Wednesday, 28th October 2009
I am really excited to introduce you to the exceptionally talented Lydia of Hand-Drawn Maps. Lydia draws extra special maps for your wedding or special occasion so all your guests can find you on the day.
Here is a stunning example. (For the complete interview, a special offer and some more beautiful maps don’t forget to keep scrolling down!)
How did Hand-Drawn Maps start?
I studied Fine Art at university and have always had a passion for illustration and good design. Then, a couple of years ago my friend got married. During her wedding preparations she searched everywhere for a special kind of map to go with the invitations she had made, but could find nothing except a few American sites that offered the kind of map she had in mind. There seemed to be no UK equivalent. So she asked me if I could design something for her, and of course I was honoured! I realised that, whilst there are plenty of businesses offering wedding invitation and stationary design, there was a real gap in the market for a high-quality, UK-based wedding map service. I believed I could fill this gap so I went for it!
What makes your maps so special?
As you might guess from the name, each map starts as a pen & ink illustration drawn by hand, so there is a real personal touch and creative quality to the work. Not only do I aim to make accurate maps, but I am also creating small, beautiful works of art that hopefully will delight guests and provide the couple with a wonderful souvenir of their big day.
Wedding maps are often overlooked during hectic wedding preparations, or they are an afterthought – just be a boring old photocopy or google map printout – which I think is a shame when so much care and effort has inevitably gone into the invitations themselves. Hand Drawn Maps offers something different, unique and (I think) extremely pretty! It’s a fully bespoke service, so the client gets to choose exactly what they want from their map. Every map is one of a kind, and specifically tailored to the clients’ style of wedding and personal taste.
What is important to you at Hand-Drawn Maps?
To make sure every client is happy with the service they receive, and that they love their finished map! Even though the map may be a small part of the whole wedding, it’s a chance for the client to be creative, to express themselves and to bring together all the little details of their wedding through their map design. One client recently told me that, since her wedding was a fairly formal affair, the map was her only real chance to release her inner-princess and have a little fun!
How can I use Hand-Drawn Maps at my wedding?
They are the perfect way to complete wedding invitations, or can be used as ‘save the date’ cards. You can hand them out to caterers, the photographer or anyone else who needs to find your venue, and even buy a framed, hand-painted original of your map to hang on the wall in pride of place!
Clients’ can also opt for a Personal Web Page (password-protected) which is FREE with any map package, so friends & family can access your map online (and other details such as directions, dates, wedding list details etc).
What if I have a particular theme at my wedding are you still able to help?
Definitely! Since the maps are hand-drawn there is so much freedom in the design process and the possibilities are endless. When making a map I rely on the client to provide as much information as they can about who they are and what they want, to help me can create a design that will really express their taste and reflect their wedding day perfectly. The more information I have the better the map will be!
If you want the design to complement your invitations or a particular pattern, that is fine too. Just be sure to send me a copy and I will work it into the design. I had one client recently who sent me a picture of the door to her reception venue, so I could incorporate this into her map! (It really is a very beautiful door).
Can I have more than one design in my map?
Yes. I will always endeavour to include whatever designs or ideas the client would like to see in the map, and that often involves bringing together a few different elements, such as theme, borders and colours.
There are 3 map packages available – basic, classic and deluxe – to suit a wide range of budgets and styles. Throughout the proofing process there is also a chance to change and amend the maps before agreeing to the final design, so hopefully the end result will always fit in perfectly with the rest of the wedding.
Can you make special orders?
There are a range of optional extras available to complement the map, such as hand-written directions and invitations. I also offer printing on request. As an artist and painter, I take on special commissions and will consider other related design work, so if you have an idea for something a bit different, please feel free to enquire!
How long before my wedding do I have to order my hand-drawn map?
It is a good idea to order your map at the same time as you are organising invitations, but you could send out the map at any stage before the wedding itself, so it could be done at any point really.
Once an order has been made and I have all the information I need, it will take 7-10 days to complete the first draft. After this it depends on how many changes are needed, and how quickly I receive feedback from the client. I would say leave 4-6 weeks from the date of ordering to receive the finished map.
How do you present my map?
Throughout the proofing process I usually correspond via email, sending jpeg proofs of the map to the client in order to receive feedback and make any necessary changes. Once the work is complete you will receive a printed paper copy of the final map through the post, as well as a disc containing the map as a JPEG and PDF file, suitable for home or professional quality printing.
Printing is not offered as standard, but it is available as an optional extra.
How much do hand-drawn maps cost?
A basic black and white map design starts at just £75! Prices vary depending on the package you choose and the complexity of the map, with the deluxe package starting at £125.
To celebrate the launch of our new website, Hand Drawn Maps is offering 10% of the total price of any map order made before the 30th November 2009 so for a bit of a bargain you need to get in quick!
Can we visit you to see you and your hand-drawn maps in more detail?
Check out the new website at: www.hand-drawnmaps.co.uk
tel: 07989 421 755
Thursday, 22nd October 2009
Last week I had the honour and privilege of capturing family portraits for 58 Fd Sqn (EOD) Royal Engineers, after their home coming and medal parade, at 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD) Carver Barracks, Wimbish.
The Squadron have just had an arduous and very long 6 month tour of Afghanistan clearing the roads and routes across the country of improvised explosive devices (IED’s). So as you can image everyone was excited to welcome them home.
Whilst out in Afghanistan the Squadron raised a phenomenoal £15,000 for BLESMA, the British Limbless Ex Service Men’s Association. BLESMA is the national charity for limbless serving and ex service men and women and their dependants and widows. This charity is close to the hearts of those in the Unit and it was an exceptionally proud moment when they presented the cheque to BLESMA at the parade.
I am not going to share their intimate portraits with you. I want to share an image of remembrance for all those who have been seriously injured or who won’t be coming home, we won’t forget.
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We will remember them.”
Wednesday, 21st October 2009
In this weeks interview, we are talking to the fabulous Tini from Tini Balambanos Designs. I met Tini at Iain and Laura’s Wedding back in June and saw her stunning designs first hand. Tini had captured Iain and Laura’s love story in their wedding invitations and the details were carried throughout all the wedding stationary beautifully.
Here’s the interview:
What should I consider when thinking about my wedding stationary?
Wedding stationery and particularly your invitation, sets the tone for your big day. It is the first glimpse into what guests will see of your celebration; your style, theme and the atmosphere of your day.
Invitations should create a sense of anticipation, wonder, and curiosity. Its important that wedding stationery is cohesive, has a running theme (even just a colour, flower, location, quote, favourite hobby, love or passion), looks professional, classy and elegant.
Above all, your stationery should be a reflection of YOU – your personality! It should be a design you can call your own.
What stationary do I need?
Wedding invitations, Evening invitations, Save the dates (optional), invitation reply card (optional), map and / or accommodation information (optional), gift registry card (optional), personalised envelope labels (optional but I recommend this as it really is the finishing touch.)
Additional stationery might include menus, wedding programs, thank you notes, guest seating plan/frame, table numbers / name cards, favour tags and seating cards for guests. If you are having a destination wedding, you might also like to think about welcome notes and / or gifts to be placed in your guests’ hotel rooms.
Should it all be matching?
Yes. Elements, colours and graphics should link up to create a package which is identifiable and professional.
About Tini and what makes your designs so special?
After completing a BA degree in Graphic Communication (Loughborough, UK), I decided to go back home – to Malawi, Africa, and pursue my options there. After 2 years of working and freelancing, I got married and moved to Johannesburg.
TB Design was created out of the pure love of graphic design, and a passion for anything which simply looks “beautiful, tasteful and inspirational” – be it fashion, interiors, decor, food or wedding planning.
Most importantly, it was created from the most personal and treasured gift I could give close friends – the gift of designing their wedding and special occasion stationery.
All these happenings have rooted the start of Tini Balambanos Design.
I adore what I do and find so much joy in creating something unique, bespoke, different, of quality and epitomising that wow factor.
I truely believe that when you have the option for something one-of-a-kind and totally you, why go for something commercialised and common?
What is important to you at Tini Balambanos Design?
Above all, I want my clients to feel confident, comfortable and satisfied with the work I do for them. I strive to offer a service which is couture, reliable, and organised.
I use good quality materials, fine papers, pay attention to detail, and love to create something innovative and fresh.
I design around a clients needs, capturing their individual personality. I listen to what your requirements are, and design around what I think is best suited for that.
Or if you have something you like; a picture, a quote, an embellishment, a pattern, I can work with that and fit it into an overall design and package.
Can you design special orders for other events or just weddings?
I can design for any special occasion, celebration, party or event.
I also do corporate work such as designing logos, business cards, corporate identity, brochures, posters, invitations to product launches and year-end functions.
What if I have a particular theme at my wedding, are you still able to help?
Absolutely. Although all stationery is custom designed, I will work with your theme as well as make any other suggestions or find any other elements which I think may be suitable or appropriate to make the overall look uniquely yours. Whatever impression you want to make, I can help you.
How long before my wedding would I have to order my stationary?
As stationery is custom designed, the sooner the better. Typically though, stationary can be ordered 3-6 months before the wedding. Invitations are usually mailed out 2-3 months before the wedding and save-the-dates up to 6 months.
How do you ship my stationary?
Internationally with express postage such as FedEx or DHL. Delivery varies between 1 – 7 days.
Nationally, either with express postage or meeting in person.
How much does your stationary and design cost?
I can work within almost any budget, but I prepare quotes on a ‘by request’ basis, since each project is different – I’ll be happy to do complimentary creative consultations and prepare no-obligation quotes for any readers who would like to hear more.
How would payment and logistics work?
Please contact me for information on how the design process works.
If meeting in person is not possible, we can work around a face to face meeting, thanks to email, phone and skype.
I look forward to hearing from readers and working in the way that best suits each of them.
How can I get in touch with you?
You can reach me on:
Tel: (0027 11) 894 1661
Cell: (0027) (0) 823413109
Email: tinib@telkomsa.net
Tuesday, 20th October 2009
3 weeks ago there was a new arrival in our house, Lily, the boxer puppy. She’s a real cutie (to cute at times, particularly when she has been a little mischievous) Everyone has been asking me to share some pictures of her.
So here she is in all her puppy cuteness:
First night in her new home, note the short legs as they have grown a lot in the last 3 weeks!
Nothing like a good shake!
Nothing like a good bit of running to stretch those legs and reach those treats quicker!
A little exploration of the garden
I’m trying to teach her to be a good ‘model’ as some dogs hate the camera as it hides your face and that worries them. Right now it makes her curious so I will be making the most of it and I am sure I will be sharing more photos with you as she grows up.
Saturday, 17th October 2009
Two weeks ago, I spent the most glorious September Sunday photographing the wedding of Julie and Robert at Gaynes Park.
Julie and Robert planned a very beautiful, intimate day with everyone in the family and close friends playing a role.
Julie got ready in the beautiful bridal cottage at Gaynes Park, with her friends, daughters and granddaughters buzzing around. Robert turned up with his best man and friend of 30 years, Dave, and whilst the girls milled around in chaos the boys enjoyed a sneaky snifter of rum from Dave’s hip flask, in the sunshine.
Julies, Stunning bouquet.
Julie sneaking out of the cottage to see what’s going on around her.
Some relaxed shots of Robert and Dave
Dave giving us the green light for the bridal party to leave the house and walk to the ceremony
A little excited impromptu dancing from Becky and Megan, I am just in love with the shadows in this one.
Leaving the cottage to walk to the Orangery for the ceremony, Ganyes park is such a great venue with so many photo opportunities it allowed me to capture two completely different walking to the ceremony shots. I love the first one for it’s relaxed and natural feel and the second one through the autumn reeds for the colour and sneaky view feel it gives.
The happy couple
I can’t get over what a beautiful blue sky we had that day so had to make sure we captured it in all it’s beautiful glory with Julie and Robert.
And finally, confetti and lots of it!
Julie and Robert, thank you for having me document your day, I hope you had a fabulous time in the Maldives I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back.
