Podcast
Creative Business Real Talk
Hosted by Shinah Chang · EN
A weekly kick-in-the-pants to go after your creative dreams. From a former Harvard corporate lawyer who built a million-dollar calligraphy education business… and then scaled it down intentionally to create a life full of creativity and freedom. Every week, I share a tactical business lesson + powerful brain reframe that will help you get unstuck. The perfect mix of strategy and warmth that never shies away from the truth. Welcome to Creative Business Real Talk - Shinah, Founder of Crooked Calligraphy
42episodes
Episodes
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165: From “Beginner” to Confident Creator
Mar 1800:18:54Tap to summarizeIf you’ve been practicing calligraphy for months but still feel like a beginner… you’re not alone.Many calligraphers get stuck in the same cycle: worksheets, copying alphabets, trying flourishes—and never quite feeling confident enough to put their work out there.In this episode of Creative Biz Real Talk, I’m breaking down why so many calligraphers get stuck in beginner mode…and the shift that helps you finally start feeling like more of a creative “pro”.I'm sharing:(2:39) The difference between great beginners and creative masters (copying vs. your personal voice)(5:37) How to approach style in 2 steps - rather than just “winging it” (and why dopamine plays a BIG role in moving forward)(9:00) How to understand the ‘style game’, and gain clients & opportunities(13:35) The reason clients continue to hire calligraphers in place of AI(15:05) The FREE way to expand your style and learn how to land clientsThere is a true gap between a beginner calligrapher and a master calligrapher - who understands how to adapt to clients' style requests. Learning to bridge that gap is a way to gain confidence & become someone that clients are excited to have on board!If you want to learn these principles & SO MUCH MORE, my Calligraphy Style Challenge is starting March 23rd, 2026! Join me for a week of free lessons geared towards shaping your calligraphy style and honing your business skills to set you on the right business path to generate real sales! Sign up HERE!!FREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →164: The Secret to Landing Corporate Calligraphy Clients
Mar 1100:23:25Tap to summarizeWhat if you could make $10,000+ from ONE corporate calligraphy job?In this episode of Creative Biz Real Talk, I break down how calligraphers can land high-paying corporate clients and luxury brand projects—and why these opportunities can be very different from weddings or individual commissions.Join me as I share my stories of being hired by corporate brands, the pro’s and con’s of working with big businesses, and what I would do if I were trying to get hired by corporate clients as a new calligrapher in 2026.Inside this episode:(2:08) The Pro’s of working with corporate clients (and why nailing your first event can translate into repeat jobs)(5:56) The Con’s of working with corporate clients (and how style flexibility & general adaptability reign supreme)(9:50) How to attract corporate clients as a beginner (branding yourself, making connections & strategically pitching to people)(16:15) Why professionalism and delivering on your promises speaks volumes(19:55) How calligraphy style is NOT innate, and can be learned by ANYONE (and how you can learn from me for FREE :-))If you want to move beyond small, singular jobs and start working with luxury brands, corporate events, and large-budget projects, this episode will show you how to position yourself.And if you wanna learn calligraphy and how to create multiple styles to attract more clients, our “Find Your Calligraphy Style” Challenge kicks off March 23rd, 2026! Come join me for a week of free lessons, live daily critiques, and some awesome prizes - all leading up to the doors of my signature Modern Calligraphy 201 course opening March 31st! *SIGN UP HERE*FREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →163: From quitting…to booking Louis Vuitton (with Mian Barrios)
Mar 400:24:54Tap to summarizeWhat if your middle school hobby suddenly became your real life job as an adult?In this episode of Creative Business Real Talk, you’ll hear Mian’s powerful, non-linear journey. From loving calligraphy as a kid, to building a word-of-mouth side hustle whilst working as a tax lawyer, to quitting for nearly 10 years to focus on her family and career and thinking she was done with calligraphy - Mian truly emulates the notion that once you learn calligraphy, you can always return to it. Join me as I learn how Mian came back to calligraphy stronger than ever with the help of our Pro Calligrapher Bundle & a few moments of positivity.Here’s what you’ll hear:(1:18) How Mian’s “fun hobby” side hustle began, and eventually got pushed to the backburner(4:45) How a pause in life opened the door to calligraphy again & saying “I’m a calligrapher” to a florist changed everything(9:59) How 1 second of courage can ignite a mountain of momentum (and saying “yes” can feed the fire)(16:17) Mian’s advice for anyone finding themselves in a similar situation(20:13) Takeaways and how saying “yes” to things scared can totally change the course of your lifeIf you’ve ever felt behind, not ready, or like you “missed your chance,” this episode will shift your perspective.🎧 Listen now and see what can happen when you say “yes”, even before you feel 100% confident in your abilities.Find Mian @calligraphymian FREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →162: A Smarter Approach to Calligraphy Envelopes
Feb 2500:20:48Tap to summarizeIf you’re stuck wondering what to sell as a beginner calligrapher, chances are you’ve considered envelopes… which are actually one of the first things I sold as a brand new calligrapher! Envelopes are an easy way to generate some of your very first sales. And in this episode of Creative Biz Real Talk, I share a smarter, simpler way to think about calligraphy envelopes - not as your “end goal”, but rather an entry-level stepping stone into a profitable creative business.You’ll learn:(1:07) Why envelopes are a great, easy way to start selling (and improving your skills!)(3:34) Why your calligraphy is probably already good enough to start selling envelopes & the different “client levels”(6:38) Formatting tricks and client tips for calligraphy envelopes(10:55) Pricing advice & add on services that can increase your profits even with beginner jobs(16:25) My foolproof, easy way to learn everything about creating calligraphy envelopes and ensure a smooth sales process Don’t be afraid to take on a few envelope jobs to help you hone your calligraphy & client skills as you begin your journey as a business owner and boss. You never know what opportunities even small jobs might present for you (or who you’ll meet in the process)!Our Spring Into Calligraphy Sale (ends March 6th, 2026!)FREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →161 - How To Build a Creative Portfolio That Actually Gets You Clients
Feb 1800:16:55Tap to summarizeIf you’re overwhelmed thinking about your creative portfolio and don’t know where to begin, please know you ARE NOT ALONE!Your portfolio isn’t a scrapbook of everything you’ve ever made. It’s a sales tool. And if it’s not bringing in inquiries, it’s probably not structured as well as it can be.In this episode of Creative Biz Real Talk, I’m sharing:(2:50) How to make a portfolio if you don’t have any clients yet(4:25) What to I include (or NOT include) in your portfolio(8:35) How many photos, etc. to include (12:25) Final tips & tricks that I have learned over the years!Whether you’re a calligrapher, illustrator, designer, or service-based creative, this episode will help you create a portfolio that builds confidence and attracts the right type of clients for your business.Remember - Your portfolio isn’t about proving your worth, it’s about showing clear photos of what you sell, building confidence, and making it easy (not overwhelming) for someone to say yes! Build from CLARITY, not fear.🎧 Listen now to simplify your portfolio strategy. Because you CAN do this!FREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →160: Your First Website Essentials
Feb 1100:20:10Tap to summarizeIf you’ve been putting off building your first website for your creative business because it feels overwhelming—you’re not lazy or behind. You’ve just been given advice meant for established businesses, not beginners.In this episode of Creative Biz Real Talk, I’m breaking down what your first website actually needs, what you can safely skip, and how to get something live fast—without branding paralysis, tech overwhelm, or perfectionism.I even Googled “your first website for creative business” and the AI-generated advice alone explains why so many creatives get stuck: value propositions, conversion funnels, mobile optimization, advanced SEO… none of that is where you should start.Instead, this episode gives you a simple, realistic starter website framework you can build in a single afternoon.If you're a calligrapher, creative business focused person (illustrator, graphic designer, copywriters, pattern designers, etc.), or a service-based creative who wants to feel legit & start getting clients, this episode is for you!Highlights from this episode:(1:04) The importance of having a website for your business(3:35) THE K.I.S.S. website building method(11:39) Sections to add to your website later (NOT NOW!)(17:00) Summary of beginning business website must-do's(17:17) Website hosting platform recommendation REMEMBER - Your first website isn’t about impressing the internet. It’s about giving yourself a place to point people, a reason to show up confidently, and a foundation you can build on💪🎧 Listen or watch now to stop overthinking and finally get your creative business website live.The website hosting platform I use! FREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →159: Calligraphy Biz Quick Start. Will this really work for me?
Feb 400:16:11Tap to summarizeLots of my students have become successful Pro Calligraphers, but WILL IT REALLY WORK FOR YOU?I got some very good questions recently from a busy mom who wanted a reality check and asked me:What’s a realistic first-year income for a 5-10hr/week side hustle?Can a busy working mom really make this work?How can new calligraphers stand out and get clients?Should a new business start with local services or online?My informal answers in this episode and a surprising result? My answer to questions two, three and four are the SAME ANSWER and it’s the key to you moving quickly & efficiently with the time you have, so you can start making money instead of spinning your wheels. -- Pro Calligrapher Bundle open for enrollment through Feb 4, 2026https://crookedcalligraphy.lpages.co/coursesFREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →158: From Uncertain to Booked. $1500 from calligraphy in just 2 months
Jan 2800:23:44Tap to summarizeWhat if your breakthrough was just two simple steps away?This week on Creative Business Real Talk, you’ll meet Sophilia - a student who proves that you’re closer than you think.She enrolled in our Modern Calligraphy 101 Program in January 2025. By October 2025, her calligraphy was pro-level. But she still felt stuck, unsure, and desperate for direction. So I gave her two clear action steps… and what happened next will blow your mind!!In just 60 days, Sophilia booked her first calligraphy job, made $1,500, and even landed a better day job… all because she finally stopped overthinking and started showing up.Inside this episode:(3:20) Sophilia's business journey (and if she even wanted to launch a business in the first place!)(4:50) Sophilia’s 2025 wrap up, and how her mentorship changed her mindset from “procrasti-learning” to putting herself out there and eliminating the static in her head(10:50) How calligraphy instilled the confidence in Sophilia to land a BETTER day job that leaves her more fulfilled and focused on her own happiness(12:20) Advice for others scared to start their own creative business & why “done is better than perfect”I LOVE this inspiring story of how focusing on the important things can TRULY start you on your creative business journey sooner than you think!I hope this episode will inspire you to move now, with what you have (because you really have WAY more than you think at your disposal).Find Sophilia here:https://www.instagram.com/sophiliamarcellestudios/https://www.sophiliamarcellestudios.com/ FREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →157: Be More Creative in 2026 (practical strategies for women)
Jan 2100:17:32Tap to summarizeThere’s nothing “wrong” with you if you haven’t found your “creative passion” yet!In fact, let’s stop thinking about creative passion in a romantic fantasy, fairytale prince kinda way and let’s actually make it HAPPEN for ourselves (‘cause women in our middle years know how to get shit done, right?)In this episode of Creative Business Real Talk, I’m busting three myths that keep us from sticking to a creative hobby:Myth #1: The LOVE of the craft itself should be enoughMyth #2: You should feel spontaneous bursts of creativity and desire to create, like all the time. Myth #3: Once you find your creative passion, it will just click, and you’ll love it happily ever after.We’ll be exploring:00:00 Introduction: Embracing Creativity in Midlife01:13 Myth 1: Purpose-Driven Creativity03:30 Myth 2: Spontaneous Passion07:09 Myth 3: Instant Mastery10:06 Finding My Creative Passion: Calligraphy14:11 Join the Calligraphy Challenge15:29 Conclusion: Your Creative Journey AwaitsAnd you''ll never guess what activity I have discovered is synonymous to building a woman-owned creative business 😉There’s a reason calligraphy is MY creative passion, and it’s not because it rescued me. It’s because I MADE it into my passion with intention, structure, and purpose. I hope you can relate to this podcast and find inspiration to help you achieve your creative goals!And don’t forget! The Newbie To Pro Calligrapher Challenge is happening RIGHT NOW - January 19-27, 2026! Register HERE!!FREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →156: She quit accounting for calligraphy (with Student Laura Hess)
Jan 1400:29:41Tap to summarizeWho makes more $$$? An accountant or a calligrapher?In this inspiring episode of Creative Business Real Talk, I sit down with Laura Hess of Getrie’s Calligraphy - a former accountant who took our calligraphy courses in 2020 thinking, “I’m not even artistic.” Fast forward to today: she quit her 20-year corporate job, runs a thriving calligraphy business, and now earns way more PER HOUR for her calligraphy than for her accounting services!!Here’s what you’ll learn from Laura’s journey:(1:15) Why Laura got into calligraphy & how those grad-school handwriting guidelines rooted her in her passions!(4:20) How Laura’s need for a ‘creative purpose’ perpetuated her business (6:25) When Laura finally figured out she was ready to start moving her business forward (even if she was ‘doing it scared’!)(14:20) How calligraphy changed Laura, both personally & professionally, and how it's never too late to tap into a new skill & career(21:20) Laura shares how the investment in herself has paid off, the moment things “clicked” for her, and the perks of being your own bossNever in a million years did Laura think she’d quit her accounting job, start her own biz, end up charging WAY MORE for calligraphy, & feel this much freedom and flexibility of not having a boss.Tune in to see what can happen when you just “give it a try” and pursue your creative side!Don't forget, the Pro Calligrapher Bundle opens for enrollment January 27th, 2026!Follow Laura @gertiescalligraphy https://www.gertiescalligraphy.com/FREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
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