Live Calligraphy & Engraving by Nerissa B.
An event etched in memory,
a memory to hold
Luxury Brand Activations
Personalized Corporate & Special Events
Because it's more than the product
When you invite your clients, your customers, your people to your event, you want their time to feel appreciated. What if you could make a lasting impression with a beautifully lettered keepsake?
Welcome! I’m Nerissa Bona Israel of Nerissa B. Calligraphy. I’m here to enhance artful and intentional events for the brands, businesses, and everyday celebrators of Chicago through my live calligraphy service.
I specialize in partnerships with luxury brand agents, conference managers, venue coordinators, and arts and cultural professionals to make guests smile.
Live event & calligraphy Services
Here are the services that I offer joyfully, with a tasteful touch of whimsy:
Calligraphy
On note cards, gift bags, and brand packaging. Also offered as digital signatures.
Engraving
On fragrance bottles, wine and spirits bottles, ornaments, glassware, steel tumblers, and cosmetics.
Foiling/Heat Debossing
On leather and faux leather items like wallets, luggage tags, handbags, and journals.
Painting
On champagne bottles, wine and spirits bottles, fragrance bottles, candle jars, and tote bags.
Did you know...?
Having a live calligrapher at your event can:
Enhance the mood
As a specialized art form, calligraphy denotes luxury, elevating the atmosphere and overall guest experience.
Increase engagement
Memorable personalization activities increase the likelihood of post-event engagement, with 74% of attendees noting a more positive opinion of a brand after attending an activation.
Boost your visibility
Calligraphy experiences are aesthetically appealing and their photography lends well to influential, user-generated content on social media platforms.
Encourage sales
A personalized experience through brand activation increases buyer connection and can promote sales by up to 80%.
Frequently booked events
Brand Activations
Store openings, holiday gift events, department promotions, pop-up shops, product launches, giveaways.
Corporate Events
Educational and business conferences, networking events, trade shows and expos, community festivals.
Special Events
Bridal showers, bachelorette parties, baby showers, anniversaries, reunions, heritage celebrations.
Featured Clients & Collaborations
My signature process, tailored for your event
A personalized experience for your guests
01 / Inquire
We’ll hold a meeting to discuss your vision and ensure we’re a good fit.
02 / Book
A signed contract and retainer secure the date and planning in my calendar.
03 / Plan
I practice and test materials ahead of your event, ensuring my work meets your vision.
04 / Craft
Using precise tools, I letter and engrave your products with intention and care.
05 / Engage
At the event, I connect with your guests on a personal and engaging level.
Your guests leave with a specially crafted memento and a positive experience!
06 / Remember
What you can expect
Clear and consistent communication
From booking and scheduling to planning the personalization materials and alternatives, I’m fully committed to understanding your vision for your event’s setup, vibe, and flow.
Personal connection
Because the truly joyful creation of a keepsake is made possible by getting to know your guests in the moment and uncovering the heartfelt purpose behind their item’s personalization.
Accurate and refined work
I’m efficient but never too speedy with the project in hand. The skilled crossing of every T, sketching of every serif, and aligning of every line all come through years of practice and testing.
“Nothing short of impeccable"
“Wow! Nerissa’s work is nothing short of impeccable. I had her engrave some perfume bottles for my wedding, one as a gift and one for me. Not only did she engrave the bottles but she went the extra mile and decorated the box as well. It is a wonderful keepsake from my wedding that I will always cherish. Nerissa was easy to work with from the start. She communicated very clearly and drop off/pick up was extremely easy. I know her services are beyond engraving so I would highly recommend her for your next event!”
- Kelsey D.
Frequently Asked Questions
I can engrave on glass, metal, wood, stone, leather, acrylic, plastic, and ceramic. The most popular items at live events tend to be fragrance bottles, wine and spirits bottles, candle jars, steel tumblers, and cosmetic materials like compact mirrors and lipstick.
It’s important to note that for safety reasons, I can’t engrave on pressurized bottles like champagne or sparkling wine (but I will gladly paint on those)!
As an on-site artist hired to represent your brand, my value is in both the quality of the work I provide and the customer service experience! I’m always committed to being efficient, but I’m equally committed to creating an interactive, engaging, and personable experience.
That said, the rate of personalization varies by method, material, and amount of detail. I can engrave most small items within 3-5 minutes each, allowing time to interact with your guests.
While freehand engraving, I use a handheld drill like a pen to create a permanent calligraphic image on the material’s surface. With foiling (also called foil debossing), I’ll use a heated, pen-like tool to apply the foil to material like leather.
With either lettering method, what matters most is the fine penmanship of a trained and experienced calligrapher.
Yes, I do travel for events outside of the Chicago area. My fee includes all costs associated with travel and accommodations.
Of course. While not necessary, they are helpful when I prepare to deliver a product and experience tailored to your brand event. When possible, sample materials are most helpful.
A table, a chair (adjustable height, if possible), and good lighting are all I need to meet comfortably with your guests during personalization. Access to an electrical outlet may also be needed, depending on your event.
As soon as you have a date in mind! I will often have multiple commitments around popular gifting holidays like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas, etc.
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