FAQ
Last updated June 2022
WHAT IS CALLIGRAPHY?
Calligraphy is an artistic form of handwriting which is created from pens and brushes. The strokes and lines produced with calligraphy may not always be similar, meaning each piece of writing will be unique. Whilst I aim to keep to a particular writing style, it’s important to note that there will be slight variations in each piece of work.
WHAT TYPE OF SERVICES DOES ILLYBOO DESIGNS CURRENTLY OFFER?
I teach calligraphy workshops for dip pen and brush lettering styles across Oxfordshire. I also provide online tutorials via Zoom, which can be used in conjunction with the my brush lettering practice kits. All of these are available to purchase via the shop.
I offer online tutorials via Zoom, which can be used in combination with my brush lettering practice kits. The 1:1 sessions offer flexibility, giving you the opportunity to focus on what you would like to learn, and are suited to both absolute beginners or anyone wanting to learn more advanced lettering techniques. The accompanying lettering kits make for a great gift and are perfect for any level of calligrapher. They come in two different styles, brush pen and watercolour brush lettering, and are packed with all the tools needed to begin practice at home. Both kits styles are available to purchase via the shop.
Custom calligraphy
If you require customised stationery (e.g. name cards and envelope addressing), please fill out the ‘get a quote’ form on these pages, and provide as much detail as you can.
Spot calligraphy
This just means adding a spot of calligraphy onto your digitally printed stationery. It’s a lovely way to add a touch of custom hand lettering to a specific area on a pre-printed item (e.g. invitations or envelopes).
Signs
I can write on different surfaces and mediums, from wood, metal, perspex, blackboard, concrete, you name it! Get in touch if you have a project you want to discuss.
Logo design
I create custom hand lettering for business logos and branding. Some of my clients have included, Bimble, Barefoot Oxford and Hazel de Silva Jewellery. If you're looking to rebrand or require a personal hand lettered touch on any of your business marketing, please contact me.
Live event calligraphy
I provide on site, in store, live calligraphy and have worked with brands like Gucci Beauty, Christian Louboutin, Molton Brown, Jo Malone and Sweaty Betty.If you’d like to hire me please get in touch
DESIGN PROCESS
STAGE 1 - Information Gathering
The initial process will involve us going through the details and requirements for your event or stationery (e.g. fonts, calligraphy style, colours and inspiration).
STAGE 2 - 1st Draft
Where appropriate, I will offer a maximum of 3 designs to choose from (e.g. logo design, custom artwork). Each project can have 1 revision, with any additional revisions costing extra. All drafts are sent in a digital PDF format via email. Once you have chosen your final art work and I have received written approval to proceed onto Stage 3, I will begin working on the final design(s).
STAGE 3 - Final Version
Once your final artwork is complete, Illyboo Designs will notify you and send the final version to you to be approved. Again, once written approval of the design and the final payment have been received, the artwork will then be delivered via Royal Mail or digital means (e.g. email).
HOW DO I PLACE AN ORDER?
To place an order please visit my shop page. Depending on the service you require, you can either purchase products directly from my shop, or by filling out the ‘Get a Quote’ form on the shop pages, you can receive a more specific quote for a product. Alternatively, you can contact me directly via email at hello@illyboodesigns.com.
PRICING?
I charge a minimum set up fee of £60 on all orders. To receive a more specific quote, just fill out the ‘get in touch’ from on or contact me directly at hello@illyboodesigns.com. Custom orders (e.g. name cards and envelopes) will be charged differently.
HOW AND WHEN DO I PAY YOU?
I require a 50% non-refundable deposit to be paid prior to Stage 2 in the design process. The remaining balance will need to be paid before the final artwork is released and sent to you. For more information on payment please refer to the Terms and Conditions page.
DELIVERY?
I currently only deliver within mainland UK and use Royal Mail First Class delivery. I use Royal Mail Special Delivery for larger orders that need to be tracked and insured. A separate delivery cost will be added to the final invoice for larger orders, because the delivery cost is based on the parcel’s weight.
CAN I PLACE AN ORDER WITH SHORT NOTICE?
In the event you require a rushed order, sooner than the minimum time frame of 6 weeks, please get in touch with me to discuss the details. Please note, there will be an additional 50% charge involved for rush jobs, due to prioritising this over other work.
CAN YOU FIT MY ORDER IN IF YOU'RE VERY BUSY?
In a busy wedding and event season, many celebrations can land on the same date. I do my best to accommodate all requests, however if there is a chance of a double booking and I am unable to fulfil both, I will choose on a first come first serve basis.
DO YOU HAND WRITE EVERY ITEM?
The items that are exclusively hand written are names cards, addressed envelopes and custom signs. For anything that requires multiple copies of the same design, I create a digital file and it is then printed.
DO YOU DO YOUR OWN PRINTING?
No. Illyboo Design uses professional printers.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU REQUIRE TO COMPLETE A CUSTOM ORDER?
This depends on the size of the order, but generally I require 6 weeks to complete an order, from when the order is placed, to when it is delivered. The time to complete a custom orders will vary. Please contact me to discuss the requirements of your order. Once this is established, I will be able to give you an accurate turnaround time for the work.
DO YOU HAVE A MINIMUM ORDER REQUIREMENT?
The minimum order for all custom calligraphy items is 50 pieces. If you require a smaller quantity please get in touch, as I understand not all orders will need to be this size.
CAN I GET A SAMPLE?
Absolutely! I’m happy to provide you with a sample of the types of paper I use.
WHAT INK COLOURS DO YOU OFFER AND CAN I GET A CUSTOM COLOUR?
I use standard black and white ink, but for anyone wanting a more luxe look, I use Finetec metallic inks. These metallic inks are of a high quality and come in a range of different colours and shades. I can mix inks to match a specific colour palette. Similarly, I can match colours on digital designs as well.
SHARING YOUR DESIGNS?
Illyboo Designs reserves the right to use your designs for marketing and photographic purposes. If you do not wish for your designs to be used in this way please let me know. Please note, your designs will not be advertised prior to any events (e.g. weddings or brand launches).
CAN I FEATURE ILLYBOO DESIGNS ON MY SOCIAL MEDIA, WEBSITE OR BLOG?
I would love to have my work shared, all I ask is that you please credit Illyboo Designs and link the website www.illyboodesigns.com, making it easy for people to know it’s me and where the images have originated from!