Meet Jill Chapman | Event Artist & Luxury Calligrapher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jill Chapman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jill, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
I think in the modern calligrapher’s case, most people aren’t aware that we are event planners and entertainers, essentially. When people hear the word calligrapher, they think of a person sitting at a desk writing. That couldn’t be further from the reality at a live event; I provide a variety of personalization services. You can find me engraving perfume bottles at Neiman Marcus or engraving wine bottles at Eataly. I also provide personalization services for corporate events, private parties, and trade shows.

Guests love a personalized gift so much more than just a generic giveaway. They are entertained by watching their creation come to life before their eyes, too. For luxury brands and trade shows, it increases sales. And no matter the case, it brings together current customers and reinforces the love they already have for the brand.

What should our readers know about your business?
Offering calligraphy, hand-engraving, bottle painting, heat foiling, and woodburning for live events and brand activations, Chapman Calligraphy provides on-demand customization and personalization throughout the Dallas and Fort Worth metroplex Live artistry brings a touch of elegance and sophistication to each event. And with Chapman Calligraphy, you receive unique gifts personalized for guests right before their eyes, creating a keepsake they will love.
Professionalism is my cornerstone from the first point of contact through meticulous planning, for flawless execution. I collaborate with the client to understand their needs and craft a plan to ensure my services seamlessly integrate into their event. With a network of highly skilled artists, we have experience in providing quality personalization experiences for high-volume events and fast-paced settings.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would be taking a day trip from Dallas into Waxahachie! Starting in downtown Waxahachie once you arrive, you can always find something unique at Gingerbread Antiques. For lunch, try The Dove’s Nest nearby and relax before a tour of the beautiful court house. Any local will be happy to tell you the story of the face carvings all around the building.

For dinner, you can’t miss with Panza’s Tapping Italy. Then once you’re back in Dallas, you have to visit the original Campisi’s and order the Randy White Toasted Ravioli, and then a salami pizza. Be sure to walk around SMU’s beautiful campus and visit the Dallas Arboretum as the sun sets for this day trip “cherry” on top.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
What can be an isolating career and craft has turned out to be a very collaborative community. I began my calligraphy journey with a SMU continuing-education course taught by Susie-Melissa Cherry. I continued with courses in her studio and through her encouragement, I started my own business. She is truly a gem in the calligraphy community, teaching with exquisite work. As I got into live events, I realized a need for DFW-area calligraphers to have a collaborative community to socialize and support each other. I’ve made many great connections through our Texas Luxury Calligraphers group. I’ve also connected with many calligraphers nationwide. In the live event calligraphy industry, there is always someone to reach out to with questions and with referrals to connect clients with artists.

Website: https://chapmancalligraphy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chapmancalligraphy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-chapman-b053b612a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chapmancalligraphy/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chapman-calligraphy-waxahachie

Other: TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@chapmancalligraphy

Image Credits
Profile Picture – Kate Kenyon Others – Jill Chapman (my own!)