As I gear up to have a baby in less than a month, I’ve been focusing a lot on my “first baby” — The Postman’s Knock. I started TPK in 2012, and, since then, it’s been a passion, a hobby, and a profession all at once! Even though I’ll have a human little one, I am determined that TPK will continue to flourish — both literally and figuratively. In this post, I’d like to share some behind-the-scenes things with you that I don’t think I’ve mentioned before. It’s fun for me to get to write about this type of stuff, so I hope that you enjoy reading it!
1. The Seed Idea for TPK Originated at an Office Job
I originally started The Postman’s Knock to offer my custom calligraphy and design services. The idea originated from an offhand remark made by a coworker at an office job I had … she said that she sometimes calligraphed addresses on wedding envelopes for some extra income.
My initial reaction was, “Wait a minute — people will pay you to do something that fun?” My next step was to just go for it. Within the next week, I had set up an Etsy shop, taken some rudimentary photos, and I was in business. The Etsy shop wasn’t necessarily profitable at first, but it operated like a paid internship … I had lots of clients who compensated me for my designs or services, and I learned a lot with every project that I took on!
2. I Had to Stop Taking on Custom Work in 2015
I never could have imagined that TPK would grow into the vibrant website/blog that it is today. That’s why I found myself conflicted in mid-2015. At that point, The Postman’s Knock was at a crossroads: I could either keep offering custom calligraphy and design services, or I could pour my concentration into the blog and making learning resources.
It was a tough call to make because some of my most fun and challenging projects were a result of collaborating with clients. While I hit the occasional snafu, the vast majority of the projects — and the relationships I formed with clients while making them — were incredibly rewarding. At the same time, I so enjoyed writing articles for this website and designing worksheets, eCourses, and other printables.
I decided that I could always go back to custom work if need be, and I shifted my full attention to the website. Now, I do take on a custom project here or there, but it’s usually done as a gift for family or friends. Occasionally, I’ll also accept work from a publisher provided that I like the publication and the project!
Cool fact: Every three minutes, someone somewhere in the world downloads a freebie TPK printable.
3. TPK Embraces DIY Photography
Before I started TPK, I scoffed at photography as an art form. Write out something beautiful, draw something beautiful — that takes time and skill! But taking a photo of something? How difficult is that? Turns out … pretty difficult. When I first began selling things on Etsy, my number one source of frustration was not having great photos that sold my work.
After years of experimentation and good old internet sleuthing, I’ve figured out what works for me as a “photographer” (I use the term loosely). I switched to a DSLR camera, a Nikon D3300, and I have a tripod with a horizontal arm. A couple of studio lights help me to ensure that the subject is nice and illuminated! I have to admit that I usually use auto settings that I don’t completely understand, but the photos have a way of turning out just fine once I edit them in Photoshop.
Cool fact: I bought the desk pictured above from the Goodwill for a $1. It was going to start raining, they were packed with furniture drop-offs, and they wanted to get rid of things fast! Hernán refinished the desk for me, and it turned out to be the perfect desk for my photography space.
4. To Do Lists Keep The Postman’s Knock Going
Most mornings, I pull out my notebook, jot down the date, and write a few tasks for myself. Each task gets a blank box beside it, and when that task is complete, the box gets checked. As I go about my day, I may jot down some notes to remind myself about a photo I want to post to social media or non-TPK-related things I need to do.
Each box that gets checked gives me happiness and satisfaction. If I end the day with a list full of checked boxes, it was a great day! I have learned, however, that not every day has to be a “checked boxes” day. If I can’t check all the boxes, that’s okay — I just try to finish them up the next day!
5. There is a Method to the Madness
You may not have noticed, but TPK follows a routine like clockwork. On Sunday evenings, I write the TPK Monday newsletter, which only goes out to subscribers. On Mondays, I write the Tuesday blog post, which typically focuses on lists or information. On Thursdays, I write the Friday blog post, which is usually a tutorial blog post — I guess I’ve made an exception today!
The rest of my days are spent making social media posts and working on at least one big project. My current project is re-vamping The Letter Writer’s Complete Resource, which I hope to finish next month. Such a predictable schedule may not work for everyone, but it helps me to feel like I’m on top of things!
6. Time Management Has Been a Learning Process
When I first started The Postman’s Knock, nothing could stop me from working all day and night! I developed wedding invitation designs in a frenzy, stayed up until the wee hours making calligraphy, and posted to social media as much as I could. If I had to choose between eating a meal and working on a project, I’d always choose working on the project. My classic American reasoning was that successful people are busy, and of course I wanted to be successful.
Today, I realize that one of the benefits of having your own business is getting to choose what to do with your time. I could easily find things to do to fill my day to the brim now, but what’s the rush? Instead, I’ve slowed down a lot. I make sure I sit down to eat three meals per day, get out of the house to exercise at least an hour a day, and I try to maximize my time working on projects and blog posts. Before, a task like writing a blog post used to take me hours because I allowed myself to take frequent breaks to check social media, text a friend, or write emails. Now, I keep social media and email tabs closed and my phone out of sight if I’m working on a project. That really helps me to focus on — and thoroughly enjoy making — whatever I’m working on!
7. Inspiration Never Ceases
There are times when I wonder if I’ll ever simply run out of things to write about. As of right now, the TPK blog has over 500 posts on it. Five hundred! And yet, sources of inspiration like books, Pinterest, and Instagram continue to prompt and fuel blog post ideas. Readers have also provided a plethora of topics! Every so often, I may ask for topic requests in a newsletter or on social media, and people always have such great ideas.
Maybe the day will come when the well of content has dried up — who knows? But for now, I still very much enjoy writing and getting to feed off of others’ creative energy!
8. Creativity is Still My Hobby
I think that people often fear turning their hobby into a business because the hobby will no longer be pleasurable. I’ve been working on The Postman’s Knock for 6+ years, and that never happened to me. If I have spare time, I usually seize it to work on some sort of personal artistic project!
Right now, for example, I’m making a hybrid bullet journal. My checklist notebook is just about to run out of pages, so I’ve started to make some pretty pages in a new notebook. I started two days ago, and this is what I’ve got so far! I thought I’d break the brand-new notebook in with things that make me happy: eye-catching lettering, an inspirational quote, some illustrations, and … cheesily, I know … photos of my husband and me.
My hope is that you garnered some inspiration from this blog post, or at least learned some interesting things about TPK that you may not have known before! If you have any questions, I’m always glad to answer. In the meantime, I hope that you have a fantastic weekend, and I thank you very much for reading! If you’re a subscriber, we’ll reconvene on Monday (look for a giveaway announcement in the newsletter), and if not, you can check back here on Tuesday for another blog post!
Warmly,
You are most definitely an inspiration, even for those of us as far away as New Zealand!
Love getting your blog posts, and love your giveaways!
Wow, New Zealand! Thank you so much for reading and keeping up with the blog! 😀
Thanks for sharing – wonderfully creative and inspiring!
Thanks for reading! 🙂
I love all that you offer. I have learned and am still learning more because of you. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for reading! 🙂
Thank you for your inspirational messages!
Thanks for reading! 🙂
Thank you for all the tips! The starter “kit” idea is perfect
Thank you for reading! 😀
Thank you for sharing this and making so many of us feel creative, happy, and hopeful about our craft/hobby/work.
Thanks for reading! 🙂
I did email you on this post saying thank you but since Ali want to get more chances of winning your most current giveaway, I am leaving a comment : I might be falling into that same situation where doing customized/commission work has recently taken over my life unexpectedly – what I started as a hobby has turned into something I’m not sure if aim ready for. It’s hard to say no when at the same time it is so flattering that people want to actually pay for your “talent.” All that to say, this blog post helped me to put some things into perspective. I am grateful for your insight. ❤️
As always, Lindsey offers wonderful inspiration, regardless of the art, craft, or business inspiration you work in!
I read the article about the impending birth. I’m wishing Lindsey and her family and The Postman’s Knock best wishes. I have used her advice and links to buy many supplies. I’m still learning.
I’m so glad you followed your heart and that TPK is available for those of us who have benefited from your worksheets and tutorials.
Best wishes to you and your family as you embark on an exciting new chapter with baby!
Thanks for your post, is always inspiring to read about how others start their business. I’m always inspire by your creativity!! Hey every three minutes someone discover your work, that’s so rewarding!!
Blessings to you both with your little one coming!!
Your story is inspiring! Sometimes I feel lost getting started in this creative field but it’s helpful to know that you had to search and try different things to figure out where exactly you flourished the most.
Thank you for posting this. It’s always nice to learn how people get started!
Thank you for the post. The coming month will be so exciting. Blessings for you and your precious family!
Thanks for sharing this. It’s a lovely backstory. Thanks also for all your do to help the pen community.
Thank you for sharing your journey to where you are now in your biz. As I read other people’s path to finding their purpose it gives me hope that I too will find my way.
I’m a baby beginner in Calligraphy and live reading your posts. You are so generous with your freebies! Thank you so much and congratulations on your upcoming precious one!
I LOVE your blog and always look forward to your news letters. They always inspire me and motivate me to do more with my calligraphy. Thank you for all your creative work! And best wishes with the new baby…how exciting!!
This post really spoke to me! I love learning about the early stages of your calligraphy career and how you keep yourself organized and motivated. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
It’s fun to peek behind the scenes! Thanks.
I’m so inspired by you Lindsey!!! Thank you for all that you share with us! Can’t wait to see pics of that sweet little baby!! 💗
I love that you made this post. Its great to see how you get inspired. I ordered the typography book you recommended along with some of the flow magazine books. Congrats on having your baby, it must be such an exciting time for you and Hernan.
Thanks for all the inspiration!
Thank you so much for all the work you put into your fascinating blog. Enjoy the motherhood adventure!
I’m just getting into calligraphy using the proper materials. Being left-handed brings an additional challenge because the way I must learn a totally different way of holding my hand. It was so interesting to follow your path to where you are now. It is always a journey… with lots of hard work. Thank you for sharing!
How exciting to be having a baby. Baby will have the nicest lettered things!
I’m not quite into calligraphy as much as I would like to be, so I love reading your newsletters and blog posts for inspiration and helpful information!
Hi LIndsley,
I look forward to your blog posts and all the information each post provides. Thank you
hoping to get started once this carpal tunnel is healed! I love your posts and can’t wait to try your suggestions and helpful hints. btw. . .the pics make it look so easy! thank you for being so helpful to a newbie like me!
Hugest congrats on having a baby! I love your IG feed and newsletter and appreciate all of your encouragement and inspiration!!
Lindsay, I love how transparent you are with your processes, failures and successes. Thanks for being so forthcoming with information and advice. You’re an inspiration!
You are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your tips and tricks in this behind the scenes post. I love seeing your to-do list! Maybe you could do a future post that expands on how you do you to-do list, between family life items and TPK items? : ) I am so curious!!
Haha! I usually just to-do list TPK items — family life items I do on the fly!
This post has so much goodness in it! Thanks for sharing!
I always enjoy your posts and learn something with each one. Thank you.
Thanks for this post – I always enjoy seeing your updates on Monday. And now I’m excited about your giveaway.
I really enjoyed these insights. I often feel that if I had stayed focused years ago on pursuing my hobby it might have turned into a business, or at the very least an extra income stream. Instead I let myself be distracted and fell into ‘you could never make money doing that’. I am inspired by your post to give my hobby (ies) more attention, mainly because I enjoy doing them. Overtime, who knows what could happen. 🙂
Can’t wait for the news that your little one is here!
This was a really enjoyable read (somehow, even more so than usual)! I love behind the scenes looks to give me an idea of how I want to design my calligraphy business life. I really hope this newsletter continues forever!! Also, thank you again for yet another amazing giveaway (great teaser lol).
You always have great information and tips. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
I read this in the newsletter and it was so fun. Thanks for allowing us a glimpse into your life and good luck with the baby!
I really enjoyed this post…very interesting perspective. I was especially intrigued by no. 4- seeing a little peak into your planning world. It l made me realize (though I call myself a “planner”), in fact, that I am not. Just seeing your jots was such an eye opener, and I realize, that 99% of my problem with my “career” is ineffective time management. I cannot seem to bring myself to do it or really even understand it. I would LOVE for you to explore this with us a bit more in a future post, if you would be so inclined. Maybe give us some examples on how to effectively manage our time, and what to consider, etc. As you will find very soon, when you become a parent, your own time becomes obsolete, and your world belongs to another living, breathing creature- and I suppose over the years I have been at home with mine, I have just lost this skill. Any help with getting it back would be SO appreciated and helpful!!!!
Congratulations on your growing family! I wish you all the best!
P.S. That dress looks great on you!
This was really interesting to read Lindsey. I’m always interested in peoples routines and how they got started. As one of the few who chooses to be self-employed, it’s even more interesting how you do life as an artist. I hope all your future goals work out and I appreciate you sharing some of your processes that maybe I can start to implement myself.
Thanks,
Aaron
Thank you! Diving into the world of self-employment can be intimidating and exciting and I’m glad we’re in this boat together! 🙂
Thank you so much! 🙂
Some people are just writers at heart (both physically and mentally). I am not one of those people. Yet, for some reason, I keep reading every email you send and read your blog posts.
I’ll be honest, I’ve downloaded every free printable, printed them and have them nice and neat in a brown envelope labeled “TPK”, yet haven’t opened it. There’s always a reason I can’t start yet, which I’m sure a lot of people can relate to – I hope I’m not the only one at least! (I need to buy one of your beginner letter sets first (which I know isn’t a feasible option right now, if ever), don’t have the ‘right’ pen or #32 paper, it’s pointless until I can get it ALL, so why TRY?) Perfectionist, much? HaHa. Then this is part of why I have yet to start that bullet Journal I’ve had almost a year and haven’t made a mark in. Without going into detail, I also had to deal with a couple extremely difficult life issues within a relatively short time period. Being the one in the family who always has to hold it together for everyone else and pretend I’M okay finally made me crash which left me to deal with everyone else and myself alone. Before all of this, I loved anything having to do with art, crafts, building or painting furniture, etc. Now it’s like that internal flame has come unlit and I WANT to do so much (my “project list” in my head is only getting longer), but that spark just won’t turn back into a flame, if that makes sense.
That being said, SOMETHING keeps me coming back. Even though, as I said before, writing isn’t my thing (i say that in terms of writing a letter, and my actual handwriting), you don’t describe what you do in those terms. You have an inspiring way about the way you speak, like it’s not about what you say it’s about learning and practicing the technique. Also, I believe creativity plays the biggest role in all of this, which personally, I think everyone possesses. Not everyone is creative in the same way, but everybody has their niche (then there are the lucky ones who can do almost anything). Recognizing that and finding what yours is isthe hard part, but until you try different things, you’ll have a smaller chance of finding it.
It is this that keeps your ideas flowing. With a little one on the way, you will never run out of new and exciting things to write about. Of course when you get settled at home with a newborn and make those first couple blog posts or emails to send, you will probably make it more about the baby than you along with any big milestones, but the wisdom, strength and inspiration you gain (probably already have some) will apply to life in general.
…and that to-do list will become a lot longer, yet more fulfilled I’m sure. Thanks for all you do.
What a beautiful, heartfelt message! I have to say that I relate to you about the bullet journal — I just decided to start one, and it is extremely slow-going because I’m intimidated by the blank pages. It’s also difficult to know what exactly I want to keep track of! I do hope that the creativity keeps flowing after little mister arrives … I’ve certainly felt very creative in these last couple of weeks of pregnancy, and it would be great if that trend continues!
Thanks for such a gorgeous response!
Thanks for sharing, Lindsey! My beginning came from a sister-in-law asking me to address her (wedding) envelopes. I found my mini drafting table/desk at The Salvation Army. The price of $25 was actually carved into the corner! 🙂
I always enjoy reading your posts! Take care of you and your sweet little one soon to be here!
Thanks for reading! Being thrifty (especially with furniture) is such a great way to get started on any kind of project on a budget! I’m glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
Lindsey, you’re a bundle of joy. For years now.
Congratulations on the family addition. Enjoy all the attention.
Thank you for all the inspiration you give.
You’re a marvel. Stay cool.
Marco
Thank you so much! 😀
Lindsey, your blog (you!) are such an inspiration. I always look forward to hearing about and seeing what you are currently busy with. Best wishes for your expanding family – so precious having a little one!
I’m glad you enjoy the post- thank you so much for your good wishes! 🙂
It is my hope that you never run out of ideas! You are such an inspiration! Thanks for sharing a little behind the scenes glimpse of your world… which is about to change drastically! It is going to be interesting to see if your work changes to mirror your new world as a Mom! Whether it changes, or remains the same… I’m sure you can count on us to follow along!
Thank you so much! There are definitely a lot of changes coming my way but it’s reassuring to know that TPK followers will still be here! 🙂
Such a fun and interesting post, thanks for sharing all the behind the scenes! Best to you and growing family!!!
Thank you for reading!
I, for one, appreciate all the time and talent you put into your blog. Congrats on your upcoming family addition!
Thank you so much! We’re very excited! 🙂
Yes, yes! I love bullet journaling, too, although… I tend to eschew the bujo “rules”! I would love to see more posts including your journal, too!
You’re awesome! I’m always grateful for and pleasantly surprised by the reliability of your emails and posts (although… I don’t think anyone will fault you if your schedule gets derailed when your little one arrives!). Most creatives – me included – are challenged by structure and order, but you seem to manage it beautifully!
This post is super inspiring! Thank you!!!
I mean… someone downloads your printables every three minutes!?!? That is fantastic!
Thanks, Emily! 🙂 I actually have constructed a “maternity leave” reservoir of posts, so they should keep coming even if I’m down for the count! I wouldn’t ever want to abandon my first “baby”, which is this website.
I have followed your blog since the beginning. Hope you might share more about your journal on the blog in the future and maybe offer some printables. Love all your creations.
Thank you so much for reading and staying connected to the TPK blog for so long! 🙂