By Kimberly Gerighty, Calligrapher
Well, I have not been doing Calligraphy as a business for very long but have had the LOVE of it my whole life. I have always had really nice handwriting and I would make special projects for family and friends but never thought of going into business for myself until recently. A friend of a friend is getting married and needed a Calligrapher for her Wedding Invitation Envelopes. So I did them for her and she LOVED them.
At that point, I decided that I could really do this as a side business for myself. I hooked up with a Wedding Consultant who owns a "One-Stop Shop" business. I went there to purchase MY invitations as I am getting married and presented the idea of possibly getting Calligraphy Jobs through her and I gave her a few samples and she basically gave me some customers. Just like that!! I was in business!! I have never gone to school. I have never learned a "style" of writing. It is all Free Hand and unique calligraphy, which is why I charge less then someone who can do several styles.
So basically, if you have nice handwriting you can learn calligraphy by practicing at home....with a book and some pens. You can take some art classes, although I don't think it is necessary when you first start out. I plan on taking some courses because I want to expand and be able to do a variety of things. Poems, Menu's, Banners, Plaques...etc. All unique Personalized gifts. If I can give you any additional information, let me know. Thanks!
Kimberly Gerighty, Calligrapher
kgcallig@nycap.rr.com
(518) 725-8803
Yes, you can make money selling your artwork. In fact, art makes a perfect home-based business. When it comes to making money, art has several advantages-
- Getting started is easy. The equipment can be as simple and inexpensive as a pencil and paper.
- You don't have to invest the kind of time and money that is required for most other businesses - no franchise - no hassles.
- You can be your own boss and set your own hours.
- You can work from your home/studio. (There are some great tax advantages in doing that!)
- You don't need any employees.
- There is a huge market for art. Art is something that is always in demand.
- Successful artists get paid substantial amounts for their art.
- You can sell your art on the Internet.
A Few Things You Can Create With Calligraphy
- Scriptures and inspirational quotations
- Poems
- Invitations
- Greeting Cards
- Business Cards
- Announcements
- Maps
- Posters
- Certificates
- Awards
- And many other useful items
