Past Events

November 18, 2024

Last week, I had the absolute pleasure of hand lettering personalized ornaments for the stunning holiday launch party celebrating the Ariana Madix x DSW collaboration. Set at the beautifully appointed 620 Loft & Garden, with breathtaking views of Rockefeller Center, it was an event full of joy, style, and festive spirit.

A Personal Touch for 185 Guests — In Under Three Minutes Each!
Personalizing ornaments for 185 guests in just two hours was a thrilling challenge — one that called for precision, speed, and a lot of heart. Each guest had the option to choose from six exclusive holiday illustrations inspired by Ariana’s collection: charming hearts, a classic wreath with bow, vibrant red or soothing blue holly, delicate snowflakes, or rustic pinecones. To complement these designs, I hand lettered names or initials in a style that added warmth and timeless elegance to each keepsake.

Crafting such personalized pieces, live and on-site, invites guests into an intimate experience — turning a simple ornament into a cherished memory that they can take home for years to come.

Bringing Bespoke Personalization to Your Brand Events
If you're envisioning an event that sparks genuine connection and leaves guests with meaningful keepsakes, I’d be honored to help you add that personalized touch. Whether it’s a holiday party, product launch, or experiential marketing activation, I specialize in on-site calligraphy and live art experiences tailored to your brand's unique style and audience.

From coordinating with your team to designing custom illustrations and lettering styles, I guide you through every step to create seamless, elegant experiences your guests will treasure.

Let’s Make Your Next Event Unforgettable
Thank you for taking the time to explore this special moment with me. If adding refined, bespoke personalization to your next event sounds exciting, I warmly invite you to reach out. Together, we’ll craft something beautiful, meaningful, and truly unforgettable.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC2ZERWuixj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=aXU1cWQ3ZHBhc2x3

November 14, 2025

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to bring a personalized touch of elegance to the Amazon Holiday Soirée, held on the scenic High Line in New York City. Partnering with the prestigious Estée Lauder, I was entrusted to hand engrave 250 “Beautiful Magnolia” fragrance bottles for guests—an experience that beautifully combined artistry, precision, and the spirit of experiential marketing.

The Art and Challenge of Hand Engraving at Large-Scale Events
Hand engraving at a brand activation event of this scale comes with unique challenges. The timeline was tight, the guest count high, and the expectation for quality and consistency was paramount. Crafting bespoke, personalized fragrance bottles for 250 guests demanded meticulous planning and a well-coordinated team effort.

Choosing the Perfect Style: Copperplate Script with Silver Fill
To complement Estée Lauder’s classic and refined aesthetic, we selected a timeless copperplate script to beautifully adorn each guest’s monogram initials. To add a touch of sophistication while maintaining legibility and durability, the letters were filled with silver.

This calligraphy engraving technique not only enhanced the bottles’ visual appeal but also celebrated the luxury synonymous with the brand. The engraved perfume bottles emerged as elegant keepsakes, perfectly suited for holiday gifting and lasting memories.

The Power of Teamwork in NYC Engraving Projects
Executing this large-scale engraving project flawlessly would not have been possible without a dedicated team. Alongside six talented artisans led by the expert @sunsetscribe, we worked seamlessly to ensure every personalized fragrance bottle was completed with precision and care.

From managing workflow to ensuring quality control, teamwork was key in providing an exceptional guest experience during a lively brand event. This collaborative spirit truly exemplifies the value of experienced NYC calligraphers and engravers in delivering memorable, high-quality results at demanding events.

Bringing Bespoke Personalization to Your Next Brand Event
If you’re planning a brand activation, holiday gifting initiative, or any experiential marketing event where you want to offer guests a unique keepsake, personalized engraving can elevate your offering.

With expertise in NYC engraving and calligraphy engraving, I specialize in orchestrating seamless experiences for large guest counts. From expert team management and streamlined coordination to creating bespoke personalization that matches your brand’s vibe, I’m here to help your next event leave a lasting impression.

Ready to Make Your Event Stand Out?
Let’s connect and discuss how hand engraving and personalized fragrance bottles can add timeless elegance and memorable charm to your upcoming brand event. Together, we can craft an experience your guests will cherish long after the event ends.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCzTs4wuLoK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=eWhjMmx2dHo4N2J5

October 19, 2024

I had an absolute blast hand painting and lettering custom bags for Nordstrom’s recent Icon Beauty Event in NYC. There’s something truly special about creating art live for an audience, especially when it becomes a personalized keepsake for guests to cherish long after the event ends.

For this occasion, I custom mixed vibrant fabric paints so that the illustrations and hand calligraphy would really pop against the luxurious deep purple bags. From playful lipsticks to elegant perfume bottles adorned with bows, the designs perfectly captured the essence of beauty and glamour that Nordstrom embodies. The most popular choices were these chic motifs paired with hand calligraphed names—adding that bespoke touch that turns a simple bag into a memorable statement piece.

As a NYC calligrapher specializing in live painting and custom illustration, I love collaborating on brand activation and experiential marketing projects that allow me to bring a brand’s vision to life creatively and uniquely. Adding hand-painted details and personalized calligraphy enhances every guest’s experience at NYC events and brand events, giving them a tangible connection to the moment and making the occasion truly unforgettable.

If you’re interested in incorporating custom hand-painted bags, hand lettering, or other live art into your next NYC event or brand activation, I’d love to connect! These personalized touches provide the perfect way to wow your guests and create lasting impressions through thoughtful, artful experiences.

A huge thank you to Nordstrom and their incredible team for inviting me to be part of this stunning and joyful beauty event.

Ready to elevate your next event with custom live art, from hand-painted bags to elegant calligraphy? Reach out today to start the conversation.

September 5, 2024

I’m so delighted to share a truly special moment from last month—the grand opening of So and So’s, a charming new speakeasy piano bar tucked away behind the iconic blue door at Romer Hells Kitchen. The evening was filled with captivating live performances by Darren Criss and Noah Cyrus, set against a backdrop of intimate, luxurious retro-chic vibes.

I had the distinct pleasure of hand engraving leather cigarette cases—playfully filled with candy cigarettes—creating personalized keepsakes for guests to treasure. Each attendee could choose from two elegant script styles, engraving their name, initials, or even a custom message. These thoughtful, bespoke details beautifully complemented the sophisticated ambiance of So and So’s, turning a memorable night into something truly unforgettable.

Adding live personalization through hand engraving and event calligraphy is such a wonderful way to elevate an event. As a live event artist and NYC calligrapher, I’ve found that this kind of intimate, bespoke artistry makes a meaningful impact — connecting guests to the experience in a way few other activations can. Whether it’s an exclusive restaurant opening, a brand activation, or an intimate evening at a piano bar, these artistic touches bring an elevated, luxurious feel to your NYC events.

This is experiential marketing at its finest, offering your guests not just moments, but memories. I am passionate about helping you transform any gathering into an elegant, personalized celebration through live artist experiences that truly pop.

Please feel free to ask about custom packages, pricing, or any questions you have—I’m always happy to help bring your event dreams to life.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAovIV1Omde/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=bjJ0bWhwaW52cDJr

September 4, 2024

Adding a Bespoke Touch: Leather Heat Foiling at the Perry Ellis Suiting Event

I’m so excited to share one of my favorite recent experiences—a special collaboration with Perry Ellis at their exclusive suiting event in New York. As guests stepped in to be custom-fitted for impeccably tailored suits, I had the wonderful opportunity to create personalized leather keepsakes right on the spot.

Using the traditional art of leather heat foiling, I customized elegant keychains, wallets, and Dopp kits with guests’ names and initials. They were able to choose from three beautiful script styles in either silver or gold foiling, adding a subtle yet stunning signature of individuality. Watching each piece come to life, reflecting the personal style of its owner, was truly a privilege.

Personalization like this offers more than just a beautiful accessory—it deepens the connection between brand and guest, transforming an event from a simple fitting into a memorable experience. At The Poppy Pen, I believe these thoughtful details are what set luxury events apart, allowing your clients to leave with something uniquely theirs.

If you’re considering a sophisticated, lasting way to elevate your next brand event, leather heat foiling is a personalized touch that speaks volumes. From custom initials to elegant monograms, I’m here to help you bring authenticity and elegance to life through bespoke artistry.

If you’re curious about pricing or want to explore options for personalization, don’t hesitate to get in touch—I’m happy to walk you through the details to find the perfect fit for your vision.

August 8, 2024

What a whirlwind of creativity and collaboration at the grand opening of Mimi Cheng's x Wagamama restaurant in New York City! As the designated hand engraver for the event, I had the pleasure of adding a personal touch to the evening by customizing chopsticks for the guests. It was a unique experience to see the joy on everyone's faces as they received their beautifully engraved chopsticks, a truly personalized keepsake from this special occasion.

But the excitement didn't stop there! As fate would have it, I was called upon to showcase my calligraphy skills by quickly writing place cards for the guests. Thanks to always being prepared with my trusty ink and nib, I was able to whip up elegant and personalized place cards in no time, adding an extra touch of sophistication to the event.

Chopsticks may seem like a simple utensil, but they hold endless possibilities for personalization at brand events like this. Engraving names, dates, or even phrases can turn them into meaningful mementos for guests to take home and cherish. There's something magical about the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into hand engraving each chopstick, making it a fun and unforgettable experience for all involved.

Thank you, Mimi Cheng's and Wagamama, for letting me be a part of this incredible collaboration and for allowing me to add a touch of personal flair to the evening. Here's to more events filled with creativity, collaboration, and of course, beautifully engraved chopsticks!

July 2024

At a recent brand activation in New York City, I provided hand engraving services for Gucci's new fragrance bottles. Incorporating calligraphy in NYC added a touch of luxury to the product launch, enhancing the experiential marketing for customers. The personalized serif initials elevated the customer experience, reinforcing brand loyalty and highlighting Gucci's commitment to personalization. This unique approach to hand engraving played a crucial role in driving consumer engagement and showcasing the brand's dedication to luxury and craftsmanship, making each bottle a cherished keepsake for customers.

July 18, 2024

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to showcase my hand engraving skills at an event hosted by DirectTV at Publicis Group.  . The guests were able to personalize their HydroPeak tumblers with a choice of three different script options. I had the privilege of engraving names, fun messages, and custom illustrations, making each tumbler truly unique and unforgettable! It was a magical experience to witness the enchanting world of #ExperientialMarketing come to life.

Crafting these bespoke, personalized gifts for a small work group was a game-changer. It's all about forming meaningful connections, creating unforgettable moments, and turning brand advertising into a show-stopping spectacle. This event truly emphasized the power of brand activation and the impact of personalized gifts.

If you're ready to infuse your brand with some seriously sparkling magic, feel free to send me a message to discuss how we can add personalization to your special event. Let's create some unforgettable experiences together!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C97mWAKOI9Y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MW0ydHhxb2huZnVxcQ==

July 17, 2024

I am excited to share my unforgettable experience at the Summer Club NYC event in Long Island City, where I collaborated with Sol de Janeiro to infuse tropical vibes into the festivities!  Being a New York City bottle painter, live event artist, and product painter, it was truly enchanting to witness guests engage in personalized bottle painting with vibrant tropical flowers.

Bottle painting proved to be a game-changer in experiential marketing, allowing guests to become creators of their own unique bottles. From selecting flower colors to having their names delicately scripted in hand calligraphy, we collectively transformed the event into a captivating tropical paradise, etching lasting memories for all.

Teaming up with Lisa from Beautiful Day Calligraphy, we intricately crafted 200 bottles into dazzling mini masterpieces in just 5 hours. Each bottle, brought to life in 3-4 minutes, added a touch of magic to the occasion, resonating with the guests on a personal level.

This event underscored the influence of live art and bespoke creations in captivating audiences and enhancing brand experiences. As a calligrapher in NYC specializing in New York City Product Painting, I take immense pride in adding an artistic and personalized touch to events, enriching the guest experience.

June 15, 2024

I’m absolutely thrilled to share with you the incredible experience I recently had at the Ferragamo flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. It was an honor to be part of a luxurious brand activation for Father’s Day!

During this extraordinary event, I had the pleasure of adding a touch of sophistication to Ferragamo’s stunning leather goods through heat foiling. From stylish shoes to elegant bags and sophisticated wallets, each piece received an exquisite and personalized embellishment. Additionally, I had the joy of creating custom calligraphy cards for guests, incorporating unique painted elements to ensure each card was a true work of art.

One of the highlights of the event was adding a glamorous touch by creating stunning red lips painted inside a classic red loafer. The attention to detail and artistry truly made this experience memorable and immersive.

This bespoke event was all about elevating the luxury brand activation, infusing it with personalized touches and creating an unforgettable experience for all guests.

May 10, 2024

Last week was an absolute delight as I had the pleasure of hand engraving at Diptyque, just in time for Mother’s Day! Working on their exquisite bottles is always a joy, and adding frosted flowers to complement the olfactory notes of their perfumes was a special touch.

The energy at Bloomingdale's 59th street is always captivating, and the warm welcome from the Diptyque team made the experience even more memorable. As a New York City calligrapher and engraver, being part of such brand event activations is truly fulfilling.

May 9, 2024

Last week was an absolute delight as I had the opportunity to meticulously hand-engrave over 225 exquisite chopsticks for View the Space's esteemed conference. The ambience of Katsuya in NYC provided the perfect backdrop as each attendee received a unique, hand-engraved chopstick on the spot, adding a touch of elegance and individuality to their experience.

In order to align with the event's theme, I took the initiative to source black powder-coated chopsticks on behalf of the client, complementing the modern and sleek aesthetic they envisioned. Every detail mattered, so we carefully selected a modern script for engraving that resonated with the vibrant energy of the event, ensuring that each personalized piece exuded sophistication and style.

To further streamline the process and enhance guest satisfaction, I designed custom tags for each set of chopsticks, simplifying the personalization requests and ensuring a seamless flow of the event.

Are you looking to elevate your next corporate event with live personalization? I would love to connect and brainstorm ideas on how to create a truly unforgettable and tailored experience for you and your guests. Your event deserves to be as unique as you are. Let’s chat and bring your vision to life!