This week, I opened a box filled with products destined for PR mailers and influencer gifts.
Each piece represented more than just the packaging it came in— it was a brand’s first impression.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens once your products arrive for hand engraving or any personalization, this post walks you through my full in-studio hand engraving process — from delivery to final shipment.
Step 1: When Your Products Arrive at My Studio
Once the products arrive at my studio, I carefully inspect the packaging and contents to ensure everything is complete. For this particular order, there were supposed to be 50 serums total. I checked the packing list and counted.
Then, I’ll take a few of the items out and line them up on my desk. When doing bulk orders like this, I complete them in groups so I can track my process and timing. Since I will sometimes have multiple orders at once, I will only take out the items of the project I am currently working on to keep things organized and separated by campaign.
Step 2: Planning the Hand Engraving Process
Before I was hired for this project, the client did send me a few bottles to test for them. I sampled a few locations on the bottle for engraving. The team was then able to decide which location was best and most ideal for their vision.
Even if I had the opportunity to get a sample beforehand, I will always request to have a few extras just in case anything gets damaged during shipment. This also allows me to ensure depth and clarity are perfect.
If I wasn’t able to get any products beforehand for testing, I always work with my clients to ensure all details are ironed out before I begin. I’ll show placement options, color options (if applicable), and let you know my professional opinion if something isn’t working or doesn’t look right. Of course, my client’s vision is always at the forefront and what they envision is priority. I just want to be a collaborative partner!
Step 3: The Engraving Itself
Once all the placement and details are finalized, I’ll begin drafting. When I am working on a studio order, I like to draft to ensure exact placement each time. (Note that when I am on site doing this, I have been doing this for over 5 years and have gained the muscle memory and skill to not have to draft on site.) But since I have the ability to slow down a little and take my time, I will draft to ensure precision.
1. The tools
I use a portable, battery-operated machine very similar to a nail or dental drill. I have burrs that range in all different sizes depending on the engraving location and what is being etched. For this project, I also have my calligraphy nib and gold ink. The glass of these hair serums is matte, so using the normal rub n buff or inlay doesn’t work. I have to carefully go in and apply acrylic ink to the inside of the engraving with my calligraphy nibs.
2. The lighting
Let there be light! I ALWAYS try to complete my projects during the day to have the best natural lighting. I will, on occasion, have to complete some projects in the evenings where I then ensure I have my desk lamp available.
3. The speed and timing
Slow and steady wins this race! Well, its not really a race, but you know what I mean. Since I am not on site trying to crank out as many personalization engravings as possible in an allotted time, I definitely slow it down. Again, this is when I like to be able to draft everything out and slowly engrave the pieces. Even though engraving can be loud on some surfaces, I may put on some music and get into my flow.
4. Focus and hand precision
Every piece is engraved individually, slowly, and with care. I constantly adjust pressure and angle depending on the item, because no two surfaces behave exactly the same. I can ensure precision with my engraving and that my techniques are sound when I am able to fully immerse myself in the process!
Step 4: Preparing for PR Mailers & Influencer Gifting
Once complete, I look everything over three or more times. I will sometimes have an assistant double check my work as well to ensure everything is perfect, legible, and complete.
If the items came in boxes or some type of wrapping, I will carefully repackaged the items. If these need to be shipped back to my clients, I will ensure protective wrapping is used if needed.
I will always organize the products back to the client. Whether that is in the list order that they gave me, or alphabetical, etc., I will also indicate what is in each box if there are multiple being shipped. I basically include my own packing list.
Lastly, when I drop the items off to a courier or post office, I will also take photos and send them. Once I hand the items over to a courier or postal service, it is out of my hands. But, I take the photo to show proof of careful packing and drop off!
Why Trust Me?
When a PR mailer or gift lands in the recipient’s hands, the engraving should feel effortless — like it was always meant to be there. It’s special and personable, and shows that the brand or sender cares and thought about every little detail.
In addition to my professionalism and expertise, my clean workspace, organized storage, clear labeling, and continuous communication updates makes me the perfect choice for your gifting needs.
If you’re building meaningful brand relationships through PR gifting, I’d love to support you with in-studio hand engraving. Have questions about timelines, volume, or materials? Reach out — I’m happy to walk you through what would work best for your campaign.
