Most people don’t know this, but when I’m not doing weddings, corporate events, or teaching a class, I’m writing for other people. And by that I mean I’m a ghostwriter. I write short form articles and occasional blogs for other businesses on their behalf. I write, and they get the credit.

The reason i do this is because I want to have multiple streams of income. This doesn’t mean you can’t be profitable with calligraphy, but sometimes business gets a little slow, so I want to make sure I have some income when times are tough.

So i asked myself the question: how can I make one million dollars as a calligrapher? It turns our there’s a way. Since I’m not there yet (I’m very grateful to be able to do this full time though), I decided to ask another source for their input in this question.

Let me introduce you to ChatGPT

If you’re not yet in the “in”, ChatGPT is Ai that helps you write stuff. That’s the simple answer. You type a question and you see the text being created right in front of your eyes. I don’t use their work word for word, but it’s a great place to help you with topic ideas if you’re stuck. And I’m almost always stuck.

I know that it might not sound realistic, but I wanted to know the answer. So I went there and asked away: Can calligraphy make you rich? can you be profitable? and if so, how?

So I got an actual blog out of it, so I’m going to post it here. The answers were actually really good, even though there weren’t as deep. However, if you are simply trying to get in the business of calligraphy, definitely take a look at the response.

These are the steps you need to follow to make money (according to them)

Making a million dollars as a calligrapher can be a challenging endeavor, but with dedication, creativity, and strategic business practices, it is possible. Here are some steps to help you on your path:

1. Master your craft: Enhance your calligraphy skills by practicing consistently and continuously improving. Invest time in studying different calligraphy styles, attending workshops, and learning from experienced calligraphers.
2. Define your niche: Determine your unique style or niche within the calligraphy market. Specializing in a specific style, such as wedding invitations, logo design, or personalized artwork, can help you stand out and attract specific clientele.
3. Build an impressive portfolio: Create a professional portfolio showcasing your best calligraphy work. Include a variety of pieces to demonstrate your versatility and expertise. Use high-quality images or physical samples to showcase your talent.
4. Establish an online presence: Set up a visually appealing website or online portfolio to showcase your work. Utilize social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to share your creations and engage with potential clients. Regularly update your online presence with new projects and content.
5. Network within the industry: Attend local art events, workshops, and calligraphy conferences to meet other professionals in the field. Network with event planners, wedding coordinators, graphic designers, and other potential clients who may require calligraphy services.
6. Offer a range of services: Expand your offerings beyond just calligraphy. Consider providing additional services like custom stationery design, logo creation, teaching workshops, or creating calligraphy-related products (such as prints, templates, or calligraphy tools) to diversify your revenue streams.
7. Collaborate with complementary businesses: Partner with wedding planners, event stylists, graphic designers, and other professionals who can refer clients to you. Offer discounts or commissions to encourage collaborations and generate new leads.
8. Price your services strategically: Conduct market research to determine competitive pricing for your services. Consider factors such as your skill level, experience, overhead costs, and the perceived value of your work. While it’s important to charge appropriately, be flexible with pricing for larger or long-term projects that can lead to significant exposure.
9. Offer workshops and classes: Share your knowledge and skills by conducting calligraphy workshops or classes. This can generate additional income and establish you as an authority in the field. Consider offering online courses to reach a broader audience.
10. Scale your business: As your client base grows, consider hiring additional calligraphers or assistants to help with the workload. This allows you to take on more projects and focus on expanding your business further.

Remember, building a successful calligraphy business takes time, dedication, and perseverance. Continuously improve your skills, stay up-to-date with trends, and adapt your approach based on market demand. With persistence and a strong entrepreneurial mindset, you can increase your chances of achieving financial success as a calligrapher.

And how’s that for writing assistant? Let me know what you think!