"Each
person represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they
arrive. It is only by this meeting that a new world is born." ~
Ananis Nin
WEDDING PAINTINGS, INVITATIONS AND MORE ~ Mementos of Your Special Day!
Engagement is a wonderful time ~ from the moment your sweetheart pops "the question" until you two celebrate your marriage with family and friends.
After the proposal, and with all of the romance aside, it's also the beginning of the process that brings you hundreds of details and arrangements to handle ~ like selecting your wedding invitations.
Everybody wants something beautiful ~ and these are easy to find at your local stationery shop, but if you're hoping for something truly unique and completely personal, I can help you.
As a professional graphic designer with decades of experience, I can create nearly any type of invitation that you'd like. See a sample packet of coordinated items below in "The Invitation Process" section.
My specialty, however, is one-of-a-kind invitations featuring your commissioned artwork. I complete your wedding portrait long before your event to use as cover art for your invitations, as well as for other collateral materials. The artwork is so personal that I feel it rivals photography as a memento.
Our Initial Meeting ~ We meet (with your fiancé if you like) at my studio where I'll share samples of work I've completed for other clients (see some on this page).
If you bring your fiancé with you ~ and you're a stickler for tradition ~ this will bring up the dilemma of having him see your wedding gown before the special day. You may wish to handle the creation of your artwork without him and give it to him as a wedding gift. A little planning on your part, and the cooperation of friends and family will help.
At this time, we'll discuss quantity and any collateral items you and your fiancé would like.
Since my work is custom and much of it hand-made, huge orders (150+) may not be the best fit. We can look at your needs and make a decision.
Planning Your Painting ~ We draw up a "thumbnail" sketch. By this time, you will have chosen your setting and have brought some pictures of it with you. If not, we can plan a photo shoot of the church, grounds, gardens, or whatever you've selected. We'll also address the following:
Estimating the Fee ~ My formula is simple ~ I charge by the number of hours I estimate it will take me to complete the painting, taking into account all of the information gathered in the planning process. We'll sign an agreement, and I'll receive your deposit of 50% of that total amount. The balance (50% plus any additional incurred expenses by changes or additions to the piece) is due upon your receipt of the finished artwork. At that time, sales tax for the entire amount will also be due. NOTE: I now accept Visa, MasterCard and Amercian Express.
The Creative Process ~ I work on your painting and we may schedule a "progress" meeting. For example, your gown may be slow in arriving, so it might be the last thing I paint into your artwork.
Delivery of Your Artwork ~ At this time, I receive the total balance due on the artwork (plus tax).
As my gift to you (unless you wish to handle this yourself), I have your painting framed. I also include a double-matted (acid-free) signed print or greeting cards. You may also wish to order prints or cards for your wedding party or family members.
Here are eight wedding portraits I've completed ~ many commissioned pieces for clients. Click on each to see the larger version.
TWO DIFFERENT STYLES OF INVITATIONS
You may choose any or all of the following items:
Once we've agreed upon the design, I'll mock-up an R.S.V.P. You may also consider having R.S.V.P.s for your rehearsal dinner, as well as tuck-in maps for the rehearsal dinner, ceremony and/or the reception.
For
Family Members and Those in Your Wedding Party ~ An
invitation packet for family members typically includes seven items:
an invitation,
two R.S.V.P. cards (for wedding and for rehearsal dinner), their
envelopes, ceremony program, plus a map to the ceremony and/or reception.
For Guests ~ A wedding invitation packet for guests typically includes six items: an invitation and R.S.V.P. card, their envelopes, ceremony program, plus a map to the ceremony and/or reception.
NOTE: The program cover here contains design elements of invitations created by another designer, but includes my painting of the couple's ceremony setting, Duncan Gardens, in Spokane's Manito Park. This gave the bride the artwork she wanted without breaking the flow of her theme.
Wedding invitations should be mailed at least two months prior to your wedding day ~ even for small family affairs. You want ALL of your loved ones around you, so it's best to give everyone plenty of notice. Consider carefully any other items you would like to order, such as personalized thank you notes, programs, shower invitations, etc. Once you've made your selections, we'll sign a contract. I'll estimate the cost of the items, as well as a completion date, and receive an estimated 50% deposit.
Mock-up Sign-Off ~ Within ten days, you will sign off on all the mockups of what you've order. NOTE: I am not responsible for ANY typographical errors of any kind. YOU are the final proofreader.
Final Pick-up ~ When you collect your finished invitations and collateral materials, you'll pay your remaining balance, if any, plus sales tax. If your collateral materials are not complete at that time ~ or you wish to order other items, such as programs, we'll negotiate payment terms.
Your Memento "Masterpiece" ~ If you've commissioned a wedding portrait for your invitations, you and your new husband will be the proud owners of a very personal memento of the most important day of your lives ~ plus your family and loved ones will have a copy of it as well.
INTERESTED IN A WEDDING PORTRAIT OR OTHER MATERIALS?
IPhone: 206.406.1409
EMAIL: artist@pattisimpsonward.com
WEB SITE: PattiSimpsonWard.com