EPISODE 188 - Become a Live Calligraphy Artist (how to get hired, set rates & do an awesome job)

Shinah Chang ·

🎧 Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts

Live events (or brand activations) are one of the most fun and lucrative things you can do as a calligrapher. 

In this tactical episode, I’ll tell you everything you need to know to become an in-demand on-site calligraphy artist: who to pitch, what to charge, and how to show up so brands actually hire you again.

What I cover:

  • What live calligraphy looks like — engraving, bottle painting, hot foiling, paper calligraphy, at everything from luxury boutiques to pop-up markets

  • What you can charge — how I went from $75/hr at a small jewelry store to $150–$250/hr working directly with brands like Jo Malone, Anthropologie, and Mont Blanc

  • How to get the jobs — agencies, inbound SEO, and exactly how to pitch boutiques, flower shops, liquor stores, and wedding venues

  • How to be great at it — the skill level you need, what to wear, how to prep, and how to show up as an expert so you get hired again and again

FREE CALLIGRAPHY CHALLENGE STARTS SEPTEMBER 14, 2026!

FREE WORKSHOP:

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? =)