IAre you a lettering artist, graphic designer, or creative professional wondering how to turn your passion into a career? You’re not alone. I’ve been there—doubting myself, feeling stuck, and wondering if making a living with creativity was even possible.
Fast forward to today, I’ve built a thriving business around my lettering skills, and in this post, I’m sharing seven key lessons I wish someone had told me when I was just starting out.
If you’re ready to take your creative journey seriously, these insights will help you avoid common mistakes and gain confidence in your craft. Let’s dive in.
1. Prioritize Your Creative Goals First Thing in the Day
One of the biggest mindset shifts I had was learning to put my creative work first—before emails, social media, or daily distractions.
At the start of my journey, I’d tell myself, “I’ll work on my lettering in the evening.” But by then, I was exhausted. Life always got in the way.
The game-changer? Waking up earlier and dedicating at least 15 minutes each morning to my craft. Even a small amount of daily progress helped me build momentum.
✅ Pro Tip: Schedule your creative time like an unmissable appointment. Over time, these small efforts compound into big results.
2. Learn the Basics and Practice Regularly
Every creative field has fundamentals—and lettering is no exception.
I used to believe creativity was all about “letting ideas flow,” but that mindset led to frustration. Without structure, my work never met my expectations.
Everything changed when I studied letter design in a structured way. I improved faster and gained confidence because I understood why certain design choices worked.
✅ Lesson: No matter your creative field, master the fundamentals. Once you do, you can start breaking the rules with intention.
3. Yes, You Can Make Money Doing What You Love
Early on, I believed that making money with art required having huge clients. But that’s not true.
There are many ways to monetize your lettering skills:
- Selling prints
- Licensing your work
- Collaborations
- Client projects
We’re in a golden era for creatives—social media allows you to showcase your work, connect with clients, and build an audience without spending a dime.
✅ Want more ideas? Check out Episode #168 where I break down 10 ways to make money as a lettering artist.
4. You Don’t Need to Be a “Natural” Artist
Many people believe that artists are born, not made—but that’s a myth.
Lettering is a skill with rules and techniques. If you dedicate time to learning and practicing, you will improve.
When I started, I doubted myself. But I committed to learning, applied feedback, and kept going. Now, I get paid for my passion.
✅ Mindset Shift: Talent is developed, not given. The more effort you put in, the more skilled you become.
5. Embrace Constructive Feedback
I used to keep my work hidden, afraid of criticism. But feedback is a shortcut to growth.
Once I started sharing my work online (Flickr was my first platform!), I saw massive improvement. Hearing what worked—and what didn’t—helped me refine my skills.
✅ Action Step: Join an online or local creative community. Share your work and ask for feedback. Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone.
6. You Can’t Grow in Isolation—Find Your People
Progress doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
When I moved to Berlin, I didn’t know anyone in the creative industry. But I actively sought out typography meetups, and it changed everything. Seeing others succeed made me believe it was possible for me too.
Now, you don’t even need to attend in-person events—you can find your tribe online through social media, forums, and creative groups.
✅ Key Takeaway: Surround yourself with like-minded creatives who inspire and support you. It makes all the difference.
7. Build Your Confidence by Celebrating Small Wins
Confidence isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you build.
At the beginning, it’s easy to focus on how far you still have to go. Instead, celebrate progress.
- Finished a new piece? That’s a win.
- Improved a skill? That’s progress.
- Added something to your portfolio? That’s momentum.
Keeping track of small victories helps you stay motivated and push towards bigger goals.
✅ Reminder: Confidence grows with action. Celebrate your journey, and you’ll feel more ready to tackle bigger projects.
Final Thoughts: Take the Next Step in Your Lettering Journey
These are the lessons I wish I had known when I started—and I hope they inspire you to take action.
If you’re serious about lettering and want more in-depth guidance, grab my free guide: Lettering Success Secrets. Inside, I answer the most common questions about lettering and building a creative career.
🎯 Download it here → martinaflor.com/guide
If this post resonated with you, share it with a fellow creative—and let’s support each other on this journey! 🚀
See you in the next episode of Open Studio. 🎙️
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To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: https://martinaflor.com/podcast