Creative Business Real Talk

By Shinah Chang

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

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4.9

151151 ratings

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FAQs about Creative Business Real Talk:

How many episodes does Creative Business Real Talk have?

The podcast currently has 193 episodes available.

Creative Business Real Talk episodes:

April 29, 2026171: How to Become a Pro Calligrapher in 6 Months
Think you need perfect calligraphy and to practice for years and years before you can start a business?
Think again.
In this episode of Creative Biz Real Talk, I break down a 6-month roadmap to becoming a paid calligrapher—even if you’re starting from scratch. The key isn’t perfection… It's learning calligraphy and business skills at the same time.
If you want to move faster (and skip years of overthinking), this episode is for you.
Inside this episode:
(2:37) Months 1-2 - focus on the calligraphy basics, efficiently (and start an IG!)
(5:03) Months 3-4 - Refine, add style, and continue sharing to gain confidence (and practice practice practice!)
(9:00) Launch with one clear product and focus (all you need is a way to display your work & get paid!)
(12:00) Month 6 - Refine, refine, refine
(13:43) The demand is THERE (regardless of skill level)
(14;10) Take action NOW to capitalize on this years holiday season
If you’re ready to stop waiting and start building real momentum, this episode will show you how.
🎧 Listen now and learn how to go from beginner to paid calligrapher in just 6 months.
Ep. 51 - Calligraphy hobby vs. business
How to become a pro calligrapher in 6 months - https://crookedcalligraphy.lpages.co/register//
FREE WORKSHOP:
“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
...more
18min
April 22, 2026170: A Hard Season In My Business
February and March were some of the hardest months I’ve had both emotionally and in my business - and not for the reasons you might think.
On the outside, things looked fine.
But internally, I was anxious, losing sleep, and questioning everything.
In this episode, I’m sharing a vulnerable, behind-the-scenes look at the story I was telling myself… about my business, my relevance, and whether things were all starting to fall apart.
The truth? Almost none of it was real.
We’ll dive into:
(1:03) The trigger - going down the rabbit hole of despair
(3:33) The catastrophizing - how I managed to convince myself my business was in the gutter
(5:30) The good news - how fear is sometimes worse than the reality of the situation
(7:53) The turnaround - why putting in the work is important in disproving the voices in your head
(13;25) What helped build my confidence back up (business besties, consistency, & giving yourself grace)
(19:19) Why inner confidence trumps most everything
If you’ve ever lost confidence in yourself over your numbers, the business decisions you’ve made, or your future and found yourself spiraling downward… this is for you.
I hope it reminds you that the story in your head isn’t always the truth, and to not let the dark, negative thoughts win - because you ARE amazing, and capable of so much.
FREE WORKSHOP:
“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
...more
23min
April 15, 2026169: Who To Pitch (to get more clients)
Still not getting clients… even though you’re “putting yourself out there”?
The problem might not be how you're pitching… but who you are pitching to.
In this episode of Creative Biz Real Talk, I break down the 3 most powerful groups of people to pitch to if you want to land more inquiries, better clients, and higher-paying opportunities.
This is one of the highest and best leveraging activities that can grow your profits in your business the quickest.
Inside this episode, we’ll cover:
(1:55) - What “Connector” businesses & people are and how they give you the most bang for your buck
(7:20) How to find those illusive “connectors” (and yes, it *might* take some good, old fashioned boots on the ground)
(8:25) How to tap into your network yet AGAIN and be SPECIFIC about your wants & needs (good examples are previous episodes 134 and 82!)
(12:00) How to pitch to your previous clients without sounding “sleazy”
(13:25) My best tips for regularly integrating pitching & follow ups in your business
While the fun & glamorous parts of running a business might energize you, the true high yield activities like pitching will ensure your dream stays afloat and profitable.
Listen in to learn how to implement these practices consistently so you can get from where you are now, to where you ACTUALLY want to be.
FREE WORKSHOP:
“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
...more
18min
April 08, 2026168: The Perfect Pitch Formula (to get more clients)
🎯 Stop “Searching” for Clients — Start Planting the Right Seeds
Forget the myth that clients are hiding in some secret club. The truth? You don’t find clients — you grow them through consistent, intentional outreach. In this episode, I’m sharing concrete tips for shifting your mindset so you can get your business up and running (without feeling sleazy doing it)!
In this episode, I’m sharing:
(:13) How the “clubhouse of clients” does not exist - it's more about sprinkling seeds
(1:40) Tough Love - re: pitching yourself (without using “sleazy energy”)
(6:11) CEOO - My perfect pitch formula
(11:40) What to do if you still don’t feel ‘ready’ - and how to GET READY!
If you’re sitting on the sidelines unsure of how to stop chasing the next lead and start growing your client list, listen now!
Sign up for our FREE 5-day "Newbie to Pro Calligrapher" Challenge. It's five days of free lessons, worksheets, daily assignments, and prizes to help you try out calligraphy (you might just fall in love with it). We start Sept 14 - Sign up at crookedcalligraphy.com/challenge
FREE WORKSHOP:
“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
...more
15min
April 01, 2026167: Burnt-out Teacher to Luxury Calligrapher... after just one course!
What if one $497 investment could completely change your life?
In this episode, Jessica Wofford shares how our Modern Calligraphy 201 course helped her go from burnt-out teacher to a full-time luxury calligrapher.
She now works with dream brands like Dior, Prada, and Nordstrom… all while raising three kids and homeschooling.
And she says investing in herself was THE KEY.
It took her from 1-2 jobs a year through Etsy to supporting her family through a financial crisis, and funding her kids' dream vacation to Great Wolf Lodge.
Listen to learn how:
Betting money on yourself changes the way you show up
To grow your business while building a flexible life around your family
The ceiling on your growth isn't real! You are capable of SO MUCH MORE.
If you’ve ever wondered:
“Could I actually make money doing something I love?”
“Is investing in myself really worth it?”
“What if I fail… or what if it works?”
This episode is for you.
Because sometimes the thing that feels like the biggest risk… becomes the bridge to an entirely new life.
--
Our Modern Calligraphy 201 and Pro Calligrapher Bundle are open for enrollment through April 7, 2026! Learn more at https://crookedcalligraphy.lpages.co/courses/
Sign up for our FREE 5-day "Newbie to Pro Calligrapher" Challenge. It's five days of free lessons, worksheets, daily assignments, and prizes to help you try out calligraphy (you might just fall in love with it). We start Sept 14 - Sign up at crookedcalligraphy.com/challenge
FREE WORKSHOP:
“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
...more
28min
March 25, 2026166: $10K In 2 Years - An Update With Crooked Calligraphy Alum Danielle Williams
What if you don’t think you’re creative… but you try anyway? And end up making an extra $10K in just two years?!
On this episode of Creative Biz Real Talk, I’m sitting down with Danielle Williams… just 18 months after our first interview!
After starting calligraphy during the pandemic, Danielle still felt she needed guidance to help level up her skills. Within months of investing in our Modern Calligraphy 201 course, she gained the confidence to start making up to $1,200/month teaching workshops.
Now? She’s booking higher-end projects, building her own style, and has made over $10K with her calligraphy side hustle - all while working part-time AND being a full-time caregiver.
In this episode, Danielle shares:
(2:50) How adding a little “something more” to her business & putting herself out there totally transformed her sales
(7:15) The story of how one brave act snowballed Danielle into working for luxury brands
(12:00) The truth about how calligraphers really get hired
(18:10) Danielle shares how her investment in structured calligraphy courses leveled up her confidence and sales in under 2 years
(21:07) My takeaways from our interview and what you can learn from the last 18 months of Danielle’s life
If you have been stuck in a creative rut and looking to take charge of your life, this episode will hopefully remind you that sometimes success is just *right* beyond your comfort zone.
🎧 Listen now and see how small steps can turn into real income and momentum.
Find Danielle here:
https://www.daniellejaneencalligraphy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/daniellejaneencalligraphy/
And if you want to learn these principles & SO MUCH MORE, my Modern Calligraphy 201 Signature Style Course opens for enrollment March 31st, 2026! Join us and learn how to create your own unique style & level up your calligraphy game!
P.S. - As an added bonus, I'll be leading our MC201 Live Cohort for the first time EVER!! You don't want to miss this!!
Enrollment Opens March 31st, 2026!
Sign up for our FREE 5-day "Newbie to Pro Calligrapher" Challenge. It's five days of free lessons, worksheets, daily assignments, and prizes to help you try out calligraphy (you might just fall in love with it). We start Sept 14 - Sign up at crookedcalligraphy.com/challenge
FREE WORKSHOP:
“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
...more
27min
March 18, 2026165: From “Beginner” to Confident Creator
If 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 clients
There 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 Workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
...more
19min
March 11, 2026164: The Secret to Landing Corporate Calligraphy Clients
What 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 Workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
...more
24min
March 04, 2026163: From quitting…to booking Louis Vuitton (with Mian Barrios)
What 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 life
If 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 Workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
...more
25min
February 25, 2026162: A Smarter Approach to Calligraphy Envelopes
If 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 Workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
...more
21min

FAQs about Creative Business Real Talk:

How many episodes does Creative Business Real Talk have?

The podcast currently has 193 episodes available.

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