Frida Kahlo is one of the most recognizable names in the art world, right? But it made me realize something big:
Being great at what you do doesn’t automatically make you well known.
And if people don’t know about your work, how can they ever connect with it?
This hit home for me as someone who runs a creative small business. As a luxury calligrapher, I spend hours crafting signage, engraving gifts, and designing thoughtful, intentional pieces for weddings and brand activations. And while I pour my heart into every detail, I also know that the marketing—the showing up, the posting, the sharing—is just as important.
If you’re trying to grow your brand or make a name for yourself as a creative entrepreneur, here are a few things I’m learning:
Don’t assume people know you.
Even if your work is amazing, you have to tell people who you are and show them what you do. Repeatedly. Consistently. SEO, social media, email marketing—it all matters in helping you get discovered.
Make people feel something.
When I think about why clients come back or refer me, it’s not just because they loved the signage. It’s because they felt seen, heard, and cared for. They trusted me with their vision, and I delivered something that felt so them. That emotional connection is what makes a brand unforgettable.
Be searchable.
Think about what people are typing into Google when they’re looking for what you offer. “Live wedding calligrapher on Long Island,” “custom engraved gifts,” “day-of wedding signage” — these are the phrases I’m building my content around, so the right people can actually find me.
Tell your story.
Your personal experiences—yes, even your kid’s art class—can be a powerful way to relate to others and show the human behind your brand. People want to buy from people, not just polished portfolios.
At the end of the day, creating a name for yourself means showing up with consistency, heart, and strategy.
Your work deserves to be seen. Let’s make sure it is.
