FAQs

Stationery FAQ

How do I initiate a custom stationery project?

To begin a custom stationery project, please fill out the custom stationery inquiry form. Once received, I’ll follow up with more information regarding pricing, availability, and next steps. You’ll also be asked to share a preliminary mood board, Pinterest board, or collection of inspiration images. This helps me to get a sense of your desired aesthetic and overall vision.

What are the booking & deposit requirements?

A non-refundable 50% deposit is required upfront to secure your spot in the schedule. The remaining balance will be split into 2-3 payments depending on the scale of the project.

Due to limited availability for custom stationery projects, failing to make a deposit could result in losing your spot in the schedule or delaying the outlined timeline. Please note that clients will not be added into the schedule until a payment is made.

When will you begin working on my custom stationery?

Project timelines vary based on availability and client deadlines. Once your payment is received, you’ll be added to the schedule. Your contract will outline the project timeline, milestones, and deadlines, please review it carefully to ensure we’re aligned. Each project is given a dedicated timeframe to allow for thoughtful, attentive design. Because my schedule is often fully booked, it’s important that clients adhere to agreed-upon timelines.

What is the timeline for creating custom hand-painted stationery?

A standard wedding invitation suite typically takes 4–10 weeks from design to delivery:

  • Onboarding & Design: 4–6 weeks, depending on complexity

  • Printing & assembly: 2–4 weeks, depending on production method

 Couples usually send invitations 3–6 months before the wedding (or 6–9 months for destination weddings).  

Standard Day-Of Paper Timeline:

​​Day-of designs, such as menus and place cards,are treated as a separate project due to their unique timelines. These pieces are typically designed closer to the wedding date.

Expect a 3–5 week design process. It's best to allow extra time for revisions and final adjustments. Clients are responsible for printing day-of paper goods (with some special exceptions). 

Clients are responsible for communicating their desired deadlines to ensure delivery before their wedding or any required dates. 

Are you able to replicate another artist's or stationer's style?

The short answer is no. While I can draw inspiration from various artists and designers, I will never replicate another person's style or even compositions. For the best results, your vision should align with this studio’s signature painted style. As an artist-based studio, every design carries a distinct style and essence. If you feel this studio may not be the right fit for your desired aesthetic, it’s best to find a designer whose style suits your vision.

Is there anything you won’t illustrate?

While I love bringing each client’s vision to life, it’s important to note that I do have certain limitations based on my personal style and values. I’m likely not the right fit if you’re looking for pet portraits, couple portraits, or illustrations of venues. While I know many people love these elements, I find that these types of requests are best suited for artists who specialize in them.

Kindly note that I do not accept bookings for weddings or events held on plantations or other sites with a documented history of enslavement or cultural harm, and I will not illustrate anything connected to these locations. 


Can I provide my own ideas and inspiration for the design?

Absolutely,  it’s required! Sharing inspiration imagery helps ensure we’re a good fit and that I have a clear understanding of your vision. A Pinterest board is especially helpful, but you’re also welcome to share images by email.

While I always bring new thoughtful and creative ideas to every project, it’s essential to understand your aesthetic—what you love (and what you don’t), as well as motifs or styles you’re drawn to. If you’d like guidance on how to gather inspiration, I’m always happy to help.

How many revisions are included in the custom stationery service?

Custom stationery includes two rounds of edits during the sketching phase and one round of minor edits during the painting phase. The painting-phase edits are limited to color adjustments or adding motifs—the overall composition cannot be changed once painted. 

It is encouraged to communicate all imagery and color palette preferences before the sketching phase begins to minimize the need for extra edits beyond the two included rounds. After the allotted round of edits have been used an additional fee of $300 will be charged.


This is a collaborative process! To meet your deadline, please aim to review assets within 2-3 days throughout the process. Failure to do so will result in possible delays.

Do you offer rush services for last-minute orders?

Rush services are available; however, the associated fees vary depending on the deadline and the complexity of the work. Rush fees can range from $500-$1500 USD, taking into account these factors. Feel free to reach out to me to discuss and determine if your rush request can be accommodated.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

 Project deposits are non-refundable.

 If cancellation occurs after you have received the initial sketches and mock ups, 25% of the remaining balance will be retained to cover initial planning and scheduling. 

Mid-Project Cancellation: If cancellation occurs after the painting has commenced but before completion of the artwork, 80% of the remaining balance will be retained.


Completed Work: Once the artwork is completed, the full project cost is applicable, and no refunds will be issued.

What materials are used in creating hand-painted stationery?

I primarily work with gouache and watercolor paints, but I may also incorporate materials such as pastel and colored pencil into my designs. 

Can I print my own custom stationery?

Yes! Printing your stationery yourself can be a straightforward and cost-effective option, especially if you’re working within a budget. If you choose this route, print-ready files will be provided. Many printers offer paper samples for free or a small fee—consider reviewing their options and selecting the one that best fits your vision. I recommend a heavy-weight, matte paper to showcase the painted style of the studio’s designs. 

What kind of paper and printing methods do you offer?

The studio uses a heavy-weight, cotton matte paper for printing. Designs are digitally printed and can be die-cut if you select that design add-on.

Do you offer addressing and assembling?

We offer digital printing in a variety of fonts to address your envelopes; however, hand-calligraphed envelopes are not available at this time. If you choose the ribbon assembly add-on, your invitation suite will be pre-assembled with the ribbon, ready for you to seal, stamp, and mail to your guests.

Can I  keep the original artwork?

Yes! I'm happy to send you the original artwork. However, please note that certain stationery components are typically painted individually and then digitally assembled in Photoshop. This method allows for more flexibility in creating compositions. Shipping charges will be applicable.



The Process

The process begins with reviewing the Welcome Guide, which you'll receive via email after submitting your inquiry form.

This guide provides detailed information on process, timelines, pricing, and more to help answer any initial questions.

Once you’ve reviewed the presentation please reach out to request an estimate based on your project specifications. After reviewing your estimate, if you’d like to move forward with a consultation, simply reach out to begin the next step!

After you’ve received your initial estimate a consultation will be scheduled.

During this conversation it’s encouraged that you express your ideas regarding the color palette, theme, and imagery you wish to be included. This serves as an opportunity for us to connect, go over pricing details, and ensure that I am the best match for your project.

After the consultation you will recieve a project contract, invoice and a link for your deposit.Upon receiving the sketches and mockups we will discuss any imagery changes or additions and color palettes adjustments. Once approved I will begin painting with gouache paints and watercolor.

Onboarding

Once you've accepted your project contract and paid your deposit you will be prompted to share any additional inspiration imagery, color palette preferences and a word document outlining the copy for each stationery design.

Concept & Sketches

Once all required onboarding details have been shared, the sketching phase will begin and a design deck will be created for clients to review. The deck will feature sketches for each stationery piece and outline key concept elements, including motifs, color palette, dimensions, text layouts, and other essential design details.

Note: Sketches are thoughtfully and carefully considered for each client. It is important to communicate all imagery ideas and color palette preferences before the initial sketches are created. This service includes two rounds of edits during the sketching phase, and one round of edits during the painting phase. Any additional edits beyond the included rounds may incur a fee of $300.

Once the sketches are approved, the stationery artwork will be hand-painted, scanned, and edited to incorporate all text or hand-lettering.

Each design is carefully edited into high-resolution, print-ready files. Clients have the option to include printing services or manage the printing themselves!

Begin the Process→

Still not sure where to begin?

If you feel you need more guidance after you’ve reviewed the FAQ, email studio@oliviaprovey.com to discuss the process and get a more in depth look into your stationery options