Keeping Up with the Calligraphers

Hosted by Alex Hirsch + Cat Brown

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The first of its kind - Alex Hirsch of Signed by Alex and Cat Brown of Cat Lauren Calligraphy, two event calligraphers with a combined decade of knowledge and experience in the industry are coming together to share what they know for artists + industry professionals alike! Their values are rooted in collaboration and community above all else. Listen in to hear their honest conversations about the artist and event industries, and provide their insights on how we can collectively do better and be better in our creative communities. Expect lots of unfiltered sassy banter, sarcasm on steroids, and lots of laughter between these two fire signs.

Listen to episodes

28 recent

May 21, 2026Episode 756 min

How Pricing Hourly Could be Hurting Your Biz w/ Marie Coleman-Johns of Maiden September

"We are very into thriving artists." Alex and Cat bring on guest Marie Coleman-Johns of Maiden September to discuss some of the nuances of pricing as full time event artists. While all three began their creative business journey as hourly-based artists, they’ve all shifted to package pricing, noting just how valuable their services are as event calligraphers and artists. They discuss the transition, the benefits, the challenges, when and when not to implement the practice, how it’s beneficial to clients, and the overall impact to the calligraphy community. The key takeaway? Education and practice are essential for building confidence in pricing. Feeling like you want support? Marie is creating an upcoming mini-course aimed at helping calligraphers navigate pricing strategies effectively. Join her waitlist here . Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us in all the places! Podcast, Keeping Up with the Calligraphers IG: https://www.instagram.com/keepingupwiththecalligs/ Alex Hirsch, Signs of Our Lives IG: https://www.instagram.com/signsofourlives/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SignsofOurLives Website: https://www.signsofourlives.com/ Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

April 30, 2026Episode 632 min

Catching Up with the Calligraphers: Luxury Retail Events, Work Quality, & Negotiating Pricing

"I should be charging for that." "Correct." Alex of Signs of our Lives and Cat of Cat Lauren Calligraphy chat about their newfound perspective on luxury retail events, the quirks of in-studio orders, and what happens when artists sacrifice quality for speed. They also touch on pricing for events, added fees, and real life examples of communicating expectations with clients. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us in all the places! Podcast, Keeping Up with the Calligraphers IG: https://www.instagram.com/keepingupwiththecalligs/ Alex Hirsch, Signs of Our Lives IG: https://www.instagram.com/signsofourlives/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SignsofOurLives Website: https://www.signsofourlives.com/ Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

April 6, 2026Episode 546 min

How to Maintain Client Relationships as an Event Artist, with Guest Jodi Tellier

Alex and Cat welcomed the so very talented artist, Jodi Tellier to share her not-so-linear journey being in the art world; and her tips on maintaining years-long relationships with her clients, even after pivoting her art and her business. In the first half of the episode, Jodi stares how she transitioned from drawing and painting to calligraphy and then back to live painting. Then she shared her insights on how she’s managed to navigate pricing challenges, communicating with clients, and how she’s learned to set boundaries when necessary. We’re so grateful that after years of following each other that we got to hear more about Jodi’s journey and how she got to where she is today. Save this episode for when you’re ready to be inspired! Key takeaways: ✨ genuine human connections will always be more important and valuable than being transactional in your relationships ✨ staying true to yourself and your art will bring you so much more joy in your business than if you let others shape your day-to-day and what services you offer ✨ it’s more than possible to sustain a career as a full time artist Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us in all the places! Podcast, Keeping Up with the Calligraphers IG: https://www.instagram.com/keepingupwiththecalligs/ Alex Hirsch, Signs of Our Lives IG: https://www.instagram.com/signsofourlives/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SignsofOurLives Website: https://www.signsofourlives.com/ Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

March 1, 2026Episode 440 min

Hot Take: Reframe Your Jealousy, with Sylvia Wong of Via Calligraphy

If you’ve ever thought, “why not me?” this episode is for you. Alex of Signs of our Lives, Hannah of TallyMark Studio, and special guest Syl of Via Calligraphy discuss the concept of using that FOMO you have as a growth tool in your creative business. Hannah and Syl share how “The Artist’s Way” shifted their perspectives about jealousy, and how engaging in creative exploration has lead to some *unexpected* discoveries to say the least. Listen in for some actionable things you can do to fill the gaps between where you are and where you want to be, in a way that aligns with you, your creativity, and your business. References: The Psychology of Your 20s podcast The Artist’s Way book / workbook A Creative Act by Rick Rubin Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert Sylvia of Via Calligraphy: Syl's Website Syl's IG SomedayArtClub IG Someday Art Club / LuxuryLettering101 Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us in all the places! Podcast, Keeping Up with the Calligraphers IG: https://www.instagram.com/keepingupwiththecalligs/ Alex Hirsch, Signs of Our Lives IG: https://www.instagram.com/signsofourlives/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SignsofOurLives Website: https://www.signsofourlives.com/ Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

February 16, 2026Episode 350 min

True Life: We're Workaholics

Bringing it back MTV style, Alex of Signs of our Lives and Cat of Cat Lauren Calligraphy go into their personal journeys of being a little bit too into their work; to the point where it at times takes a toll on their physical and mental health. They chat about hustle culture, the need to always be productive, and how society promotes the idea that your self-worth is tied to your financial success. And in the same vein, how difficult it is to say "no" to things when you love your clients and the work you do. They emphasize the need to shift their mindsets about their innate value, and the need to shift their personal behavior patterns to incorporate some balance in their businesses and their personal lives. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us in all the places! Podcast, Keeping Up with the Calligraphers IG: https://www.instagram.com/keepingupwiththecalligs/ Alex Hirsch, Signs of Our Lives IG: https://www.instagram.com/signsofourlives/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SignsofOurLives Website: https://www.signsofourlives.com/ Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

February 3, 2026Episode 227 min

Hot Take: Not Every Client is For You, with Suki Liu of Signed by Suki

In this Hot Take episodes, Alex of Signs of our Lives, Hannah of Tallymark Studio, and guest Suki Liu of Signed by Suki discuss the importance of recognizing that not every client is a good fit for every artist. They unpack one of Suki's most recent Instagram posts, which started a conversation about the need for authenticity, professionalism, and setting standards within the industry, especially when it could impact the significance of a cultural tradition or art form. Handling client requests outside of your wheelhouse isn't easy, but we promise to hold your hand through it on this one! Links: Suki's Instagram Post IG: Signed by Suki Website: Signed by Suki Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us in all the places! Podcast, Keeping Up with the Calligraphers IG: https://www.instagram.com/keepingupwiththecalligs/ Alex Hirsch, Signs of Our Lives IG: https://www.instagram.com/signsofourlives/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SignsofOurLives Website: https://www.signsofourlives.com/ Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

January 13, 2026Episode 155 min

Catching Up with the Calligraphers: Lessons Learned

Welcome to Season 3 of Keeping Up with the Calligraphers! Alex of Signs of our Lives and Cat of Cat Lauren Calligraphy catch up on all things work and life since the end of Season 2. From the realities of traveling for events, to the challenges of setting boundaries with clients, to figuring out what balance looks like for both of them, these co-hosts are keeping it realer than ever. They reflect on what they plan on starting in 2026, what they're so over, and what's necessary to keep doing. Listen in for some inspiration, but most importantly for the laughs and the lessons. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us in all the places! Podcast, Keeping Up with the Calligraphers IG: https://www.instagram.com/keepingupwiththecalligs/ Alex Hirsch, Signs of Our Lives IG: https://www.instagram.com/signsofourlives/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SignsofOurLives Website: https://www.signsofourlives.com/ Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

September 10, 2025Episode 1139 min

Taking Your Wedding Calligraphy International

In this episode, Alex and Cat discuss Cat's recent adventure providing live event calligraphy at a destination wedding in Spain. Listen in to hear how she landed the client, the logistics that went into the client experience, and the creative and intricate process of curating the wedding favors. And as always, nothing will ever go as planned. Cat goes into some of the obstacles that came up (expected and unexpected) -- including going through customs with 100s of wedding favors, language barriers, transportation issues, and more; while reflecting and sharing on the lessons learned for future events. Also: a quick update on the status of the pod! Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us in all the places! Podcast, Keeping Up with the Calligraphers IG: https://www.instagram.com/keepingupwiththecalligs/ Alex Hirsch, Signs of Our Lives IG: https://www.instagram.com/signsofourlives/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SignsofOurLives Website: https://www.signsofourlives.com/ Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

August 15, 2025Episode 1030 min

Hot Take: Working with Luxury Brands Isn’t Always It

Alex, Hannah, AND Cat discuss the nuances of working with luxury brands in the creative industry, particularly as event calligraphers. Booking that household name can be a huge business milestone! AND there are some factors you may want to consider before working with your next luxury brand. Do the values align? What’s the pay rate? The payment terms are what now?! You want me to sign a who what? As always, there are pros and cons to each side of the conversation, helping you determine what your next move will be. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us in all the places! Podcast, Keeping Up with the Calligraphers IG: https://www.instagram.com/keepingupwiththecalligs/ Alex Hirsch, Signs of Our Lives IG: https://www.instagram.com/signsofourlives/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SignsofOurLives Website: https://www.signsofourlives.com/ Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

July 11, 2025Episode 952 min

Dress Coded, with Sylvia Wong of Via Calligraphy

The episode you’ve all been waiting for… In response to a recent Instagram post 👀, Alex of Signs of our Lives and Cat of Cat Lauren Calligraphy chat with their guest Sylvia of Via Calligraphy about the nuances of professionalism, dress codes, and client communication. They discuss a brief history of “professionalism” in work places, the inclusivity (or lack thereof) of dress codes at retail and brand events, and how to balance personal style with client expectations, through curating the pieces in their wardrobe. Should artists just fall in line with corporate dress code standards? Or are there times when it’s ok to color outside the lines? Tune in to find out their thoughts. Sylvia of Via Calligraphy: Syl's Website Syl's IG SomedayArtClub IG Someday Art Club / LuxuryLettering101 Syl’s Instagram Post About Dress Codes Other Resources + Links: Alex's Nuuly Link (for $30 off your first month) Cat’s LTK (LikeToKnowIt) Link Book a Mentorship Session with Alex via Patreon Title VII: Employer Dress Code Laws Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us in all the places! Podcast, Keeping Up with the Calligraphers IG: https://www.instagram.com/keepingupwiththecalligs/ Alex Hirsch, Signs of Our Lives IG: https://www.instagram.com/signsofourlives/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SignsofOurLives Website: https://www.signsofourlives.com/ Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/