How to Make Money With Calligraphy in 3 Phases

Today we’re going to learn how to make money with calligraphy. Actually, we’re going to do way more than that.

See, Leslie and I started this website to help people do what we did: start a successful business for very little money (we started with a $50 gift card) and turn it into full-time income that can be managed in just a few hours per day.

So here’s the exact roadmap we would follow if we were going to start with a calligraphy hobby and turn it into a million-dollar business.

Here we go!

Phase 1: Planning

We also start with a plan. We want to know how we’ll make money with calligraphy, how to set prices, create a marketing plan, and find work. 

For business help in general, check out our ultimate guide to starting a home-based business. We believe creating a low-overhead business is the cornerstone to financial freedom and the home-based business guide will get you started.

Alright, first, let’s learn about all the different ways you can make money with calligraphy.

The Many Ways to Monetize Your Calligraphy Skills

If you’re an avid calligrapher, chances are you’ve thought about ways to turn your passion into profit. Luckily, there are many ways to make money with calligraphy! Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Sell your calligraphy artwork: You create beautiful pieces of calligraphy art, so sell them! You can do this through your own website or on platforms like Etsy. Consider offering custom pieces as well, where customers can request specific phrases or quotes to be turned into one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
  
  Building your own website will be the way to go here if you plan to grow a brand around your calligraphy skills (which we highly recommend). Etsy is nice, but nothing impresses like your own site. We keep updated reviews of hosting and domain services on our business tools page.

• Offer calligraphy services: Many people are willing to pay for someone to create stunning invitations, place cards, and other items for special events. Consider offering these services to individuals or event planners.
  
• Create logos and branding materials for businesses: Many businesses are looking for unique and visually appealing logos and branding materials, and calligraphy can be a great fit for this.
  
• Teach calligraphy: If you love calligraphy and enjoy helping others learn new skills, you might consider offering calligraphy workshops or classes. This can be a great way to make money with your passion and share it with others.
  
  Making your own digital product is one of our favorite ways to grow these types of small businesses. Create courses teaching calligraphy, then create more courses about how you built a successful business selling courses. It’s a great way to monetize everything you learn along the way. We keep an updated review page of the best online course-creating software, their pros and cons, and pricing. 

• Create and sell calligraphy-themed products: From prints and note cards to t-shirts and mugs, there are endless opportunities to create and sell calligraphy-themed products. Consider what you enjoy making and what your target audience would be interested in purchasing.
  

Take this to the next level by turning your physical art into digital art that can be sold in multiple formats. 

Remember, the key to making money with calligraphy is to find a way to monetize your skills that is authentic to you and your brand. 

Whether you sell your artwork, offer services, teach workshops, or create products, the possibilities are endless!

The Business Side of Calligraphy: Pricing, Contracts, and Taxes

Ok, no you have some idea about the possibilities out there, let’s take a look at the nuts and bolts of running a calligraphy business. 

The business side of calligraphy can be intimidating, but it’s an important aspect of making money with your art. 

One key factor is pricing your services appropriately. 

It’s important to research the going rates for calligraphy in your area, as well as factors that may affect your pricing, such as the complexity of the project and the materials used. 

It’s also a good idea to have a clear understanding of your own costs, such as supplies and any additional expenses.

Another important aspect of the business side of calligraphy is contracts. 

Having a clear and concise contract can protect both you and your client and ensure that the project goes smoothly. It’s essential to spell out all the details, including the scope of the project, deadlines, and payment terms.

Finally, don’t forget about taxes! As a self-employed calligrapher, it’s your responsibility to pay taxes on your earnings. 

Make sure to keep track of your income and expenses and set aside money for taxes. It may be helpful to work with a tax professional or use tax software to ensure that you’re paying the correct amount. You can read more about bookkeeping software on our business tools page.

Overall, while the business side of calligraphy may seem daunting, it’s an essential part of making money with your art. By staying organized and informed, you can successfully turn your passion into a profitable career.

Finding Gigs and Clients as a Calligraphy Artist

Ok, but how do you actually find work as a calligraphy artist?

It can feel a little overwhelming, but we’re going to break it down for you.

• Build a portfolio. This can be a physical portfolio or an online portfolio, but either way, it’s important to showcase your work to potential clients. Make sure to include a range of styles and examples of your best work. This is why I said having your website was so important. Your work can really shine on your own site/

• Network with other calligraphers and artists. Join local or online groups for calligraphers, attend events and workshops, and follow calligraphy artists on social media. These connections can help you find leads for gigs and also give you a chance to learn from others in the field.

• Offer your services to local businesses and event planners. Many businesses and event planners are always looking for talented calligraphy artists to add a special touch to their events or products. Don’t be afraid to reach out and offer your services.

• Use social media to promote your work. Share your calligraphy on Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms to get your work in front of a wider audience. You can also use social media to connect with potential clients and showcase your skills.
  
  There is specialized software to simplify this part of the business. They connect multiple social accounts and let you manage your posts all from one place. They’ll even help you automate it. If that sounds useful to you, you can read more about them on our social media marketing page. 

• Consider teaching calligraphy classes or workshops. Teaching others can be a great way to make money with your calligraphy skills, and it’s also a great way to share your passion with others. And it helps with networking. And it can be a great way to start building a customer base.
  
  How? Use an email marketing tool to create an email list. Then ask your students to give you an email and opt-in to further lessons online. This will help turn one-time offline customers into repeat online businesses. 

Bonus Tip: Did you know that email marketing is often cited as the highest return on investment for small businesses? A study from Omnisend found that for every $1 spent on email marketing, businesses made an average of $40 dollars. 

Overall, the key to finding gigs and clients as a calligraphy artist is to be proactive and put yourself out there. By building a strong portfolio, networking with others in the industry, and promoting your work, you can start making money with your calligraphy skills.

Marketing Your Calligraphy Services and Building a Brand

Marketing your calligraphy services and building a brand is crucial if you want to make money with calligraphy. 

A strong brand helps you stand out in a crowded market and attracts the right clients. It also helps you establish yourself as a professional and build trust with your audience.

So, how do you go about marketing your calligraphy services and building a brand? 

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Define your target audience: Who are you trying to reach with your calligraphy? Identifying your ideal client will help you tailor your marketing efforts and create content that resonates with them.

• Create a website: Having an online presence is essential for any business today. A website allows you to showcase your work, list your services, and provide contact information for potential clients.

• Use social media: Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great for promoting your calligraphy services. Share your work, engage with your followers, and collaborate with other artists to get your name out there.

• Network and get involved: Attend local events, join online groups, and connect with other calligraphy artists. Building relationships with like-minded people can help you find new clients and opportunities.

• Consistency is key: Whether it’s your logo, website, or social media profiles, make sure your branding is consistent across all channels. This helps establish your business as professional and trustworthy.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things as you grow and evolve.

Phase 2: Grow the Business

Alright, now you’ve got your business plan in place, it’s time to start growing. 

How does a small business grow? The most important factor, for now, is growing your earnings.

Here’s how:

Maximizing Your Earnings as a Calligrapher

• Offer a variety of services: In addition to traditional wedding invitations and envelopes, consider offering other services such as place cards, seating charts, and custom artwork. Talk to your customers and see what new ideas present themselves. 

• Consider your pricing: Make sure you’re charging enough for your time and talent. It’s a good idea to do some market research and see what other calligraphers in your area are charging. Don’t be afraid to adjust your prices as needed. As your reputation grows, so should your prices.

• Expand your reach: Don’t limit yourself to local clients – consider reaching out to potential clients in other cities or even internationally. You can do this through social media, networking events, or by setting up an online portfolio. 

• Diversify your income streams: In addition to taking on individual projects, consider offering calligraphy classes or selling calligraphy supplies. We’re big fans of online courses and digital assets. Keep this motto in mind: Make it once, sell it a million times.
  
• Be open to negotiation: If a potential client really wants to work with you but your price is a bit out of their budget, try negotiating to come to a mutually beneficial agreement.
  
• Create a referral system: If you have a good repeat client that seems well connected in the community, give them a discount for each new paying customer they send your way. 

But be careful! Many small business owners get trapped by increasing profit by adding more work. You want to avoid that at all costs. Your goal in this stage is to increase the dollars per hour you earn. 

This brings me to my next point…

Balancing Your Passion with Profit: Tips for Success

Making money with calligraphy can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it’s important to find a balance between pursuing your passion and turning a profit. Here are some tips for success:

• Set clear goals and expectations. Know what you want to achieve with your calligraphy business, whether it’s making a full-time income or simply supplementing your existing income. This will help you stay motivated and focused as you work towards your goals. But also know your limits. A small business should bring you more freedom, not less.

• Don’t undervalue your skills. It can be tempting to offer low prices for your calligraphy services, especially when you’re just starting out. However, it’s important to remember that your time and talent are valuable, and you should be paid accordingly.

• Be open to new (good) opportunities. There are many different ways to make money with calligraphy, from creating custom invitations and cards to offering workshops and classes. Keep an open mind and explore new avenues for earning income. But develop a discerning eye. Don’t jump at everything. Only take the best opportunities. 

• Find a balance between work and play. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of running a business, but it’s important to make time for rest and relaxation as well. Make sure to schedule breaks and allocate time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy. This is what our next section is really about.

• Seek out support and guidance. Building a business can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join a community of fellow calligraphers or work with a mentor to get support and guidance as you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Just remember your real goal: freedom. Be ever-watchful for times when your business starts to become a job rather than a career. 

Phase 3: Reinvesting In Your Business

Ok, this is where we take your small or home-based business and turn it into a million-dollar business. This is the secret to financial freedom for you and your descendants.

As soon as your calligraphy business starts making money, you should reinvest at least some of those earnings outside of the business.

Why? Consider it one more diversified income stream. You can invest in anything you want, just so long as it is completely passive. You don’t want to spend all your time managing apartments.

Here’s a shorthand calculation:

If you decided to invest in the S&P 500, you can look up the earnings yield of the index. We use multpl.com.

That will tell you an estimate of your return on investment for each dollar you spend on S&P 500 index shares. 

(We buy an ETF called VOO that is offered by Vanguard. For a complete breakdown of how to do this, check out our ultimate investing guide).

When our business got to this point, Leslie and I employed something we call the Build Your Own Berkshire Strategy. Basically, we started to model our financial planning after Berkshire Hathaway.

That’s when things really started taking off for us. 

That’s because the earnings from the S&P are growing by about 5% after inflation in addition to the new money we invest. That’s the power of compounding.

By the time we retire, 2/3 of our wealth will have come from the compounding effect. Meaning, we will have only to pay for 1/3 of our net worth. 

The end goal is that your earnings from investments (fueled by the profits of your business) eventually grow large enough to cover your cost of living expenses.

And at that point, you can effectively retire. 

You need to start reinvesting at least some of your profits as soon as you can. The longer you can get compounding to work in your favor, the better.

So in the end your business will work like this:

1. Money comes in through direct sales and commissions
2. Money comes in from digital sales and online courses
3. You keep the amount you need to pay your bills and live life
4. You invest what’s left 
5. Rinse and repeat
   

You work as much as you want to. You work with only the people you want to. 

Further Reading

You might want to check out other ways to turn hobbies into businesses. 

Check out our related posts:

• How to Make Money With Crochet
• How to Make Money with Woodworking
• How to Make Money With Cricut

If you are new to our site, you might want to check out a few of these related posts. We created Three Month Millionaire to help people do exactly what we did:

Build a home-based business that can be run in less than three months per year (or two hours per day).

If that sounds like something you’d like to learn, check out:

• Our Ultimate Guide to Building a Home Business
• Our Ultimate Productivity Guide
• Our Ultimate Guide to Investing
• Our Income Reports

Or if you want to check out some of our other reviews pages, Check out:

• Our reviews of the Best Online Course Creation Software
• Our reviews of the Best Books For Following the Three-Month Millionaire Journey
• Our reviews of the Best Business Tools No One Ever Told Us About
• Our reviews of the Best Social Media Management Tools