Five highlights of 2019
It’s been another busy year for Creative Calligraphy and I’m looking forward to some down time with the family over the Christmas period before getting ready for 2020.
It’s always nice to look back at this time of year, take stock, see what’s worked and what hasn’t and figure out what changes need to be made in the coming months.
I’m one to look on the positive side though, so here’s five things I think are worth shouting about from 2019 – aside from it being the year in which I celebrated five years in business!
Another year of growth
I paid tax for the first time this year!
It’s a strange thing to celebrate, and no one likes talking about money, but it means I made enough in the last financial year to take me above the threshold for the first time.
My other freelance work contributed to this, but my earnings from Creative Calligraphy in 2018/19 were up by a third when compared with 2017/18.
It’s the fourth year of growth for my business. Is it sad that I’m already looking forward to working out the figures for my next tax return?
More workshops and new venues
I’ve taught calligraphy to around 400 people this year.
This includes my weekly classes, workshops and private sessions.
My regular venues continue to prove popular and I’ve added new venues this year, including The Spa Hotel Saltburn, Linnels Farm in Hexham and the Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead.
As a result, I now have workshops booked in my diary until October 2020.
Writing for Dukes and Dames
I was called upon to write guest names on invitations and a guest book inscription for a royal visit to Tomlinson Hall in September.
HRH The Duke of Gloucester visited the company’s Billingham headquarters as part of its centenary celebrations.
I’ve also worked for Barbour in South Shields, writing place cards for two events – the launch of their 125th anniversary film and the Drapers Awards 2019.
Talks and demonstrations
I’ve been asked to give talks and demonstrations to a number of groups this year and I have some more in the diary for next year.
It’s always nice to meet new people and share my skills – and I usually learn a thing or two from them too!
Restoring a family heirloom
Every single commission that passes my desk is a privilege to do, but this was my favourite job of the year.
A Victorian family bible that had fallen into disrepair was being rescued by a couple who were giving it some much needed TLC.
I got to see the original, as well as write on facsimiles of the original pages, which were being replaced and rebound, eradicating the ballpoint additions made to the 19th century copperplate over the years!