In my first blog post on live calligraphy tips, I discussed tips that help me specifically as a live lettering artist. There’s more to optimizing my experience on site than just the art, though. In this post, I’m sharing tips that help me as a worker overall.
While I believe these tips to be practical, they are more subjective than the tips in my previous post. So rather than say that I recommend doing these, I’ll say that the following are practices that work for me.
Attire: Layer up!
Baby, it’s (sometimes) cold inside. Onsites for liquor brands usually happen in a grocery store or beverage depot—both have a refrigerated section, and there’s a good chance the work table will be right by it. Climate control is generally more comfy in department stores and boutiques, but the A/C can be a bit much in the summer. Also, work tables are often near entrances; those get drafty. Ask me what it’s like to write or engrave by the doors when it’s 10 degrees in Chicago. 😅
Attire: (Almost) always bet on black
Although I have had several events in which a client requested all black attire, this is for the most part a personal preference. I personally find it easier to dress in black. Black is a closet staple. I’ll accessorize with a scarf or brooch to zhuzh it up if I ever feel all-black is a bit plain. Might I look like an employee at some onsites? Sure, which brings me to my next point…
Know some basics about the store you’re in
I may not have an employee name tag, but while I’m on site I know I will be approached like an employee. I take pride in being helpful. Even though I may not be expected to know some of these, I find that they sure help:
- Know where the bathroom is! When I’m working at a department store, I’m
almostalways asked this at least a few times. No joke, “Where’s the bathroom?” is the most popular question I get at some events. If I’m on site for a long day, I want to know this for myself as well. On a similar note, if I’m stationed in an area of clothing, it’s good to know where the dressing room is as well. It only takes a minute to get this info, and it saves me from repeatedly saying something like, “I don’t know, I’m just a calligrapher here for the day.” (Just…no.) - Know the retail workers on the floor around you. In my experience, most of the workers make this easy anyway; my being there is meant to help them sell. Having a good rapport with other people just makes sense—it makes the workday go by more pleasantly/faster, they can help you address any difficult requests with customers, you can learn more from them about the items you engrave, etc. I enjoy returning to a store for an onsite and reconnecting with some of the workers I’ve met before, and it feels good when they’re happy to see me, too.
Set your boundaries
This is probably the most subjective point in the post. As an artist, you need to know how much you are willing to stretch. For example, if you’re hired till 5pm, at 5pm are you: a) packed up and walking out, b) just starting to pack, c) or taking one last request? For me, it’s option (b)…it was (c) once, but let’s just say I learned why that didn’t work out for me. It’s a different and personal choice for everyone.
There are a variety of scenarios that will make you assess your boundaries—in time, in space, what you’re willing to write/engrave, etc. My only advice is know yours, how flexible you’re willing to be, and stick to them (or adjust them) as needed to be at peace with the work you do.
Bonus: Meet other artists on site if there are any
I love meeting other calligraphers and other artists at events! If you’re a fellow calligrapher and introduced yourself to me before, thank you. And if I introduce myself to you, please know that as happy as I am, I’m also working up some courage to do so (introvert here, so apologies if I was awkward). There’s a wonderful community of onsite artists out there, and meeting others has made this job as a calligrapher a much richer experience. I have found so many in the community to be a great source of support, knowledge sharing, and even mutual referrals.
