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