If you’re overwhelmed thinking about your creative portfolio and don’t know where to begin, please know you ARE NOT ALONE!

Your portfolio isn’t a scrapbook of everything you’ve ever made. It’s a sales tool. And if it’s not bringing in inquiries, it’s probably not structured as well as it can be.

In this episode of Creative Biz Real Talk, I’m sharing:

• (2:50) How to make a portfolio if you don’t have any clients yet
• (4:25) What to I include (or NOT include) in your portfolio
• (8:35) How many photos, etc. to include
• (12:25) Final tips & tricks that I have learned over the years!

Whether you’re a calligrapher, illustrator, designer, or service-based creative, this episode will help you create a portfolio that builds confidence and attracts the right type of clients for your business.

Remember - Your portfolio isn’t about proving your worth, it’s about showing clear photos of what you sell, building confidence, and making it easy (not overwhelming) for someone to say yes! Build from CLARITY, not fear.

🎧 Listen now to simplify your portfolio strategy. Because you CAN do this!

FREE WORKSHOP:

• “How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop

FOLLOW SHINAH:

• Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

If you’ve been putting off building your first website for your creative business because it feels overwhelming—you’re not lazy or behind. You’ve just been given advice meant for established businesses, not beginners.

In this episode of Creative Biz Real Talk, I’m breaking down what your first website actually needs, what you can safely skip, and how to get something live fast—without branding paralysis, tech overwhelm, or perfectionism.

I even Googled “your first website for creative business” and the AI-generated advice alone explains why so many creatives get stuck: value propositions, conversion funnels, mobile optimization, advanced SEO… none of that is where you should start.

Instead, this episode gives you a simple, realistic starter website framework you can build in a single afternoon.

If you're a calligrapher, creative business focused person (illustrator, graphic designer, copywriters, pattern designers, etc.), or a service-based creative who wants to feel legit & start getting clients, this episode is for you!

Highlights from this episode:

• (1:04) The importance of having a website for your business
• (3:35) THE K.I.S.S. website building method
• (11:39) Sections to add to your website later (NOT NOW!)
• (17:00) Summary of beginning business website must-do's
• (17:17) Website hosting platform recommendation

REMEMBER - Your first website isn’t about impressing the internet. It’s about giving yourself a place to point people, a reason to show up confidently, and a foundation you can build on💪

🎧 Listen or watch now to stop overthinking and finally get your creative business website live.

The website hosting platform I use!

FREE WORKSHOP:

• “How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop

FOLLOW SHINAH:

• Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Lots of my students have become successful Pro Calligraphers, but WILL IT REALLY WORK FOR YOU?

I got some very good questions recently from a busy mom who wanted a reality check and asked me:

• What’s a realistic first-year income for a 5-10hr/week side hustle?
• Can a busy working mom really make this work?
• How can new calligraphers stand out and get clients?
• Should a new business start with local services or online?

My informal answers in this episode and a surprising result?

My answer to questions two, three and four are the SAME ANSWER and it’s the key to you moving quickly & efficiently with the time you have, so you can start making money instead of spinning your wheels.

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Pro Calligrapher Bundle open for enrollment through Feb 4, 2026

https://crookedcalligraphy.lpages.co/courses

FREE WORKSHOP:

• “How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop

FOLLOW SHINAH:

• Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!