Goodbye, 2024. Hello, 2025! A Pocketful of Wishes for the New Year
Every year, I am always so amazed when I look back over it…
Each time. I have to marvel at how far I’ve come. If you had told me in 2020 that I’d be working with some of my dream brands, I wouldn’t have believed you. Yet here I am, living a life that feels like thick, buttercream icing on a decadent double-layer pound cake—sweet, fulfilling, and almost too good to be true.
The Balancing Act
As a full-time teacher, my schedule is anything but forgiving. Pursuing brands, companies, and individuals I want to collaborate with often feels like threading a needle in the dark. It’s that intersection where passion has to meet reality. In the day-to-day lived experience, I’ve learned that preparation and intention are the secret ingredients to turning dreams into reality.
For anyone juggling a demanding career with creative passions 🙋🏾♀️, here’s some advice: keep a wish in your pocket but make sure your hands and feet are moving toward your goals. As the saying goes—
Dreams don’t just happen—they’re built. ~John F. Kennedy (loosely)
2024 Highlights: Pinch-Me Moments with Dream Brands
This year, I had the privilege of working with two iconic brands: Sol de Janeiro and Tom Ford. These were more than just events—they were milestones on my creative journey.
Sol de Janeiro: Embrace the Pace
The event was held at the Sephora in King of Prussia. It was a dream come true, because not only did I want to work with Sol de Janeiro for the longest, but I’ve also wanted to work in a Sephora store too! The event was so well-attended that I barely had a minute between painting lids! And I loved every second!
Sometimes, it’s just really nice to get outside of your own comfort zone and this was that for me. It was a very different kind of event than what I was used to where the paintings are a touch more elaborate and the pace is a little slower. Yes, I have had a few events where the pace was upbeat. But, this would have been more like hyper speed! 😂 At the end of the event, I had no idea how many lids I had painted. It was that many! And the approach was drastically different than most of the events I had painted at before.
The Challenge: It was a fast-paced environment where I had to think on my feet. I like to say I had to stick and jab. There was no time to overthink designs. I embraced the energy of the brand and created fresh, fun pieces that reflected their joyful, carefree vibe.
The Lesson: Success lies in preparation. Before the event, I studied Sol de Janeiro’s aesthetic—bold, cheerful, and unapologetically fun. By aligning my work with their brand identity and embracing the pace, I was ready for the job.
Key Takeaway for Calligraphers: Research the brands you want to work with. Understand their vibe, aesthetic, and audience so you can deliver work that enhances their vision.
After Sol de Janeiro, I was back at King of Prussia gain, this time at Nordstrom for three events for Tom Ford—another pinch-me brand on my wishlist.
Now, for me, whenever I encountered a Tom Ford counter, the mood was always reserved. They have a sophisticated, minimal aesthetic with fragrances that are on the bold side.
My Tom Ford events were centered on calligraphy with a heavy side of calligraphy engraving.
In a world filled with digital communication, there’s something undeniably remarkable about witnessing the timeless craft of calligraphy in real time. It’s not just about writing; it’s about storytelling, creating a moment, and giving your guests something to remember. I can’t say how many guests stopped just to watch the process. It’s simply mesmerizing for them! I definitely enjoyed bringing that extra something to their visit to the mall for the time I was there.
One event was before Christmas. I engraved and wrote short, Christmas notes and envelopes for guests to the Tom Ford table. Holidays probably get to be the anomaly when it comes to events. Unless otherwise discouraged from it, consider adding festive touches. I used a lot of bold loops and swirls that day, and even some holiday colors!
After the holidays, there were two more events for Tom Ford in which they promoted their newest fragrance Bois Pacifique. In this part of my time with them, my work returned to a purely classic feel with minimal frills.
Tom Ford: Timeless Elegance
The Challenge: Unlike Sol de Janeiro, Tom Ford’s aesthetic is sophisticated and reserved. My work needed to reflect clean lines, classic elegance, and bold minimalism.
The Lesson: Even if you’ve never worked with a brand before, paying attention to what goes on at their counter can help you figure out the demeanor you should exude when the opportunity arises.
Key Takeaway for Calligraphers: Each brand has its own personality. Adapt your style to suit the event’s tone, whether it’s fast and fun or refined and classic.T
Of course, they also had other features of the event that made it a success—and those features were top tier! Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres like fig, caviar, and fine chocolates. I got to try these delectable treats for myself and I can positively say, without a doubt, Tom Ford loves their clientele! 😋
Guests were also able to take home complimentary, customizable gifts.
To put it plainly, I want my calligraphy for events like these to look expensive! 😂
What I love about it all is that, over the course of these past few years, I’ve come to be trusted by individuals, companies and brands alike. That in itself astounds me!
But, with time and some consistency, comes trust.
For instance, this holiday season, a local restaurateur commissioned these ornaments as well as a few other items to make her holiday sing for her and her loved ones.
Just imagine it’s playing to Ne-Yo’s version of “I Want to Come Home for Christmas” which you can’t hear here because…copyright. But a beautiful listen, nonetheless. 😌
This year, I also got a last minute request by a manager for Dior at my local Nordstrom for a last minute fix too.
Click here and swipe for a look at the before.
There’s this dance between serendipitous opportunities and intentional preparation behind every wish fulfilled. Get ready for it in 2025!
How to Get on the Radar of Dream Brands for Calligraphers
For fellow calligraphers looking to collaborate with their dream brands, here are a few tips based on my journey:
Do Your Homework:
Study the brand’s visual identity and aesthetic.
Think about how your work can enhance their events while staying true to their vibe.
Create a Portfolio That Speaks to Their Needs:
Include work that aligns with the types of events and projects the brand typically hosts.
Highlight versatility—show how you can adapt to different surfaces and event types.
Network and Stay Visible:
Engage with brands on social media. Comment on their posts, share your work inspired by their products, and tag them appropriately.
Attend events where you can meet brand reps and event planners. (This one comes from the marketing guru herself, Maiden September. She has shared this tip with me before and I definitely intend to follow through for 2025!)
Say Yes to New Challenges:
Be open to fast-paced or last-minute opportunities. Easier said than done, at times. But, it can make your services memorable!
Use these moments to prove your adaptability and professionalism.
Build Relationships:
Consistently deliver high-quality work.
Stay in touch with clients and offer your services for future events.
A Message for Future Clients: Why Live Calligraphy Matters
To my future clients, I want you to know how much value live calligraphy can bring to your events. It’s more than an art form—it’s an experience. Guests are mesmerized by the process, and the personalized keepsakes they take home leave a lasting impression.
Whether it’s vibrant lid painting for a beauty brand, elegant engraving for a fragrance launch, or something truly unique for your special occasion, live calligraphy transforms ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
What’s Next for 2025?
I’m heading into 2025 with a restocked pocketful of dreams and goals. Whether you’re a calligrapher chasing your own dreams or a client looking to create magical events, let’s make this year one for the books!
Wishing you all a year of surprises, growth, and success. Let’s go, 2025! 🥳
