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Martina Flor’s Open Studio

Martina Flor’s Open Studio
Author: Martina Flor
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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.
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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Welcome to Martina Flor's Open Studio!
In this insightful episode of Martina Flor's Open Studio, Martina Flor discusses why now is the best time for creatives to monetize their art. She shares her personal journey from Argentina to Berlin, overcoming numerous obstacles, and ultimately building a successful lettering design business. Martina emphasizes the unprecedented opportunities available today for artists to create income from their passion.
To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: https://martinaflor.com/podcast
Welcome back to Open Studio!
I'm Martina Flor @martinaflor, and in todays episode i bring you "How to Make Money with Lettering Design".
Are you ready to build a career in lettering? Join me as we delve into the secrets of success in lettering design. In this episode, we'll discuss how The Lettering Seminar can help you hone your skills and pave the way for a rewarding career in the creative industry.
Hurry, as registrations for The Lettering Seminar close Today! Secure your spot now at https://www.theletteringseminar.com
Also don't miss this incredible opportunity to take part in our once-in-a-year workshop series designed to help you learn a new expertise like lettering and create income or a career with your skills. One that allows you to do work you're passionate about every single day.
You can register at https://www.martinaflor.com/masterclass
To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: https://martinaflor.com/podcast
Today I’m celebrating the episode number 100 🤩 of this podcast by having a conversation with Jessica Hische.
Jessica is a lettering artist and New York Times Best-selling author based in Oakland, California. She specializes in typographical work for logos, film, books, and other commercial applications. Her clients include Wes Anderson, The United States Postal Service, Target, Hallmark, and Penguin Books and her work has been featured again and again in design and illustration annuals both in the US and internationally. She’s been named a Print Magazine New Visual Artist (20 under 30), one of Forbes 30 under 30 in Art and Design, an ADC Young Gun, a “Person to Watch” by GD USA, and an Adweek “Creative 100”.
You’ll love this episode, I know that already. Because Jessica is not only an great artists and designer that has accomplished a lot in her career, but also she’s great at sharing what she has learned along the way.
This conversation is filled with golden nuggets of inspiration, information and insiders tips on finding your style, getting client assignments, and using the things you're passionate about to inform your next steps.
We also touched on parenthood, work-life balance and how to build a fulfilling career.
I really hope you Enjoy this conversation with Jessica Hische.
👉🏼 Sign up for my in-person Summer Lettering Seminar: https://www.martinaflor.com/summerletteringseminar
👉🏼 See the rest of the show notes at https://www.martinaflor.com/podcast
🎙️ Episode 191 – 3 Things I’d Do Differently If I Started My Career TodayIn 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 oneThe power of pitching yourself and doing client outreach consistentlyHow investing in mentorship and coaching transformed my businessTo access the full show notes for this episode, click here: https://martinaflor.com/podcast
🔗 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: @thehappyevercrafterWorkshop Week IG: @theworkshopweek
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 itWhether 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.
🎙 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 friendWhether 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.
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
🎧 This is Part 2 of my conversation with The Angry Designer Podcast! If you missed Part 1, check out Episode 185 first.In this episode, we dive into the power of personal projects, how they can unlock unexpected opportunities, and why creating work just for yourself might be the smartest investment in your creative career. I also talk about mentorship, leading a creative team, and how to build a sustainable career doing what you love—even with all the chaos of everyday life.To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: https://martinaflor.com/podcast
This week, you're in for something different: I’m sharing Part 1 of a powerful conversation I had on The Angry Designer Podcast. We dive into the misconceptions about typography, the truth about lettering, and how I carved my own path in a crowded creative industry.If you’ve ever felt stuck in the sea of sameness as a designer—or wondered how to turn your passion for letters into a thriving career—this episode is for you.🎧 In this episode:The difference between type, font, and lettering (and why it matters)My leap from generalist to global lettering artistWhy “waiting to be discovered” is a lieHow designers can stand out by going deep, not wideAnd one mindset shift that changed everything for me💬 QUOTE TO REMEMBER:"You don’t need to be discovered—you need to decide."
In today’s episode of the Open Studio Podcast, host Martina Flor shares everything you need to know about The Lettering Seminar — her signature, once-a-year program that helps creatives turn their passion for lettering into a thriving career. If you've ever dreamed of becoming a lettering artist, this episode might just be your sign.🌟 Ready to Join?Enrollment is open now until Tuesday, April 15.🔗 Sign up at TheLetteringSeminar.com💬 Want to hear student stories?👉 Visit the testimonial page at TheLetteringSeminar.com📲 Connect with Martina:Website: martinaflor.comInstagram: @martinaflor🎧 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review if this episode inspired you!
Hey everyone, it’s Martina Flor, and in this episode of Open Studio, I’m joined by the incredibly talented Alanna Flowers. She’s a lettering artist, designer, and founder of AGF Design Studio, with work featured by The Los Angeles Times, Adobe, and American Greetings. She’s also the illustrator of Love Letters: An Alphabet of Affirmations.Alanna and I talk about how she built her career in lettering, from her first freelance gig to landing major projects. She shares how being proactive—whether through outreach, social media, or personal projects—helped her turn her passion into a thriving business.🎨 We discuss:✔️ How she got into lettering and found her unique style✔️ The key moments that helped her establish her career✔️ How she balances client work, teaching, and personal projects✔️ The business side of freelance and what artists often overlook✔️ A behind-the-scenes look at one of her favorite pieces📌 Resources & Mentionshttps://www.instagram.com/alanna_flowers/ Newsletter: https://agfdesignstudio.kit.com/YouTube: @AGFDesignStudio Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alannaflowers.bsky.socialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alanna_flowers📚 Learn from Alanna:✍️ Enroll in her Domestika course: https://www.domestika.org/en/courses/4289-expressive-lettering-of-inspirational-quotes-in-adobe-fresco/alannaflowers 📖 Buy her book: https://littlebeebooks.com/books/love-letters-an-alphabet-of-affirmations-a-little-bee-books-board-book-for-all-ages/
Ever wondered what a career in lettering design actually looks like? 🎨 In this episode, Martina Flor pulls back the curtain on the daily life of a lettering artist, how to get paid for your work, and why this career is more realistic than you think. If you’ve ever asked yourself:✅ How do lettering artists make money?✅ What do they do every day?✅ Can I actually make a living with this skill?Then this episode is for you! 🚀What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🎨 What lettering designers actually do & how they make money💡 Why lettering is a specialized (and high-demand) skill🚀 How to position yourself as an expert & attract dream clients🔥 The different career paths in lettering (freelance, in-house, licensing & more!)Join the FREE Lettering Roadmap Workshop!📅 Starting March 31st!🎨 Learn the step-by-step path to a successful lettering career🎁 Win an Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription!👉 Register now: martinaflor.com/masterclass
Every successful creative career follows a predictable path—but most artists don’t realize it! In this episode, Martina Flor breaks down the Lettering Roadmap, a step-by-step guide to growing from a beginner to a pro in the world of lettering, illustration, and design. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your journey, this episode will show you exactly where you are and what’s next!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✨ The 6 stages of a successful creative career🚀 How to identify your current stage & what’s holding you back💡 Why talent alone isn’t enough (and what else you need)🎨 How to turn your passion into a full-time careerJoin the Free Lettering Roadmap Workshop!📅 Happening March 31st!🔥 Learn the exact steps to go from beginner to pro in lettering & design🎁 Win an Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription!👉 Register now: martinaflor.com/masterclass
Want to earn more from your creative skills? In this episode, Martina Flor shares five proven strategies to generate extra income as a lettering artist—without sacrificing your passion. Whether you're saving for a new tool, growing your business, or just looking for a financial boost, these methods will help you monetize your art today!💰 5 practical income-boosting strategies for lettering artists🎨 How to sell digital products & custom artwork📢 The best way to teach online & build authority in your field🚀 How to sell merch & create passive income🔥 Why tapping into local gigs can generate quick cash✨ The Lettering Design Roadmap Workshop is now open for FREE registration! ✨📅 Join Martina’s exclusive masterclass starting March 31st. Learn how to master lettering, explore income opportunities, and build a creative career.👉 Register now: https://www.martinaflor.com/masterclassWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode:Special Announcement!
In this episode of Open Studio, Martina Flor explores a crucial but often overlooked aspect of a successful creative career—your mindset. She shares her personal journey and five powerful mindset shifts that can help you overcome self-doubt, unlock your potential, and build a thriving creative business.✨ Growth Over Perfection – Focus on progress, not perfection. Every mistake is a stepping stone to improvement.🎯 Seek Guidance – Finding mentors and a supportive network can accelerate your creative growth.🖌 Create, Don’t Just Practice – Treat every piece of work as a real project with goals and deadlines.💰 You Can Get Paid for Your Creative Work – Stop undervaluing your skills; your creativity has real business value.🤝 Choose Community Over Isolation – Surround yourself with like-minded creatives to stay inspired and accountable.📥 Download the free guide: Mindset Mastery for Graphic Artists → martinaflor.com/mindset🎧 Listen to Episode 169 on pricing your creative work.
Welcome to another inspiring episode of Martina Flor’s Open Studio! 🎙️Can you really turn your creative passion into a thriving career? The answer is YES! In honor of International Women's Day, Martina shares the real-life journeys of three creative women—Michaela, Francesca, and Rebecca—who transformed their lettering skills into successful businesses. Whether you're looking to go all-in, start a side hustle, or elevate your current design career, their stories will spark ideas and motivation.💡 Want to learn how to build a career in lettering? Download Martina’s free guide, Lettering Success Secrets, at martinaflor.com/guide.👉 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with someone who needs that extra push to start monetizing their skills!
Want to turn your passion for lettering into a thriving career? In this episode, I’m sharing 7 powerful lessons that changed everything for me—lessons I wish I had known when I started. If you’re an artist, designer, or creative professional looking for clarity, confidence, and direction, this is for you!📥 Grab your FREE guide: "Lettering Success Secrets" → martinaflor.com/guideThis guide dives deeper into the most common questions about lettering and building a creative career. Don't miss it!🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why prioritizing your creative goals FIRST will change everything✅ The importance of learning the basics before "letting creativity flow"✅ How to start making money with your art—without a massive client list✅ Why you don’t need to be a natural-born artist to succeed✅ The power of feedback & why you can’t grow in isolation✅ How to build confidence and stay motivated in your journey🌟 Whether you're starting out or feeling stuck, this episode will inspire you to take action!🔔 Subscribe for More!🎙️ Love this episode? Leave a comment & share it with a fellow creative! 💛
How to Turn Your Passion for Lettering into a Business – with Jimbo Bernaus from @shoutbam 🎨🎙️Episode 171 – In today’s episode, I sit down with Jimbo Bernaus, lettering artist and co-founder of Shoutbam Creative Studio, to talk about his journey from university student to running a successful creative business.If you’ve ever wondered how to monetize your lettering skills, build confidence as a freelancer, and create multiple income streams, this episode is for you!🔗 Follow Jimbo Bernaus: @shoutbam 🔗 Check out Shoutbam Creative Studio: www.shoutbam.comThe Lettering Seminar is only offered once a year. Join the waiting list🔗 https://theletteringseminar.com/
💡 Feeling stuck in a job that drains your creativity? I’ve been there. In this episode, I’m sharing two simple but powerful shifts that helped me turn my passion for lettering into a thriving career—and how you can do the same.🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✅ The #1 daily habit that helped me build momentum in my creative work✅ Why finishing what you start is the key to unlocking new opportunities✅ How these two small mindset shifts can set you on the path to a full-time creative career✅ A simple strategy to prioritize your craft without sacrificing the rest of your life📖 FREE RESOURCE:📔 Diary for Aspiring Lettering Artists → Download it for free!👉 martinaflor.com/diary