I am honored to get to create for a living. Sometimes I look at my to-do list, especially in busy April, and get kind of shocked by how dreamy it is:
- send sample to ribbon colorist for Elizabeth's silk ribbon
- paint EG Flowers in pinks and navy, include snapdragons
- line BC envelopes with custom map
I'm so appreciate of a stream of unique and sometimes challenging tasks.
And that's what I've learned from you, my custom clients. Sometimes you come in with a task I probably have never done before. That's why each bespoke invitation is so unique and representative of the couple who commissioned it.
For example, I never knew I could watercolor until a client asked me to create their watercolor laurel for their save the date in 2013. During their custom consultation, I was honest and said I had never watercolored beyond a few washes for our stationery line (just playing with the way the paint moved around the paper). I had never painted specific tiny things, like leaves, or flowers, or banners, etc. But I said I would try and if I couldn't do it, would ask a freelance artist to help me. Either way I would get it done.
So I channeled my grandfather and I got started, learning quickly that water is the key with watercolor. Who knew? :) I painted a lot of leaves. I got watercolor paper, as painting on regular paper wasn't making pretty leaves. The tools are pretty important too. Duh. Remember, I'm learning!
This was the result of many hours of painting, trial and error, and then photoshopping them all together in a combined wreath:
And then adjusted to their invite, combined with a watercolor map, band, banner, and custom calligraphy from Jilly Ink.
So, I'd say that I'm pretty lucky to get to learn at my job. I've gone on to create a lot more watercolors, and am surprised every time they turn out nice. But I never would have even gotten started, if not for the specific request from Emily and Angelo. So thank you for your inspiration. I am so lucky to have it and you.
Photography by Julia Franzosa Photography. See her watercolor invite here!
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