Back in college, Andrea Sturgell and I took several art classes together. She is an amazing artist, I still remember her sketches from one of the first projects we did -incredible! Since college, Andrea has started her own business, Chirp Paperie. She was sweet enough to answer some questions about Chirp and how she got started.
1. Tell me about your business, how did you get started?
I started Chirp after my own wedding. I couldn't find exactly what I wanted and I went to school for painting and drawing, so I created my own hand painted invitation that captured our personalities and location. Once they went out in the mail I had several friends and friends of friends emailing me and asking me to do theirs. Eventually I decided to start a small business. Since then I have done work for people all over the country and even Australia! :)
2. Who are your inspirations?
3. Do most of your clients bring in a design to work off of, or do they let you have free reign?
It depends. Some bring me a full pinterest board, design and wording, others don't even know what colors they want to use. I start each process with a short questionnaire to help me get to know each couple, their style and their dreams for their wedding. From there we talk about different invitation styles and the design process begins.
4. What is your favorite design you've done so far?
That's a tough one! I did one that required a "cruise ticket" for the after party which the bride was having on a yacht, that was fun and interesting. Probably my favorite invitations to make are the caricature save the dates/wedding invitations. I like trying to capture each personality in the drawings of the couple and they usually LOVE it when it's finished!
5. Do you do any letterpress?
Yes! I would love to do more but it is pretty expensive so most brides don't have the budget for it. It's just so lust-worthy though!
6. Do you plan to branch out into other types of invites and paper products?
I actually have a whole line of stationary, as well as a few shower/party invitations and business cards, but I haven't had the time to shoot them and get them on my website! That's one of my business goals for the next six months! They will be on etsy!
7. You should make wrapping paper! What do you think?
Hmm... never thought about it! that could be really fun! I think the best part would be getting a gift wrapped in your own paper! :)
I couldn't pick just Seven, so here are Eleven of my favorites:
Thanks again Andrea! I'm hoping soon I'll have you designing my invitations.
