters play a fundamental role, especially branding, book covers, advertising, murals and editorial design. Her one-woman-studio is in her hometown Curitiba, in Brazil, yet she can often be found painting a mural or speaking at a conference in other parts of the world. Her work is known for its hand-made quality and minutiae.

A Peruvian graphic artist and printmaker who channels his passion for screen printing, calligraphy, and lettering into creating pop art and marketing tools. His style–characterized by spontaneity and color–makes his work stand out; Elliot has redefined both a traditional art form and what it means to be a lettering artist in his native Peru. Elliot began experimenting with letters in his dad’s screen printing workshop. While it only had limited equipment, this was the place where Elliot witnessed the creation of a great number of music posters over the 80s and 90s. It was also where Elliot learned the techniques involved in creating the chica poster–an iconic form of Peruvian folk art that was born of necessity and requires minimal resources. It was through these experiences that he learned all about the poster scene.

Jackson Alves is a Brazilian calligraphy/lettering artist and educator based in Orlando, Florida, USA. Graduated in graphic design in 2003, in the last twelve years Jackson has been working exclusively as a letterform expert, collaborating with clients from different countries. Alves was awarded the 10th and 12th Graphic Design Biennial in Brazil and also the “Certificate of Typographic Excellence” by Type Directors Club in NYC. Some of his works are part of the permanent collection of The Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow. In addition to his commercial work, Jackson encourages others as well, teaching his calligraphy and lettering techniques through online classes for people from all over the world.

Brother-sister duo and founding members of DIA Cafe, Devin and Lucia, bring their creative talents to life in the “Wepa” espresso brand. Devin, who has a background in Graphic Design and serves as the Creative Director for DIA Cafe, chose the name "Wepa" because it’s an expression deeply rooted in their Puerto Rican family and culture. The word itself has many meanings but is most commonly used to express joy and excitement.

When developing our brand and creative identity, I asked Lucia to help design the visuals for our Espresso blend. Naturally creative and a talented artist across many mediums, Lucia also serves as our Lead Barista and in-house chalkboard artist—making it the perfect collaboration. She handcrafted the lettering on paper, which Devin then enhanced with a rising sun motif. The bold and vibrant color treatment was carefully chosen to capture the joy and excitement that the Latin slang word "Wepa" represents.