Have you mastered the art of calligraphy? Are you looking a way to earn some extra income? You might consider starting a calligraphy business. It can be very profitable and allow you to work at home. If you have a talent for calligraphy, and would like to launch your own business, here are some tips that might help you.
Decide to Start One
The first step is to make the decision to start the business. Ask yourself, Is my calligraphy suitable for someone to pay for? Do I have some extra money to invest to help launch the business? Do I have the time and energy to meet the demands of customers? Is there a demand for a calligraphy business in my area? You might get some advice from friends and family members. You can always just give it a try and see if it works out, if you are willing to invest a little.
Contact the SBA
As with starting any business, its a good idea to contact the Small Business Administration. They can help coach you in starting and organizing the business, and help you get a DBA (“doing business as”) license if necessary. Visit www.sba.gov to find a local center. They offer helpful classes, workshops, counseling and more. You can also receive online training on their website.
Choose a Business Name
Now you need to choose a name for the business! It could be something as simple as “Sarah’s Calligraphy” or a name such as “An Elegant Touch Calligraphy”. You might try to choose something that starts with an A or B so it will be listed towards the top in the phone book, if you choose to advertise in the wedding section.
Organize Your Portfolio
You need a portfolio that you will show to potential clients. Gather up anything that you’ve done, and create samples if necessary. Organize it in a nice binder that you can share to brides and other people who might be interested in your services.
Set Up a Website
This isn’t a must, but it can really help you get additional business, especially if you post samples of your work online. It is really not that difficult to start a website Homestead.com is one easy build-your-own site with lots of templates to choose from. Yahoo’s websites are also fairly easy to create.
Create Business Cards
You need to make business cards to help spread the word of your business. You can make some at home on the computer using a kit (can be purchased from stores such as Wal-Mart), or have them made from a professional. There are many sellers on eBay that would be happy to make them from you. You can also contact a local printing business that could make them for you.
Set Your Rates
Now comes the fun part – decided how much you’ll make. Start off low – you can always give yourself a raise later on. It’s really up to you how much you charge. You, of course, want to charge more than it costs for the paper, ink and other supplies. Search online to see what other businesses are charging and match them, or perhaps start out lower. (Search for “calligraphy and invitations” on eBay.) Here is a sample rate card to review.
If you have a friend or relative that’s getting married soon, perhaps offer to do the calligraphy for free as a wedding gift. Hopefully she’ll give you a great testimonial that will help encourage customers to choose you. Add the testimonial to your website.
Consider Joining the Chamber of Commerce
You might join the Chamber of Commerce in your area. It will help you with networking opportunities, assist you in running your business and more. If you can afford it, it is worth being a member at least for the first year of your business.
Another excellent idea is to become a member of the Bridal Association of America. This will provide some advertising and networking opportunities. You can also receive discounts on supplies, get a discount on business cards and more.
Join a local Wedding Vendor’s Association
Search online to see if there a local group of wedding vendors. Most areas have them. If you can’t find one – consider starting one! You could start it through a site such as meetup.com.
Start Advertising
Now it’s time to publicize your services! There are many ways to advertise your calligraphy business. You might start with free places to advertise first. Begin by posting fliers/business card on any community bulletin boards you see such as at grocery stores, coffee shops, etc. Post fliers up on college campuses, if there is one near you. Advertise on Craigslist in the “creative” or “event” section for your town/city.
Next you can look into paid advertising opportunities. If there is a wedding directory or magazine in your area, call them and ask for rates. You might also look into advertising online on sites such as The Knot, US Wedding Directory and Allwedding.com. Look into getting a booth at a bridal show – most larger towns and cities have at least one a year. One site to try is www.greatbridalexpo.com. Most bridal dress shops advertise the bridal shows as well, stop by and see if they have a flier. (You might also be able to leave your business card there.) You can also advertise on partypop.com, eBay, College newspaper classifieds, and online classifieds in your town. Another advertising option is to mail postcards, or even make cold calls, to brides. Contact infousa for a mailing list of brides in your area.
Remember, you don’t just have to advertise only to brides. You can also promote your business for invitations and place cards for Christmas cards, corporate events, and anniversary parties. You could also advertise that you are available for awards/certificates to schools, churches, organizations and more.
Accept Your First Client
Patiently wait for your first client. When you get the first calligraphy job offer, provide fantastic quality, and ask for a testimonial if you feel comfortable. Be sure to take photos of your work to add to your portfolio.
Help Your Business Grow
As you get more job offers, keep up the great work. Treat all clients as if they were your first. Keep your portfolio updated. As you become more proficient your business, you might look for ways to help the business grow. You might offer to teach calligraphy classes at a local community center, to girl scouts, etc, this would provide some additional word-of-mouth advertising for your business. Also, you might consider getting a listing in the phone book if you can afford it. You might think about renting booths at out of town bridal expos – you don’t have to keep your business local. Stay positive and do your best.
On the downside, if you simply don’t get enough clients to keep the business thriving, don’t beat yourself up. At least you tried and have the life experience for it. There are other jobs to consider.
Good luck as your begin your new business adventure!
