33. Lessons We Wish We Knew About Managing Clients as Creative Business Owners
- Author
- Alane Gianetti, Shaochen Wu
- Published
- Tue 12 Aug 2025
- Episode Link
- None
Navigating client relationships is one of the most important — and often most challenging — parts of running a creative business. Whether you’re a calligrapher, stationer, live event artist, or another service-based creative, you’ve likely faced situations that tested your boundaries, communication skills, or patience.
In this episode of Calligraphy Biz Corner, we share how we set boundaries, manage expectations, and handle tricky client situations while still delivering a premium experience. We’ll cover:
- Using contracts to protect both sides
- Defining your scope to stop scope creep
- Setting communication boundaries clients respect
- Handling challenges with professionalism
- Spotting red flags early
- Knowing when to walk away
- Managing unhappy clients with integrity
You’ll hear stories from our own businesses and the lessons they taught us about safeguarding time, energy, and creative vision.
If you’ve ever felt drained by a project, second-guessed your boundaries, or wondered how to respond when a client pushes back, this episode will give you the strategies and mindset shifts to manage client relationships with confidence.
🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:
- Listen to Episode 18 about contracts with Paige Hulse & get 10% off your Creative Law Shop purchase with code BIZCORNER
- Read Shaochen's blog on live event pricing
- Try Calendly for call scheduling!
- Give Open Phone a try for free!
- Enroll in Shaochen's best-selling business course for calligraphers, Pro Wedding Calligrapher
- Sign up for Shaochen's signage course, Seating Chart Success
- Gain confidence in your pricing with the Creative's Pricing Toolkit
- Apply for the Fall Cohort of Flourish in Biz
Text us a question to answer on a future episode!
Don’t miss Alane's FREE private podcast, Booked, Balanced & In Demand—bite-sized, binge-worthy lessons to book dream clients, raise prices, and feel balanced. Get access here!
👩💻 Learn From Us:
- Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business - Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass
- Book More (and better!) Clients with Ease - Join Alane's Group Coaching Program Waitlist
- Download our free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business
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