Calligraphy worksheets are one way to make money as a calligraphy teacher, but many don't know how to go about making them. In fact, this was a task that made me anxious before teaching my own calligraphy workshops as I didn't know where to begin.
Is there a difference between calligraphy workbooks and calligraphy worksheets?
A calligraphy workbook is a grouping of calligraphy worksheets whereas calligraphy worksheets refers to pages. I will be using these terms interchangeable throughout this post as they have very similar meanings and the calligraphy community often use them interchangebly.
Steps to creating your own calligraphy worksheets
Decide on the calligraphy workbook theme
Sketch out the calligraphy workbook contents
Choose a calligraphy worksheet creation method
Create the calligraphy worksheets
Get feedback and adjust
Decide on the workbook theme - step one
Understanding the overarching theme of your calligraphy workbook can make creating your workbook quicker.
There are several themes that you can choose for your calligraphy workbook which could be based on the learner level, calligraphy style, word themes, etc.
Sketch out the calligraphy workbook contents - step two
Whenever I start creating a calligraphy workbook the first thing I do is write down the names of the pages to reflect what I expect the contents of that page to be. I might also make extra notes about core content I expect to be on that page.
This step helps the workbook process to feel more achievable as once the main layout is decided you can take each page step by step.
Choose a calligraphy worksheets creation method
There are a few ways to create your own calligraphy worksheets.
Method 1 - Use an iPad
For this creation method you need the following:
An iPad that is compatible with Apple Pencil
An Apple Pencil that's compatible with the iPad model bought
Procreate (a paid app on iPad)
I would also recommend downloading a custom calligraphy brush. I like Rad & Happy's brushes which have a free version, and a more up-to-date pack.
I won't break down how to use Procreate (though one of my early YouTube videos covers some of the basics), but I will say that there is a learning curve when using the app as you need to get familiar with features of the app. Once you get used to the app it offers the most flexibility.
The key steps to using an iPad for creating calligraphy worksheets:
Download the Procreate app
Choose an A4 sheet sized canvas and add as many pages as you need whilst you sketch out the page plan / workbook layout
Import a guidelines template (or create your own in the app using drawing assist, though this is trickier)
Import a Procreate brush if wanted
Important - duplicate the guideline template page before you add anything to it
Duplicate the guideline template as you work through creating each page of your sketched out desired workbook layout
Top tip - remember to add new layers everytime you add a new piece of calligraphy on your page. This make things easier to edit and control.
Method 2 - Hire a graphic designer
Now this might seem intimidating but it could be an easier option for those that do not have the money to purchase an iPad upfront. This method also means that your workbook will be more likely to look polished.
You can find graphic designers on Google, Fiverr, word of mouth, etc. You are more likely to find a budget graphic designer on big freelancer sites such as Fiverr.
To hire a graphic designer you will need:
A proposed layout
Pictures of your calligraphy that you want added
Text guidance that you want added
A limitation of using a graphic designer is the lack of flexibility. As you gain experience and feedback you are likely to want to change and upgrade the design of your calligraphy workbook.
Method 3 - Photocopying
This is the method that you can use if you don't have a printer at home and don't have the budget yet for an iPad or graphic designer.
You manually create your worksheets, pen to paper, and then find a place that you can photocopy them.
To find a place to get your photocopying done, simple Google "photocopying" with your location turned on so that Google shows you local places to photocopy your work. You may find photocopying services available at popular chains such as Ryman.
Method 4 - Provide lined sheets
Who said that you need to provide fancy worksheets anyway! Nothing is to stop you providing lined guidelines and then using a visual aid such as a whiteboard to present to them what they are supposed to be doing.
Alternatively, use mine!
I've created some pre-made workbooks so that fellow calligraphers that are members of The Class to Course Method can get started with teaching their own calligraphy workshops as soon as possible.
I do also provide lined guidelines for my members that are ready to create their own worksheets.
Create the workbook contents - step four
Creating the calligraphy workbook content is the most time consuming part. Make sure you allow enough time to create your workbook ahead of a class if that is its purpose.
If you would like to learn more on how to create worksheets, I recommend joining The Class to Course Method which is my membership for calligraphy teachers. I teach you how to create calligraphy workbooks and then some.
It took me a long time to create each of my workbooks, but the refining part is much quicker. That brings us onto step five...
Get feedback and adjust - step five
Once you've created a calligraphy workbook you need to understand if any adjustments are needed; you won't know what these are until your customers have used them.
Use your customer feedback and experience using the workbook (if teaching) to update the workbook as and when needed.
One last note about calligraphy worksheets
I know that creating your calligraphy worksheets can seem intimidating, but I think of them as ongoing projects.
Remember that as with anything in business, you can only learn and improve.
If you would like to learn more about creating calligraphy workbooks, and about teaching calligraphy in general, check out The Class to Course Method.
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