Prepare the fire

Spark, Enkindle, Ignite

1. SPARK

Schedule a discovery call with me to share what makes you glow. What are you dreaming up? A special passion you burning to capture in a design? Something where off the rack content just won’t cut it, because it doesn’t encapsulate your special unique fire for a loved one, event vision, or brand. Wedding paper goods? A bouquet painting? Your makers mark? A commission experience gift for somebody else?

2. ENKINDLE

I’ll put together the building blocks of your dream board. We’ll collaborate together to confirm the input matches your intents. We’ll confirm inspirational imagery that reflects your passionate ideas, and high level logistics that will serve as kindling to bring your unique project to life.

3. IGNITE

Once everything in the proposal looks good to you, it’s time to take the leap to confirm! Once you make an investment (deposit for digital, or in-full for original art), the magic of creativity is fully unleashed. Now I dive deeper to understand what makes your passion burn. This extra time of research for each design phase leads to aligned outcomes, instead of rushing to put pen to paper before we are ready. 

Fan the flames

Time to create

Here are just a smatttering of motifs I might go riff on….

CREATURES

Spirit Animals

From pets to mythical creatures and heraldic supporters drawn in various attitudes, animals often have the most meaning to my clients. I typically create these in line work illustrations, or as looser playful watercolors

MONOGRAMS

My name is

Perhaps embedded within a seal, or perhaps a standalone piece… use these to personalize everything from stationery to slippers

BOTANICALS

Florals and Foliage

You may want to incorporate bouquet blooms, or you may be more of a leaves lady. Let’s weave them in to our designs. I often use ink line work coupled with gouache / watercolor washes to craft motifs for digital designs

VENUES

A for Architecture

Whether drawn centered face-on or at an angle, and depicted in realism or whimsical color blocks, it is a delight to snapshot special homes or historical venues and surrounding landscapes

HERALDRY

Modern-Classic

Heraldic achievements, often referred to as crests, badges, or seals – include collage motifs as stand alone concepts or frame text-filled stationery

PATTERNS

More is more

We may love our core design so much that we riff on repeating motifs to create a complimenting pattern design for use as an envelope liner, a backing enclosure, wallpaper…

Embellishments

Physical Mocks

For the discerning clients who choose to incorporate hand embellishment across their stationery pieces, I’ll craft a pre-production example. Think hand inking, gilding, gold leaf, seals, ribbon wraps, and beyond
To frame

Originals

While I often use ink and/or gouache and watercolor to craft motifs for digital designs, I also specialize in chiaroscuro dark still lifes using acrylic black, for original artwork and signage

RELISH THE HEAT

Stoke, Fuel, Glow

4. STOKE

Ta-da! I will send you a digital proof or a picture of a physical mock-up. We’ll make adjustments together – brainstorming updates to ensure alignment to your vision. You’ll put your stamp on the final choices before production. Major revisions are rare, as we’ve aligned together fully and are in sync on our creation. For original artwork sometimes we keep this phase a secret so you can relish simply upon receipt.

5. FUEL

It’s time to approve your production wave! This is when you make your final investment, and your pieces goes to print… or, perhaps I address all your envelopes and melt those wax seals. You may choose to complete production with a printer of your own choosing. For original artwork you may have paid in full at the start, so I’ll just confirm final logistics!

6. GLOW

Ready, set glow! The joy of unboxing. And, reveling in a piece made just for you. Digital only designs? You’ll receive secure access to online files. Local to Atlanta? We’ll exchange in person. Otherwise, it’s shipping time. For invites mailed on your behalf, you’ll receive one too 🙂

Revel in your custom piece

From original artwork for your homes, to illustration-led stationery, or day-of goods for live events – it’s time to enjoy!

Read more about weddings

It’s all about you!

The custom process is incredibly intimate. For me to make something that is uniquely you, I have to get to know you! I find that absolutely the #1 most fun part about this entire thing. While I have my styles and ways of working, it’s so delightful to align them with your goals, getting to know you and your wishes / excitement / desires / family / pets / favorite florals and botanicals in the process. 

I am here when you just aren’t sure whether it makes sense to add another piece to your suite. I’m here when you are stressed about RSVPs coming through. I am here when you are getting over the moon excited for your special day. I’m here creating a view into the delightful imagery that represents you, your brand, your wedding, your story. 

…Stay in touch

Your journey doesn’t end here 🙂 I have so much fun designing everything and getting to know you in the process. I’d love to stay in touch! From following each other on social, to working together on a future passion project. Ask about being a Paper Phoenix Postcard Pen Pal…

I also love taking on friends of friends as clients, growing the passionate Paper Phoenix community. So, if you have a friend who needs help bringing their passion to life, put us in touch too!

Finally – please don’t hesitate to provide feedback. Your candid suggestions drive better experiences for your next project! 

Ready to make your dream a reality?

Each customer project is… custom. The first step is a discovery call so I can understand your unique needs.

Let's get started