Creative Business Real Talk

Hosted by Shinah Chang

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179

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Jun 2026

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About the show

A weekly kick-in-the-pants to go after your creative dreams. From a former Harvard corporate lawyer who built a million-dollar calligraphy education business… and then scaled it down intentionally to create a life full of creativity and freedom. Every week, I share a tactical business lesson + powerful brain reframe that will help you get unstuck. The perfect mix of strategy and warmth that never shies away from the truth . Welcome to Creative Business Real Talk - Shinah, Founder of Crooked Calligraphy

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June 10, 202614 min

177: Business isn't linear! (A personal update)

Sharing a personal update on what has been the busiest time in my business since my Million-Dollar-Revenue years. In this episode, I share:A big, exciting project I’ve been working on that has been pushing on the most vulnerable parts of myselfMy new approach to Facebook Ads and what it’s teaching meThe hard personal stuff that has been forcing me to re-prioritize You never really “arrive” at a perfect place where everything is “figured out”… but the ebb and flow of business always helps me grow as a person. And I’m pretty proud of how I’ve been handling this tougher time in my life.The Art and Business of Modern Calligraphy ONLINE SUMMIT20+ expert calligraphy teachers. Art + Business classes.July 7-9. 100% Online. Completely free.crookedcalligraphy.com/summitFREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

June 3, 2026Episode 17615 min

176: You Are In A Calligraphy 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. The Art and Business of Modern Calligraphy ONLINE SUMMIT20+ expert calligraphy teachers. Art + Business classes.July 7-9. 100% Online. Completely free.crookedcalligraphy.com/summitFREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

May 27, 2026Episode 17526 min

175: UPDATE - She Made $5k In One Week With Calligraphy

Mian was a burned-out, unhappy tax lawyer who had quit calligraphy — twice. She had dabbled in it as a kid after her dad bought her a calligraphy set, and again as an adult, but her confidence got the best of her. After adding the titles of lawyer, wife, and mother, calligrapher got pushed to the backburner. But with one brave, “I’m a calligrapher!” proclamation to a fellow creative years after her first pen stroke, Mian found her voice & finally got noticed.Within six months of taking my course, she was doing live calligraphy for Louis Vuitton and Valentino. Oh, and she just made $5K in one week.Listen to my follow up with Mian to learn:(1:57) How Mian got into calligraphy as a kid, and carried it into adulthood(3:10) The calligraphy “pause” - how it happens to everyone eventually (but doesn’t diminish your true self)(5:27) How the Pro Calligrapher Bundle created a confident roadmap now, and for years to come(14:45) What one moment of “yes” can amount to(19:00) Update on Mian and her $5k week!If you've ever talked yourself out of your own creative dream, this one's for you (because that little voice in the back of your head still deserves to be heard).🔗 Ready to write your own story about pursuing your passions? I’m teaching my Six Months to Pro Calligrapher training LIVE on June 2 & 3!!! Join at crookedcalligraphy.com/trainingThe Art and Business of Modern Calligraphy ONLINE SUMMIT20+ expert calligraphy teachers. Art + Business classes.July 7-9. 100% Online. Completely free.crookedcalligraphy.com/summitFREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

May 20, 2026Episode 17413 min

174: You Are Not Behind (Perfectionism Is Quietly Ruining Your Life)

If feeling “behind” leads to you disappearing... your perfectionism might be quietly sabotaging your life. In this episode, I’m unpacking the hidden reason so many high achievers quit, disappear, or stay stuck in cycles of burnout and perfectionism (all from personal experience!). Because the truth is that perfectionism doesn’t create success. It creates shame, overwhelm, and emotional freeze. And that IS NOT how you should feel.I know this from both personal experience and teaching over 5,000 students - you are more than capable of succeeding, right where you are, right now.In this episode, I’m sharing:(1:07) The diet “all or nothing” mentality (and why it backfires)(3:27) The "functional freeze” mentality, and how to flip your mentality to “enjoying the process”(7:40) Approach things from a new set of gratuitous eyes(11:05) What if you were EXACTLY on time?Remember that the weight of being crushed by impossible expectations is overwhelming - but superficial. Join me (and all the recovering perfectionists!) to hear why thinking, “I should be further along by now”, does NOT define you - but rather empowers you to remember why you started this journey in the first place.FREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

May 13, 2026Episode 17319 min

173: Teach Your First Calligraphy Workshop

Think you need to be an expert before teaching calligraphy? You don’t.In this episode of Creative Biz Real Talk, I break down exactly how I taught a fully booked calligraphy workshop (with a waitlist!)—and how you can confidently teach your first class, even if you’re still growing your skills.The secret? You don’t teach everything—you teach what matters (and even if you don’t think teaching is your thing, stick around! There are still all sorts of ways to profit from your calligraphy skills!). Inside this episode:(0:47) Why my in-person calligraphy classes generate wait lists(1:45) Roadmap to teaching calligraphy workshops - NOW - no matter your skill level(7:00) The easiest and *best* way to host your first workshop, without the stress(10:23) (Say it with me!) How to PITCH yourself & promote your workshops(13:15) How to fast track teaching workshops(15:32) Choose your path to profiting! If you’ve been thinking about teaching calligraphy but don’t feel ”ready”, remember that sometimes more is less, and stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to SO many opportunities. 🎧 Listen now to start tapping into your potential —and get paid doing it.And hey—if you’re ready to move faster, both my engraving and workshop trainings are 50% off right now. CLICK HERE and take advantage of these prices while you can!FREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

May 6, 2026Episode 17218 min

Get Your First Calligraphy Engraving Job (Even If You're A Beginner!)

Calligraphy engravers are in HIGHER demand right now than ever - and you don’t have to have YEARS of experience to get paid for it!In this episode, I’m breaking down the fastest, simplest path to landing your first paid calligraphy engraving job - even if you’re still a beginner (because people pay for alllll levels of calligraphy - not just master penman status work…).I’ve seen my students with just a few months of experience book real gigs… and I’m showing you exactly how they did it.This episode is for beginners learning calligraphy engraving, hand engraving on glass, and how to start a calligraphy business.Inside this episode, I’m breaking down:(4:35) 4 steps to your first calligraphy engraving job(4:54) Invest in yourself and in your tools(7:49) Practice on every surface you can find(9:18) Create your portfolio - not just from jobs, but from practice pieces(10:17) You know it - pitch yourself (even if its scary… because no one is coming to pluck you out of obscurity)(12:05) The perfect pitch formula (ep. 168 for more info!)(14:15) Beginners Guide To Calligraphy Engraving ON SALE NOW (link below)If you’ve been stuck overthinking your skill level, this is your sign to start. Because the hardest part of beginning a calligraphy business isn’t the calligraphy part, it's the follow through. Take this step-by-step plan and USE IT to set yourself up for success!✍️ Ready to move faster? Get my Beginner’s Guide to Calligraphy Engraving (50% off for a limited time):https://crookedcalligraphy.lpages.co/skills/ FREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

April 29, 2026Episode 17117 min

171: How to Become a Pro Calligrapher in 6 Months

Think you need perfect calligraphy and to practice for years and years before you can start a business? Think again.In this episode of Creative Biz Real Talk, I break down a 6-month roadmap to becoming a paid calligrapher—even if you’re starting from scratch. The key isn’t perfection… It's learning calligraphy and business skills at the same time.If you want to move faster (and skip years of overthinking), this episode is for you.Inside this episode:(2:37) Months 1-2 - focus on the calligraphy basics, efficiently (and start an IG!)(5:03) Months 3-4 - Refine, add style, and continue sharing to gain confidence (and practice practice practice!)(9:00) Launch with one clear product and focus (all you need is a way to display your work & get paid!)(12:00) Month 6 - Refine, refine, refine(13:43) The demand is THERE (regardless of skill level)(14;10) Take action NOW to capitalize on this years holiday seasonIf you’re ready to stop waiting and start building real momentum, this episode will show you how.🎧 Listen now and learn how to go from beginner to paid calligrapher in just 6 months.Ep. 51 - Calligraphy hobby vs. businessHow to become a pro calligrapher in 6 months - https://crookedcalligraphy.lpages.co/register// FREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

April 22, 2026Episode 17022 min

170: A Hard Season In My Business

February and March were some of the hardest months I’ve had both emotionally and in my business - and not for the reasons you might think.On the outside, things looked fine.But internally, I was anxious, losing sleep, and questioning everything.In this episode, I’m sharing a vulnerable, behind-the-scenes look at the story I was telling myself… about my business, my relevance, and whether things were all starting to fall apart.The truth? Almost none of it was real. We’ll dive into:(1:03) The trigger - going down the rabbit hole of despair(3:33) The catastrophizing - how I managed to convince myself my business was in the gutter(5:30) The good news - how fear is sometimes worse than the reality of the situation(7:53) The turnaround - why putting in the work is important in disproving the voices in your head(13;25) What helped build my confidence back up (business besties, consistency, & giving yourself grace)(19:19) Why inner confidence trumps most everythingIf you’ve ever lost confidence in yourself over your numbers, the business decisions you’ve made, or your future and found yourself spiraling downward… this is for you.I hope it reminds you that the story in your head isn’t always the truth, and to not let the dark, negative thoughts win - because you ARE amazing, and capable of so much.FREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

April 15, 2026Episode 16917 min

169: Who To Pitch (to get more clients)

Still not getting clients… even though you’re “putting yourself out there”?The problem might not be how you're pitching… but who you are pitching to. In this episode of Creative Biz Real Talk, I break down the 3 most powerful groups of people to pitch to if you want to land more inquiries, better clients, and higher-paying opportunities.This is one of the highest and best leveraging activities that can grow your profits in your business the quickest.Inside this episode, we’ll cover:(1:55) - What “Connector” businesses & people are and how they give you the most bang for your buck(7:20) How to find those illusive “connectors” (and yes, it *might* take some good, old fashioned boots on the ground)(8:25) How to tap into your network yet AGAIN and be SPECIFIC about your wants & needs (good examples are previous episodes 134 and 82!)(12:00) How to pitch to your previous clients without sounding “sleazy”(13:25) My best tips for regularly integrating pitching & follow ups in your businessWhile the fun & glamorous parts of running a business might energize you, the true high yield activities like pitching will ensure your dream stays afloat and profitable. Listen in to learn how to implement these practices consistently so you can get from where you are now, to where you ACTUALLY want to be.FREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

April 8, 2026Episode 16814 min

168: The Perfect Pitch Formula (to get more clients)

🎯 Stop “Searching” for Clients — Start Planting the Right SeedsForget the myth that clients are hiding in some secret club. The truth? You don’t find clients — you grow them through consistent, intentional outreach. In this episode, I’m sharing concrete tips for shifting your mindset so you can get your business up and running (without feeling sleazy doing it)!In this episode, I’m sharing:(:13) How the “clubhouse of clients” does not exist - it's more about sprinkling seeds(1:40) Tough Love - re: pitching yourself (without using “sleazy energy”)(6:11) CEOO - My perfect pitch formula(11:40) What to do if you still don’t feel ‘ready’ - and how to GET READY!If you’re sitting on the sidelines unsure of how to stop chasing the next lead and start growing your client list, listen now! The Art and Business of Modern Calligraphy ONLINE SUMMIT20+ expert calligraphy teachers. Art + Business classes.July 7-9. 100% Online. Completely free.crookedcalligraphy.com/summitFREE WORKSHOP:“How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational WorkshopFOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!