Professional engravers (& live event artists everywhere!) are well aware of the benefit of personal connections that come with being a live event artist.
Especially with an engraving artists, guests love to watch the process and ask questions as their item is personalized right in front of them.
While most things are “digital” and automated, there is something special about meeting an artist and connecting with the person who creates beautiful details.
Connecting with people 1:1 during events is my favorite part, and it makes a big difference for your brand, too!
Laser engraving is popular among commercial distributors and large companies, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the best option. Laser engraving has its place: complex illustrations, mass production, or even time-sensitive projects.
A machine will never replicate the personable delivery and possibilities that a hand engraving artist delivers.
Hand engraving artists practice and execute their craft with special tools to give you the best results.
When given the choice between hand engraved details and those done by a laser, be sure you know the benefits of engraving by hand.
Here are 6 key reasons to choose hand engraving over machine-based engraving.
1. AUTHENTIC & ONE-OF-A-KIND RESULTS
Hand engraving allows for more attention to the intricate details of your design. Each piece is truly unique and authentic because it is created by hand.
An on-site engraving artist can personalize various bottle shapes without the limits of a laser engraving machines. Calligraphy engraving uses an artist's personal script style -- no stencils or fonts.
2. MORE CONTROL OVER DEPTH & PLACEMENT
Engraving artists have control over bur size, depth of engraving, and exact placement of personalization on various bottle shapes. Machines have settings that limit the personalization on specific bottle shapes and sizes.
3. PERSONAL CONNECTION IN A DIGITAL WORLD
It's about more than just the service. Live personalization is an experience for both the artist and those who receive custom, handmade items.
As a brand or business, you benefit from the 1:1 interaction between clients and engraving artists -- yes, that keeps customers coming back. Great engravers help build trust, brand loyalty, and personal relationships for your brand by engaging with clients and offering a unique experience. (Hello, VIP events and brand activations!)
See how I elevated the experience at a holiday event for Nordstrom by engraving fragrances, cosmetics, and candles.
4. CHIP RESISTANT AND PERMANENT ENGRAVING
A laser engraver creates tiny fractures in the surface but does not engrave deeply or remove material, leading to chips over time. Hand engravers remove material, leaving a smoother engraving that will not chip.
You can literally feeeel the difference of hand engraving.
5. FLEXIBLE SETUP AND EVENT READY ENGRAVER
Hand engravers are significantly smaller than commercial laser engravers, and they are battery powered to allow personalization anywhere, anytime.
I once setup on a 2x2' table, and while it was little cramped, it still works to fit in retail and event spaces. (FYI: I recommend a 6' rectangular table for busy events with lots of traffic and items to engrave)
Events are where I really shine as a live *event* artist. Read about why experiences really matter and what services I provide.
6. SUPPORT A LOCAL ENGRAVING ARTIST
The little happy dance after every order? Yes, it's real!
Small businesses value each project and offer more personalized customer service. I am a professional calligrapher and engraver for clients across the country, but to clients nearby, I am a local artist.
I look for ways to get involved and invest back into my community to promote creativity.
💌 Questions about engraving? Let’s talk! Submit an inquiry or follow on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and personalization ideas.
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Macie is a professional calligrapher and engraver specializing in live event personalization. She works with both brands and brides to provide more than just a service--it's an experience. Serving clients from Atlanta to Savannah, she loves all things southern hospitality and connecting with clients in all industries.