On Friday, May 30, I was invited to personalize products for the YSL pop-up at SEPHORA Eaton Centre — a bustling downtown location I’ve had the pleasure of working in many times before.

Gravure en direct pour les parfums Burberry, Gucci et Marc Jacobs

En avril et mai 2025, j’ai eu le plaisir de collaborer avec HFC Prestige International/COTY Inc. pour 11 événements de gravure en direct dans plusieurs succursales SEPHORA au Québec et en Ontario. Cette activation mettait en vedette des marques prestigieuses comme Burberry Beauty, Gucci Beauty, Hugo Boss et Marc Jacobs Fragrances, avec pour objectif d’offrir aux clients une expérience cadeau personnalisée juste à temps pour la fête des Mères.

Live Engraving for Burberry, Gucci & Marc Jacobs Fragrances

Throughout April and May 2025, I had the pleasure of partnering with HFC Prestige International and COTY Inc. for a series of 11 live engraving activations across SEPHORA locations in Quebec and Ontario. The campaign featured iconic fragrance houses — Burberry Beauty, Gucci Beauty, Hugo Boss, and Marc Jacobs Fragrances — and focused on helping shoppers create truly meaningful gifts in the lead-up to Mother’s Day.

When I first received the inquiry for the Princess & Villain collection launch by ALDO and Disney, I had a feeling this one would be special. What I didn’t realize was just how hands-on and creatively fulfilling the process would be—from initial design drafts to slow-motion filming in studio.

Photo: Joy Deneen and me (Erin Neilson) working together for VICHY Laboratories

You know, when I first started talking publicly about subcontracting, I wasn’t expecting the kind of response I got.

My DMs lit up.

I heard from artists who had worked full events and weren’t even allowed to say their name to clients. People told me they felt disposable. Like background help. Not professionals.

And that hit a nerve with me—because I’ve been on both sides. I’ve been the one hired, and I’ve been the one doing the hiring.

So today, I want to write about what subcontracting actually looks like in our creative world—and what fairness really means.

Lorsqu’il s’agit de planifier un mariage, chaque détail compte. Des fleurs aux cadeaux pour les invités, chaque choix contribue à raconter l’histoire des mariés et laisse une impression durable sur leurs invités. Mais, et si vous pouviez aller encore plus loin en transformant ces détails en expériences interactives et inoubliables? C’est là qu’intervient la personnalisation en direct.

When it comes to planning a wedding, every detail matters. From the flowers to the favors, each choice contributes to a couple’s story and leaves an impression on their guests. But what if you could take those details one step further—turning them into interactive, unforgettable experiences? That’s where live personalisation comes in.

Soyons honnêtes—quand vous planifiez un événement de luxe ou une activation de marque, ce sont les petits détails qui font toute la différence. La personnalisation sur place—comme la calligraphie, la gravure, la peinture en direct ou la personnalisation du cuir—est l’un de ces détails qui changent la donne. Ce n’est pas juste des souvenirs, c’est une expérience unique pour vos invités qu’ils garderont en mémoire (et partageront) longtemps.

Let’s face it—when you’re planning a luxury event or brand activation, it’s the little things that make a big impact. On-site personalization—like calligraphy, engraving, on-site painting, or leather customization—is one of those game-changing details. It’s not just about creating keepsakes; it’s about giving your guests a one-of-a-kind experience that they’ll remember (and talk about) for ages.

Quand il s’agit d’événements de luxe, faire en sorte que vos invités se sentent spéciaux, c’est la clé. Que ce soit pour un mariage chic, une soirée d’entreprise haut de gamme ou une activation de marque unique, ajouter une touche personnelle peut tout changer.

When it comes to luxury events, making your guests feel special is everything. Whether it’s a high-end wedding, a swanky corporate party, or a brand activation that needs to stand out, adding a personal touch can take it to the next level.

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside The Concierge Club and Jodi Tellier for Sol de Janeiro's very first pop-up in Montreal. Over the course of three vibrant days, I was honored to connect with clients through live painting—turning their purchases into personalized pieces of art that they could cherish long after the event.

Partnering with brands that understand the power of personalization is always a joy, and my recent collaboration with Fresh Beauty and Conversation Agency was no exception. Together, we created an unforgettable media event and two pop-ups that allowed guests to experience the perfect fusion of luxury, beauty, and bespoke craftsmanship.

If you're a freelancer, determining the correct price for your services can be difficult. It's easy to underestimate the value of your work, and charge too little to cover your expenses. But don't worry, this post is here to help you figure out a pricing strategy for your freelance business!

My personal mission is to create moments of enchantment, crafting tangible connections between luxury brands and their cherished clients through the art of calligraphy.

Welcome to my world! I'm Erin, a full-time calligrapher based in Montreal, Quebec. My bespoke calligraphy services help luxury brands establish meaningful connections with their VIP clients. I take pride in delivering care, professionalism, and exceptional talent. Join me as I take you through the luxury client journey, where you can expect a warm, friendly and professional interaction every step of the way.

Get to know the coaching side of Erin of Neilson Ltters a little bit better

Listen to me chat to Telisa and Doris (of Roessin Art and Love Lettering, respectively) on Clubhouse, in their Lettering Lifestyle room