Hiding in Plain Sight: Laser Engraving Pop Culture into cutting boards
Over the years, alongside other projects, I’ve made a handful of engraved cutting boards as a side pastime. It’s something I enjoy coming back to, especially because it gives me a chance to mix something practical with something a little more fun and impractical...
Each board carries a small, subtle reference. Nothing too loud or over the top—just enough personality to make it interesting while still looking like something that belongs in the kitchen.
One of the boards I made for my mom has a design inspired by Pikachu. The funny part is, she doesn’t even know who Pikachu is. To her, it’s simply a design she likes, and I actually really like that about it. It works whether you recognize the reference or not.
That’s really the balance I’m looking for with these boards. I want them to have that pop culture connection without the reference taking over the whole piece. It’s almost incognito—something that can appeal to someone who knows exactly what they’re looking at, while still appealing to someone who doesn’t.
Another example is my “Brock’s Travel-Size” Cutting Board - that one I use personally at home. It’s the kind of reference that means a little more, because when you know, you know. Otherwise, it’s still a very useful and well built cutting board (and easy to clean)!
Sometimes the reference is a silhouette, sometimes it’s a small symbol, and sometimes it’s a phrase. The fun for me is figuring out how much of the reference to include and how much to hold back.
At the end of the day, these boards are made for everyday moments—chopping veggies, slicing bread, preparing dinner, and everyday kitchen use. But every once in a while, you catch that little engraved detail and it gives the piece a bit more personality.
That’s the sweet spot I’m after: something practical, something personal, and just enough personality hiding in plain sight.
