Laser Engraving at IBEX

The Precise Mark
Laser engraving uses controlled heat to create a permanent mark directly on the leather surface. Working from a suitable digital image or line file, it allows photographs, drawings, lettering and detailed patterns to be translated onto leather with a high degree of precision.

Because leather is a natural material, the tone and depth of each engraving may vary slightly according to the grain, oil content and surface character of the hide.

Availability
Laser engraving is available by request on selected IBEX pieces and custom projects, subject to artwork and material suitability. Please contact us before ordering if you would like to discuss an engraving project.

Engraving on customer-supplied items is not currently offered.

Two Approaches

Realistic Mode
Works from suitable photographs and tonal imagery. Shading is translated through variations in engraving density. Best suited to portraits, pets and images where tonal variation is important.

Line Art Mode
Works from clean illustrations, vectors and outlines. Best suited to logos, geometric patterns, mandalas, lettering and calligraphy.

What We Can Engrave

Photographs — Portraits, families, pets. We adjust the burn gradient individually for each image rather than applying a generic filter.

Geometric Patterns & Mandalas — Complex vector patterns, sacred geometry, and detailed line compositions.

Original Sketches — Hand-drawn work, children's drawings, loose illustrations. We preserve the original line quality and do not "clean up" the strokes.

Calligraphy & Non-Latin Script — Chinese characters, brush scripts, and other writing systems. Each character is treated as a structural form, not a text string.

Artwork Preparation — Clear, usable artwork produces the best result. Basic preparation may be carried out where necessary. Extensive retouching, redrawing, image restoration or artwork reconstruction is not included and may be quoted separately or declined.

 

[ Case 01: REALISTIC MODE | PHOTOGRAPHIC DEPTH ]

  • Input: High-resolution photographs of people, pets and other suitable subjects.

  • Process: Tonal engraving using variable shading density.

  • Artisan Observation: Each photograph is individually prepared and tested to balance tonal detail with the natural character of the leather.

[ Case 02: LINE ART MODE | GEOMETRIC & MANDALA ]

  • Input: Complex geometric vector artwork and detailed line compositions.

  • Process: Precision vector engraving.

  • Artisan Observation: Clean line work depends on consistent spacing, controlled heat and careful preparation of the source artwork.

[ Case 03: THE HUMAN TRACE | ORIGINAL SKETCHES ]

  • Input: Hand-drawn sketches, children's drawings and original illustrations.

  • Process: Digitised from the original drawing with minimal cleanup.

  • Artisan Observation: We preserve the irregular character of the original strokes rather than redrawing them into perfect lines. Small irregularities remain part of the original drawing.

[ Case 04: CALLIGRAPHY | NON-LATIN SCRIPT ]

  • Input: Traditional and modern calligraphy, including Chinese characters.

  • Process: Digitised and prepared to preserve the character of the original strokes.

  • Artisan Observation: Stroke proportion, spacing and visual balance are preserved wherever the source artwork allows.

 

A Note on Natural Variation

Laser engraving is a thermal process, and every piece of leather responds differently. Grain density, natural oils, surface texture and colour can all influence the final tone of the engraving. Minor variation is therefore expected and forms part of the character of the finished piece.

Looking for simple lettering or foil instead?

For names, initials and short text, heat stamping may be the more suitable option. See Heat Stamping at IBEX for details.