Hot Foil, Cool Lounge: A Premium Multi-Artist Collaboration
An activation so hot, TSA almost didn’t let me through…literally.
There’s something special about arriving early. The calm before the crowd, the quiet check-in, the subtle buzz of what’s about to unfold.
That’s exactly how this event began.
The air was crisp. The luggage tags were stacked. And for the first time ever—I wasn’t going to be alone at the artist table.
If preparedness was a person, it’d be the lead calligrapher for the day—Marie of Maiden September. From the first time we worked at the same Nordstrom in KOP, we’d chatted about working a gig together and it finally happened!
But, it almost didn’t.
Backstory
Marie had been hired to help American Airlines celebrate the launch of their brand-new luxury lounge, foiling custom luggage tags live for their VIP guests. And like the queen she is, she turned the solo spotlight into a shared experience inviting me to go foil with her.
That’s how two calligraphers, some carry-ons, and one very luxe lounge turned a dream collab into reality!
Then, just as I was about to float to the sky, the day before the event we found out that I needed a Real ID.
The reality of the matter is, TSA is serious about those Real ID’s folks. For myself, I honestly never expected to need one before my license expired next year. Then, lo and behold, this gig comes along and there I was with a license and a star that was MIA. Pfft. I checked, and even my daughter has a gold star on her state ID–and she doesn’t even drive.
Truthfully, that little star almost stopped me from going at all. But, Marie said, “C’mon girl.” I can’t tell you what she packed in that little phrase…but I was up at 4 am getting ready to go. 😂
Later, at the airport–I promise you, I witnessed Marie all but hypnotize a TSA agent. The influencer trait is strong with that one. She was so professional while I calmly explained my situation that he just…let us through (cue the harps). All I can tell you is that, in the end, I got a little reminder to get a Real ID, and then I was off to the lounge. Thank you, TSA. 🙏🏾
But, it was a lesson learned.
Lesson 1: Real ID is Real Important
Here’s your friendly PSA: vendors entering airport terminals—even as guests of a brand—need proper identification. I squeaked by this time, but next time? I’m not taking chances. My day job currently has a chokehold on my schedule. I can barely fit breathing in. But, as soon as summer hits, I’m heading straight for the DMV. Consider this your sign to make that Real ID appointment now.
Yes, it’s annoying. Yes, it involves documents you haven’t seen since your last passport renewal. But trust me, you don’t want your next big gig to turn into a gatekeeping nightmare.
But after the TSA check, the vibe was smooth sailing–I mean, flying.✈️ Marie even hired a fantastic assistant to help manage the line—a thoughtful detail that kept the experience polished and flowing beautifully.
The space was a dream—clean, modern, and filled with that soft hum of exclusivity. Guests sipped signature cocktails and photogs snapped a gazillion pics...
…all while we personalized leather luggage tags with silver foil so crisp, TSA probably considered it a security threat.
Now, when two calligraphers get together for a gig like this, it’s equal parts hustle, laughter, and teamwork. I was in the zone—foiling, enjoying the good vibes, and being reminded that this little art of mine travels well.
Well, it does in most ways…
Lesson 2: Pack Light, But Pack Right
Because this was an airport gig, I learned real quick the beauty of a light setup. Marie carried this cute, little makeup bag’s worth of stuff. Meanwhile, I had a makeup train cart I was rolling through the station. Now, honestly, I use a rolling cart for all my gigs because my back just can’t (at all 🙅🏾♀️). But, for once, traveling through the airport to and from our station, I was really impressed to learn how to pack lightly for a gig. Honestly, I doubt I’ll change overnight. But, I definitely took some notes!
That said, you have to have to cover yourself and having multiple back-ups is not necessarily a bad idea. In fact, my newest foiling pen unexpectedly konked out on me during the gig and I wound up having to quickly swap it out to use one of the others. Mind you, the packrat in me had three foiling options with me, with one being my pro pyro tool. Overkill? Maybe. But, ya girl definitely had some options.
Lesson 3: An Assistant Is Worth Their Weight in Foil
Having an assistant there made a luxurious experience seamless. I got to focus on the art while someone else kept the flow moving. I stayed in the zone, while the assistant chatted it up with the clients, and made sure they didn’t lose their place in the order of customization for guests that try to bump it (because iykyktato 👀). The assistant’s focus was on making each client feel seen and taken care of in ways that an artist that is working on the customizations may try, but not be able to accomplish in quite the same way a dedicated assistant can. 🙌🏾 Not having to multitask that aspect keeps the art and the client management top tier.
It was downright transformative! It was definitely strategic. It was luxury support. Loved it!
Lesson 4: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work AND the Right People Make the Work Feel Lighter
Not just physically (although, shoutout to Marie’s minimalist setup), but emotionally too. Working alongside someone who brings calm energy, professionalism, and joy reminded me: you can thrive without grinding alone.
No doubt, a one woman show with a talented artist is always a phenomenal start. But, for those larger jobs, calligraphers working together do it so much better! Especially when you partner up with the right artists. There’s no weird energy. Just creativity, collaboration and the brand’s vision coming to life, all while having fun!
And let me just say this—Marie doesn’t gatekeep. This community is awesome until it isn’t. Some of the names you know are actually gatekeepers and it’s sad. But that day, Marie shared a few seasoned pro tips that I’ll be carrying with me for years. Like the luggage tags we foiled? All her idea. She’d worked with those luggage tags before and had a great experience. So for this job, she made sure the brand knew that they would take foil beautifully. That kind of foresight is a total game changer—knowing in advance that the materials will actually work, instead of packing your whole studio just to play it safe.
Lesson 5: Show Up
I didn’t have a RealID. I wasn’t 100% sure if I could even get through TSA.
But the opportunity to work a high-end lounge activation with a fellow calligrapher I respected? That invitation felt divinely timed.
And so, I said yes. I did what I could on my end bringing identifying documents with me, and hoped the rest would fall into place.
And it did.
Y’all, we were so legit, they gave us official scarves for the gig.
Sometimes, opportunities come wrapped in inconvenience. That doesn’t mean they’re not for you—it just means you’ll need to stretch. Say yes anyway. Your next level might be waiting on the other side of that mild chaos.
I’m so glad the paperwork drama didn’t keep me grounded. This experience reminded me that artistry can take you to the most unexpected—and elevated—places. Whether you’re writing on luggage tags, perfume bottles, or luxury stationery, your gifts will always make room for you… sometimes even in places with a TSA checkpoint. 😉
