Hello, I’m Carla Schall, a passionate calligrapher and artist based in Florida. With over 16 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with luxury brands and clients across the country, from New York to Palm Beach. My journey into calligraphy began as a child, writing letters with my Nana, and it has since blossomed into a fulfilling career where I create personalized, elegant details for weddings, corporate events, and more.
In this blog post, I want to share my story, my services, and some of the experiences that have shaped my work. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate event, or simply want to learn more about the art of calligraphy, I hope this interview gives you insight into what makes Carla Schall Designs a trusted choice for luxury events.
The Spark That Started It All
Calligraphy is more than just writing; it’s an art form that adds a personal touch to any event. I love the way it can transform ordinary items into extraordinary keepsakes. Whether it’s engraving a guest’s name on a champagne flute or creating a custom wedding sign, each piece tells a story and adds a unique, personal element to the occasion.
My journey into calligraphy began when I was a young girl. I remember sitting with my Nana, writing letters together, and being fascinated by the way the pen flowed across the paper. Those moments sparked a love for handwriting that has stayed with me ever since. Over the years, that passion evolved into a career where I get to create art that celebrates life’s most special moments.
What I Offer: Services Tailored to You
At Carla Schall Designs, I offer a range of services designed to bring elegance and personalization to your event. Here’s a closer look at what I do:
- Live Calligraphy: I provide on-site calligraphy services, creating beautiful, handwritten elements in real-time. From place cards to menus, every detail is crafted with care.
- Hand Engraving: Using portable, battery-powered machines, I offer live engraving services that add a touch of sophistication to items like glassware, mirrors, and more. My smallest machine is just 1′ x 7”, making it perfect for any venue.
- Embossing and Foiling: For those who want a luxurious finish, I offer embossing and foiling services that create stunning, tactile designs.
- Painting: I provide custom painting services, ideal for creating unique backdrops or decor for events.
- Private Workshops: For those interested in learning calligraphy, I offer private workshops tailored to both beginners and experts.
Each service is designed to reflect your vision and make your event unforgettable. Curious about the details? Explore my services page for more information.
Stories from the Heart: Client Experiences
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing the joy my services bring to clients. Here are a few testimonials that highlight the impact of my work:
- “Anything she touches turns to gold! Her time and talent are a true treasure… exquisite work, beaming smile, friendly personality.” – Anonymous Client
- “Carla is the best calligrapher ever! She exceeded expectations with every wedding project.” – Anonymous Client
- “Carla is AMAZING—extremely talented, kind, and thoughtful. Every design is different, and I highly recommend her for any design or engraving.” – Anonymous Client
- “We’ve been working with Carla for over 10 years, and she is so talented!” – Anonymous Client
These kind words reflect the trust and connection I strive to build with every client. For example, I once worked with a bride in Palm Beach who wanted custom-engraved champagne flutes for her wedding guests. We collaborated closely to design a monogram that reflected her style, and on the day of the event, I engraved each flute live as guests arrived. The smiles on their faces as they received their personalized keepsakes made every moment worthwhile.
My Process: From Vision to Reality
I believe that a seamless process is just as important as the final product. When you work with me, here’s what you can expect:
- Initial Connection: We start by discussing your vision and requirements. I want to understand what makes your event unique.
- Quoting: Based on your needs, I provide a detailed quote. Pricing starts at $750 for personal projects, $1000 for corporate events, and $1500 for weddings.
- Communication: I send samples and photos for your approval to ensure everything meets your expectations.
- Day-of Setup: For live events, I arrive 30 minutes prior to set up, ensuring everything is ready for your guests.
- Post-Event: Within 24 hours, I send an invoice along with a recap and request for feedback.
My goal is to make the experience stress-free, so you can focus on enjoying your event. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large celebration, I’m here to bring your vision to life.
What Makes My Work Unique
What sets my work apart is the personal touch I bring to every project. Each piece is handcrafted with care, reflecting the personality and style of the client. My attention to detail and commitment to excellence ensure that every item is not just beautiful but also meaningful.
I also pride myself on my versatility. Whether it’s live calligraphy at a wedding, hand engraving for a corporate event, or teaching a private workshop, I adapt my skills to meet your needs. My portable engraving machines allow me to work in any setting, and my 16 years of experience mean I can handle even the most complex projects with ease.
Learning with Carla: Private Workshops and Coaching
In addition to my event services, I offer private workshops and coaching sessions for those who want to explore calligraphy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, I tailor each session to your skill level and goals.
During these workshops, we cover everything from basic strokes to advanced lettering styles. I believe that everyone has the potential to create beautiful calligraphy, and I love sharing my knowledge to help others discover their creativity. Interested in learning more? Contact me to book a session.
Staying Inspired: The Art of Creativity
As an artist, I’m constantly seeking inspiration from the world around me. From the delicate curves of a seashell to the bold lines of modern architecture, every detail can spark a new idea. I also stay connected to the wedding and event industry, following trends to ensure my work remains fresh and relevant.
Collaborating with other creatives is another source of inspiration. Working with florists, planners, and designers allows me to learn new techniques and push my boundaries. These connections keep my work vibrant and exciting, and I bring that energy to every project.
The Power of Personalization
In a world of mass production, personalization stands out. It’s what makes an event memorable and unique. Whether it’s a custom monogram on wedding favors or a hand-painted sign for a corporate event, these personal touches show that thought and care have been put into every detail.
At Carla Schall Designs, I specialize in creating these personalized elements that tell your story. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about crafting art that resonates with you and your guests.
Common Questions Answered
Here are some questions I often hear from clients, along with my answers:
- How much do your services cost?
Pricing starts at $750 for personal projects, $1000 for corporate events, and $1500 for weddings. The final cost depends on the scope of the project. - How long does it take to complete a project?
For live engraving, simple personalizations take 1-3 minutes per piece. For other services, turnaround times vary based on complexity. - Can I see examples of your work?
Absolutely! Check out my portfolio for a glimpse of my creations. - Do you travel for events?
Yes, I travel to locations like New York and Palm Beach for events. - How can I prepare for a live calligraphy event?
To ensure a smooth experience:
- Decide on the items you want personalized (e.g., place cards, menus, signs).
- Choose the style and color of calligraphy that matches your theme.
- Provide any specific text or names in advance.
- Ensure there’s a suitable space for my workstation.
Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together
If you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or special occasion and want to add a touch of elegance and personalization, I’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s live calligraphy, hand engraving, or custom painting, I’m here to bring your vision to life.
Contact me today to discuss how we can make your event truly special. You can also follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses of my work.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my work. From my childhood days writing letters with my Nana to creating art for luxury events across the country, every piece I create is infused with passion and care. I hope this interview has given you a sense of what makes Carla Schall Designs special, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.
Explore more of my work on my portfolio or services page, and let’s create something beautiful together.
