The Process
If this is your first time ordering a bespoke service/product, you might be feeling a little unsure, wondering how it all works, what the process is like etc. Fear not, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Read on to learn more about the whole process
1) First Steps
Prior to contacting us, it’s helpful if you do some research to gain some idea of what kind of design you want. This could simply be a rough sketch of themes and colours – e.g. a scrapbook or a mood board put together on Pinterest – or perhaps you’ve already got a very firm idea of what you want your design to look like, which is great too!
Don’t worry if you don’t really know where to start, as we have plenty of samples to inspire. What matters is that you come to us with at least some idea of what you are after (eg colour or a classic, retro or quirky style), to give our discussions a starting point.
It’s also helpful if you’ve given some thought to your budget, which will help ensure that the design we agree on is realistic.
2) Book a Consultation
Next you will book a consultation with Chris, to which you will bring your ideas. This could be in-person at our Derby studio or, if you are not local to Derby, via Skype or email.
At the consultation, Chris will discuss your design ideas with you, guiding and advising you, using his wealth of design and print experience.
If you come to the studio for your consultation, you will also have the opportunity to have a look around the studio and get your hands on some physical samples of our work and the different paper stocks.
If consulting via email or Skype, once you are happy that you know what you want, you will complete an order form which will aid us in producing a quote for you.
3) Receive a Quote
Based on the decisions made during your consultation, Chris will create a quote for you. This usually takes about two working days.
At this stage, you will have the opportunity to refine your ideas, adding, removing or changing to suit your needs and budget.
4) Digital Proofs
With the quote and parameters agreed upon, Chris will produce a digital proof of your design. This will usually be within four working days, but it could be more or less depending on the complexity of the design and on how busy we are.
You will then carefully review the proof and supply any desired amendments. After this Chris will produce a second proof, the timeframe for which will depend on the number and nature of the changes, but which will usually be much quicker than the first proof.
In most cases, two proofs will be sufficient, but further proofs can be produced until you are 100% satisfied with the design.
5) Printing and Finishing
Assuming you are happy with the look of the proof, Chris will move on to the actual printing stage. If you have requested any finishing touches, such as hot foil or perforation, these will be added here.
Once finished, your order will be packed up nicely and posted to you, or you can come to the studio and collect it yourselves. Please allow up to ten working days for this stage.