The Lettering Roadmap: How to Build a Successful Creative Career

Every successful creative journey follows a predictable path, but most artists don’t realize it. If you've ever felt stuck, unsure of your next steps, or wondered how to turn your passion into a thriving career, this episode of Open Studio Podcast is for you. Martina Flor breaks down the Lettering Roadmap, a step-by-step guide to transitioning from a beginner to a professional lettering artist, illustrator, or designer.

The 6 Stages of a Successful Creative Career

Understanding where you are in your creative journey is the first step to moving forward. Martina outlines the six key stages every artist goes through:

1️⃣ The Hobbyist – You love lettering, but it’s just for fun. No pressure, just passion.
2️⃣ The Learner – You’re actively improving, taking courses, and refining your skills.
3️⃣ The Maker – You’re building a portfolio, experimenting with different styles, and sharing your work.
4️⃣ The Side Hustler – You start monetizing your skills with commissions, small gigs, or freelance work.
5️⃣ The Professional – Lettering becomes your main income source, and you build a sustainable business.
6️⃣ The Leader – You establish yourself as an expert, teach others, and create products beyond client work.

Where Are You in Your Journey?

Recognizing your current stage helps you understand what’s holding you back and what steps you need to take to level up. Maybe you’re stuck between being a Learner and a Maker or struggling to transition from Side Hustler to Professional. Martina explains how to bridge these gaps and move forward in your career.

Why Talent Alone Isn’t Enough

Many creatives believe that if their work is good enough, success will follow—but that’s only half the story. Building a thriving creative career requires business skills, including:
✅ Marketing yourself effectively
✅ Finding and pitching clients
✅ Pricing your work for sustainability
✅ Building a strong portfolio that attracts opportunities

Join the Free Lettering Roadmap Workshop!

Want to dive deeper into these steps and learn how to turn your lettering skills into a career? Join Martina Flor’s FREE Lettering Roadmap Workshop, happening March 31st!
🎨 Step-by-step guide to mastering lettering & making money with it
🎁 Chance to win an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription
🚀 Live training sessions + Q&A with Martina

📅 Register now for free: martinaflor.com/masterclass

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Stay up to date with the latest tips and strategies to grow your creative business by subscribing to Open Studio on your favorite podcast platform.

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Are you a lettering artist looking for ways to increase your income without sacrificing your creativity? Whether you're saving up for new tools, growing your business, or simply need extra cash, there are plenty of ways to monetize your skills. In this episode of Open Studio Podcast, Martina Flor shares five practical strategies to help you generate more income as a lettering artist.

1. Offer Custom Artwork (Yes, Even to Friends & Family!)

Many artists overlook their warmest leads—friends and family! Your close circle already knows and trusts you, making them great potential clients for personalized lettering pieces. Whether it’s wedding invitations, anniversary gifts, or home decor, offering custom commissions can be a great way to earn extra income while building your portfolio.

✅ Action Tip: Share your services on social media, send a WhatsApp message, or create a simple online order form for custom requests.

2. Sell Digital Products

Creating and selling digital products is an easy way to generate passive income as a lettering artist. You can sell downloadable prints, Procreate brush packs, or even customizable templates on platforms like Etsy, Creative Market, or Gumroad. These products require no upfront production cost and can be sold repeatedly!

✅ Action Tip: Turn an existing piece of artwork into a digital download and list it on a creative marketplace.

3. Teach Online & Build Your Authority

If you have experience in lettering, there are plenty of beginners eager to learn from you! Teaching online courses or workshops can establish you as an expert while generating steady income. Platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, or even your own website allow you to sell pre-recorded courses with little ongoing effort.

✅ Action Tip: Break down a lettering technique into short lessons and launch a mini-course online.

4. Offer Commissions to a Wider Audience

Beyond friends and family, there’s a massive market for custom lettering pieces. From business signage and logo designs to personalized wall art, you can market your services to a broader audience through social media, email marketing, or a dedicated page on your website.

✅ Action Tip: Set up a “Custom Commissions” page on your website with pricing and examples of past work.

5. Sell Merchandise Featuring Your Artwork

Turn your lettering into physical products like T-shirts, mugs, stickers, or posters! With platforms like Printful, Redbubble, and Society6, you don’t need to handle inventory or shipping—simply upload your designs, and they take care of the rest.

✅ Action Tip: Start small with 3–5 product designs and promote them on Instagram or your website.

Bonus: Join the Free Lettering Design Roadmap Workshop!

If you're serious about growing your income as a lettering artist, Martina Flor’s free masterclass is now open for registration! Learn how to master lettering, explore new income opportunities, and build a sustainable creative career.

📅 Enroll now: martinaflor.com/masterclass

Subscribe to Open Studio:
Stay up to date with the latest tips and strategies to grow your creative business by subscribing to Open Studio on your favorite podcast platform.

To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast

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How Jackson Alves Turned His Passion for Calligraphy into a Global Career

If you’re a lettering artist or calligraphy enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of Jackson Alves. With over 25 years of experience, he has collaborated with global brands like Apple, Montblanc, and Coca-Cola, blending traditional calligraphy techniques with modern digital tools. In the latest episode of Open Studio Podcast, Martina Flor sits down with Jackson to uncover his journey from graphic designer to internationally recognized calligraphy artist. Plus, we have exciting news—Jackson will be teaching an exclusive class inside the Lettering Seminar! Keep reading to learn more.

From Graphic Design to Calligraphy Mastery

Jackson’s creative journey started in Brazil, where he worked as a graphic designer for over a decade. Despite having a successful career, he felt something was missing. That’s when he discovered lettering and calligraphy—a turning point that led him to develop a distinctive style and work with some of the biggest brands in the world.

The Power of Believing in Yourself

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is Jackson’s mindset. He shares how believing in himself was key to overcoming self-doubt, taking risks, and embracing opportunities. He emphasizes that if you don’t trust your own talent, it’s hard to convince others to do so. His advice? Confidence and persistence are just as important as skill.

Social Media & Career Breakthroughs

Jackson also reveals how social media played a huge role in his success. By sharing his work on platforms like Flickr (before Instagram was popular), he gained visibility, attracted clients, and even landed his first international recognition. His story proves that putting your work out there consistently can open unexpected doors.

Behind the Scenes: Working with Apple

One of the most exciting parts of this episode is the deep dive into Jackson’s collaboration with Apple. He shares insights into how he got the opportunity, the creative process behind the project, and how lettering artists can position themselves for high-profile clients.

Join Jackson Alves in the Lettering Seminar!

Want to learn directly from Jackson? He will be teaching a special class inside the Lettering Seminar, where he will break down his calligraphy techniques and share insider tips to improve your lettering skills.

📅 Enroll now and save your spot! 👉 theletteringseminar.com

Final Thoughts

Jackson’s journey is a true inspiration for any creative looking to build a career in lettering or calligraphy. From believing in his talent to leveraging social media and working with top brands, his story is packed with valuable lessons.
✍️ Follow Jackson on Instagram: @letterjack

Subscribe to Open Studio:
Stay up to date with the latest tips and strategies to grow your creative business by subscribing to Open Studio on your favorite podcast platform.

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Is Your Mindset Holding You Back? Here’s How to Overcome It

When we think about success in the creative world, we often focus on talent, practice, and opportunities. But there’s one key factor we tend to overlook: mindset. In episode 176 of the Open Studio Podcast, Martina Flor explores how our beliefs might be limiting our growth and what we can do to unlock our true potential.

Why Mindset is Key to Creative Success

Martina shares her own journey—from doubting her skills to becoming a renowned lettering artist. She realized that what we believe about our abilities directly impacts the results we achieve.

If you’ve ever told yourself:
❌ "I’m not good enough"
❌ "I can’t make a living from my art"
❌ "I don’t have natural talent for this"

Then you might be holding yourself back.

5 Mindset Shifts to Unlock Your Potential

1️⃣ Growth over perfection
Progress is more important than perfection. Every mistake is a chance to improve.

2️⃣ Seek mentorship and feedback
You don’t have to do it alone. Learning from others can fast-track your growth.

3️⃣ Create instead of just practicing
Completing projects—even personal ones—will teach you more than endless sketching without purpose.

4️⃣ Your creative work has value
Just because you love what you do doesn’t mean you should give it away for free. Learn to charge for your talent.

5️⃣ Join a community
Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people can open doors.

Download the Free "Mindset Mastery" Guide

If you want to dive deeper into these mindset shifts, Martina has created a free resource: "Mindset Mastery for Graphic Artists." Download it here 👉 martinaflor.com/mindset

📢 Share this episode with fellow creatives who need a mindset boost. Let’s grow together!

Subscribe to Open Studio:
Stay up to date with the latest tips and strategies to grow your creative business by subscribing to Open Studio on your favorite podcast platform.

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Turning your creative skills into a profitable business may seem like a dream, but it's entirely possible. In episode 175 of Open Studio Podcast, Martina Flor shares the inspiring stories of three women who transformed their passion for lettering into successful careers and side hustles. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or looking to grow your creative business, these real-life examples will motivate you to take action.

1. Michaela: From Uninspiring Job to Thriving Lettering Studio

Michaela was a graphic designer feeling stuck in a job that didn’t excite her. She knew she wanted more from her career and decided to dive into lettering. After joining Lettering Seminar, she built her portfolio, created her brand, and launched her own lettering studio. Within a year, she transitioned from a generalist designer to a specialized lettering artist, attracting paying clients and doing work she truly loves.

Key Takeaway:

➡️ Consistency and commitment can completely transform your career in just one year.

2. Francesca: Building a Side Hustle with Lettering

Francesca, an in-house designer from Italy, discovered her love for lettering and began practicing in her spare time. She took a low-risk approach to monetizing her skills by opening an Etsy shop. As she gained confidence and saw demand for her products, she expanded her business by launching her own online shop. Today, she successfully balances her full-time job with her lettering side hustle.

Key Takeaway:

➡️ You don’t have to quit your job to start earning from your passion—small steps lead to big results.

3. Rebecca: Elevating Her Career by Adding Lettering Skills

Rebecca, a UK-based packaging designer, saw an opportunity to stand out in her field by integrating custom lettering into her designs. She joined Lettering Seminar in 2020 and used her new skills to attract high-quality clients. By specializing in a niche market, she positioned herself as an expert and increased the value of her work, leading to better-paying projects.

Key Takeaway:

➡️ Sometimes, you don’t need a career change—just a new skill to elevate your expertise and income.

How to Turn Your Creative Skills Into a Business

Feeling inspired? Here’s how you can start monetizing your creative skills today: ✅ Identify a niche that aligns with your passion and market demand ✅ Build an online presence with a portfolio or Etsy shop ✅ Invest in learning new skills to enhance your expertise ✅ Stay consistent and committed to your creative journey

Get Your Free Guide to a Lettering Career

If you’re wondering how to build a career in lettering, download Martina Flor’s free guide, Lettering Success Secrets at martinaflor.com/guide. It’s packed with industry insights and actionable tips to help you get started!

Subscribe to Open Studio:
Stay up to date with the latest tips and strategies to grow your creative business by subscribing to Open Studio on your favorite podcast platform.

To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast

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Welcome to Open Studio Podcast – Episode 174!

Are you a lettering artist, illustrator, or graphic designer wondering how to build a sustainable career in lettering? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, today’s episode is packed with insights on making it in the lettering world.

In episode 174 of the Open Studio Podcast, we dive into a fascinating conversation with Goodtype, a platform dedicated to lettering artists. We discuss building a career in lettering, finding the right opportunities, and overcoming challenges. Read on for the key takeaways from this episode!

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode Before we dive in, don’t forget to listen to episode 174 of the Open Studio Podcast for the full discussion. You can find it on your favorite podcast platform or watch it on YouTube!

👉 Join The Lettering Seminar 2025 to learn from industry experts and build a thriving lettering business.

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💡 How Goodtype Built a Thriving Lettering Career

From Agency Work to Lettering Entrepreneurs

Many lettering artists start their careers in graphic design, often feeling uninspired by traditional agency work. Goodtype’s founders shared how they followed the conventional path—earning fine arts degrees and working at agencies—only to realize they craved more creative freedom.

Freelancing and side projects became their escape, eventually leading to full-time careers in lettering. While one meticulously wrote a 40-page business plan to transition into freelance work, the other waited until their freelance income surpassed their full-time job. These different paths highlight the multiple ways artists can successfully enter the world of lettering.

The Power of Collaboration and Community

One of the most inspiring aspects of Goodtype’s journey is how collaboration and community played a pivotal role. The founders met through social media, bonding over a shared interest in art licensing and business strategies. What started as a simple direct message turned into a long-term partnership—proving that networking and collaboration can be game-changers in a creative career.

The episode also touches on how the online lettering community has evolved. Platforms like Goodtype now provide mentorship, inspiration, and opportunities for artists to showcase their work.

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✨ Tips for Aspiring Lettering Artists

For those looking to break into the industry, this episode offers valuable advice. Here are some of the top takeaways:

1️⃣ Experiment with Small Projects – Many lettering artists began by incorporating hand lettering into logo designs or branding projects. This small step can help you refine your skills while working with real clients.

2️⃣ Start a Challenge – One of the guests participated in a 30-day lettering challenge, which helped them refine their technique and boost their confidence. Short, consistent challenges can push you to improve faster.

3️⃣ Ignore the ‘Design Snobs’ – The lettering world has its share of gatekeepers, but don’t let them discourage you. Push past self-doubt and focus on your creative growth.

4️⃣ Utilize Social Media – Posting work consistently and engaging with other artists can lead to unexpected collaborations and career opportunities.

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🚀 The Future of Lettering: What’s Next?

The conversation also touched on where the lettering industry is headed. More artists are finding success through online courses, licensing, and brand collaborations, showing that opportunities go far beyond traditional client work.

Additionally, the episode introduced The Lettering Seminar 2025, Martina Flor’s signature program designed to teach both the art and business of lettering. Featuring industry leaders—including Goodtype—this program is perfect for anyone looking to refine their craft and build a sustainable career.

Subscribe to Open Studio:
Stay up to date with the latest tips and strategies to grow your creative business by subscribing to Open Studio on your favorite podcast platform.

To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast

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How I Kicked-off My Lettering Career with Two Simple Tactics (And How You Can Too!)

Are you struggling to make time for your creative work while juggling a job that doesn’t inspire you? If you're feeling stuck and unsure of how to transition into a career you love, this episode of Open Studio Podcast is for you.

I'm Martina Flor, lettering artist and creative entrepreneur, and today I'm sharing the two simple but powerful tactics that helped me kick off my lettering career—starting from scratch while working a full-time job. These small shifts not only helped me build a consistent creative practice, but they also became the foundation of the career I have today.

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How My Lettering Career Started

Before becoming a full-time lettering artist, I was working as a graphic designer and creative director. On paper, I had a great job with a good salary—but I was miserable. My days were filled with emails and meetings, far from the creative life I had imagined for myself.

Despite loving lettering and illustration, I believed I couldn't make money from my passion. I kept pushing my creative projects to the side while focusing on paying the bills.

But then something clicked—I realized that if I wanted my life to look different, I had to start making different decisions.

I made two simple but game-changing shifts that set everything in motion—and today, I'm sharing them with you.

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Tactic #1: Early Morning Magic

Prioritize Your Creative Work First Thing in the Day

One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was saving my creative work for the end of the day. After long hours at my job, I would come home drained, with little energy left to pursue my passion.

Everything changed when I flipped the script.

Instead of waiting until the end of the day, I started waking up earlier and dedicating the first part of my day to my lettering practice.

Even if it was just 15 minutes of focused work, I started the day with a small win—proving to myself that my creative skill mattered. This simple habit helped me build momentum and made me feel like I was making progress every single day.

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How to Get Started with Early Morning Magic:

• Set your alarm 15–30 minutes earlier than usual
• Create a dedicated workspace
• Avoid checking social media or emails—go straight into your creative practice
• Start small—focus on one simple project each morning

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Tactic #2: Every Project Counts

Finish What You Start

For years, I would create endless sketches without ever finishing anything. My work would sit in a drawer, never seeing the light of day.

But once I committed to treating every piece like a real project, everything changed.

I made a promise to myself: No more unfinished work. Every lettering piece—whether a simple sketch or a passion project—had to be finished and added to my portfolio.

Finishing projects builds confidence, helps you improve faster, and creates the body of work that will eventually attract clients.

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How to Commit to Finishing Projects:

• Set a clear goal for each piece
• Give yourself a tight deadline (1–2 weeks maximum)
• Treat each project as if it were a real client assignment
• Share your finished work online—even if you're still a beginner

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Why These Tactics Work

These two simple tactics helped me shift from dreaming about a creative career to actually building one.

By prioritizing my creative work and consistently finishing what I started, I built momentum, confidence, and a portfolio—all without quitting my day job.

If you're feeling stuck right now, I want to encourage you to start small. You don't need to quit your job or have a perfect plan. Just carve out a little time each day and commit to finishing one project at a time.

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Bonus Resource:

Download Your Free Diary for Aspiring Lettering Artists
To help you document your creative journey, I've created the Diary for Aspiring Lettering Artists—a guided journal packed with prompts, insights, and stories from my own career.

👉 Download your FREE copy here: martinaflor.com/diary

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Final Thoughts

If you're waiting for the perfect time to pursue your creative dreams—this is your sign to start now.

Wake up 15 minutes earlier. Finish your next project. Start building the creative life you've always dreamed of—one small step at a time.

Remember, every small win counts—and before you know it, you'll have a portfolio full of work and the confidence to launch your creative career.

Subscribe to Open Studio:
Stay up to date with the latest tips and strategies to grow your creative business by subscribing to Open Studio on your favorite podcast platform.

To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 🎙️

Subscribe to Open Studio:
Stay up to date with the latest tips and strategies to grow your creative business by subscribing to Open Studio on your favorite podcast platform.

To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast

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How to Turn Your Passion for Lettering into a Profitable Business – with Jimbo Bernaus from Shoutbam

Have you ever wondered if you can turn your love for lettering into a full-time business? In this episode of the Martina Flor Podcast, I sit down with Jimbo Bernaus, lettering artist and co-founder of Shoutbam Creative Studio, to talk about how he built a thriving creative business from scratch.

If you’re a designer, illustrator, or lettering enthusiast looking for inspiration to take your skills to the next level, this conversation is packed with valuable insights!

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From Engineering Student to Full-Time Lettering Artist

Jimbo’s journey into lettering wasn’t a straight path. In fact, he started out studying engineering before realizing that his true passion lay in creating letterforms. While in university, a typography teacher introduced him to the world of lettering—something he had unknowingly been practicing for years by decorating his exam sheets with letters.

This aha moment led him to explore lettering more seriously, and he soon discovered that there was a way to monetize his creative skills.

“Nobody told me I could actually make a living creating letters. That was a concept introduced to me almost at the end of my university journey.” – Jimbo Bernaus

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The Leap Into Freelancing and Creative Entrepreneurship

Like many creatives, Jimbo started his career as a junior designer, working on various projects. But soon, he realized that he could earn more as a solopreneur than in a traditional job. This sparked the decision to leave employment behind and start his own business.

Of course, making this leap wasn’t easy. His creative director even warned him that he wasn’t “ready” to go out on his own. But Jimbo knew that if he waited for the perfect moment, he might never take the plunge.

“I knew I didn’t have the muscle to go solo yet, but I’d rather start now than wait and get too comfortable.” – Jimbo Bernaus

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How to Show Up Online Without Feeling Cringe

One of the biggest challenges creatives face when building their business is putting themselves out there. Whether it’s on Instagram, YouTube, or other platforms, many artists struggle with feeling awkward on camera or unsure of what to share.

Jimbo’s advice? Find a way to make it feel natural.

If you’re an introvert, don’t try to force an extroverted personality—speak to the camera as if you’re talking to a close friend. If you’re passionate about what you do, your energy will attract the right audience.

“If you’re an introvert, there are tons of introverts out there who will resonate with you. Just be yourself and you’ll find your people.” – Jimbo Bernaus

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The Power of Multiple Income Streams in a Creative Business

One of the key strategies Jimbo emphasizes is building multiple income streams. Instead of relying on just client work, he developed a system that allows him to generate revenue from different sources, including:

✅ Freelance projects
✅ Online courses and workshops
✅ Digital products (brushes, fonts, and templates)
✅ Brand collaborations

By diversifying his income, Jimbo has been able to achieve financial stability and creative freedom, allowing him to focus on the work he truly enjoys.

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Key Takeaways from This Episode

💡 Follow your instincts – If you feel drawn to a creative path, explore it fully.
💡 Don’t wait until you’re “ready” – The best way to learn is by doing.
💡 Put yourself out there – Authenticity attracts the right audience.
💡 Diversify your income – Don’t rely on just one source of revenue.

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Ready to Build Your Own Lettering Business?

If you’re inspired by Jimbo’s story and want to start (or scale) your own lettering career, here’s what you can do next:

🔗 Follow Jimbo Bernaus: @jimboberanus
🔗 Check out Shoutbam Creative Studio: www.shoutbam.com
🔗 Subscribe to Shoutbam Creative Studio on YouTube @shoutbam

Don’t forget to listen to the full episode of the Martina Flor Podcast to hear all of Jimbo’s insights firsthand!

📢 What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss! ⬇️

#LetteringBusiness #CreativeEntrepreneur #FreelanceSuccess #MartinaFlorPodcast

Subscribe to Open Studio:
Stay up to date with the latest tips and strategies to grow your creative business by subscribing to Open Studio on your favorite podcast platform.

To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast

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How to Build a Lettering Portfolio That Gets You Hired—Even If You’re Just Starting!

If you’re a lettering artist, designer, or creative looking to land client work, your portfolio is your most powerful tool. But what if you’re just starting out and don’t have client projects to showcase?

In this post, I’ll break down how to build a strong portfolio from scratch, avoid common mistakes, and attract the right clients—even before you land your first commission.

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Why Your Portfolio Matters More Than You Think

Your portfolio isn’t just a place to store your work—it’s a business asset. It shows potential clients:

✅ Your style and artistic voice
✅ Your problem-solving skills as a designer
✅ The kind of projects you want to be hired for

Many artists wait too long to start building their portfolio, thinking they need “real” projects first. Big mistake! The truth is, you can start showcasing your work right now—even without client work.

Here’s how.

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Step 1: Treat Every Piece Like a Real Project

One of the biggest mistakes artists make is endlessly practicing without finishing and presenting their work professionally. Instead of just “sketching” or “experimenting,” start thinking like a pro from day one.

🔹 Give yourself a brief – Define what each piece is for (a book cover, a poster, packaging, etc.)
🔹 Set a deadline – Decide when you’ll finish it and stick to it
🔹 Showcase it professionally – Present it as if it were a real client project

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re stuck on what to create, check out LetteringMaker.com, a free tool that generates professional lettering prompts so you never run out of ideas!

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Step 2: Curate, Don’t Overload

Your portfolio should be a curated selection of your best work, not a random collection of everything you’ve ever created.

🔹 Show variety in style and applications – This proves you can adapt to different project types
🔹 Select work that attracts the clients you want – If you want book cover projects, showcase lettering in editorial designs
🔹 Add a short story behind each project – Explain the concept, process, and final outcome

Your work doesn’t have to “speak for itself”—help potential clients understand your creative decisions!

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Step 3: Write a Strong Bio That Builds Trust

Your About page is one of the most visited sections of your portfolio. Use it wisely!

✔ Share your journey & values – Why do you do what you do?
✔ List the types of clients you best serve – This helps potential clients know if you’re a good fit
✔ Include a professional photo – People want to see the artist behind the work!
✔ Feature testimonials (if possible) – Even if you don’t have client reviews yet, ask for feedback from mentors or collaborators

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Step 4: Make It Easy for Clients to Contact You

If a potential client visits your portfolio and can’t find a way to contact you quickly, they’ll move on.

Make sure to:
📌 Include your contact info on multiple pages (homepage, footer, About section)
📌 Have a clear "Work With Me" section explaining how clients can hire you
📌 Add a simple contact form or email link

💡 Bonus Tip: Add a "How to Work With Me" section explaining the process in 3 simple steps. Example:

1️⃣ Fill out the contact form
2️⃣ Receive a response in 24 hours
3️⃣ Book a discovery call

This reassures potential clients and makes reaching out easy!

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Start Building Your Portfolio Today!

To recap, your portfolio should:
✅ Showcase curated work that aligns with your goals
✅ Tell your story through a strong bio
✅ Make it easy for clients to reach you

And remember—it’s never too early to start! Whether you have client work or not, you can create self-initiated projects and position yourself as a lettering artist ready to be hired.

👉 Want more in-depth portfolio tips? Download my free guide: Lettering Success Secrets—it’s packed with strategies to help you build a thriving career in lettering design.

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To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast

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