The things people actually ask
Including the ones where the answer is no, which are usually the most useful.
Scope
Do you design logos or brand identities?
No. This studio designs invitations, announcements and event paper only. If you need a logo, a brand kit or a visual identity for a business, I am not the right person and I would rather tell you now than take the work and do it badly.
Do you print and mail things?
No. Everything is delivered as digital files. You send them to whichever printer you like, or text them straight to your guests. I will tell you exactly what to ask a printer for, including paper weight and finish, but I do not handle printing, envelopes, addressing or postage.
Why digital only?
Two reasons, and both benefit you. It is cheaper, because you are not paying me a markup on card stock. And it is faster, because nothing is ever stuck in the post two weeks before your party. You also keep the files forever and can reprint whenever you want.
Do you build websites or design packaging?
No. Event paper is the whole scope. Keeping it narrow is what lets one person do it properly.
Process
What is The First Look?
$45 for one finished concept, designed for your event, delivered in three days. Not a mockup or a moodboard, an actual design. If you love it, the $45 comes off whatever you book next. If you do not, you keep the file and owe nothing further.
What do you need from me to start?
The date, the occasion, the colours or a general vibe, and one photo of something you love. That is genuinely enough to begin. Everything else we work out together.
How many revisions do I get?
Two rounds on a custom invitation, three on a full suite. Most people use one. A round means you send everything you want changed at once, rather than one small tweak at a time over a week.
How long does it take?
A collection design personalised with your details is usually same day. A custom invitation is seven days, a full suite is ten, and a flyer is four. A 48 hour rush is available and adds $95 on invitations or $60 on flyers.
Do we need to have a call?
No, and most projects never do. The form and a couple of emails is usually plenty. If you would rather talk, or the project is large enough to warrant it, we can, and San Diego County clients can meet in person on anything over $285.
Files and printing
What files do I actually receive?
A print-ready PDF at 300dpi with bleed and crop marks, a version sized for text messages, and a version sized for Instagram and Facebook stories. Everything arrives in one shared folder with no app to install.
Where should I get it printed?
Any local print shop, or an online printer for larger runs. I will tell you the exact paper weight and finish to ask for, which is the part people usually get wrong. For most invitations that is 110lb cover stock with an uncoated finish.
Can I reprint later?
As many times as you like, forever. The files are yours outright with no licence and no per-use fee. People come back and reprint the same thank you card design for years.
Can I edit the files myself?
The delivered files are flat, so no. If you specifically want something your team can update, that is a template set at $395, which is built for exactly that and is the right answer for organisations running a calendar.
Working together
Do you work outside San Diego?
Yes, and most clients are outside it. Everything is digital, so where you are makes no difference to the work or the price. The San Diego pages exist because being local means we can meet if you want to.
Can you match a design I found on Pinterest?
I will design in that direction, not copy it. Somebody else's work is theirs. In practice the result from "here is the feeling I want" is almost always better than the result from "make this again".
What if I do not like the First Look?
You keep the file and owe nothing further. It happens, and it is a much better outcome than finding out after you have spent $500.
How far ahead should I book?
Two to three weeks is comfortable for most things. A week is doable. Two days is a rush and I will tell you honestly whether I can do it well. Holiday parties and graduations are the exceptions and want six weeks or more.
Still not sure?
Email [email protected] and ask. An honest no costs you one email and saves you a fortnight.