Thank you!
Oh this is so exciting! I spent a couple years dedicated to logo designing for a web company. It was one of my favorite things to do. Here are some tips:
1. Start with a list. List out all the adjectives you want your logo to represent. What kind of calligrapher will you be, what niche will you focus on - weddings, graphics, greeting cards, etc. Maybe it’s all of the above, or maybe you know you want to focus on wedding envelopes or what have you. Your logo should speak to your client. For example, I just designed a logo for my new business (which will be announced later). So I wrote:
Whimsical, fresh, modern, fun, sweet, Beatrix Potter vibe, delicate, timeless. My first draft was too “wedding-ish” (and this business is not about weddings at all). So I revamped it and was satisfied with the end result.
2. Begin your drafts with pencil, not a calligraphy pen. Sketch out what you want your design to look like. Try several different quick sketches before starting the artwork. This will save you time in the long run and prevent hours of practicing letters without a design direction.
3. Speaking of design direction - have a trusted friend or another calligrapher who can be honest and help give you art direction. Even the best artists need someone to look at the design with a fresh eye.
4. After you think you are done - put it away for a day or two. Then tape it to a blank wall and step back to look at it. Does it look how you want it? Are there things that jump out at you that you can change?
5. Look at the white space around the design. Is there a shape of the logo that is well proportioned?
6. Don’t be afraid to refresh your logo after a few years. We all continue to grow in our art and will eventually outgrow our logo. I have seen some calligraphers that are doing incredible work but their logo is from 5 years ago and doesn’t reflect their improvements.
I hope that helps!