# Creative Inking Calligraphy

> Creative Inking is a Gold Coast-based calligraphy and engraving studio run by Alison Curtis. The business provides live event calligraphy and on-site engraving for luxury brand activations, weddings and corporate events; custom in-studio engraving and personalised gifts; and calligraphy classes and workshops. Creative Inking services the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and wider Queensland, and is available for travel by arrangement.

Last updated: 2026-07-17

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## Business Snapshot

Creative Inking has a 5.0-star Google rating from 50 reviews.

Based at 53 Petrel Ave, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218, Australia.

Live event calligraphy, on-site engraving, bespoke calligraphy and classes for the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Service area: Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Northern NSW and wider Southeast Queensland; travel by arrangement.

Calligraphy styles: Copperplate, Spencerian, Gothic and modern scripts.

## Core Services

### Live Event Calligraphy & On-Site Engraving

Live calligraphy, on-site engraving and luxury personalisation for brand activations, weddings, corporate events and private functions across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Live event calligraphy and engraving that guests actually remember Creative Inking delivers live calligraphy, on-site engraving, foiling, painting and wood burning for luxury retail activations, corporate events, weddings and VIP gifting. Based on the Gold Coast and regularly servicing Brisbane, Alison helps brands turn perfume bottles, glassware, gifts and keepsakes into high-impact personalised moments. Live calligraphy & engraving at your event Alison provides premium live event calligraphy and on-site engraving for brand activations and events across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. With 17 years of experience across luxury retail, shopping centres and high-volume activations, she delivers fast, polished personalisation while keeping guests engaged and your brand front of mind. What we personalise live Ideal for in-store activations, corporate events, weddings, product launches, influencer events and milestone celebrations. Popular live personalisation requests include perfume engraving, bottle engraving, glass engraving, gift tagging and handwritten calligraphy. Table setup, attire and workflow are tailored to your brief, and additional artists can be arranged for high-volume gifting campaigns. If you need pre-personalised pieces before the event, see our custom engraving and calligraphy service. See more examples in the live event calligraphy and engraving gallery, including Brisbane and Gold Coast brand activations, VIP gifting and shopping centre events. Planning in Brisbane? See the dedicated Brisbane live event engraving and brand activation calligraphy guide. Enquire about your event

URL: https://creativeinking.com.au/services/calligraphy-live-events-brand-activations/

### Custom Engraving & Personalisation

In-studio custom engraving, calligraphy and personalisation for perfume bottles, glassware, wedding place cards, certificates and branded corporate gifts.

Custom engraving and calligraphy without the on-site setup Creative Inking handles engraving, hand lettering, bottle painting, hot foiling, wood burning and bespoke personalisation for events, gifting and keepsakes. Popular requests include perfume engraving, bottle engraving, glassware, wedding place cards, invitation personalisation, certificates and premium branded gifts. Made in the studio, ahead of your event Not every brief needs an artist on site. Alison creates bespoke pieces in the studio, so brands, couples and businesses can add a premium finish before the event even begins. What we personalise Ideal for corporate gifts, wedding stationery, certificates and luxury keepsakes. Shell place cards, fans, parasols, engraved glassware, sunglass cases and bottles all come up beautifully when the lettering and finish are tailored to the occasion. For something more specific, see our Gold Coast perfume engraving, Yeti and drink bottle engraving and wedding place card calligraphy pages. If you need live guest personalisation at the event itself, see our live event calligraphy and on-site engraving service or check out our custom engraving gallery. Request custom personalisation

URL: https://creativeinking.com.au/services/in-studio-custom-calligraphy-personalisation/

### Calligraphy Classes & Workshops

Brush pen, pointed pen, watercolour lettering, hand engraving and kids' calligraphy classes at the Mermaid Beach studio.

Alison teaches small, beginner-friendly classes for adults and kids, with practical techniques students keep using long after the session. Private workshops for birthdays, hens parties and team events are available by request. Need event personalisation instead of a workshop? See the live event calligraphy and on-site engraving service.

URL: https://creativeinking.com.au/services/calligraphy-classes-gold-coast/

## Pricing Guide

- Live event calligraphy & on-site engraving: $250 per hour (3-hour minimum booking)
- In-studio projects: from $150 minimum spend
- Certificate calligraphy: $70 each
- Calligraphy on place cards: from $4 each
- Calligraphy on envelopes with full addresses: from $8 each
- Engraving on fragrances: from $80 each
- Calligraphy & hand engraving workshops: from $100 per person

Fast turnarounds may incur a rush fee. Full published price list: https://creativeinking.com.au/pricing/

## Portfolio & Local Landing Pages

- [Calligraphy Classes Gold Coast](https://creativeinking.com.au/gallery/calligraphy-classes-gold-coast/): Portfolio gallery.
- [Calligraphy Live Events Brand Activations](https://creativeinking.com.au/gallery/calligraphy-live-events-brand-activations/): Photos from real client events, including Gucci, Tiffany & Co and Burberry activations at Pacific Fair and Queens Plaza, engraving booths at Westfield Carindale, and event lettering at The Star.
- [In Studio Custom Calligraphy Personalisation](https://creativeinking.com.au/gallery/in-studio-custom-calligraphy-personalisation/): Finished commissions from the Creative Inking studio: engraved perfume bottles, hand-painted champagne, wedding place cards, certificates and personalised gifts.

- Brisbane live event engraving and brand activation calligraphy: https://creativeinking.com.au/services/brisbane-live-event-engraving/
Alison engraves and hand-letters guest gifts live at Brisbane activations, launches and VIP events, with portfolio examples from The Star Brisbane, Queens Plaza and Westfield Carindale.
Areas served: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Southeast Queensland

- Gold Coast perfume engraving: https://creativeinking.com.au/services/gold-coast-perfume-engraving/
Names, dates and short messages hand-engraved on perfume bottles, finished in the studio or engraved live at Gold Coast counter activations for brands like Jo Malone.
Areas served: Gold Coast, Brisbane, Southeast Queensland

- Gold Coast Yeti and drink bottle engraving: https://creativeinking.com.au/services/gold-coast-yeti-drink-bottle-engraving/
Names, dates and hand-drawn artwork that turn a favourite bottle into a keepsake, engraved in the studio or live at your event.
Areas served: Gold Coast, Brisbane, Southeast Queensland, Australia

- Gold Coast wedding place card calligraphy: https://creativeinking.com.au/services/wedding-place-card-calligraphy-gold-coast/
Hand-lettered guest names for Gold Coast weddings: shell place cards, paper details, fans and keepsakes, styled to suit your tables and ready before the day.
Areas served: Gold Coast, Brisbane, Northern NSW, Southeast Queensland

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Do you take commissions?**
Yes, I’m open to commissions for poems, letters and the like. **Holiday notice:** I generally pause commissions during December because of the high volume of live events. Reach out early if you’re planning a Christmas gift so we can book time in.

**What can you engrave?**
Most glass and metal surfaces, most stainless steel drink bottles, and some plastics. If a surface is untested or plastic, I’ll recommend a test item first so we know it engraves cleanly. Popular water bottle brands like Yeti, Frank Green, Stanley, Hydro Flask, S’well and Corkcicle all use stainless steel or powder-coated finishes that engrave well. Surface finishes vary across some Yeti models, so for those I’ll test a small area under the bottle first. **Not suitable for engraving** - Champagne or other pressurised bottles (I can personalise these with paint pens instead) - Excessively ridged or patterned surfaces

**Do you have minimums?**
For on-site work there is a **3 hour minimum** booking. In-studio projects start at a **$150 minimum spend** to cover setup and design time.

**Can you provide a guide on pricing?**
Live event work starts at **$250 per hour** with a **3 hour minimum**. In-studio work is varied, so reach out with as much detail as possible for a tailored quote. As a rough starting guide: - Certificate calligraphy: **From $70 each** - Calligraphy on place cards: **From $4 each** - Calligraphy on envelopes with full addresses: **From $8 each** - Engraving on fragrances: **From $80 each** Fast turnarounds may incur a rush fee. For further details see our dedicated calligraphy pricing guide.

**What areas do you service?**
Alison is based on the Gold Coast and regularly services Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Northern NSW and wider Southeast Queensland for local events. She is also happy to travel further by arrangement.

**What calligraphy styles do you offer?**
Alison offers a variety of scripts including Copperplate, Spencerian, Gothic, and modern scripts. She does not copy another calligrapher's exact style but can suggest scripts that complement your project or event.

**Do you have items on hand or do I need to provide?**
Creative Inking keeps stock of white and black paper fans and a smaller range of other fan colors. We also carry a large selection of plain and decorative place cards, and at times compact mirrors and luggage tags. We can help source paper stock products (any shape or size) to suit your brief. You are welcome to supply your own items; they can be dropped off or posted to our Mermaid Beach address.

**What is your turnaround time?**
Timelines depend on the project, but we aim to complete in-studio work within **2–4 weeks**. If we need to source products for you, this window may extend. Reach out as early as possible to secure a spot, especially around peak gifting periods like Christmas, Mother's Day, and Father's Day.

**What's the process to have my wedding certificate done in calligraphy?**
- Let your celebrant know you want your certificate handwritten and ask them to post or drop off the certificate. - If you are a celebrant, get in touch. We regularly work with celebrants and can help you elevate your service with calligraphy.

**What can you personalise live at an event?**
Popular live requests include perfume engraving, bottle engraving, glass engraving, gift tagging and handwritten calligraphy. Alison offers live calligraphy, on-site engraving, foiling, painting and wood burning, and the setup suits in-store activations, corporate events, weddings, product launches, influencer events and milestone celebrations.

**Can you handle high-volume gifting at a brand activation?**
Yes. Alison has years of experience across luxury retail, shopping centres and high-volume activations, delivering fast, polished personalisation while keeping guests engaged. For larger gifting campaigns, additional artists can be arranged, and table setup, attire and workflow are tailored to your brief.

**Can you do rush or urgent jobs?**
Rush fees may apply for urgent jobs. Reach out with your deadline and we'll let you know what's possible.

**Do you ship finished pieces?**
Yes. Finished pieces are typically sent by Express Post or courier, Australia-wide. You are also welcome to drop off or collect from the Mermaid Beach studio.

**Do I need to bring anything to a class?**
No. All supplies are provided and included in the cost of every class and workshop.

**Why choose Creative Inking?**
Creative Inking has delivered calligraphy and engraving since 2009 across live brand activations, weddings, corporate gifting and in-studio projects. Alison brings the same established hand-lettering and engraving practice to each brief, from the initial design through to the finished personalisation.

**Where are your calligraphy classes held?**
Classes and workshops run from the Creative Inking studio in Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast. Private group workshops can also travel to your venue by arrangement.

**Do you offer private calligraphy lessons?**
Yes. Private brush pen, pointed pen and hand engraving workshops are available for individuals and private groups, alongside the regular scheduled classes. Reach out with your preferred date and group size.

**Do you run calligraphy classes in Brisbane?**
Regular classes and workshops run from the Creative Inking studio in Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast, about an hour's drive from Brisbane, and students often travel down for a session. For groups, Alison brings private calligraphy and hand engraving workshops to Brisbane venues by arrangement, which is popular for corporate team events, hens parties and birthdays. [Request a private Brisbane workshop](/contact/) with your preferred date and group size.

**Can you engrave powder-coated bottles like Yeti and Frank Green?**
Yes. Powder-coated stainless steel engraves cleanly, with the lettering revealing the silver steel beneath the coloured coating, so the result is permanent and won't peel or rub off. For unusual coatings or plastic sections, I'll recommend testing a spare or low-risk area first.

**How much does perfume engraving cost?**
Perfume and fragrance bottle engraving starts from **$80 each**. In-studio projects have a **$150 minimum spend** to cover setup and design time. The final quote depends on the bottle surface, inscription, quantity, artwork and return delivery.

**What can you inscribe on a perfume bottle?**
Names, initials, dates and short messages usually work best. A simple motif may also be possible when the bottle has enough clear space. Send the wording and clear photos of the front, back and sides so Alison can check the curves, coating, labels and available engraving area before confirming the design.

**What is the difference between perfume bottle painting and engraving?**
Hand engraving cuts lettering into a suitable glass surface for a permanent, tactile finish. Bottle painting places colour and artwork on the surface, making it well suited to florals, illustrations and decorative details. Alison can recommend engraving, painting or a combination after checking the bottle and your preferred design.

**Can I drop off or post a perfume bottle for engraving?**
Yes. Gold Coast customers can arrange drop-off and collection at the Creative Inking studio, 53 Petrel Ave, Mermaid Beach. Bottles can also be posted by prior arrangement, with secure return postage or courier delivery included in the quote. Please contact Alison before sending an item so the surface, timing and delivery details can be checked.

**How long does perfume bottle engraving take?**
In-studio perfume engraving generally takes **2–4 weeks**, subject to availability and quantity. Allow extra time if products need to be sourced or posted, and book early around Christmas, Mother's Day and Father's Day. Share your required date when requesting a quote so Alison can confirm the schedule before you send or drop off the bottle.

## Notable Clients

Ace Community Colleges, Armani, Billy J, Biologique Recherche, Brisbane Airport Corporation, Burberry, Bvlgari, Centacare, Diptyque Paris, Esmi, Fenty Beauty, Gold Coast Airport, Gucci, IBM, Jack of the Dust, Jo Malone, JW Marriott, Kingscliff High School, La Prairie, Lancôme, Loreal Paris, Mecca, Metricon, Missoni, Moet and Chandon, Porsche, Princess Cruises, Regatta Hotel, Riviera, Sephora, Silkwood School, Somerset College, Specsavers, Steadfast, The Langham Gold Coast, The Star Brisbane, The Star Gold Coast, Tiffany & Co, Victoria's Secret, Waterford, Wynnum Plaza Shopping Centre, Zoom

## Contact

- Email: ali@creativeinking.com.au
- Phone: 0402 626 218
- Address: 53 Petrel Ave, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218, Australia
- Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
- Enquiry form: https://creativeinking.com.au/contact/
- ABN: 79 304 239 943

## Links

- [Website](https://creativeinking.com.au/)
- [Services](https://creativeinking.com.au/services/)
- [Pricing](https://creativeinking.com.au/pricing/)
- [Gallery](https://creativeinking.com.au/gallery/)
- [Customer Reviews](https://creativeinking.com.au/reviews/)
- - [Live Event Calligraphy & On-Site Engraving](https://creativeinking.com.au/services/calligraphy-live-events-brand-activations/)
- - [Custom Engraving & Personalisation](https://creativeinking.com.au/services/in-studio-custom-calligraphy-personalisation/)
- - [Calligraphy Classes & Workshops](https://creativeinking.com.au/services/calligraphy-classes-gold-coast/)
- - [Brisbane Live Event Engraving & Brand Activations](https://creativeinking.com.au/services/brisbane-live-event-engraving/)
- - [Gold Coast Perfume Engraving & Bottle Painting](https://creativeinking.com.au/services/gold-coast-perfume-engraving/)
- - [Gold Coast Yeti, Frank Green & Drink Bottle Engraving](https://creativeinking.com.au/services/gold-coast-yeti-drink-bottle-engraving/)
- - [Wedding Place Card Calligraphy | Gold Coast](https://creativeinking.com.au/services/wedding-place-card-calligraphy-gold-coast/)
- [FAQ](https://creativeinking.com.au/FAQ/)
- [About Alison](https://creativeinking.com.au/about-alison-calligrapher/)
- [Contact](https://creativeinking.com.au/contact/)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/creative_inking/)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/creativeinkingaustralia)
- [LinkedIn](https://au.linkedin.com/in/alison-curtis-36806a337)
- [Pinterest](https://au.pinterest.com/creative_inking/)
- [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@creativeinking7670)
- [Google Reviews](https://maps.app.goo.gl/UYu9oUQ4H6QubGEY9)
- [ClassBento](https://classbento.com.au/creative-inking)