EPISODE 176 - You Are In A Calligraphy Bubble

Shinah Chang ·

🎧 Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts

Don’t Get Caught In The Bubble

If you've ever caught yourself saying "I'll start getting clients when my calligraphy is good enough" — this episode is going to mess with your head a little. In a good way.

In addition to being a former corporate lawyer and now a calligrapher, you might be surprised to hear I also have a Harvard degree in psychology!. And after years of watching my students get hired, I can tell you with confidence: the #1 thing holding most calligraphers back is not their skill level. It's the story they're telling themselves ABOUT their skill level.

There's actually a name for what's happening to you. It's called the Curse of Knowledge -  you've spent months (or years) studying calligraphy, following the best people in the industry, and training your eye on exemplars, worksheets, and masterclass-level work. So now? You notice every wobble, every inconsistency, and every flat flourish.

But here's the thing: your clients can't see any of that.

In this episode, I share:

  • (1:45) What the calligraphy bubble is, and why I have the authority and ability to can show you that work is better than you think it is

  • (4:32) The “Curse of Knowledge” is real - and why it’s hard to remember what's its like as an outsider

  • (6:10) Tappers & Listeners Stanford Study and how it applies to being in the “calligraphy bubble”

  • (8:58) I am giving you permission to believe in yourself (and yes, The Pro Calligrapher Bundle IS achievable for you, too)

You don't need perfect calligraphy to get paid. I've seen it. I have receipts. And now I’ve even shown you there's a psychological bias to back it up.

And If you hear nothing else, hear this - YOU deserve to live a full, prosperous life and go after your dreams and ambitions. I know it can be scary, because I was there at one point too. But imagine the things you could do if you just believed in yourself and your talents. 


Don’t forget! My Pro Calligrapher Bundle is on sale NOW through June 9th, 2026! Click here to learn how to get all 3 of my signature courses for the most economical price!!

ABOUT CROOKED CALLIGRAPHY

Hey - I'm Shinah! A former miserable corporate lawyer turned sassy calligrapher and teacher. Ten years ago, I was WISHING I could create beautiful calligraphy but feeling really un-creative and LOST about how to achieve that... and now I truly believe that ANYONE can learn this beautiful craft - because I've already taught it to THOUSANDS of people, from all different backgrounds.

Calligraphy has given me a gorgeous life. It's helped my students find PASSION, PURPOSE, and a reason to JUMP OUT OF BED each morning. What could it do for you? =)