Frequently
Asked Questions

  • Calligraphy is hand lettering done with a pen, brush, or marker, ideal for paper goods like place cards, envelopes, signage, and menus. Engraving etches directly into a surface like glass, metal, or stainless steel using a fine rotary tool, creating a permanent personalized mark that won't fade or rub off over time. Hot foiling applies a thin layer of metallic foil using heat, commonly used on leather goods as well as invitations and packaging for a polished, reflective finish. Wood burning is also available for natural surfaces like cutting boards and signage.

  • Yes, this is one of my main services. I bring my full setup, including pens, inks, engraving tools, and a small portable table, to weddings, brand activations, corporate events, and private parties so guests can watch their items personalized in real time. Setup is compact, all I need is a work table and a chair with back support. My tools are battery powered, so no outlet access is required. This is a popular addition for retail pop-ups, product launches, holiday gifting events, and VIP experiences, and I travel throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas for on-site events.

  • Quite a lot. For calligraphy, I work on paper, cardstock, and fabric. For engraving, glass, metal, and stainless steel are the most common, including fragrance bottles, flasks, jewelry, and barware. For hot foiling, leather goods, invitations, and packaging take well to it. Wood, marble, and acrylic are also possible depending on the project. If you have something specific in mind, I'm happy to receive a sample in advance to test on and confirm it's a good fit before your event.

  • After we discuss the scope of your project, your date is held with a signed agreement and a retainer. For brand activations and corporate events, four to eight weeks is usually enough, though I always welcome earlier inquiries since dates fill up quickly, particularly around the holidays. For weddings or brand event invitations involving envelope addressing, I recommend booking three to five months ahead, especially for larger quantities.

  • Yes. I understand that timelines don't always allow for months of advance notice, and I'm always happy to take on a rush request if my schedule allows. A rush fee applies for bookings made within a shorter timeframe, since it usually means reworking my schedule or prioritizing materials and prep on short notice. If your event is coming up soon, reach out with your date and details and I'll let you know honestly whether it's something I can take on.

  • Every project is a little different depending on scope, guest count, materials, number of items, and timeline, so I put together a custom quote after learning more about what you need. My minimum rate for any project is $200. Studio orders and on-site events are priced differently, and a retainer is required to confirm your date. Reach out through the contact page with details about your event and I'll follow up with a quote.

  • Item descriptionYes. I'm based in Venice and regularly work throughout Los Angeles, including the Westside, Downtown, Pasadena, and East Los Angeles, as well as Orange County. I also travel nationally for brand activations and corporate events when needed, with travel fees calculated based on distance and length of stay.

  • Item descriptionYes, Korean calligraphy is one of my specialties. Whether it's for a wedding, a corporate gift, a personal keepsake, or an event celebrating Korean culture, I can letter in both English and Korean, and I'm happy to incorporate Korean script into mixed language pieces as well.

  • Absolutely. I've worked on-site with luxury brands and agencies for over ten years, including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Hermès, and Byredo. I'm comfortable coordinating directly with marketing teams, event producers, and PR agencies on logistics, branding guidelines, approved color palettes, and event flow, and I can provide a certificate of insurance if your venue requires one.

  • Item descriptionThis depends on the service and complexity of the design. Simple calligraphy like a name on a place card moves quickly, while detailed engraving or multi-line personalization takes more time per piece. For larger guest counts, I can bring additional artists to keep the line moving so guests aren't waiting long. Let me know your expected guest count when you reach out and I can recommend the right setup.

  • Yes, I always recommend it, especially for engraving and live event work. I suggest ordering a small overage, typically five to ten percent, on top of your guest count or item total. This accounts for things like last minute guest additions, surface imperfections on the items themselves, or simply having a buffer so the line keeps moving smoothly during your event. It's standard practice across the industry and something I bring up early when we're planning your order together.

  • In most cases, I recommend the client or brand supply the items, since you usually have a specific concept, theme, or aesthetic in mind, and that's the best way to ensure everything feels cohesive with your event or campaign. That said, I'm always happy to consult on what would work best for your vision if you're not sure where to start. For paper goods, I do offer a selection of options, including classic white and black place cards as well as premium handmade papers, which I'm happy to provide if you'd like to go that route.