Live event calligraphy/engraving pricing is provided per project as it is based on a number of factors including time at the event, quantity or expected volume of items, number of artists needed, travel, surface/material, and more.

On-Site Event minimum rates start at $900.00.

Typically clients supply the items for engraving as they almost always have a brand logo on them. However, if you need help or suggestions, here is a list of more than 30 giveaway items that can be engraved, calligraphed (pen + ink), wood-burned, debossed, or gold-foiled.

Still have questions about what to giveaway to your guests that can be personalized/engraved? Let's chat about your ideas so I can help make recommendations!

I have several tools that can work on almost any surface. Below is a high-level list of surfaces/materials I can write on.

For a more detailed list, here is a PDF of 30+ giveaway items that can be calligraphed, engraved, wood-burned, or foiled.

Due to variations and irregularities between manufacturers, I highly recommend providing me with at least one sample of your giveaway item ahead of your event so I can test out which tool to use and test out other supplies to see which works best with your products.

SURFACES

• GlassMetal (coated and non-coated)

• Wood (preferably unvarnished like Olivewood)

• Ceramic/Stone

• Cork

• Leather/Vegan Leather

• Paper

• Fabric

• Acrylic/Plastic
  

The answer is: it depends. Generally, I can do 15-25 items per hour. However, several factors impact speed including:

• Material (glass is faster than wood)

• Service: Pen and ink calligraphy is faster than engraving; engraving is faster than wood-burning, etc.

• Amount of text: Initials are faster than a single word; a single word is faster than a phrase.

• Metallic Fill: Drinkware is faster because we do not use “rub-n-buff” metallic fill on drinkware.

• Crowd/Logistics: If there is a high volume of requests and no "brand ambassador" to manage the requests, that limits how many items I can engrave during the allotted time.

Most experienced engraving artists can do 15-25 items per hour depending on a number of factors, but anything over 75 guests/3 hours will likely require a second engraving artist.
For example, if you're having an event with 150 guests for 3 hours, that's 50 items per hour that will need to be engraved, requiring two engraving artists.

For high-volume events, you'll want to consider having a "brand ambassador" or staff member help manage engraving requests. Alternatively, I can bring my assistant who is trained in managing on-site engraving event logistics with me for an additional fee.

Yes. If you are having a multi-day event, I can work your event for the full duration or however long I am needed. Let’s discuss the scope of your event including how many days, anticipated volume, and how many calligraphers/engravers may be needed.

Yes. I work with clients outside of the Philadelphia area and am available for travel as needed. For events outside of the greater Philly area, Clients may either book travel for me, or I will book it and submit an invoice for reimbursement.

I arrive ~30 minutes ahead of time to get set up (this typically only takes about 15 minutes). If this is a high-volume event, I will have a sign-up sheet for guests to write down their engraving requests.

I first begin by drafting the text to ensure the placement is centered and straight. Once I'm happy with the draft, I begin to engrave.

The noise the drill makes can be loud and high-pitched, but is easily drowned out by music and/or lots of conversation.

Depending on the material/surface, the item may get a metallic fill known as "rub-n-buff." Typically I apply this to any glass surface that is not used for consumption, i.e. fragrance bottles, spirit/wine bottles, glass jar candles, cosmetics, etc.

Glassware, metal tumbers, etc. do not receive rub-n-buff as it is toxic if swallowed/consumed.

Once the item is complete, it will be available for pickup. Every event's logistics run differently, so let's discuss these details for your event to determine the engraving request flow.

Clients hire me for varying types of events and activities including:

• Brand Activations / Experiential Marketing

• Brand / Product / Store Launches

• Corporate Events

• Cocktail Parties / Private Dinners

• Gifting Suites / Awards Shows

• Influencer / PR Events

• In-Store / Retail Promotions

• Social Events (Weddings, Receptions, Birthdays, Celebration of Live Events, etc.)

• Surprise & Delight Activities
  

• Team-Building Activities

• Trade Shows / Conferences / Industry Meetings

I need a desk and a chair. Typically for engraving, I do not need an outlet, but for heat-calligraphy services like wood-burning, gold-foiling, or leather debossing, I may need an outlet. A well-lit space is preferable, but given many events are in the evenings in dimly lit spaces, I travel with a task light to ensure I can see my work.

Everyone who knows me knows me to be gregarious, outgoing, and hospitable which I take deep pride in!

As a trained calligrapher, engraving artist, and former marketing VP, I bring more than just artistic skills to your event — I become an extension of your brand team. I take pride in representing your company to ensure your guests see me as a seamless part of your event team.

This is why I ask for a lot of detail about your event in my intake form so that I can brainstorm ways to help you achieve your event objectives.

For example, to maximize my in-store engraving service, have your sales reps upsell fragrance purchases by offering free engraving if customers leave their bottles for me to engrave on my scheduled day. Customers can then pick up their fragrance at their convenience. This strategy generates a week's worth of engraving work for the cost of my on-site time and boosts your sales with no extra expense for you.

Or if you're hosting a private dinner where each guest can get a bottle or glass engraved, rather than having a line queued up at my station, I can go around to each table and take guests' engraving requests down and deliver it back to them. This further elevates the experience you're providing to your guests, AND it ensures each person gets their item engraved before the end of the night.