Today we’d like to introduce you to Roxy Szigat.
Hi Roxy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Roxy of ROX INK Calligraphy – a Phoenix-based left-handed calligrapher, engraver, painter, illustrator, and live event artist. In 2026, I celebrate forty-four years since beginning my calligraphic journey.
It all began when I received an Osmiroid pen set as a teenager, opening up an entirely new world of creative possibilities. What began with hand-addressing wedding invitations quickly evolved into creating logos, menus, signage, and custom artwork on a variety of surfaces. Before long, I wasn’t just writing on paper – I was lettering on wood, acrylic, glass, stone, ceramic, walls, and just about anything within reach. Nothing was safe from being “tagged” with calligraphy.
Today, I work with companies and brands that hire me for live personalization experiences at events such as brand activations, sales kick-off meetings, product launches, holiday parties, VIP gatherings, and more. My services also extend to private events and weddings, where I create meaningful, memorable, and impactful guest experiences through custom personalization.
I truly love what I do and feel incredibly grateful for every opportunity to share my passion for this unique art form.
Much of who I am today has been shaped by the clients I’ve had the privilege of working with over the last four decades. They have continually encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone with innovative ideas, inspiring me to grow, refine my craft, and always strive for excellence. Their trust motivates me to deliver high-quality work, exceed expectations, and create exceptional client experiences every step of the way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has been just as challenging as anyone else’s in the creative industry. If there’s one struggle that stands out, it’s the disconnect between the true value of creative work and the way it’s often perceived.
Social media can be inspiring, but it doesn’t always reflect reality. Owning a calligraphy pen doesn’t make someone a calligrapher, just as owning an engraver doesn’t make someone an engraver. These are not get-rich-quick careers. Baking a cake doesn’t automatically make me a baker, and planning a party doesn’t make me an event planner. Despite what social media may suggest, mastering a craft takes far more than simply having the tools.
I wholeheartedly encourage anyone with creative dreams to pursue them, but it’s important to understand the amount of hard work involved. Success requires endless practice, dedication, patience, resilience, a willingness to fail and learn, and above all, skill. Building and sustaining a creative business – while offering a truly marketable service – takes an incredible level of commitment. And yes, being profitable matters too.
My perspective on this struggle is simple: never underestimate the years of hard work, discipline, and experience that creatives have invested to make what they do look effortless.
That appearance of ease is exactly what their hard work has earned them.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In addition to live personalization events, I also love creating wedding mirror seating charts and other custom day-of details that make each celebration feel unique and memorable.
I offer hand engraving on tumblers, water bottles, and wine bottles, as well as on-site brand activation engraving experiences for wineries, wine bars, pubs, and luxury fragrance brands. These events are some of my favorites because they allow me to connect with amazing people while creating something personal and lasting.
My goal is to bring your vision to life by understanding exactly what you’re imagining and turning those ideas into beautifully crafted pieces.
What I’m most proud of is the exceptional client experience I provide from start to finish. A big part of that comes from collaborating closely with other wedding and event vendors. Not only are they incredibly talented and fun to work with, but strong vendor relationships create a smoother, more enjoyable experience for everyone involved – especially our clients. Those connections truly are invaluable.
I’m always continuing to refine and grow my craft because learning never stops. Staying inspired and evolving with new trends allows me to serve my clients in the best possible way.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Growing up inland in California, the beach seemed so far away – just forty-five minutes away in reality, but to make a trip was a big deal. The beach had always been a magical place for me.
I remember my father driving us kids to the beach one day. The beach was cloudy. We didn’t care. We were wearing our clothes, so he must have made an impromptu decision to go. We only stayed for an hour or two, but we were soaked and sandy by the time we got back in the car. What a joyous few hours it was. Not a care in the world.
My sisters and I kept the seashells we collected that day for years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://roxink.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxinkcalligraphy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roxink
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxinkcalligraphy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-24rLOw3g-RdFfiA4yBMNA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rox-ink-calligraphy-gilbert-3
- Other: https://share.google/VagzFy0UtIRLk6LX9
