custom part 1, design + illustration

Hi there, it’s me, your local stationery guru. That might be a little much but I like to think I know enough to call myself an industry professional. I’m doing a series of blog posts that cover all kinds of services that I offer, with photos for reference and bits of information about each one. I get lots of questions and inquiries about what “custom” really means and why I charge what I charge. I get asked what letterpress is, what foil printing is and what illustrations I can do and more! So I’m here to help and keep everything in one place. 

Today’s topic will be focused on custom illustrations. What I do, how I do it, what I charge and why. I like to note the importance of remembering, this investment is not just in mailing these pieces to your guests, though that is a huge part of it. You are investing in artwork that represents your story together as a couple, which I think is so special. 

First things first, do you remember learning how to paint before there was such a thing as digital art programs? Okay so I still take a paintbrush, dip it in water and hand mix each color and hand paint every detail. But first, step one is sketching the design concept, using a pencil and paper, to be approved by each client before moving onto the painting. Once I understand your vision and style from a phone call and a few shared reference photos, I’m ready to build your full custom stationery suite design. Let’s break it down below! 

Step 1: THE CONCEPT

Let’s chat! About everything and anything. Your love story, your favorite foods, colors, hobbies. Your wedding vision, style, goals. All of this is your story and the foundation to your custom artwork. Details guide me to guide you when choosing printing methods, artwork style, paper color and more. There are so many options and I want to narrow that down to be right in line with your whole vibe. Sometimes your bouquet is a great source of inspiration for the suite. Or maybe it’s the venue property or the surrounding town, full of culture and life. We will talk about it all. Leave it up to me to take your input and create your dream stationery.  

Step 2: THE SKETCH

After we chat, I spend time doing research, gathering reference photos and color stories and start to sketch ideas. I will draw out a rough idea for your floral border design, your venue illustration, your map and more. Anything we discussed, I will sketch. In this phase we are nailing down your layout and how the pieces flow together and layer with one another. The sketch is my roadmap to paint your beautiful artwork. 

Step 3: THE PAINT

Once I sketch out your artwork and get the layouts planned, I can then start painting and choosing what printing ink colors look best. Since we’ve already discussed all your wedding details, I know what color story we are working with and feel confident moving forward in this phase. However, if at some point a color doesn't sit right with you, I will make changes. I want to work with you every step of the way to keep the artwork in line with your vision. 

BASE CUSTOM DESIGN PACKAGE:

I charge a minimum of $1,500 for my custom design services. This cost covers the artwork for a custom invitation, rsvp and info card design. {To be clear, in addition to this price, there are all the printing costs for both the stationery and envelopes, plus any other beautiful embellishments and packaging detail options you choose} Broken down that means with your incredible ideas and visions, I illustrate a brand new, never before painted or used, illustration. The illustrations range from florals to custom crest designs to venue illustrations to love stories and more. There is no limit to the illustrations I’ll do for my clients. I take any and all ideas they have and apply them to their wedding suite to make it especially unique to their wedding. This is the best part. 

• Note - recently I have expanded my offerings to also include colored paper options, letterpress printing, foil printing and more. I’m always aiming to stay fresh and modern while keeping with my whimsical painted illustration theme. That is the fun and challenging part of my job and I love it! 

MIDDLE CUSTOM DESIGN PACKAGE:

My next price point is $2,000 for custom design services which includes all the items mentioned above (invitation, rsvp and info card design), with the addition of a custom map design and envelope liner. { To be clear, in addition to this price there are all the printing costs for both the stationery and envelopes, plus any other beautiful embellishments and packaging detail options } The maps are one of the most complex illustrations I offer. There’s no limit to how many landmarks and details we can include in the map. I will of course, give you my opinion if the illustration is becoming too crowded but otherwise, all the fun things are in there! On the back of the maps, we normally note a schedule of events and then lead people towards your wedding website for further information and accomodations. This is a great spot to note your favorite places and things to do from the map design. It’s also a way to entice your guests to check them out and go to your website to book their wedding weekend with you. The map artwork also lives on. I always send out a complimentary  8” x 10” map print, on watercolor archival paper, to each client after we’ve completed our journey together, so the art can be hung in your home. There is always the option to have the art printed any size you want or on other mediums, such as fabric, as well!

TOP CUSTOM DESIGN PACKAGE:

The next price point for custom design services starts at $2,500 and can increase from there. This price bracket includes artwork for all the pieces mentioned above, {custom invitation, rsvp, info card, map and envelope liner} with the addition of custom thank you card, menu card and escort card designs for your wedding day. 

PRINTING COSTS:

The cost of printing varies based on printing methods, paper weight, quantity and more. Once I gather more information from you and begin to build your vision, I will note these costs on the proposal I send out to each potential client to review. 

If you’re shopping around and want to compare different stationer’s costs quickly, it’s helpful to fill out my inquiry form here, so I can gather all the info from you right away and get the proposal made and sent! I know wedding planning becomes a job and part of that job is comparing costs. Making time to call a bunch of different vendors is sometimes not feasible and you want price fast. I understand and I hope the form helps make the process easier for you! 

On the other hand, if you’re the type who likes to chat with each vendor a bit first, I’m also down for that! I love having an initial phone chat with my clients (and touching base on the phone throughout our time working together) so we can really hash out details and understand one another. There’s no one right way and I aim the best flexible for you. 

This felt like a good overview of the custom illustration and pricing process. I’d love to hear from you if there are more questions so don’t hesitate to reach out through my form or my email! 

Thanks for reading xx