Calligraphy Studio FAQs

Here are the FAQs unique to my calligraphy studio. From these, you’ll understand more about my processes and how I’ll handle the different aspects of your project. You’ll understand how I respond to last-minute changes, turnaround time, costs, and more. Read to the end of the list and find the button to submit your own questions…

Two black gift tags, calligraphed in color-changing copperplate script calligraphy.

Do you charge extra for custom ink colors?

I don’t — working with color is a delight for me. And for your calligraphy to perfectly echo your wedding theme and palette will be a delight for us both!

Do you also letter the place cards?

Yes, I letter place cards and all variations: seating cards, escort cards, name cards, menu cards, gift inserts and more.

The letter "V" in majuscule and miniscule, in black ink and embellished with an ornate flourish.

Will my project look as good as the images of your work on the internet?

Guaranteed! When I have all your stationery and we’ve made the decisions about calligraphy styles and ink choices, I’ll address a wedding invitation envelope (or place card, or escort card set, etc.) and text you the photos. You’ll see exactly how your project will look - or we make adjustments until it’s perfect.

Do you accept out-of-state or international clients?

Although I’m located in Orange County in Southern California I frequently work with calligraphy and engraving clients from out of state or out of the country. There are a wealth of communication and transport options these days and so collaboration and exchange of materials between a client, their printer, my shipper, etc., is a breeze.

Will we be in communication while you’re doing my calligraphy?

Absolutely. You and I have the same goal: breathtaking calligraphy perfection!

Good communication is essential to this and keeping each other updated through each phase of your project is important to it being a success for both of us. I book one job for any given block of time and you’re my priority contact. Beyond that, I'm in contact until your last place card is arranged.

How do I handle abbreviations on my guest address list?

Unless it's necessary to balance the address lines visually, I will fully spell out all states, streets, and other abbreviated words. Aside from guaranteeing clarity, full words and names create more opportunities for beauty and balance!

A copperplate script letter b in majuscule and miniscule and an opalescent butterfly.

Will you also letter the Rsvp’s — or the return addresses for our event?

I’m happy to…however, the norm is embossing, printing by your stationer, or stamping. These options are gentler on a wedding budget.

If your budget will allow for calligraphic consistency throughout the entire wedding invitation suite I will do the calligraphy for the Rsvp’s in the same style and ink choices as the invitations. When I do the return addresses, my clients usually want a two-line address on the back flap, (again, in the same calligraphic style and ink choice as the addresses).

Ask me about designing a coordinating return address embosser!

What happens when you make a mistake on my wedding stationery? 

Hand lettering is very human and ink and paper are capricious creatures - imperfections will occur. So, if it isn’t reversable, I start over! This is when the extra 10 - 15% of envelopes come into play:

The standard in the industry is for you (my client) to provide to me (your calligrapher), a number of extra pieces of stationery equal to 10 to 15% of your total addresses. All stationery items are returned to you on request or immediately after your wedding.

flourished copperplate script h majuscule and miniscule.

Do you allow for last minute changes?  

Yes. If I'm still working on your project and I’ve already completed an address that needs updating, add the updated address to the bottom of our shared e-list as an additional invitation. Otherwise, text or call me directly!

What if I have to add extra guests after you finish my project?    

It happens. With your permission, I keep any extra material until the time of your event. If your guest has moved house, or you need to include new guests, you and I will be set for action because your extra envelopes, seating cards, etc., are still in my possession.

flourished copperplate script N majuscule and miniscule

Does the paper you use matter?

Thank you for asking!

Slick or shimmery paper repels ink slightly - making the elegant hairlines and flourishing less subtle. Alternatively, very absorbent or fibrous paper takes ink “too” well and the strokes may “feather” into the paper. Happily, there are often remedies for paper that is less than ideal.

If you can provide paper samples for me to test and work with, (before you place your invitation order!) we’ll both have the comfort of knowing your stationery paper will be a perfect canvas.  Fortunately, most wedding stationery is manufactured to be well suited to calligraphy tools.

A flourished copperplate script letter "F" in majuscule and miniscule with a close-up of a turkey feather from Mendocino.

What is ‘spot calligraphy’?

Spot calligraphy is a clever way to include the beauty and grace of hand lettering onto printed items such as wedding invitations, programs, menus, etc.

For example, I will calligraph the names of you & your partner, flourished and balanced, and then digitize or vector this for your printer or stationer to incorporate into the printing layout of your invitation.

Another example; if you’re arranging place settings with a personalized menu in lieu of place cards, I can hand letter and then digitize the courses: Appetizer, Entree’, Cheese Course, Dessert, etc. Again, your printer incorporates this calligraphy into the printed menus. The result is that your printed menus will still have the eye-catching beauty and flourishing that only copperplate script calligraphy can deliver.

How long does it take to letter 100 invitations?

I reserve one week per 100 invitations.

It can be done faster for “Rush” jobs. However, factoring in a buffer protects your own deadlines and allows for last minute upgrades and additions.

How do you prefer our address list?   

The best lists are on a shared Google Sheet (or similar).  I can track my work so you can peek in at any time and check on the progress of your project or add updated names or edits. Having said that, I can usually work with any digital form.

Can you letter in golds or other metallics?

Yes! You have many choices in golds, coppers, bronzes, and silvers. I also work with an array of opalescent, pearlescent, and iridescent inks that are magical on both light and dark stationery.

How much does calligraphy cost?

The most desired calligraphy job is addressing your save-the-dates and wedding invitation envelopes - for most of your friends and family, this will be their first impression of the beautiful celebration you’re planning.

Within the industry, addressing ranges from $3.50 to $5.00 and more per address. My many years in this trade allow me to offer the highest level of skill at a very competitive price of $3.95 per address.

Other projects I do are priced based on the complexity and the time involved but all share an excellent value for the beauty and high quality of work you’ll receive.

A flourished copperplate script "Q" in majuscule and miniscule.

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