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Martina Flor’s Open Studio
Martina Flor
207 episodes
1 week ago
In this show, Martina Flor reveals all of her lettering and art business strategies to help you build a career as a commercial artist. You’ll learn about mastering a skill, finding your voice as an artist, going from amateur to pro, how the illustration market works, marketing yourself, social media, client outreach, and productivity tips so that you can thrive with your art and make a living doing what you love. It’s a mix of interviews with notable lettering artists and illustrators, special co-hosts, and solo shows from Martina that you’re not going to want to miss.
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In this show, Martina Flor reveals all of her lettering and art business strategies to help you build a career as a commercial artist. You’ll learn about mastering a skill, finding your voice as an artist, going from amateur to pro, how the illustration market works, marketing yourself, social media, client outreach, and productivity tips so that you can thrive with your art and make a living doing what you love. It’s a mix of interviews with notable lettering artists and illustrators, special co-hosts, and solo shows from Martina that you’re not going to want to miss.
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Business
Episodes (20/207)
Martina Flor’s Open Studio
Scared to Post Your Work

Do you ever feel scared to share your work online? You’re not alone. In this video, we’ll talk about the fear of putting your creations out into the world — where it comes from, why it holds us back, and how to overcome it so you can grow as a lettering artist and designer. 🌱If you want to keep building confidence in your creative journey, visit martinaflor.com/fixIt’s packed with tools and insights to help you move forward and keep creating boldly.✨ Connect with me on social media🎨 Instagram ➤ / / martinaflor 🎥 TikTok ➤ / / martinaflorstudio 📬 Join my newsletter ➤ https://www.martinaflor.com/lettering... 🎁 Free Resources➤ Lettering Success Secrets Guide – My step-by-step guide to grow your lettering skills and creative business:👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/guide➤ Lettering Quiz – Find out how much you really know about lettering:👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/quiz➤ Portfolio Checklist – Learn what to include (and what to leave out) to attract better lettering clients:👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/portfolio...📚 My Best-Selling Books➤ The Golden Secrets of Lettering – A must-have book for anyone who wants to learn to draw letters👉 https://amzn.to/4nctRmM➤ Make It – My latest book on turning your creative skills into a business👉 https://amzn.to/46U1aEl👀 Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction 00:47 - Summary03:44 - Simple beats perfect04:53 - Slow growth is better than viral moments05:37 - If it’s draining you, simplify it05:48 - 1. Accept that social media is a tool06:12 - 2. Don’t overcomplicate posting06:31 - 3. Separate creating from sharing06:51 - 4. Use a scheduler 07:59 - 5. Analyze what works08:47 - 6. Focus on connection09:12 - 7. Protect your mental space09:29 - 8. Keep showing up - imperfectly09:51 - Conclusion 🎧 Listen to the Podcast✦ Martina Flor’s Open Studio – Real talk about lettering, creative business, and design🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7hhkmGa...🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎙️ YouTube: • Martina Flor's Open Studio Podcast 💼 Want to learn with me?➤ The Lettering Seminar – My signature program to master the craft and business of lettering👉 https://theletteringseminar.com/ ➤ The Big Leap – My 12-week mentorship program to help you grow your freelance business and get consistent clients👉 https://martinaflor.com/coach🧑‍🎨 About MeI'm Martina Flor — lettering artist, author, and educator. I help designers and illustrators master the art and business of lettering so they can build a creative career they love.On this channel, I share tutorials, insights, critiques, and business tips for creative professionals — whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow.#letteringartist #handlettering #typedesign #creativebusiness #martinaflor #letteringtips #typography #designcareer #theletteringseminar

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1 week ago
10 minutes 45 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
How to Land Your First Speaking Gig (and Why It Grows Your Career)

🎁 Get my free Speaker Pitch Email Template in the comments below.🎟️ Join my U.S. Tour → New York & Los Angeles meetups — links below.When I gave my very first talk at Creative Mornings Berlin, I had no idea it would change my life. I was new to the city, didn’t know anyone, and just sent a hopeful little postcard — and that moment opened doors I didn’t even know existed. In this episode, I’m sharing how you can land your first speaking gig, even if you’re just starting out, and why stepping on stage can become one of the most powerful accelerators for your creative career. I’ll walk you through how I got started, how to pitch yourself, and how to turn one talk into a long-term growth strategy that builds visibility, credibility, and opportunity.✨ Connect with me on social media🎨 Instagram ➤ / https://www.instagram.com/martinaflor/🎥 TikTok ➤ / https://www.tiktok.com/@martinaflorstudio📬 Join my newsletter ➤ https://www.martinaflor.com/letteringtips 🎁 Free Resources➤ Lettering Success Secrets Guide – My step-by-step guide to grow your lettering skills and creative business:👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/guide➤ Lettering Quiz – Find out how much you really know about lettering:👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/quiz➤ Portfolio Checklist – Learn what to include (and what to leave out) to attract better lettering clients:👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/portfolio-checklist📚 My Best-Selling Books➤ The Golden Secrets of Lettering – A must-have book for anyone who wants to learn to draw letters👉 https://amzn.to/4nctRmM➤ Make It – My latest book on turning your creative skills into a business👉 https://amzn.to/46U1aEl🎧 Listen to the Podcast✦ Martina Flor’s Open Studio – Real talk about lettering, creative business, and design🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7hhkmGa0KjtS4UGmDT9ybl🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/martina-flors-open-studio/id1568159369🎙️ YouTube: • Martina Flor's Open Studio Podcast ⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction💼 Want to learn with me?➤ The Lettering Seminar – My signature program to master the craft and business of lettering👉 https://theletteringseminar.com/ ➤ The Big Leap – My 12-week mentorship program to help you grow your freelance business and get consistent clients👉 https://martinaflor.com/coach🧑‍🎨 About MeI'm Martina Flor — lettering artist, author, and educator. I help designers and illustrators master the art and business of lettering so they can build a creative career they love.On this channel, I share tutorials, insights, critiques, and business tips for creative professionals — whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow.#letteringartist #handlettering #typedesign #creativebusiness #martinaflor #letteringtips #typography #designcareer #theletteringseminar

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3 weeks ago
13 minutes 30 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
204. Mike Lowery: Portfolio Tips, Sketchbooks, Making a Career on Illustration, Crafting Stories and more

Join us in this episode with Mike Lowery, a New York Times bestselling illustrator known for his vibrant storytelling and unique approach to art.


In this episode, Mike shares his journey from a young artist to a celebrated illustrator, discussing the pivotal role of sketchbooks in his creative process. We talked about his passion for storytelling, the challenges of bookmaking, and the importance of creating art that resonates with audiences.


Mike also opens up about his teaching experiences and how he balances his professional and personal life, including his insights into building a successful career in illustration.


✨ Connect with me on social media🎨 Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/martinaflor🎥 TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@martinaflorstudio 📬 Join my newsletter ➤ martinaflor.com/letteringtips

✨ Connect with Mikehttps://www.mikelowery.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mikelowerystudio/

🎁 Free Resources➤ Lettering Success Secrets Guide – My step-by-step guide to grow your lettering skills and creative business:👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/guide➤ Lettering Quiz – Find out how much you really know about lettering:👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/quiz➤ Portfolio Checklist – Learn what to include (and what to leave out) to attract better lettering clients:👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/portfolio-checklist📚 My Best-Selling Books➤ The Golden Secrets of Lettering – A must-have book for anyone who wants to learn to draw letters👉 https://amzn.to/4nctRmM➤ Make It – My latest book on turning your creative skills into a business👉 https://amzn.to/46U1aEl🎧 Listen to the Podcast✦ Martina Flor’s Open Studio – Real talk about lettering, creative business, and design🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7hhkmGa0KjtS4UGmDT9ybl🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/martina-flors-open-studio/id1568159369🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0kAYzBnTi5e_8muoeQQUfZlgdeScB4TK💼 Want to learn with me?➤ The Lettering Seminar – My signature program to master the craft and business of lettering👉 https://theletteringseminar.com/ ➤ The Big Leap – My 12-week mentorship program to help you grow your freelance business and get consistent clients👉 https://martinaflor.com/coach🧑‍🎨 About MeI'm Martina Flor — lettering artist, author, and educator. I help designers and illustrators master the art and business of lettering so they can build a creative career they love.On this channel, I share tutorials, insights, critiques, and business tips for creative professionals — whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow.#letteringartist #handlettering #typedesign #creativebusiness #martinaflor #letteringtips #typography #designcareer #theletteringseminar

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4 weeks ago
1 hour 19 minutes 25 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
203. Stop Underselling Your Lettering Work!

👉 Download the free Pricing Calculator here: martinaflor.com/pricingcalculator💸 Ever charged too little for your work? I once sold a logo for $500… only to see it used in a global rebrand worth millions. That mistake completely changed how I price my lettering work.In this video, I’ll show you the mindset, strategies, and tools you need to stop underselling yourself and start charging based on the true value you create. From shifting away from hourly rates to mastering value-based pricing, I’ll walk you through real examples, market benchmarks, and my free Pricing Calculator so you can confidently set your rates.✨ Connect with me on social media🎨 Instagram ➤ / https://www.instagram.com/martinaflor/🎥 TikTok ➤ / https://www.tiktok.com/@martinaflorstudio📬 Join my newsletter ➤ https://www.martinaflor.com/letteringtips 🎁 Free Resources➤ Lettering Success Secrets Guide – My step-by-step guide to grow your lettering skills and creative business:👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/guide➤ Lettering Quiz – Find out how much you really know about lettering:👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/quiz➤ Portfolio Checklist – Learn what to include (and what to leave out) to attract better lettering clients:👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/portfolio-checklist📚 My Best-Selling Books➤ The Golden Secrets of Lettering – A must-have book for anyone who wants to learn to draw letters👉 https://amzn.to/4nctRmM➤ Make It – My latest book on turning your creative skills into a business👉 https://amzn.to/46U1aEl🎧 Listen to the Podcast✦ Martina Flor’s Open Studio – Real talk about lettering, creative business, and design🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7hhkmGa0KjtS4UGmDT9ybl🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/martina-flors-open-studio/id1568159369🎙️ YouTube: • Martina Flor's Open Studio Podcast ⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:48 - The Value of Your Work03:08 - How to Price Your Work05:10 - Market Benchmarks06:06 - Transitioning to Value-Based07:00 - Know Your Numbers (Download my Pricing Calculator)07:37 - Recap💼 Want to learn with me?➤ The Lettering Seminar – My signature program to master the craft and business of lettering👉 https://theletteringseminar.com/ ➤ The Big Leap – My 12-week mentorship program to help you grow your freelance business and get consistent clients👉 https://martinaflor.com/coach🧑‍🎨 About MeI'm Martina Flor — lettering artist, author, and educator. I help designers and illustrators master the art and business of lettering so they can build a creative career they love.On this channel, I share tutorials, insights, critiques, and business tips for creative professionals — whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow.#letteringartist #handlettering #typedesign #creativebusiness #martinaflor #letteringtips #typography #designcareer #theletteringseminar

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1 month ago
8 minutes 22 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
202. Tuesday Bassen: Moving Continents, Feminism, Ethical Fashion, and Creative Resilience

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Tuesday Bassen, a dynamic artist and entrepreneur, to explore her fascinating journey from Nebraska to Berlin.Tuesday opens up about the profound influence of her feminist grandmothers and how their legacy shaped her artistic vision. We delve into her transition from illustration to ethical fashion, discussing the challenges and triumphs of building her brand, Tuesday of California.Tuesday's passion for chainstitch embroidery led to unexpected opportunities and she navigated the complexities of maintaining authenticity in a commercial world. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a seasoned creative, Tuesday's story offers valuable insights and inspiration. Don't miss this candid conversation filled with personal anecdotes and practical advice!✨ Connect with me on social media🎨 Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/martinaflor🎥 TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@martinaflorstudio 📬 Join my newsletter ➤ martinaflor.com/letteringtips 🎁 Free Resources➤ Lettering Success Secrets Guide – My step-by-step guide to grow your lettering skills and creative business:👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/guide➤ Lettering Quiz – Find out how much you really know about lettering:👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/quiz➤ Portfolio Checklist – Learn what to include (and what to leave out) to attract better lettering clients:👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/portfolio-checklist📚 My Best-Selling Books➤ The Golden Secrets of Lettering – A must-have book for anyone who wants to learn to draw letters👉 https://amzn.to/4nctRmM➤ Make It – My latest book on turning your creative skills into a business👉 https://amzn.to/46U1aEl🎧 Listen to the Podcast✦ Martina Flor’s Open Studio – Real talk about lettering, creative business, and design🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7hhkmGa0KjtS4UGmDT9ybl🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/martina-flors-open-studio/id1568159369🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0kAYzBnTi5e_8muoeQQUfZlgdeScB4TKTimestamps:00:00 - Intro02:09 - How did things begin as an artist?03:45 - How did you develop your style?08:00 - What did you talk through with your art?12:00 - How did you find market for your work?19:20 - Building her brand24:10 - Frameworks29:48 - Presenting her work38:00 - Moving countries44:00 - What was hard about moving countries?48:55 - How do you stay creative?51:00 - Chainstitch embroidery machine01:04:00 - Advise from Tuesday💼 Want to learn with me?➤ The Lettering Seminar – My signature program to master the craft and business of lettering👉 https://theletteringseminar.com/ ➤ The Big Leap – My 12-week mentorship program to help you grow your freelance business and get consistent clients👉 https://martinaflor.com/coach🧑‍🎨 About MeI'm Martina Flor — lettering artist, author, and educator. I help designers and illustrators master the art and business of lettering so they can build a creative career they love.On this channel, I share tutorials, insights, critiques, and business tips for creative professionals — whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow.#letteringartist #handlettering #typedesign #creativebusiness #martinaflor #letteringtips #typography #designcareer #theletteringseminar

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1 month ago
1 hour 11 minutes 3 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
201. Should You Quit Your Job for Lettering?

Want more support? Download my free guide Lettering Success Secrets → martinaflor.com/guideHave you ever wondered if you should quit your job to pursue your dream of becoming a full-time lettering artist?In this video, I share my real story of leaving a 9–5 graphic design job to build a career in lettering — the struggles, the breakthroughs, and the lessons I wish someone had told me before I made the leap.✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:• The 3 signs you’re actually ready to quit your job• Common myths about going full-time (and the reality behind them)• What to do before handing in your resignation• The hidden truth no one tells you about the creative pathIf you’re dreaming of turning your passion for lettering into your profession, this video will give you clarity, confidence, and practical steps to prepare for the transition.✨ Connect with me on social media🎨 Instagram ➤ / martinaflor 🎥 TikTok ➤ / martinaflorstudio 📬 Join my newsletter ➤ martinaflor.com/letteringtips 🎁 Free Resources➤ Lettering Success Secrets Guide – My step-by-step guide to grow your lettering skills and creative business:👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/guide➤ Lettering Quiz – Find out how much you really know about lettering:👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/quiz➤ Portfolio Checklist – Learn what to include (and what to leave out) to attract better lettering clients:👉 https://martinaflor.com/portfoliochecklist📚 My Best-Selling Books➤ The Golden Secrets of Lettering – A must-have book for anyone who wants to learn to draw letters👉 https://amzn.to/4nctRmM➤ Make It – My latest book on turning your creative skills into a business👉 https://amzn.to/46U1aEl🎧 Listen to the Podcast✦ Martina Flor’s Open Studio – Real talk about lettering, creative business, and design🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7hhkmGa0KjtS4UGmDT9ybl🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/martina-flors-open-studio/id1568159369🎙️ YouTube: • Martina Flor's Open Studio Podcast ⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:48 - My story02:38 - What people think vs. reality03:54 - 3 signs that you are ready to make the leap05:38 - What to do before you quit06:40 - The hidden truth07:37 - Recap💼 Want to learn with me?➤ The Lettering Seminar – My signature program to master the craft and business of lettering👉 https://theletteringseminar.com/ ➤ The Big Leap – My 12-week mentorship program to help you grow your freelance business and get consistent clients👉 https://martinaflor.com/coach🧑‍🎨 About MeI'm Martina Flor — lettering artist, author, and educator. I help designers and illustrators master the art and business of lettering so they can build a creative career they love.On this channel, I share tutorials, insights, critiques, and business tips for creative professionals — whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow.#letteringartist #handlettering #typedesign #creativebusiness #martinaflor #letteringtips #typography #designcareer #theletteringseminar

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2 months ago
8 minutes 15 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
200. How to Get Your First Lettering Client WITHOUT Experience

📥 FREE GUIDE: Want 12 proven ways to make money with your lettering? Download my free guide here → martinaflor.com/guideWant to land your first lettering client—even if you have no experience?In this video, I’ll walk you step by step through how I got started, how YOU can build a portfolio without clients, how to reach out to potential projects, and even what to charge for your very first paid work.💡 Remember: Every successful lettering artist started with ONE first client. This video will show you how to find yours.✦ Subscribe for weekly videos on lettering, creative business & mindset: YouTube.com/@MartinaFlorAcademy👇 COMMENT BELOW:What’s one step you’ll take this week to get closer to your first client?#lettering #freelanceartist #creativebusiness

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2 months ago
11 minutes 19 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
199. Hayley Francis (aka Type Affiliated): Freelancing, resilience, community and lettering.

🧭 Download the FREE Lettering Success Secrets Guide This guide is packed with the strategies I teach my students — and it's yours for free. 👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/guide


Hayley Francis, the creative force behind Type Affiliated, shared her inspiring journey from a young artist to a successful lettering professional. In our conversation, Hayley opened up about her personal challenges, including her battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and how these experiences have shaped her outlook on life and art. We touched on the importance of passion projects, personal branding, and building a supportive community.Hayley shared her approach to balancing multiple income streams, her love for teaching, and her dedication to living a life filled with creativity and purpose.

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2 months ago
1 hour 29 minutes 31 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
198. 3 Lettering Mistakes You’re Probably Making (and How to Fix Them)

If your lettering just doesn’t look right and you can’t figure out why, you might be making one of these 3 common mistakes. In this episode, I’ll show you exactly what they are — and how to fix them so your work looks polished, professional, and intentional.Fix these, and your lettering will instantly improve — no extra tools or years of practice needed.📥 FREE GUIDE → Lettering Success SecretsGet my free guide packed with tips, tricks, and answers to the most common lettering questions:👉 https://martinaflor.com/guide💬 Which of these mistakes have you made? Drop a comment and let me know!———Follow Me for More Lettering TipsInstagram: https://instagram.com/martinaflor#lettering #handlettering #typography

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3 months ago
5 minutes

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
197. How to Build a Lettering Portfolio That Attracts Clients

Grab my free guide “Lettering Success Secrets” to help you build your dream creative career 👉 martinaflor.com/guide

Your portfolio isn’t just a gallery of pretty images — it’s your #1 tool to attract the clients you want to work with. In this video, I’ll guide you through how to build a powerful lettering portfolio that showcases your best work, tells your story, and gets you hired. We’ll cover curation, presentation, storytelling, and how to make your portfolio a true client magnet.


Grab my free guide “Lettering Success Secrets” to help you build your dream creative career 👉 martinaflor.com/guide

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3 months ago
6 minutes 10 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
196. 5 Signs You’re Ready to Go Pro with Your Lettering – Martina Flor

📥 Don’t forget to grab your FREE lettering career guide: martinaflor.com/guideAre you dreaming of turning your lettering passion into a creative career? In this video, I’ll walk you through 5 clear signs that you’re ready to take the leap from hobbyist to professional lettering artist.Whether you’re obsessing over type, building a body of work, or getting those “Can I hire you?” messages—this might just be your sign.👉 Plus, I’ll share practical next steps you can take right now to start behaving like a pro (even before you feel 100% ready).📥 Don’t forget to grab your FREE lettering career guide: martinaflor.com/guide#lettering #handlettering #creativecareer #martinaflor #goingpro #letteringtips #freelanceartist #graphicdesign #calligraphy #artcareer

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3 months ago
4 minutes 23 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
195. Lauren Hom: Passion Projects, Personal Branding and going from Lettering to Culinary Arts.

Lauren Hom, a renowned lettering artist, designer, and muralist joined us for our latest Open Studio episode.Lauren shared her journey from lettering to culinary arts and explained how passion projects can shape a creative career. Lauren blends her interests into her work, the importance of personal branding, and practical tips for aspiring muralists. Whether you're an artist or simply curious about the creative process, this conversation is packed with valuable advice and inspiration.👉🏼 See the full show notes at martinaflor.com/podcast👉🏼 More info about my signature lettering program: theletteringseminar.com👉🏼 Follow me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinaflor/


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3 months ago
1 hour 16 minutes 19 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
194. Lettering vs Calligraphy vs Type Design – What’s the Difference?

📥 Grab my free guide Lettering Success Secrets: https://martinaflor.com/guidePeople often confuse lettering, calligraphy, and type design—and honestly, I get why. I used to use the terms interchangeably too. In this video, I break down the real differences between the three, why it matters, and how to figure out which one fits your creative style best.I’ll also share a bit about how these disciplines overlap—and why you don’t have to choose just one.Let me know in the comments which one you’re most drawn to!📥 Download Lettering Success Secrets here: https://martinaflor.com/guide#lettering #calligraphy #typedesign #martinaflor #typography

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4 months ago
5 minutes 6 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
193. How to Start a Career in Lettering Design - Martina Flor

🧭 Download the FREE Lettering Success Secrets GuideThis guide is packed with the strategies I teach my students — and it's yours for free.👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/guideHave you ever thought: "I’d love to make a living with lettering, but I don’t have any clients..."?Good news: you don’t need clients to get started.In this video, I share the exact steps to kickstart your lettering design career — even if you're starting from zero. Whether you're a graphic designer, illustrator, or creative hobbyist, this roadmap will show you how to build a strong body of work, attract opportunities, and grow your confidence — all before landing your first client.✨ Here’s what you’ll learn:✅ Why you don’t need clients to start✅ The 6 Stages of a Lettering Artist (Lettering Roadmap)✅ How to build a portfolio from scratch✅ My personal story & how I got started✅ How to set your professional foundation✅ Final thoughts + free guide!🧭 Download the FREE Lettering Success Secrets GuideThis guide is packed with the strategies I teach my students — and it's yours for free.👉 https://www.martinaflor.com/guideUse my free Lettering Maker tool:https://letteringmaker.com💬 Let me know in the comments: What stage of the lettering roadmap are YOU in?🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with a fellow creative!#LetteringArtist #CreativeCareer #DesignTips #MartinaFlor #LetteringDesign #StartYourCareer

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4 months ago
6 minutes 47 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
192. 5 Portfolio Mistakes That Are Costing You Clients (And How to Fix Them) - Martina Flor

🎁 Want to build a client-ready portfolio that works for you?Download my free Lettering Success Secrets Guide, packed with practical tips to elevate your creative brand and grow your business:👉 https://martinaflor.com/guide🎙️ Episode 192 – 5 Portfolio Mistakes That Might Be Costing You ClientsIn this episode of Open Studio, I (Martina Flor) break down 5 common portfolio mistakes that might be stopping potential clients from reaching out—and more importantly, how to fix them.As a lettering artist, designer, or illustrator, your portfolio is your most powerful tool to attract new work. But if it’s designed to impress other creatives instead of speaking directly to clients, it may be doing more harm than good.✨ In this episode, I talk about:• Why designing your portfolio for other creatives is a big mistake• The one thing you should always include to build trust• How to balance showing your process without overwhelming your viewer• Why missing contact info is costing you real opportunities• How to keep potential clients in your orbit (even if they’re not ready yet)Whether you’re building your first portfolio or updating the one you’ve had for years, these tips will help you turn it into a true client magnet.To access the full show notes for this episode, click here:👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast#MartinaFlor #OpenStudioPodcast #CreativeBusinessTips #PortfolioMistakes #LetteringSuccess #DesignCareer #LetteringArtist #IllustrationBusiness #CreativeGrowth

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4 months ago
6 minutes 4 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
191. 3 Things I’d Do Differently If I Started My Career Today - Martina Flor

🎙️ Episode 191 – 3 Things I’d Do Differently If I Started My Career Today

In this episode of Open Studio, I (Martina Flor) look back on over a decade as a lettering artist and creative business owner to share the three key things I would do differently if I had to start my career all over again.


Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow your creative practice, these lessons will help you avoid common mistakes and build a more sustainable, joyful, and profitable path.


✨ In this episode, I talk about:


Why I’d build my email list from day one


The power of pitching yourself and doing client outreach consistently


How investing in mentorship and coaching transformed my business


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

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5 months ago
15 minutes 7 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
190. How Becca Built a Calligraphy Empire: YouTube Growth, Monetizing Content, and Business Tips

🔗 Click here to join Workshop Week for FREE – the creative event that brings thousands of artists from around the world together!

👉 https://beccacourtice.samcart.com/referral/martinaflor/zLx1kNRjKkpMMcVT

✨ Welcome back to Open Studio with Martina Flor!

In today’s episode, I sit down with the incredible Becca Courtice—modern calligrapher, educator, and founder of Workshop Week—to dive deep into the power of community and how it can transform your creative journey.


If you’ve ever felt isolated as a solo artist or struggled to find your people in the creative world, this episode is for you.


🎙️ We cover:

🧩 How Becca went from learning calligraphy to teaching thousands

🚀 The behind-the-scenes of creating Workshop Week (and the chaos that came with it!)

🎯 Building intentional creative communities

💬 The real-talk about growing a personal brand online

💡 And why community is greater than competition—every time.


This conversation is packed with laughs, wisdom, and actionable advice for any lettering artist, illustrator, or creative building a business around their craft.


🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

→ Workshop Week: https://www.workshopweek.co

→ Follow Becca:

Instagram: @thehappyevercrafter

Workshop Week IG: @theworkshopweek

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5 months ago
57 minutes 32 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
189. Is Social Media Still Worth It for Artists? - Martina Flor

In this episode of Open Studio, Martina Flor dives into one of the most common questions creative professionals face in 2025: Is social media still worth the effort?


📉 Tired of pouring hours into content that doesn’t perform?

🎯 Unsure how to grow an audience or reach clients online?

💡 Feeling like the algorithm is working against you?


Martina shares her unfiltered thoughts and practical strategies for artists, illustrators, and designers to build a healthy and effective relationship with social media—without burning out.


In this episode, you’ll learn:


✅ The mindset shift that changed how Martina uses social platforms


✅ Why visibility matters more than virality


✅ How to stop letting the algorithm control your creativity


✅ The key difference between owning your audience and renting it


Whether you're building your creative brand or trying to grow your freelance business, this episode is your reminder that you can use social media on your terms—and still grow.

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5 months ago
22 minutes 36 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
188. Why You’re Not Getting Noticed (and How to Fix It) - Martina Flor

🎙 Welcome to another episode of Open Studio with Martina Flor!


Ever feel like your work is being ignored, no matter how much effort you put in?


In today’s episode, Why You’re Not Getting Noticed (and How to Fix It), I uncover the real reasons why many talented creatives are struggling to get seen—and the exact steps you can take to change that. Whether you're a lettering artist, illustrator, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you build visibility without selling out or burning out.


🧠 You’ll learn:


- The #1 mindset trap that holds artists back


- How to build visibility even if you’re just starting


- The key difference between posting and showing up strategically


- Why being “discovered” is not a strategy—and what to do instead


- What to do when the algorithm isn’t your friend


Whether you’re trying to get your first client or make your next big leap, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to wait for permission to be seen—you just need the right approach.

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6 months ago
16 minutes 8 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
187. James Hughes: How to Build a Creative Career Without Burning Out - Martina Flor

In this episode of the Open Studio Podcast, Martina Flor sits down with James Hughes, the illustrator, educator, and founder of The Illustrator’s Guide, to talk about the real, behind-the-scenes journey of building a sustainable creative career.


James shares how he turned his freelance illustration practice into an educational platform that helps artists learn the skills traditional schools often skip—like pricing, outreach, and real-world business strategy. You’ll hear why newsletters have become one of his most valuable tools, how teaching helped him reconnect with his own creative goals, and the importance of creating your own path in a competitive industry.


Follow James!

⁨@TheIllustratorsGuide⁩

https://www.instagram.com/theillustratorsguide/


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

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6 months ago
59 minutes 2 seconds

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
In this show, Martina Flor reveals all of her lettering and art business strategies to help you build a career as a commercial artist. You’ll learn about mastering a skill, finding your voice as an artist, going from amateur to pro, how the illustration market works, marketing yourself, social media, client outreach, and productivity tips so that you can thrive with your art and make a living doing what you love. It’s a mix of interviews with notable lettering artists and illustrators, special co-hosts, and solo shows from Martina that you’re not going to want to miss.