Setting Intentions for 2025: Personal and Business Goals
As the new year begins, I’m taking a moment to reflect on my aspirations for 2025. This year, I’m focusing on a mix of personal well-being and professional growth—two areas that fuel each other when balanced thoughtfully. Here’s a glimpse into my goals and the plans I’ve set to make them happen.
Hi! I am Victoria and thank you for being here.
I am your go-to calligrapher based in Bergen County New Jersey, specializing in wedding invitation design, custom calligraphy commissions, and on-site calligraphy and engraving services for events. With a background in the fashion industry, my passion for calligraphy has evolved into a thriving business, creating heirloom artwork and personalized invitations for clients.
Want to work together? Or just say hi! You can find me here hello@sunsetscribe.com or instagram @sunsetscribe
Personal Goals: Prioritizing Self-Care and Wellness
Running a creative business can be fulfilling, but it also requires energy and focus. This year, I’m committing to self-care as a way to stay inspired and recharged. Here are the steps I’m taking:
Eat More Salad (and Veggies in General!)
Simple, right? But it’s amazing how easy it is to skip the greens during busy days. I’ll be making an effort to incorporate salads and nutrient-packed meals into my routine. Bonus: This will fuel my energy for those long calligraphy sessions!Make Time for Self-Care
This year, I’m embracing self-care as non-negotiable. Whether it’s quiet time with a book, a bubble bath, or just saying “no” to things that drain me, 2025 is about creating space for myself.Monthly Massage or Facial
Stress can creep in when you least expect it. Scheduling regular massages or facials will help me stay relaxed and ready to tackle whatever comes my way.Take More Walks
A simple walk can clear your mind and spark creativity. Whether it’s a stroll in the park or a quick walk around the neighborhood, I’ll be stepping away from the desk more often.Pilates Once a Week
I’ve always admired the balance and strength Pilates cultivates. Making this a weekly habit will be my way of staying active while also centering my body and mind.
Business Goals: Growing and Thriving in 2025
On the business side, I’m focusing on growth while delivering exceptional quality to my clients. Here’s what’s on my radar:
Increase Gross Income by 25%
This is my big-picture goal for the year. To achieve this, I’ll be refining my offerings, reaching new clients, and saying yes to opportunities that align with my brand.Stay on Top of Content with Scheduler Apps
Consistency is key when connecting with my audience. By planning posts ahead and using scheduling tools, I’ll ensure my social media and blog stay active and engaging without adding stress to my day.Book More Wedding Clients
Weddings are at the heart of my business, and I’m excited to bring more couples’ visions to life. I’ll be focusing on outreach, networking, and showcasing the luxurious, bespoke calligraphy services I offer.Deliver Amazing Quality, Always
Every piece I create—whether it’s a wedding invitation suite or live event personalization—is crafted with care and attention to detail. Maintaining this standard is a top priority, as it’s what keeps clients coming back and spreading the word about Sunset Scribe.
Why These Goals Matter
2025 is about alignment: aligning my personal well-being with my professional aspirations. I’ve learned that taking care of myself directly impacts the quality of my work and the energy I bring to my clients. By setting clear goals and sticking to them, I’m setting the stage for a year of fulfillment and success.
What are your goals for 2025? Whether personal or professional, let’s make this a year to remember—one intentional step at a time.
CREATING A COHESIVE WEDDING INVITATION
Hi! I am Victoria and thank you for being here.
I am your go-to calligrapher based in Bergen County New Jersey, specializing in wedding invitation design, custom calligraphy commissions, and on-site calligraphy and engraving services for events. With a background in the fashion industry, my passion for calligraphy has evolved into a thriving business, creating heirloom artwork and personalized invitations for clients.
Want to work together? Or just say hi! You can find me here
https://sunsetscribe.com/contact-njcalligrapher-sunsetscribe
Below are some of my tips for creating wedding invitations.
Creating a cohesive wedding invitation suite is all about ensuring that each element works together harmoniously to reflect the couple's style and the wedding's theme. Here’s how you can achieve this:
1. Choose a Central Theme or Style
Theme: Whether it’s vintage, modern, rustic, or whimsical, having a clear theme guides all design choices.
Style: Decide on a calligraphy style that matches the theme—elegant script, playful brush lettering, or minimal serif fonts.
2. Color Palette
Select a color palette that reflects the wedding’s colors. Use these consistently across all pieces in the suite—invitation, RSVP card, details card, etc.
Consider the balance between neutral tones and accent colors for a sophisticated look.
3. Consistent Typography
Use the same fonts throughout the suite to create a unified look. Mixing two or three fonts can work, but they should complement each other.
Ensure the hierarchy is clear with headings, subheadings, and body text in different styles or weights.
4. Matching Paper and Printing Techniques
The type of paper (e.g., cotton, vellum, kraft) can greatly affect the suite’s feel. Choose one that fits the theme.
Consider printing techniques like letterpress, foil stamping, or digital printing to add texture and depth.
5. Illustrative Elements
Include consistent illustrative elements, such as florals, monograms, or venue sketches, across the suite.
These elements can tie together different pieces while adding a personal touch.
6. Cohesive Layout and Spacing
Maintain a consistent layout structure with similar margins, spacing, and alignment across all pieces.
This uniformity ensures that the suite feels like a single, cohesive unit.
7. Envelope Design
Match the envelope design to the invitation. Consider an envelope liner with the same pattern or color palette.
Address the envelopes in a calligraphy style that matches the invitation for a polished finish.
8. Personalization
Add personal touches like a custom monogram, wax seal, or ribbon that can be used throughout the suite.
These details make the invitation feel unique and special.
9. Consider Practicality
Make sure the suite is practical—sizes should fit easily into envelopes, and the layout should be easy to read.
Include clear instructions or details where necessary, like on the RSVP card.
10. Packaging
The way you present the suite when it's received matters. Consider how each element will be unpacked and ensure it’s a delightful experience from start to finish.
By carefully curating each of these elements, you can create a wedding invitation suite that not only looks beautiful but also tells the story of the couple and sets the tone for their big day.
Behind the Scenes: Setting Up for a Live Calligraphy Event
I would love to share the process of preparing for a live calligraphy event, from selecting materials to setting up the workspace.
Live engraving events are a fantastic way to add a personalized touch to any occasion, whether it's a wedding, corporate event, or brand activation. They not only showcase your craftsmanship but also create memorable experiences for attendees. Proper preparation is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set up for an on-site live engraving event. I will be running through this list as I prep for On Site Events.
Hi! I am Victoria and I am happy you found my page!
I am your go-to calligrapher based in Bergen County New Jersey, specializing in wedding invitation design, custom calligraphy commissions, and on-site calligraphy and engraving services for events. With a background in the fashion industry, my passion for calligraphy has evolved into a thriving business, creating heirloom artwork and personalized invitations for clients.
Want to work together? Or just say hi! You can find me here:
Here are some of the things to consider to prep for a live calligraphy event:
Understand the Event Details
Before diving into the setup, gather all the essential information about the event. This type of information I would gather during the email process with the brand or client to find out logistics and guest count. I would also want to know the guest count so I could calculate how many pieces I would need to finish hourly if I was hired for 4 hours (which is my minimum)
Event Type and Theme: Knowing the event type (e.g., wedding, corporate, retail) and theme helps tailor your setup and engraving styles.
Guest Count: Estimate how many items you’ll be engraving to ensure you have enough supplies and if you need to hire another engraver or calligrapher for the event if the budget allows.
Venue Specifications: Understand the venue layout, available space, lighting, and any restrictions. This also helps with the flow of the activation in order to keep your table busy but not overwhelming.
Plan Your Equipment and Supplies
Ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials for live engraving:
Engraving Tools: High-quality engraving pens, depending on your method, engraving burrs, burr lubricant.
Engravable Items: I bring my sample bottles so that clients can see my style but typically the venue provides what is being engraved and that is planned ahead of time.
Protective Gear: Safety glasses, gloves, mask and any other protective equipment required for your tools.
Backup Supplies: Extra tools, replacement parts, and a back up engraver.
Drafting Pencil/Marker: Stabilio white pencil, chalk marker to draft the clients personalization
Alcohol: To clean the surface of the glass
Create a Portable Workspace
Design a workspace that is functional, attractive, and easy to transport:
On Site Kit: something that is easy to carry, think roller or backpack and is professional. Most likely all black.
Lighting: Portable lighting to ensure you have enough visibility, especially if the venue lighting is dim.
Display Setup: Arrange your tools and materials neatly. Use displays to showcase samples of your work and attract guests. I like to use acrylic pen holders to hold my rub and buff and qtips, etc.
Personalize Your Setup
Make your setup visually appealing and aligned with the event theme:
Branding Materials: Desk sign with your name, company and “calligraphy + engraving” or your title. You can keep business cards in your kit and pass out to anyone that asks.
Signage: Clear signage to explain your services and any instructions for guests.
Prepare for Interactions
Engaging with guests is a crucial part of live engraving events:
Greeting Guests: Have a friendly introduction prepared to welcome guests and explain the engraving process.
Customization Options: Offer a variety of fonts, designs, and engraving styles for guests to choose from.
Order Forms: Use order forms or post its to collect information and personalization details.
Conduct a Test Run
Before the event day, do a complete test run of your setup:
Practice Setup and Teardown: Ensure you can set up and dismantle your workspace efficiently.
Test Equipment: Check all your tools and equipment to make sure they are functioning correctly and charged.
Time Management: Practice engraving to gauge how long each piece takes, helping you manage time during the event.
Pack Strategically
Organize your materials for easy access and transport:
Storage Containers: Use labeled containers or bags to keep your tools and supplies organized.
Checklists: Create checklists for packing and setting up to ensure nothing is forgotten.
Transport Arrangements: Plan how you’ll transport your equipment, whether it’s by car, or public transport.
Arrive Early
Give yourself ample time to set up before guests arrive:
Early Arrival: Arrive at the venue early to allow for unexpected delays and to ensure a calm, organized setup.
Coordinate with Event Staff: Communicate with the event organizers and staff for any last-minute instructions or adjustments.
Engage and Enjoy
Once everything is set up, focus on creating a memorable experience:
Interactive Demonstrations: Perform live engraving demonstrations to attract and engage guests.
Customer Interaction: Chat with guests, answer questions, and ensure they are satisfied with their engraved items.
Collect Feedback: Encourage guests to leave feedback or reviews to help improve your services.
Conclusion
Setting up for an on-site live engraving event requires careful planning and preparation. By understanding the event details, organizing your equipment, and creating an inviting workspace, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for both you and your guests. Remember, the key to a great live engraving event is not just the quality of your work, but also the interactions and memories you create for your guests. Happy engraving!
Checklist for On Site Events:
Engraving drill (charge the night before)
Back up engraver
Burrs in different sizes and back up
Collet reducer if needed
Drafting pens and pencils
Alcohol, wipes, cotton pads, qtips
Rub and buff (silver, gold)
Post its or small intake forms
Branding sign
Business cards
Container to hold rub and buff, cotton pads, etc
Samples of bottles to clients can see personal style
Portable light
Phone mount for videos/content
Personal makeup kit (lip gloss, hairties/clips, contacts, gum, headache meds)
water/snacks
Washi tape
Small bag for trash
Drafting pens or pencils
cushion