My Journey to Live Event Calligraphy: From Simple Signs to Luxury Brands

Calligraphy has always held a special place in my heart. From the moment I could hold a pen, I was captivated by the beauty of letters—the graceful curves, the rhythm of each stroke, and the way ink could dance across a page with such quiet elegance. What began as a simple fascination quickly became a lifelong love affair with the written word.

Growing up, I was surrounded by creativity. Whether it was watching a loved one sketch, paint, or write, I was constantly inspired by the idea that art could be both deeply personal and profoundly connective. That early exposure instilled in me not just an appreciation for beautiful things, but a respect for the process behind them—the patience, precision, and practice it takes to turn a blank page into something meaningful.

My journey into professional calligraphy wasn’t a straight path, but rather a winding one marked by late nights, inky fingers, and a whole lot of trial and error. What kept me going was an unshakable belief in the value of craftsmanship, and a desire to make people feel something through my work. Whether I’m personalizing a perfume bottle at a luxury brand event, engraving a keepsake, or designing a bespoke piece for a client, I bring my full heart and attention to every detail.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with iconic brands and extraordinary people, each experience helping me grow not just as an artist, but as a business owner. Letters from Elliott was born from this blend of passion and perseverance—a business rooted in the timelessness of handmade art, the joy of live connection, and the belief that even the smallest touch of beauty can leave a lasting impression.

A Love for Letters from the Beginning

My love for art and calligraphy began at a young age. As a child, I would spend countless hours doodling in the margins of notebooks, practicing cursive handwriting, and experimenting with different alphabets and writing styles. What started as simple curiosity soon evolved into a deep appreciation for the beauty of hand lettering and the expressive power of ink on paper. My biggest inspiration was my uncle, a professional calligrapher, whose elegant work fascinated me. He introduced me to the world of traditional calligraphy and modern lettering, and most importantly, he showed me that it was possible to turn a passion for calligraphy into a meaningful and successful career.

That early foundation became the launching point for my work as a modern calligrapher and artist, specializing in live calligraphy, engraving, and illustration for events and luxury brands. Today, I carry forward that inspiration in every custom piece I create, blending old-world artistry with contemporary applications—from bottle painting and engraving to luxury brand activations and on-site calligraphy experiences.

Custom nursery signs like this one for sweet Fred Henry are some of my favorite keepsake pieces to create and some of the first jobs I took on. Each one is hand-lettered with love and made to complement your little one’s space. If you’re looking for a personalized calligraphy sign for your nursery, baby shower, or a meaningful gift, I’d love to bring your vision to life!

Launching My Calligraphy Business in 2017

In 2017, I took a leap of faith and officially launched my calligraphy business, Letters from Elliott. What began as a creative outlet quickly grew into a full-fledged venture fueled by passion, persistence, and a deep love for hand lettering. In the early days, I focused on personalized home décor pieces—hand-lettered wooden signs, custom chalkboards, and small-scale event signage. Each piece was thoughtfully crafted and reflected my dedication to detail and design. I showcased my work at local artisan markets and community events, where I was fortunate to connect with a supportive audience who appreciated the charm and handmade quality of my art.

One of the first major turning points in my business came when I was commissioned to design custom chalkboard menus for a local coffee shop. That project became a true catalyst. Not only did it elevate my visibility within the local creative scene, but it also solidified my reputation as a calligrapher for hire. The exposure led to new collaborations with small businesses, boutiques, and event planners, allowing me to expand my offerings and reach a broader audience.

Soon, I was being hired to create custom signage for weddings, branded displays for pop-up events, and hand-lettered decor for parties of all sizes. My calligraphy began showing up at milestone celebrations, styled shoots, and storefront windows—each project a new opportunity to blend my artistic voice with someone else’s vision. As demand grew, so did my skills and confidence, and I gradually began shifting toward more elevated, experiential work, setting the stage for the luxury live event services I now specialize in today.

This chalkboard menu was more than just a fun lettering project—it was the one that truly launched my business. When @the_coffee_belt_muscatine asked me to update their drink menu, I had no idea it would become the project that gave me the exposure and confidence I needed to get started as a professional calligrapher. Creating this custom chalkboard menu by hand, right here in Muscatine, Iowa opened the door to new opportunities—from boutique signage to wedding decor and eventually, live event calligraphy and engraving. I'm forever grateful to this local coffee shop for believing in my work from the very beginning.

Finding My Niche with Onsite and Live Event Calligraphy and Engraving

While I enjoyed creating signs and decor, I knew I wanted to do something more. I had always admired live event artistry and the ability to bring a personal touch to luxury experiences. In 2019, I joined The Craft Academy and, under the guidance of my business coach Rosie and the rest of the Crafties, began refining my business strategy. I learned how to market myself effectively, identify my ideal clients, and confidently price my services. Most importantly, I discovered my passion for onsite calligraphy and engraving. Live event calligraphy felt like a natural fit. It combined my love for working with people, my attention to detail, and my desire to create one-of-a-kind experiences. Whether I was engraving perfume bottles, personalizing gift tags, or painting custom designs, I felt truly in my element.

A Breakthrough with Pernod Ricard

In 2021, everything changed. I had the opportunity to work with Pernod Ricard, a global name in the luxury beverage space. This was my first taste of working with a major brand, and the experience was unforgettable. That event marked the beginning of a new chapter in my career—one filled with high-end brand activations, corporate events, and luxury live art experiences. Since then, I’ve had the honor of working with prestigious brands like Dior, Burberry, and Parfums de Marly. I’ve brought calligraphy and engraving to life at exclusive events, adding a personal and artistic touch to fragrance bottles, skincare products, and gifting experiences. Every event is a chance to create something meaningful, elegant, and completely unique.

Adding a personalized touch to Jefferson’s Ocean bourbon with live engraving right here in Chicago. Custom bottle engraving is one of my favorite ways to elevate luxury events and brand activations—it turns every bottle into a keepsake. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, brand launch, or holiday gifting experience, live engraving brings beauty, craftsmanship, and connection to your guests in real time.

Building a Business Rooted in Luxury and Craftsmanship

Today, Letters from Elliott is known for luxury calligraphy and live event artistry across the Midwest. I specialize in onsite engraving, bottle painting, and hand-lettering activations for corporate clients, high-end retailers, and luxury weddings. My work is driven by the belief that personalization adds emotional value—and that art has the power to elevate everyday experiences. As I look back on my journey, I’m proud of how far this little dream has come. From chalkboard menus in a coffee shop to engraving for Dior, the path hasn't always been easy, but it's been worth every moment. I'm grateful for the people, mentors, and brands who have supported me along the way.

If you're a brand or event planner looking to create unforgettable experiences through calligraphy and engraving, I'd love to connect!

Contact Me!