How to Start a Hand-Lettering Business Step-by-Step
Do you dream about turning your love of hand-lettering into something more — something profitable, fulfilling, and creative on your own terms?
Whether you’re lettering on the side after work or filling sketchbooks during slow weekends, it’s totally possible to take those skills and build a real business from them. You don’t need to be “Instagram famous” or have a perfect portfolio to start. You just need dedication, a clear plan, and the willingness to keep learning.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to launch your own hand-lettering business step-by-step, from mastering your calligraphy style to getting your first paying customer.
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Step 1: Sharpen Your Skills & Develop Your Style
Before you charge anyone for your lettering, you need to be confident in your abilities, and that comes from consistent practice.
Start with daily or weekly practice sessions, and use high-quality hand-lettering worksheets to train your muscle memory. Focus on mastering the basics: clean strokes, consistent letterforms, spacing, and rhythm. Explore different lettering styles — brush lettering, monoline, tall and thin, block letters, etc. — to build versatility.
As your technical skill grows, you’ll naturally start to develop a recognizable style. This could be bold and modern, delicate and feminine, vintage-inspired, or completely unique to you. Your style becomes part of your brand, so it’s worth taking the time to let it develop.
Step 2: Build a Strong Portfolio
Once you’ve built some consistency in your lettering, it’s time to start assembling a portfolio that showcases your best work. A strong portfolio doesn’t just show that you can letter; it shows how your lettering can solve real creative problems or enhance designs.
Some things to include in your portfolio include:
Quote pieces with layout variety
Mockups of your work on cards, signs, or packaging
Logo-style compositions or monograms
Any client work or self-initiated projects that reflect the type of work you want to do
If you don’t have clients yet, create your own sample projects. The goal is to demonstrate what you’re capable of and give potential clients or customers a clear sense of your aesthetic.
Present your work cleanly. Use natural lighting, styled photography like flat lays, or digital mockups to make everything look polished and professional.
That said, an official, professional portfolio may not be necessary for the type of lettering business you want to run. Don’t think of your portfolio according to rigid guidelines. You can house your portfolio in many different places, and it can take many different forms. A polished website is great for freelancers and brand designers, but it’s not the only option. A dedicated Instagram account, Etsy shop, or even a well-organized Pinterest board can function as your portfolio, especially if your focus is products, prints, or visual content. The key is to present your work in a way that makes it easy for people to understand what you do and how they can buy from or hire you.
Step 3: Choose Your Services
Hand-lettering is incredibly versatile, and there are lots of ways to turn it into income. But at first, it’s better to start small and specialize in one or two offerings so you can build focus and momentum.
Here are a few common options:
Custom quotes for gifts or home decor
Wedding and event signage
Logo design or brand lettering
Printable art (for Etsy or your own shop)
Digital downloads (worksheets, Procreate brushes, SVG files)
Teaching or creating tutorials
Ask yourself: What kinds of projects excite me the most? What problems can I help solve with my lettering?
Start there, and let your business grow organically from that core.
Step 4: Set Up the Business Side
It doesn’t need to be fancy, but you do need to treat this like a real business. That means getting a few basics in place:
Choose a Business Name & Claim Your Handles
Pick a name that reflects your personality, style, or niche. It could be your own name (like Jane Doe Lettering), something playful and memorable (like LetterlyMe), or a phrase that connects to your brand vibe (like Letter Your Heart Out).
Once you’ve chosen a name, check that the domain name (your website) is available and grab it, even if you’re not ready to build a full website yet. Usually you can purchase the domain for $20 or less per year.
Do the same for social media handles on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and wherever else you plan to show your work.
Create a Simple Website or Portfolio Page
Even a one-page site can go a long way in making your business feel legit. Include a short bio, your portfolio or product photos, and a clear call to action (like “Hire me” or “Shop now”). Platforms like Squarespace, Wix, or Shopify make it easy to get started with minimal design or tech experience.
If you prefer not to set up a site right away, you can also link to your Etsy shop or use a tool like Linktree to connect your social accounts and shop.
Set Up a Business Email & Payment System
Create a separate email address just for your lettering business, something like hello@yourbusiness.com or yournamelettering@gmail.com. This keeps your communication professional and helps you stay organized.
You’ll also want to set up a way to receive payments. Most creatives use PayPal, Venmo for Business, Stripe, or Etsy’s built-in payment system. Having a clear, secure way to invoice and accept payments makes it easy to get paid and builds trust with clients.
Decide How You’ll Price Your Work
Pricing can be tricky, especially when you’re just starting out. Research what other letterers in your niche charge, and consider whether you’ll use hourly rates, flat fees per project, or tiered pricing packages. For example, you might offer one quote with simple lettering for $50, and a more complex piece with flourishes and layout design for $100+.
Be sure to factor in your time, supplies, and experience. And remember: undercharging may attract more customers at first, but it often leads to burnout. Price with confidence — you’re offering real value!
Check for Local Business Licenses or Permits
Depending on where you live, you might need to register your business name or apply for a local business license, seller’s permit, or tax ID, especially if you’re planning to sell physical products at markets or online. Look into your state or city’s small business regulations to stay compliant. This step might sound intimidating, but it's often simpler than it seems, and it puts you on solid footing for future growth.
Step 5: Start Marketing Yourself
You don’t need a huge following to get clients. You just need to start showing up consistently.
Choose one or two platforms where your ideal customers hang out (Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, or even LinkedIn), and start posting regularly. You can share:
Time-lapses of your process
Finished pieces
Behind-the-scenes peeks
Tips or tools you love
Lettering challenges you join
Use relevant hashtags, geotags (if you want local work), and don’t be afraid to tell people what you offer. You’re not “being salesy” — you’re letting people know how they can hire or support you.
Step 6: Get Your First Paying Clients
Start small. Offer a few discounted commissions to friends or your existing network to build experience and confidence. These early clients will give you testimonials, word-of-mouth referrals, and valuable feedback.
You can also:
Reach out to wedding vendors, photographers, or local shops
Set up an Etsy or Pelavida store
Offer limited-edition custom pieces through your Instagram Stories or email list
Even one small project can lead to more if you treat it professionally and overdeliver.
Step 7: Refine & Scale Over Time
As you gain more experience, keep refining your offerings and stay consistent with your marketing efforts. Don’t forget to revisit your goals and consider expanding in ways that align with your strengths.
Some ideas:
Sell digital products like SVGs, fonts, or printable quotes
Teach hand-lettering classes or workshops (in person or online)
Create a membership or challenge community
License your lettering for stationery, apparel, or home goods
The beauty of a hand-lettering business is that it can grow with you.
Keep Going!
Turning your passion for hand-lettering into a real business is totally within reach. With focused practice, a clear offering, and a drive to keep going, you can create something truly meaningful and profitable.
It all starts with building your skills, so don’t skip the basics. Grab your favorite pens and dive into our FREE downloadable monoline calligraphy worksheet below. It’s the perfect resource to help you refine your technique and get client-ready faster.
