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Oops! They did it again. Alex and Cat took a summer hiatus. And then they came up with a new episode series! After sharing two very big announcements, Alex and Cat answer your anonymously-submitted questions. From NDAs to sticky subcontracting situations to client scenarios gone wrong, they share their thoughts on how to tackle these situations, and how to run your creative business just a little bit better -- all while leaving room for their favorite thing: nuance. Listen in - you never know what tidbit will help you with your next creative entrepreneur dilemma. event calligraphy, client relationships, subcontracting, event contracts, business tips, branding, NDAs, marketing, networking, workshops, digital forms, dress codes, guest interactions, learn engraving Engraving 101: https://go.eventraptor.com/summit/hsh-hobby-summit-2609/alexhirsch Alex's Supplies List: https://www.patreon.com/SignedByAlex/posts/all-engraving-in-134158928?collection=1539620 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, Signed by Alex IG: https://www.instagram.com/signedbyalex Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/signedbyalex Website: https://www.signedbyalex.co Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

"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, Signed by Alex IG: https://www.instagram.com/signedbyalex Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/signedbyalex Website: https://www.signedbyalex.co Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

"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, Signed by Alex IG: https://www.instagram.com/signedbyalex Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/signedbyalex Website: https://www.signedbyalex.co Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

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, Signed by Alex IG: https://www.instagram.com/signedbyalex Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/signedbyalex Website: https://www.signedbyalex.co Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

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 podcastThe Artist’s Way book / workbook A Creative Act by Rick RubinBig Magic by Elizabeth GilbertSylvia of Via Calligraphy: Syl's WebsiteSyl's IGSomedayArtClub IGSomeday Art Club / LuxuryLettering101Send 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, Signed by Alex IG: https://www.instagram.com/signedbyalex Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/signedbyalex Website: https://www.signedbyalex.co Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

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, Signed by Alex IG: https://www.instagram.com/signedbyalex Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/signedbyalex Website: https://www.signedbyalex.co Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

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, Signed by Alex IG: https://www.instagram.com/signedbyalex Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/signedbyalex Website: https://www.signedbyalex.co Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

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, Signed by Alex IG: https://www.instagram.com/signedbyalex Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/signedbyalex Website: https://www.signedbyalex.co Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

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, Signed by Alex IG: https://www.instagram.com/signedbyalex Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/signedbyalex Website: https://www.signedbyalex.co Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

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, Signed by Alex IG: https://www.instagram.com/signedbyalex Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/signedbyalex Website: https://www.signedbyalex.co Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

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, Signed by Alex IG: https://www.instagram.com/signedbyalex Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/signedbyalex Website: https://www.signedbyalex.co Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

Cat of Cat Lauren Calligraphy and Alex of Signs of our Lives chat with Paige Griffith of The Legal Paige, contract lawyer and legal expert, about the importance of contracts for small business owners, particularly in the creative industry. Paiges emphasizes the need for clear, legally binding contracts to protect both the business and the client. The discussion covers when to implement contracts, how to modify them, and the role of AI in contract creation. Additionally, Paige shares resources available for entrepreneurs looking to enhance their legal knowledge and contract templates. [  The Legal Paige’s 40% off Mid-Year Sale is running from 5/19-5/22 ] Episode Links: Paige’s Contract Clause Checklist (free)Cat’s Affiliate Link to Paige’s Live Event Artist Contract -  use code CATLAUREN10 for an extra $10 offLive Calligraphy ContractPaige’s Links: Website Instagram Facebook 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, Signed by Alex IG: https://www.instagram.com/signedbyalex Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/signedbyalex Website: https://www.signedbyalex.co Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

“YoU nEeD to NiChE.” 🙅🏻‍♀️ NURRR. We’re sick of hearing this advice! When you’re first starting out, or when you’re ready to add or pivot your services, the whole “you need to be niching” thing is just NOT gonna work. You’re a multi-faceted artist and business owner! You owe it to yourself to create what you want to create, and explore what you’re curious about. You deserve the opportunity to have multiple streams of income. You and your art should be able to reach new audiences. Alex and Hannah discuss the reasons why it’s beneficial to diversify and stay open to different opportunities and art forms.  So throw that spaghetti at the wall. 🍝 Figure out what brings YOU joy, and what feels right for YOUR business and life. Link: Elizabeth Gilbert, The Curiosity Driven Life 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, Signed by Alex IG: https://www.instagram.com/signedbyalex Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/signedbyalex Website: https://www.signedbyalex.co Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

Thinking about hiring other artists or being hired for events? Alex + Cat dive deep into this controversial topic that's buzzing through the event artist / calligraphy industry right now - examining the honest pros and cons of both hiring other artists and being hired yourself. From what makes someone totally rehire-able (or not), to the weird gray areas around pay rates and social media posting, they share their experiences from both sides of the subcontracting relationship. Plus hear about that time Cat's engraver died mid-event and why Alex once turned DOWN subcontract work (but now loves it!). 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, Signed by Alex IG: https://www.instagram.com/signedbyalex Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/signedbyalex Website: https://www.signedbyalex.co Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/

In this new episode series, Alex Hirsch of Signs of our Lives and Hannah Holt of Tally Mark Calligraphy share their hot takes on sharing your income online.  With the underlying principles of “a rising tide lifts all ships,” they discuss how sharing your income online can be beneficial AND how it could be misleading to other business owners and artists (or give people the ick). Alex and Hannah talk about price transparency, revenue versus profit, and the nuances of why and how you should and shouldn’t share your income publicly.  Is six figures all it’s cracked up to be? What do you even want for your life and your business? Does the struggling artist stereotype need to be broken? Tune in for the *nuance!* FTC Laws Hannah Holt, Tally Mark Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/tallymarkcalligraphy/ Website: www.tallymarkcalligraphy.com 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, Signed by Alex IG: https://www.instagram.com/signedbyalex Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/signedbyalex Website: https://www.signedbyalex.co Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy IG: https://www.instagram.com/catlaurencalligraphy/ Website: http://www.catlaurencalligraphy.com/