Starting a creative business might seem intimidating at first, but it’s more achievable than you think. In this blog, I share how I transformed my passion for Modern Calligraphy into a full-time business. Whether you want to start an art related business or any other creative venture, I hope this journey will inspire you to take the leap! So here goes…
1. Find your passion & get Inspired
The first step to starting any creative business is identifying your passion. But what exactly is passion? It’s something you truly enjoy—whether it’s a hobby or a pastime—that brings you immense joy without the pressure of being perfect. It could be anything, from baking to photography, embroidery, painting, and beyond.
It’s important to connect deeply with something you love, as this will fuel your entrepreneurial drive. For me, it was Modern Calligraphy. I was awestruck by the graceful calligraphy strokes, and the workshops I saw on Instagram happening in the USA and UK. The idea of friends and people coming together to learn a beautiful script, surrounded by fancy stationery and sipping coffee in a nice café, got me all excited.
2. Start Small, but Start
When I first started, I never expected or thought how far I would go. All I did was just start. You don’t need years of experience or a huge budget to start a creative business. I hosted my first Modern Calligraphy workshop in March 2017 with zero experience, no supplies, and no marketing strategy.
With my family’s help, I sourced quality supplies from the USA, and using only word-of-mouth marketing, I got 9 paid students and 2 influencers to join the class. Of course, I was backed with good 6-8 months of calligraphy practice before I started teaching. By then, I was well-versed in the basics, techniques, and supplies needed.
The one thing I made sure of was not to compromise on is quality – The quality supplies I provided, the quality of teaching in terms of knowledge; and the quality of space where I would host my future workshops.
3. Don’t shy away from Social Media
In today’s digital age, building an online presence is crucial for growing a creative business. I began by sharing my calligraphy work on my personal Instagram account. Posting my practice sparked interest and led to new followers who were interested in signing up for workshops. Showcase your work, no matter how small it may seem at first. Authenticity and being consistent will attract the right people to your brand.
Below is my first Instagram post showing my calligraphy writing. Definitely wouldn’t approve it today, but this is what growth looks like!
4. Trust Your Support System
Starting a business doesn’t have to be a solo effort. My family played an instrumental role in my journey, from helping me source supplies to encouraging me to take action. Their support is invaluable and till date it helps me in navigating challenges. Share your ideas with your best friend, family, spouse or a mentor. Sometimes they have a better understanding on things we might miss out.
5. Be consistent & keep learning
I can’t emphasize on how important it is to be consistent. The creative industry is always evolving, and staying up-to-date is crucial for business growth. Growth is a lifelong process, and being open to new learnings will help you stay ahead of the curve.
One of my examples would be flying down to Kuala Lumpur for a 7-day Calligraphy course with the famous Calligrapher Nina Tran. This changed my outlook completely towards this form of writing. I realized the history the art has, the different pointed-pen scripts and the technicalities of it. Whether it’s through online courses, reading, or hands-on practice, always invest in your growth.
6. Embrace the journey
Starting a creative business takes time, effort, and a great deal of patience. Trust your journey, stay authentic, and embrace the process. Those motivational Pinterest quotes? They hold a lot of truth. Remember, failure is just a part of the road to success.
If you are ready to start your own creative business or need guidance on your creative journey – I offer coaching for aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them turn their passions into profession.
Learn more about my creative coaching services here.
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