---ME---
I think for many creative people, it’s hard to label yourself as creative. I’m one of those people. Maybe it’s that I have a little bit of me that feels slightly shy about putting myself out there. Couple that with excited humility when someone likes my work so much that they choose to buy it. After all, look at the seriously amazing and talented people here on Etsy.

It’s not that I haven’t been a “creative” person for a while. I have been put in that category either by others or by my own decisions along the way, although I have always struggled with what side of my brain will win my attention for the day.

As for what I have done and do, I went to college in New Orleans at Tulane University where I received my BFA in Printmaking. At that time, computer based graphic design was still in its relative infancy (I think Photoshop 2 was out) but really, that didn’t matter because graphic design wasn’t even on my radar. I had always liked to draw, but I also love science, math and logic and I struggled for a couple years trying to decide on a path. Here’s what I found out … I’m not happy unless I’m creating something … I like to be challenged mentally … delayed gratification is for the birds.

Trying not to make my story too long… I became an Illustrator and then became a web designer when I moved back to St. Louis, which has been a great fit for my split (left vs right brain) personality. I have now worked as an Interactive Designer for 15 years, which is great because I get to design things, and also great because I get to be nerdy and even write some code occasionally.

I started making invitations when one of my best friends asked me to design her wedding invitation. I got a lot of positive feedback and so I decided to put it on Etsy and see if anyone else liked them. They did. That was almost five years ago, and I continue to make invitations today. I think what I like best about making invitations is the physical connection you have with the end piece. To be able to hold something you find beautiful in your hand and feel its weight and texture contrasts with what I make as an interactive designer where all my creations are interactive, but virtual. I like to think about the children or grandchildren of my clients holding my designs generations from now and thinking about how it captures a moment in their loved ones lives. In the digital age, where everything is so temporary, it gives me more permanence.

---YOU---
If you are reading this because you like my work, thank you, thank you, thank you! Here's some things to know ... At this time, I still work as an Interactive Designer by day. I try to get back to you as soon as possible, but sometimes it can take me a couple days. It's not because I don't appreciate your business and that you like what I do, because I really do, but sometimes I have to work long hours, or cook dinner, or watch swim lessons or listen to cowboy vs. ninja battle stories as told by a seven year-old.

TURNAROUND TIME
Generally, for wedding invitations turnaround time is about 3-4 weeks from start to finish. Sometimes it's shorter ... sometimes it's longer depending on your time frame and my current workload. If you need something faster, ask me. I will try to make it work.

OPTIONS & PRINTING
Most of my designs are available as a PDF or printed. In most cases, you can substitute a card for another (i.e. your reception is at the same place as your ceremony so you want a details or accommodation card instead.)

I do a lot of the printing myself. Some, I give to one of my professional printers I use. One is local to me and one is not. I order paper and envelopes from everywhere trying to get the best match for your wedding.

PROCESS
I ask for a deposit to begin work. This helps me keep track of orders so I know who I am doing work for at any single moment in time. To make a deposit, you can either buy a listing in my shop, or I create a reserved one for you. Once I receive the deposit, I create a digital proof for you. We work together and make as many changes as needed until you are completely happy. The deposit is applied to your final payment which I ask for before I send your invitations/stationery to be printed.

Please let me know if you have questions. Thanks again!
Diana