I primary support Gohitsu Shodo Studio, financially, by selling my calligraphy. It’s my number one source of revenue; my two online courses closely follow second. However, I just recently stopped taking commissions and now sell my calligraphy strictly through my Online Shop. I only offer calligraphies with words that resonate with me. I actually find it extremely hard to sell … [Read more...] about 5 things to consider when selling your calligraphy
Articles
The Aikido Experience for New Potential Students
I’m back teaching Aikido regularly at Zenshinkan Dojo. In the last two classes I’ve taught a new potential student came to try out the class. We let new potential students step on the mat and try a class. Most people that show up at our doors (and possible any dojo’s doors) have already done some research on Aikido. Their decision to join the dojo is almost already made, … [Read more...] about The Aikido Experience for New Potential Students
It’s so easy
“You make it look so easy,” said a student at a recent workshop after I demonstrated how to brush the eight basic strokes. “It is,” I replied. After the demonstration I stopped by her table to check her work. She shook her head. “It’s really hard. It looks a lot easier when you do it.” “Oh, that’s easy!”, said a 7 year old kid when I demonstrated how to make banana spring … [Read more...] about It’s so easy
What is Meiso ho and Kokyu ho?
In Aikido, just like with most martial arts, you can take promotion tests and to go through the ranks. The tests are basically a demonstration of a set of techniques and body movements required for specific ranks. Usually, a dojo will have a printed document with such minimum tests requirements. Students then study these requirements and practice them in preparation for … [Read more...] about What is Meiso ho and Kokyu ho?
Are you ready to start selling your work?
I remember the first calligraphy I ever sold. It was for a friend at the dojo I trained at the time. I brushed a scroll of Ichi Go Ichi E for the dojo’s Kamiza (front wall) and I did a bunch of other works and gifted them to other students. I hadn’t met Maki Sensei yet. My calligraphy was raw; it had good energy, but characters were poorly composed and there was a lot of … [Read more...] about Are you ready to start selling your work?