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.

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.

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 30, 2024

I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to guide an intimate candle painting workshop at the serene Being Frenshe Unwind retreat, nestled in the picturesque Inness resort in upstate New York. This gathering was more than just an art class—it was a truly restorative experience woven with mindfulness, self-love, and creative expression, perfectly aligned with Being Frenshe’s beautiful mission.

As a New York City calligrapher and live event artist, I’ve seen how thoughtful, bespoke elements like candle painting can bring depth and warmth to any gathering. During our time together, guests infused their own unique spirit into the “reset lavender” candles and coordinating tapers from Being Frenshe. Using melted tea wax, each participant designed a candle that wasn’t just a beautiful object, but a heartfelt token of calm and creativity. Witnessing their focus and connection throughout this process was genuinely inspiring—a true reminder of how art can nourish both the soul and the senses.

To ensure a smooth, elegant experience, I created a personalized handout that included detailed instructions along with bespoke sample designs to gently guide everyone through candle painting with confidence. Every material was carefully selected to honor the brand’s values—thoughtfully sourced to enhance the wellness and serene vibe of the afternoon.

The final personal touch came through my hand calligraphy. I delighted in delicately writing each guest’s name on their finished candle—an intimate detail that celebrates their artistry and the meaningful time we shared. This kind of personalized artistry truly elevates brand activations and wellness retreats, making the experience memorable and deeply engaging.

I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the wonderful @roundtownevents team for their trusted partnership, and to Being Frenshe for inviting me to be part of this genuine and inspiring event. Bringing live artistry like this to your experiential marketing efforts can create connections that resonate long after the event ends.

If you’re considering how live artistry—whether it’s live calligraphy, candle painting, or other curated experiences—can elevate your next wellness retreat, brand event, or private gathering, I would love the chance to collaborate with you. Together, we can craft a personalized experience your guests will cherish

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.

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!

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.

June 10, 2024

This past weekend was a whirlwind of creativity and elegance as I had the pleasure of hand engraving at Polo Ralph Lauren for the exclusive debut of Polo 67, their latest fragrance. As a New York City Calligrapher, Engraver, and live event artist specializing in on-site events and brand activations, this opportunity was nothing short of a dream come true.

The event coincided with the celebration of Father’s Day and National Outlet Shopping Day, adding an extra layer of excitement to the air. Witnessing the impact of live calligraphy on customers, as they indulged in the new scent and witnessed the personalization process firsthand, was pure magic.

Adding bespoke calligraphy to each fragrance elevated the event to a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience. These personalized touches brought a sense of luxury and exclusivity, turning each fragrance into a cherished memento of a special gifting moment.

As a firm believer in the power of experiential marketing and brand activations to forge emotional connections with customers, this live hand engraving event perfectly captured Polo Ralph Lauren’s dedication to artistry, attention to detail, and commitment to exceptional service.