Tina Lee-Cronkhite: From Graphic Design & Calligraphy Guilds to Fodder School

Host Wendy Solganik interviews longtime Fodder School participant Tina Lee-Cronkhite, an artist in Grand Rapids, Michigan, about her creative path and community. Tina grew up around her mother’s fine art (portraits, oils, landscapes) and shifted from mechanical engineering after a GM supervisor encouraged her to apply to the Center for Creative Studies, where she studied graphic design and later worked at ad agencies doing print design before the digital era. She became deeply involved in calligraphy—helping start a Kalamazoo guild, attending in-person workshops and conferences, exploring bookmaking, and valuing traditional tools—while also embracing looser, mixed-media approaches over time. Tina joined Fodder School in its first year during COVID, credits it as a lifesaver, works from a basement studio, displays art throughout her home, gives pieces away, and typically completes most monthly projects while adapting teachers’ processes to her own style.00:00 Meet Tina Lee-Cronkhite01:46 Show Intro Theme03:07 Tina Background04:46 Mom Artist Roots08:02 Engineering to Art11:44 Graphic Design Career13:42 Calligraphy Discovery15:41 Guild Workshops23:42 Online Classes and Fodder24:58 Studio Space Reality28:16 Displaying Finished Work29:40 Selling vs Making Joy31:09 Gifting Art Without Fear31:58 Keeping Up With Fodder School34:16 UFOs From Loving Projects36:34 Art Outside The Lessons37:58 Pickleball And Productivity39:37 Following Teachers Your Way43:10 Master Boards And Style46:20 Traditional Calligraphy Vs Trends49:44 Guilds Aging And Craft Magic53:06 Lefty Struggles And Imperfection55:50 Calligraphy Guild Nostalgia57:41 Postcards And Wrap Up