WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CALLIGRAPHY AND HAND-LETTERING?
There are many differences, but here's the most fundamental: In calligraphy, the letters' thick and thin attributes are determined by either the amount of pressure on the specialty pen nib (as seen in modern calligraphy, copperplate roundhand, spencerian, etc.) or the consistent angle of the nib (italic, foundation hand, black letter, etc). Conversely, hand-lettering involves the drawing and gradual building of similar attributes stroke-by-stroke with ordinary writing tools and/or sometimes without thick and thin shading at all (monoline). I could never choose which is my favorite!
CAN YOU CUSTOMIZE STYLES AND INKS TO MATCH MY INVITATION?
Yes, I always recommend viewing your invitation to help decide what style will best compliment it, and I can custom mix ink colors to match. Please understand writing by hand won't mimic all the specifics of a digitized font, but rather incorporate key elements that enhance and coordinate with it. You can select from my various styles here or on my Instagram feed, and I am also happy to tweak one to better coordinate with your taste or even create something new. It's all up to you!
​
CAN YOU MIX AND MATCH MULTIPLE STYLES ON THE SAME ENVELOPE OR PROJECT?
Sure...That's one of the benefits of custom calligraphy and hand-lettering services. Go ahead and combine script and print styles or add a fancy initial capital. You can see examples here. Please keep in mind some styles work better together than others, and I will be happy to assist you in choosing. Combining styles will make your project even more special and unique. The possibilities are endless!
CAN YOU PERSONALIZE/WRITE ON MY _____________?
I will write on almost anything! I have many types of tools and mediums for various surfaces. Here are some examples of non-paper items I've had the pleasure of beautifying with hand-lettering and calligraphy: wine bottles, Christmas ornaments, candles, picture frames, mirrors, windows, wood slices, chalkboards, pumpkins, sand dollars, polished and upolished stones, sea glass, sea shells, porcelain boxes, clothes hangers, cakes, bowling pins and even a landscaper's truck. If you have something in mind, just ask me!
DO YOU OFFER SPOT CALLIGRAPHY ON INVITATIONS?
Certainly! Some clients wish to have certain words (usually names) done by hand to add a flourished, personalized touch to the fonts that will be printed on the rest of the invitation, and I am happy to oblige. I will write in ink, then scan and digitize to provide whatever type of file your stationer requests.
ARE YOU ABLE TO CREATE AND INTEGRATE ILLUSTRATIONS WITH THE LETTERING?
Yes, I often do this with menu and drink signage and event maps.
WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION REGARDING PRICING?
Due to the highly customized nature of my work and the various styles and options available, I do not utilize a "one size fits all" price list for services. Please contact me for more details and a prompt price quote for your specific project(s). Please include as many details as you can, such as quantity, style preferences, type of material upon which I will write, color choices, deadline, etc. If you're unsure about the specifics yet, I can still provide you with a "ballpark estimate" that we can adjust accordingly. Work will not begin until a detailed estimate, deposit and simple contract agreement are in place.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK? DO YOU OFFER RUSH SERVICES?
This varies by project, but I highly recommend booking as early as you can, especially if you'd like work done during the peak of wedding season. For example, I typically request 2 weeks per 150 envelopes...but keep in mind I may already have other clients booked for the time period you'd like to reserve on my calendar. Items that require designing and/or digitizing can take longer, but if you let me know your deadline, I will try my best to accommodate. The intricacy of the style and materials selected may also affect how quickly I can complete your order, but I will always give you an estimated time frame when you book so there will be no surprises. Please note if less than 7 days' notice is given, while I may still be able to accommodate you, an additional Rush Fee may apply.
​DO YOU PROVIDE CARDSTOCK, SIGNAGE, ENVELOPES, ETC.?
Usually clients provide their materials to me for services. However, I do have access to suppliers I can call upon if there are specialty items you need. Just let me know your vision, and I'll be happy to explore ways to make it happen. Please note I request you provide 15-20% extra for quantitative projects like envelopes and escort cards. This will account for additional guests, changes and/or the occasional accidental splatter of ink that is sometimes unavoidable due to the nature of materials.
HOW DO I GET MY MATERIALS TO YOU?
Many clients ship their materials to me. You can often instruct the stationer printing your invitations to mail the envelope part of your order directly to me as well. If you're within the local north/central NJ and NYC area, we may be able to arrange in-person drop-off and/or pick-up. When you reach out to me, we can decide what will work best.
DO YOU OFFER ON-SITE SERVICES?
Yes, I'm happy to tote pen and ink to personalize items for guests at your event or clients at your store or business location. I also bring my chalk and sign markers to letter larger menus, chalkboards or signage on site. Please contact me for more details and a price quote.
I'M NOT SURE ABOUT PROPER ADDRESSING EIQUETTE. CAN YOU HELP?
Absolutely. I've been doing this a long time, so I'm quite familiar with proper etiquette and wording and am happy to share that knowledge with you. If you have an etiquette question, just ask. I use Crane's "Blue Book" for reference. Please note I will only print your information exactly as it appears on the list you send me. However, if you'd rather not wrestle with etiquette details yourself, at your request I will be glad to proofread and reformat your list to assure employment of proper etiquette (additional fee applies).
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN STYLIZED PHOTO SHOOTS?
Sure, I love collaborating with others and providing calligraphy and lettering for photography and publication.
READY TO BOOK?
HAVE A QUESTION I DIDN'T ANSWER HERE IN MY FAQ?
