My first event for 2024 was a live event for MAC Cosmetics as a hand engraver. It was an incredibly exciting event for many reasons. First, because I love working with brands to create incredible brand activations and this was a surreal experience. Second, the event was at Roosevelt Field Mall in Long Island (the mall I spent my weekends hanging out with friends). Third, it’s amazing to be hired to do what I love.
Let’s Talk About the Live Event Engraving
MAC Cosmetics launched their new lipstick line and and included me in their brand activation. The entire day was so much fun. The day included the DJ playing bangers and working with the incredible MAC team. The team truly created an unforgettable experience for their customers. On top of all that, customers were offered a complimentary engraved lipstick with their initials. Everyone who stopped by the table to watch me engrave was captivated by it!
Take a look at a few of the hand engravings.
As you can see in the photos, each hand engraving was written in my classic calligraphy font..
Engraving on lipstick can be particularly challenging due to the shape and small surface. There are a few tricks I’ve learned to help get the smoothest lines.
- Use a pillow I prefer a micro-bead pillow so that any surface can easily fit (whether it’s a wine bottle or lipstick)
- Watch your hand pressure Engraving plastic requires a lighter hand than engraving on other surfaces
- Use a new bur When I’m engraving plastic, I like to use a newer bur because it has a smoother surface
- Practice! I purchased a few MAC lipsticks with different finishes prior to the event because I wanted to test out the shiny vs matte surfaces
- Use a bur size that feels comfortable to you I find this to be true for engraving any surface
Making the Engraving Pop!
As you can see in the two photos above, one lipstick is silver and the other is not. This is because I filled in most of the lipsticks with a permanent acrylic ink using my calligraphy pen and nib. This can be an incredibly time consuming process that requires precision. In preparation for this live engraving event, I practiced using acrylic ink to fill in the lipsticks. If you’re curious why I used acrylic ink, it’s because the lipsticks are matte, so I couldn’t use rub n buff. Luckily Liquitex is an acrylic ink, so it’s permanent!
The creativity and effort that goes into planning a brand activation is so important. Live events are made even better with live event calligraphers because it’s a unique experience that guests can fondly remember.
If you’re interested in booking me as your next NYC live event calligrapher or hand engraver, check out my website and fill out my inquiry form! I would love to chat and learn more about how I can help elevate your next brand activation, experiential marketing event, PR event, or private event.
Xoxo,
Katie
