Follow the script

Calligraphers and illustrators describe how to create a client base to write home about…

JESS WATSON, CALLIGRAPHER AND HAND-PAINTED

SIGN MAKER

Jess Watson is a self-taught hand letterer who creates signage and shop window illustrations. Following a degree in journalism, she worked as a freelance TV researcher, but built up her illustration business from her home in Deal, Kent. The key to success is networking, she says. ‘I find clients through word of mouth, meeting people and connecting with other small businesses.’

Boardsbyjess.com, @boardsbyjess ALICE GABB, LETTERING ARTIST AND BANNER MAKER

Working from a shared studio in a beautiful Victorian warehouse in Hackney, Alice Gabb creates stationery for weddings and events, and handsewn velvet banners evoking social protest of old. After specialising in printmaking at university, Alice taught herself calligraphy, eventually providing in-store calligraphy services for Harrods and Selfridges. It took seven years of part-time jobs but she now works in her studio five days a week. ‘Word of mouth and sharing authentic content online got me to this point,’ she says.

alicegabb.com, @alicegabb

MEGAN FATHARLY, PRINTMAKING, COLLAGE

AND EMBOSSING

Megan studied drawing at Falmouth University, then her pop-up shop at London’s Pentreath & Hall made a splash. Commissions from the V&A, Fortnum & Mason and The Body Shop followed. Megan’s approach to marketing is to surround herself with a creative community, so her ear is close to the ground. She also recommends setting up a newsletter as soon as you can to communicate with clients.

meganfatharly.com, @printcessmeg