Networking Tips to Find Calligraphy Clients in 2025

Networking might not be your favorite part of running a calligraphy business, but if you want more dream clients who appreciate your value -  it’s time to embrace it. And before you run for the hills, I get it. Not everyone loves networking. But I started my career at a consulting firm that frankly, didn’t give me a choice - and it quickly showed me that your network is how you can proactively put yourself in front of the opportunities you’re seeking.

Because of that, networking was something I prioritized when I first started my calligraphy business. The truth is, networking isn’t about selling yourself at all. It’s about forming genuine relationships that naturally lead to opportunities. When you shift your idea of networking from "selling" to "building relationships," networking gets way more enjoyable.

Let’s talk about why networking is one of the most powerful ways to grow your calligraphy business. (And how to be great at it!)

How to Get More Calligraphy Clients in 2025 (Even Without a Huge Following)

I’m going to make a big assumption that if you’re reading this, you’re already marketing your calligraphy business on social media. Did I guess right? That’s one of the first marketing steps we all take, and it’s a great way to get your name out there at no cost. But unlike social media, networking taps into trust-based referrals that convert at a higher rate. It’s kind of like word-of-mouth marketing. When a friend recommends your calligraphy to someone, their endorsement carries weight, making potential clients more likely to book.

Networking works the same way. When you build relationships with other professionals, you naturally grow that trust factor. So when they refer you to a client or another business contact, their recommendation holds just as much credibility as a personal referral.

Shaochen at a wedding professionals networking event (left) and collaborating with a florist friend to put together a unique table for a wedding fair. Photos by Caroline Robert Photography (left) and Diana Coulter (right).

Marketing for Calligraphers: Is Networking, Social Media, or Paid Ads the Better Strategy in 2025?

I get it. We all only have 24 hours in a day, and you have to spend your time marketing your calligraphy business wisely. Social media is great, don’t get me wrong! This isn’t a "social media is dead" conversation. But unlike Instagram posts that get buried in the feed or ads that require constant spending, networking builds trust that keeps working for you. The stronger the relationships you build with industry friends, the greater the long-term benefits as they continue to send you referrals year after year.

When vendors and clients hear your name from a trusted source, they’re far more likely to reach out — and convert into paying customers. Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards or following someone on Instagram. It’s about building relationships that create opportunities for long-term success.

When you build meaningful connections, you create a referral network — a web of people who vouch for your work, introduce you to new clients, and keep your business growing. Compared to paid advertising and social media, networking builds deeper, long-term connections that bring in high-quality clients consistently. This is why investing in genuine relationships can be a total game-changer for your calligraphy business.

Real ROI: How I Get Clients For My Calligraphy Business

You’re probably asking yourself “Ok, maybe networking works, but how well does it work?” I was curious about this myself, so one year I took a deep dive into my own data to find out. What I found was surprising - in the best way! Vendor referrals were my biggest lead source. They converted at double the rate of my next biggest lead source. Vendor referrals outperform Instagram, Google, and directories like The Knot.

It’s no surprise that vendor referrals convert so well - most of those vendors are people I’ve built relationships with over the years, and it all started with networking. Now, imagine how different your business could look if you had a network consistently sending dream clients your way, even if you’re not actively marketing!

If you want to start getting referrals like this, take the first step and watch my free masterclass, 3 Steps to Booking Your Dream Wedding Clients, where I walk you through exactly what I did to build a six-figure calligraphy business. Sign up below to watch!

Who Should You Be Connecting With?

Start with the network you have! Friends, family, and even past coworkers can be your first supporters and may know people who need calligraphy services. But to consistently book clients, you need to expand beyond your personal circle and start building a professional network.

The key is connecting with people who benefit from your services or who can refer clients to you. Wedding vendors, especially wedding planners, regularly work with couples who need calligraphy. Other calligraphers who book up fast might send overflow work your way. And if you’re interested in corporate projects, networking with marketing professionals and agencies can open doors to brand collaborations and live event opportunities.

3 Quick Networking Tips for Calligraphers

Networking Tip 1 - Carry business cards

You’d be surprised how many people still ask for business cards. You’ll be asked a lot at networking events, and while most of them just end up in the bottom of someone’s bag. Think about it, we talk to so many people at each networking event, you want something for them to remember you by and follow up with. Otherwise, they'll be like, "I met a calligrapher, who was that?" Bring a couple in your purse, just in case. And, don’t forget to ask for others’ business cards too!

Networking Tip 2 - It’s about relationships

So, focus on having conversations. My focus at networking events isn’t just passing out paper — it’s actually building a connection and finding people that I enjoy. I’ve met some of my best industry friends and referrers at networking events. A genuine conversation is way more valuable (and memorable) than a stack of business cards sitting in someone’s bag.

Networking Tip 3 - Follow up!

Timing matters in networking. If you meet someone at an event, follow up with an email within the next 2 days - the sooner the better. Waiting too long afterward means they’re more likely to forget you. Make sure to personalize it by mentioning something you discussed at the event and how you can help them.

Want to know who the RIGHT people are to connect with to build your business? Watch my free masterclass, 3 Steps to Booking Your Dream Wedding Clients, to find out! Click to watch now!

When to Reach Out for Maximum Impact

Beyond making sure you follow up, it’s also important to think when to when to start networking and following up with different people. Every industry has a good time to connect and a busy season. For instance, wedding planners are busiest during wedding season, so they have less time to build a connection to you and they’re not thinking about future weddings you could help with. It’s ok to start a casual friendship to build the foundation ahead of time, but I think I can safely speak for all wedding pros when I say - we’re hanging in for our lives during wedding season! Don’t be discouraged if we take a while to respond or we’re not up for talking shop. I’ve found the best time to connect with planners and other wedding pros is in the fall and winter when they’re booking vendors for the next wedding season. If your goal is to network with more brand clients, reach out 1-2 months before major holidays when they’re planning events and have received their budgets.

Shaochen with friend from her calligrapher network, teaming up to work a corporate job together. Photo by Kalen Jesse.

How to Build a Referral Network That Sends You Dream Clients

Ok, so you made a connection and you’re Instagram friends. Good job!…Now what? Well, making a connection is just the first step — staying visible is what turns networking into consistent referrals. So, start talking. Remember, you’re treating them as new favorite vendor collaborators and friends, so treat them like any other friend! Invite them to grab coffee. Say hi in their DMs. You’d be surprised how many others only talk to them for business and forget to connect with them on a human level too.

And that’s the big secret!

Networking is About Connecting, Not Selling

At its core, networking is about educating people on what you do and how it can benefit them. Many wedding planners, brand marketers, and corporate teams don’t even realize how valuable calligraphy can be or what services you provide until you show them. Every conversation you have plants a seed that could turn into a future opportunity.

If you want to know how networking helped me build a six-figure calligraphy business, sign up for my free calligrapher masterclass, 3 Steps to Booking Your Dream Wedding Clients. I’ll help you avoid the top mistakes I see when starting a calligraphy business, and share my simple, proven framework to book higher-paying clients. Save your seat below!