As I mentioned in my previous post, I recently accepted a full-time temp job that I'm thoroughly enjoying during the day. Then, I come home and I continue adding to my stationery shop over at PaisleyInParis.com and I work on other minor custom projects that may come up, such these baptism invitations for my coworker's grandson. I know the image quality is not as good as I'd like it to be, but it's the best I could do with the lighting in my studio at this hour (9pm) with my phone's camera. I just wanted to share what I worked on this evening; I printed, cut, assembled, and glittered 20 of these babies for an early delivery tomorrow morning. I printed the invitations on solar white card stock and attached them to a silver metallic stock, then I glittered the cross above for a little more sparkle. I'm also working on completing a Robot themed birthday party set for a client in Florida. You can see the invitations here. I'll be posting thank you cards, cupcake toppers, chocolate bar wrappers and a matching birthday banner soon. So much inspiration, so little time, and so grateful for the work the Lord sends my way.
I recently accepted a temporary full-time job through the end of December. Aside from that I am working on completing custom stationery for 2 weddings that I booked this summer, I am finalizing a corporate order of 4,000 (yes, four thousand) invitations for a holiday party, I'm responding to daily inquiries for items selling in my stationery shop, and I have a first grader that needs help with homework each night. Unfortunately that leaves very little time continue updating the blog several times as week as I was doing, but I will try my best to do so at least once a week so don't forget to stop by occasionally to see what I've been up to!
Hope you all a great Labor Day weekend. I had a great time with my sister and the rest of her bridesmaids who also happen to be our cousins. We got together today to help her make cranes for her wedding decor. Above is a picture of my first crane on origami paper. Her wedding is going to be amazing. They are doing such a good job blending both cultures (Mexican and Japanese) and they're both very crafty so it's gonna be a DYI wedding, with lots of style. Can't wait!
Every now and then I get a few e-mails from people letting me know how much they love my work. I love that! It really keeps me going, it's a huge motivator for any designer to know that their work is admired and appreciated. Today I woke up to a different kind of e-mail. It was a fan asking for advice on how to become a stationery designer...
"Hi Dio, I love your work and your personal story! (I read the interview that Soy Fashionista did with you, which led me to your sites.) I really want to become a stationery designer (weddings in particular) but I'm at a bit of a loss for how things work, and I'd like to know more about the technical side. Could you share a little with me about the technical process of it all? (I know the first order of business should be for me to take more graphic design courses, but first I'd like to know how it all fits together with stationery design in particular.) Like, what software & equipment do you use, do I have to be able to freehand draw all designs or do you use some stock images too in your work, do you use a digital pen and tablet with illustrator to create your drawings, do you outsource printing or do you do your own printing, etc.? It's really hard to find any information on this and I would so appreciate any advice you could offer someone who aspires to have a career like yours! Thanks so much! ~ Paula"
Experience and Education
The truth is, every stationery designer has a different story. I bet there are many out there that started their career as a hobby, having never worked in a design setting. I shared a bit of my story in that interview for Soy Fashionista nearly a year ago. For me, leaving the corporate world to own my business was a natural process. By then I had already established myself a designer. I was Senior Designer for a marketing office where I had gained much experience taking a vision and putting it on paper for the weekly/monthly promotions that our company ran. I also knew how to use the software and most important of all, I knew how to communicate with the print shops. I spoke their lingo and understood terms like "press check, full color printing, spot color printing, cost per ink wash, film plates, die cut, scoring, drilling, camera ready, vector image, gloss coating, varnish, PMS colors, etc." I knew what they meant when they asked "how many originals in your print job?" That's the technical stuff that I can't sit here and explain. It's what you will gain with your education and work experience, and it very much applies to wedding stationery. When a client requests an estimate, I have to determine the best type of printing for their budget (offset or digital) and then go from there. If it's offset they need, then I usually have to quote for spot printing & the communication with the printer begins according to the client's needs. I do some in-house digital printing with a high quality laser printer I purchased, but it's limited to the type of stocks I can print on.
Vendors and Materials
The hardest part for me was finding printers and wholesale vendors. I couldn't find affordable printing in town, so I had to shop around in the LA area and online, there's so much variety out there. My advice is for you to shop around too, it's part of the process.
As far as card stocks and materials, Envelopments has been such a blessing for me! They are organized, they have great customer service and provide all their resellers with all the tools they need to be successful.
Software and Equipment
Everywhere I worked before starting my own business was PC based, so naturally I too am a PC based designer. I'd like to own a Mac one day, but it's not something I see in my near future simply because I'm very comfortable with what I have at this point and I don't need the extra expense.
I use the Adobe Creative Suite, I haven't upgraded since CS2. I feel there is no need, what I have works fine without the upgrades. Most of my work is created in Illustrator. I used Corel Draw many years ago when I first started and I love it! It's more affordable than Illustrator and you can do the same thing with it. I don't own a copy of it, but I loved it back when my employer had it available for me to use. I only use InDesign when addressing envelopes with computer calligraphy, or basically any time I'm designing anything that has a heavy text content. PhotoShop is a must have for working on images you want to publish on your website and blogs.
I have always wanted to invest in a digital pen and tablet, but I just haven't. Nothing is really stopping me at this time except the fact that I feel I have to do some research about all the options available and I've just been too busy to give it much importance.
Original Work vs. Stock Images
Adobe Illustration is great for creating your own vector-based artwork. If you don't have the time or illustrations skills to create your own artwork, you can also purchase stock images from sites like Shutterstock.com. The beauty about purchasing vector art is that you can always break it apart and modify so that you're not just plopping someone else's artwork into a layout and calling it your own.
Which brings me to another topic. Please be original. Define yourself, find your style, seek inspiration but NEVER copy anybody else's work or claim it as your own if you didn't create it. In Summary
It's A LOT of work!!! You have to do all the legal stuff first like registering your business name, getting your resale license, finding vendors. Then when the business is running, you have to do your own bookkeeping or hire someone who will. Owning a custom stationery business is not just about the creative stuff, you also have to figure out how you'll be pricing your goods and services, do consultations, answer e-mail requests, phone calls, produce quotes, coordinate a variety of projects and deadlines, determine whether or not you'll process credit cards, do your own purchasing, shipping, receiving, keep track of inventory, and do lots and lots of research every day and find creative ways to market yourself. Never start any job without a contract and be prepared to revise such contract constantly during the first year, or each time a client gives you a headache (hey, it happens). You will eventually settle into a written agreement that is nearly perfect for your everyday use.
Good luck Paula! May your hard work and determination pay off.
Sincerely,
~ Dio Perez
UPDATE, August 2016: I am very excited to announce the arrival of Stationery Boot Camp and the Stationery Crash Course.Stationery Bootcamp an online training course for
entry-level designers and those who, like me, are very passionate about
custom stationery design but are in the same place I was 13 years ago –
not knowing where to start. Whether
you are looking for a career change or looking to turn a hobby into
a profitable business (as I did), Stationery Boot Camp will prepare you
to excel in your craft and thrive as a creative professional.
After much thought and consideration, I decided to temporarily remove my custom invitations website (Dio Selina Custom Designs) from the internet this week. In the meantime, the web address www.DioSelina.com will lead you to this blog where you will be able to keep up with my latest designs, become informed on any studio updates and find inspiration for your wedding or your next special event.
I am happy to say that my line of social stationery titled Paisley In Paris is gaining more recognition each day and orders for birthday celebrations, baby showers and other events have been increasing significantly in the last few weeks. In addition to increased non-wedding related sales, I've also recently added a new line of Spanglish stationery called Que Party Tan Fancy, for my Latina followers who love my work and must have it translated to Spanish (or Spanglish).
So let's just say that Dio Selina Custom Designs is simply on an extended vacation. I'm looking to relaunch an updated website with new handcrafted wedding invitation sets by the end of this year. By doing this, I'll be able to focus on everything that I have going on at this time and continue to provide the high quality customer service that has always been associated with my name.
During the next few weeks, I am looking forward to creating more balance in my life, updating the blog several times a week, spending more quality time with my family, and revamping my line of wedding stationery for the coming season. Thank you all for your patience, your love and support!
I was recently interviewed by Sandrini Gonzalez, co-founder of SoyFashionista.com. Soy Fashionista is a web community for Latinas where they celebrate our culture, accomplishments, and inform Latinas (and non-Latinas alike) about numerous topics ranging from living green to cooking, hot fashion trends and entertainment. Soy was launched early this year, and in this short time, it has reached thousands of readers and caught the attention of national magazines and Spanish-media television broadcasting companies such as Univision, where future collaborations are already in the works!
Needless to say, I was honored to be contacted by the founder herself, who conducted the interview in hopes that my story will continue to inspire other Latinas to follow their dreams.
What inspired you to become a stationery designer? I have always had a passion for paper, color and textures. I discovered early in life that I had a need for creative expression, so I would carry paper and pencil wherever I went. Eventually my constant need to challenge myself creatively, lead me to a career in graphic design. I worked in a corporate setting for 10 years before I discovered my true calling. As I worked on my own wedding invitations in the fall of 2002, I realized there were other brides in search of something more reflective of their personality and style when it came to their wedding stationery and that I had the tools, knowledge and desire to help them.
What gets you out of bed, to do what you love? It’s a given that I am driven by my passion for paper and design, but knowing that my clients are counting on me to create a glimpse and keepsake of the happiest day of their lives is a great motivator. I know that each person who hires me wants something different, something exclusive that is not mass produced, a piece that reflects who they are and sets the tone for their event. Every project is an adventure in itself and I love adventure.
“What do you enjoy most about the type of work you do?” I love that I am able to work with clients world-wide. Distance is not a problem, thanks to technology! My work requires a lot of creative problem solving, so it keeps things interesting. I truly enjoy the design process, but I also find that working with my hands is very therapeutic. I get to rest my mind a bit as I joyously handcraft each individual invitation. I also love that I have been able to stay home and raise my daughter through her toddler years, while providing a professional service to clients world-wide.
What bumps in the road did you over come to be where you’re at now? I jumped the first hurdle when I quit my full-time job, with seniority and benefits, to follow my dream. It was a tough choice, but I’m glad I made it! The second hurdle came when our nation went into a state of recession. I soon realized, however, that this was an opportunity to expand my talents. As a result, I added creative stationery solutions to my collection for all budget ranges.
Words of advice for any Latina to follow her dream. Never miss an opportunity for growth. Make lemonade when life gives you lemons. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and people who motivate and inspire you. I know I wouldn’t be where I’m at if it wasn’t for my husband. He does not have a creative bone in him, but he’s my biggest cheerleader. Last, but not least, have faith and believe in yourself. Know that if you’re persistent and well intentioned, good things will come your way.
I've had so much fun this weekend with my latest craft project - handmade marble magnets! They're so cute and much fun to make! Here's a sneak preview, but I'll be posting more images and packaging them for sale on my Etsy shop after Memorial Day weekend. I have a set of Parisian inspired magnets that would be the PERFECT wedding favor for a Parisian inspired wedding! I'm always glad to take custom orders, of course, but if you're looking for a cute and unique gift for yourself, your bridesmaids, a friend, sister or collegue, these cute handcrafted creations will make anyone's day!
Okay, I have to go now, we're getting ready for an evening of swimming, bbq, family and fun. Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday weekend!
Just thought I'd share a few designs that will be up for sale through my website in the next week or so. Adding a new section to my website featuring my new photo announcement designs will allow me the flexibility to offer a variety sizes and finishes, such as the use of luster or pearlized stock, amongst other services and features not available through my current gallery at BabyDio.com.
I haven't had to chance to post anything recently. With kids on Spring break visiting over at our house, a wedding in the family and my little 5 month old puppy getting sick with parvo, I've been quite...well, emotional.
She started last Wednesday, we took her to the vet on Thursday and came back with medication to treat her with. I've been giving her shots, nausea medicine, giving her pedialite and an IV. It hasn't been easy, I don't like needles, and I feel her pain each time we treat her, but I know it's for her own good.
Yesterday (Sunday) was such an emotional day. At 10am I text my mother and sisters to let them I wouldn't be going to church with them because Paisley looked like she wasn't going to make it. She laid in bed lifeless, I kept cuddling her so she knew I was with her till the end. Amazingly enough by 12 noon, she stood up and weakly walked around for a bit. I was amazed and happy to see the sudden change. Later I started getting text messages from friends and family saying they've been praying for her. Wow! She went from lying in bed lifeless, with her temperature dropping and her eyes going back (so I only saw the white part) to getting a kick of life all of a sudden!
She's now stable once again. I just wanted to say thank you to all my friends and family who have kept us in their hearts with prayers and good wishes - it's working!
A few days ago, one of my postage designs was featured as "Today's Best" on Zazzle.com.
It's very flattering, especially because other "zazzlers" continue to stop by my gallery and congratulate me. It's such a nice on-line community.
This is definitely different from the couture work I've been doing the last few years, but I like that it allows everyone an opportunity to easily obtain stationery for their special occasions, without the couture price tag.
Matching invitation, also available through my zazzle gallery.
I can't believe the holidays are just around the corner! This year just flew by. I am already working on invitation suites for next spring, which is always very exciting!
I just wanted to take a few minutes to remind clients, friends, family and readers, that if you're interested in invitations or custom greeting cards for this holiday season, now's the time to order.
I will be taking in a limited number of orders for holiday cards & invites, as my calendar is almost full. In addition to the spring weddings I mentioned, I am currently completing coordinating items for fall and winter weddings (programs, place cards, thank you cards, etc.), invitations for a couple of Bat Mitzvah's, and a couple of branding and identy projects.
I have several new designs to post on my site...just need to make a little time for a photo shoot. I'll probably post them on my blog before I add them to my site, so keep checking in! =)
Abby, founder of Style Me Pretty, was actually interviewed on the Martha Stewart show last year, and her blog (Style Me Pretty) is featured on the Martha Stewart Weddings website as one of Martha's favorite blogs!
Abby writes about everything beautiful in the wedding industry. Her blog features the latest wedding trends, real weddings, unique ideas, inspiration boards, and step by step instructions on "how to" for do it yourself brides who are hand crafting their own weddings. It's a place where stylish brides of all budgets can feel at home and become truly inspired.
Their Little Black Book features the best vendors in the industry nation-wide. All vendors are hand-selected and added by invitation only, based on personal recommendations, tips from insiders, and comments from their closest friends. You can find us (and our very talented friends from Red Lantern Photography) listed under California, in the Palm Springs section.
Needless to say, it is a true honor to be part of Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book of Vendors. Thank you Abby and Michelle for including us in the Little Black Book! We'd also like to thank our friends and clients who passed the word and made this possible for us!
No go on, get comfortable, and settle in front of your computer for a few hours of browsing, taking notes and getting ispired at StyleMePretty.com!
As I mentioned a few blog entries ago, I will be hosting a mixer for the Greater Palm Springs Wedding Association in a couple of weeks. The mixers are a way for local vendors to meet and mingle, and an opportunity for the host to showcase a location and/or work.
I never had the opportunity to host a GPSWA mixer, because I work out of my home based studio. It wasn't until recently, when one of my aunts purchased an hacienda style home, which she intends to market as a vacation rental and reception site for special events. She offered me full use of it, as a way to give her newly acquired property a bit of exposure, and give me a place to showcase my work for an evening.
The GPSWA mixers are open for all members, and to vendors who are interested in joining the association. But because there are many members I haven't seen attend a mixer in a while, I designed and eye-catching invitation that will hopefully spark their interest and will entice them to make an appearance.
The invitation consists of a combination of velvet, embossed, and traditional ivory and khaki colored paper, neatly layered, and accentuated with rhinestones. I included 3 separate inserts, a map, a note with admission rates for members and non-members, and my business card. These three items were secured with gold cord, placed behind the invitation, and everything was mailed in sparkly gold envelopes.
I agree that pocket invitations are beautiful, but this is just another example of how we can further customize an invitation by applying the budget toward textured paper and embellishements, rather than pockets.
Below are a few images of Casa Del Sol, the place where the mixer will be held at. These are only temporary images, a new photo shoot will take place in the coming weeks, to fully illustratate the home's features.
Thank you for visiting! I am very excited to have finally set up my blog. I will now be able to keep you informed with the latest news and updates as well as being able to share more about the heart and passion behind Dio Selina Custom Designs.
You have probably already read a little about my background and experience, but there are two other very special people (amongst others) who contribute to the business as well. Please meet my husband Robert and my two year old daughter, Andria.
This wedding season has been our busiest yet, and as of December 2006, my husband officially became my Assistant and Production Artist. Those who know him get a kick out of it. He just doesn't seem like the type that would have the patience to manually assemble and embellish hundreds of invitations at a time. But fortunately, he is! We have a TV in our production area where he can watch shows like "The Sopranos," "CSI: Miami" and his favorite sports, while he tackles production of these beautiful invitations.
Andria, our daughter, has reached the age where she wants to "help." She'll often come up to me asking if I have work for her. Her persistence has earned her a position in our company as "messenger". She'll walk from our production area into the office saying things like: "Daddy needs tape" - so I'll hand her a roll and send it out to him; "How many invitations for Debra, mom?" - I'll give her an exact number to relay to her dad. And my favorite line of all is when she tells me "Mommy, get off the computer, I need to check to my e-mail!"
She doesn't have a company e-mail address quite yet, but you never know...she's starting to show her artistic abilities, so we may be able to have her design some greeting cards in the near future!
As I mentioned in my previous post, I recently accepted a full-time temp job that I'm thoroughly enjoying during the day. Then, I come home and I continue adding to my stationery shop over at PaisleyInParis.com and I work on other minor custom projects that may come up, such these baptism invitations for my coworker's grandson.
After much thought and consideration, I decided to temporarily remove my custom invitations website (Dio Selina Custom Designs) from the internet this week. In the meantime, the web address www.DioSelina.com will lead you to this blog where you will be able to keep up with my latest designs, become informed on any studio updates and find inspiration for your wedding or your next special event.
Hi everyone,
