5 Tips for Working With an Illustrator - For Stationers

After 5 years in the wedding stationery industry, I left the full time application and turned towards the side of the business that I am most passionate about: the artwork. While I love mixing paper types, pulling a suite together and getting to know my brides, it was taking so much time away from my motherhood and the side of Blushed that I was growing more and more passionate about: fine arts education. And I found a collection of stationers who need to partner with an illustrator to provide for their bride’s needs.

Who better to take this challenge on than a passionate artist and former stationer? I know the standard timelines, procedures and how to prepare artwork for different printing methods. I know what brides are usually looking for and can prepare that request before it’s even asked.

But how does a stationer work with a third party?
What can they expect the process to look like?

I’m glad you asked ;)

1 - Get to know the artist:

My first tip is to build a relationship with the artist you are interested in working—either immediately or in the future. If your timeline is short, at least get familiar with their work process, schedule and style. This SHOULD be on their website. I personally update my banner at the top of my website with current availability and a quick browse around my “shop” will help you learn more about timeline for different illustration techniques.

I am way more excited to work with someone who has obviously done their homework and knows when I am / am not available or is at least very familiar with my work.

2 - On time is ahead of time:

The second you know that you may need the services of a specific artist, you need to reach out and at least get the timeline penciled in. It’s not unusual for me to be booked out a few months in advance and waiting until the week (or even month) of your design timeline is not going to work.

Many illustrators have a “penciled in” timeline for vendors that they work with frequently. I am always willing to save a spot for someone I enjoy working with—even if it’s for a week or two—while they finalize things with the bride. But once I’m booked, I’m booked!

3 - Expect contracts and know about potential fees:

In order for me to allow you to use my artwork, I require a print release contract to be signed. This is to protect my business as well as your own! This will allow you to print my artwork for that bride in question, but this does NOT extend to the bride (or any other client). If the bride or one of her family/friends wants to use the artwork, they will need to sign an additional print release and there is a fee associated with it. Keep this in mind as you are talking with your bride—if it sounds like she wants have the monogram embroidered all over her pillows by her friend’s sister’s mother, make sure you let her know about the licensing and fee.

4 - Keep in touch:

In short, remember that I am now emotionally invested in this project. I want to see it succeed, hear about how it is going and see pictures of the finished result, whether that’s a quick photo DM on instagram or tagging me when the stationery is published.

Artwork shown is available on Creative Market

5 - Credit the illustrator:

Give me credit for my artwork and you have a life-long friend and partner in this industry! I know that a lot of stationers don’t want to admit it when they don’t create the artwork, but there really is no shame in it! It’s no different than giving credit to a commercial printer because you outsource your printing, or ordering handmade ribbon rather than dying it yourself!

And don’t forget, if you “tag” me in something on instagram or share a photo with me, I’m way more likely to share your work with my own followers or on my website!

Anything that I left out or questions that you still have? Feel free to reach out and ask!

Every illustrator is different and will have their own standards/processes. But, in general, these are things to remember when you are looking to work with an artist. Keep in mind that this is our BUSINESS, and a good illustrator will treat his/her craft as such rather than an expensive hobby.