| As an engraver I have failed to communicate | | | | modern methods utilize computers and lasers to |
| with a customer because of the terminology | | | | perform the task. Earlier methods used manually |
| being used. | | | | powered pantographs and even hammers and |
| At times the words monogram, engrave or | | | | chisels. Engraving is a high art form that is closely |
| personalize are utilized with the same meaning | | | | tied to the development of the printing industry. |
| intended. In reality they refer to very different | | | | The term personalize is a general term describing |
| things. | | | | a design or name being placed on an item. Many |
| A monogram is a graphic design created from | | | | methods are used in personalization. Some are |
| letters of the alphabet. The letters used typically | | | | engraving, silk screening, embroidery, sublimation |
| represent a persons initials. They are formed and | | | | printing and foil printing. Personalization can take on |
| interlocked in an artistic way to have a pleasing | | | | many forms and be applied to virtually any |
| appearance. Monograms have been used to | | | | medium. |
| identify personal items for centuries. A typical | | | | Each of these terms are closely related even |
| monogram would consist of the three initials of a | | | | though they each have very different meanings. |
| persons name. They would not be used in first to | | | | They really cannot be used to replace each other |
| last order. If they were they would simply be | | | | and still be correct. Especially when talking to an |
| initials. Instead they are First Initial, Last Initial and | | | | engraver who will visualize different things for |
| Middle Initial. The center letter representing the | | | | each term. |
| last name is typically the largest letter. The other | | | | It would be correct to say that I am going to |
| two letters are one half to two thirds the height | | | | personalize my door knocker by having it |
| of the middle one. Sizing varies depending on the | | | | engraved with my monogram. |
| artist and the effect desired. Periods are not used | | | | In our studio we can personalize a door knocker |
| between the letters. | | | | with a monogram or we can engrave a name on |
| The term engrave refers to the process of | | | | it. |
| cutting or incising a design or pattern into the | | | | This may sound trivial but in reality it is very |
| surface of an item. Engraving is typically | | | | difficult for an engraver to erase their work and |
| performed on soft metals or plastics and acrylics. | | | | start over again. The proper terminology can |
| There are many methods of engraving some | | | | prevent misunderstandings. |
| dating back to the early days of man. The more | | | | |