Timber & Light Studio
Custom Design & Artwork Guide
Welcome!
All of my products are custom made to order, in that nothing is sitting in stock waiting to be shipped. This opens up your options to include your personal touches to each item!
There are some pieces that are offered as pre-designed packages. For these all you need to provide is your design choice. Some examples of this are Slate Coasters, Charcuterie Boards, etc.
In these circumstances simply select your designs from the number/code shown in my listing. Of course, if you are looking at monograms I will also need to know the family name to use. You can simply provide your information using the form below or by messaging me through Etsy.
Here is an example of a not-so-good image. I was not able to get a clean scan even with digital tricks. This one needed to be traced and then scanned.
This is an example of a scan from a nice clean image
And below is an example of an engraved image!
Want more? No problem!
Do you want to personalize one of my packaged items? Or do you want something completely new and unique? Just ask!
The options are just too many to list, so this is where I need a lot more input from you. Any of my standard designs; coasters, monograms, or graphics can be mixed-and-matched onto any of my medias; slate, wood, bamboo… whatever!
Do you want to use your own artwork? Do you want to use handwritten quotes, recipes, poems, prayers, lyrics… the ideas are endless. Now, of course, some medias are better suited to each idea and I can help guide you to create a cherished heirloom.
What is required?
Whether you use the form below, or contact me through Etsy Messages, please provide a summary of what you want to accomplish. Think about materials, orientation (portrait or landscape layout?) and whether it includes text and/or graphics. Do you want the artwork to cover the large space or perhaps only one side or corner? What can you tell me about how it will used? Hung on a wall, displayed on an easel, or as a daily used item? I want it to be perfect for you and best suited to your plans, so be as descriptive as possible!
Next let’s look at text or other artwork.
Preparing your artwork
If you have prepared artwork just attach it to your message (JPG, PNG or PDF). If you want your work reproduced in typeface (machine fonts) then also include your text in your message. You can also attach a text document below. Please proofread with precision as your project will be reproduced exactly as you send it. Want something different, let’s make this easy!
Just take a smartphone photo of your artwork, written in bold ink on plain unlined white paper. Be sure the paper is well lit with indirect light using no flash. Compose the photo so that perspective distortion is minimized. Ideally, if you can crop out any boundaries or other graphics so that only the artwork is in the photo, that would be helpful.
Extremely water stained, lined, faded, torn, folded or otherwise damaged originals can be difficult to impossible to use. Light damage can usually corrected with my software. If reconstruction is required additional design fees may be incurred or it may be best to go to a typeface font. If I need to do a lot of reconstruction I will provide a proof for your approval before engraving.
An alternative to reconstruction for very worn originals, is to make a photocopy of the item and then trace the letters in a bold ink. I recommend tracing onto vellum with a Extra Fine Sharpie. Once this is done place the vellum over a white paper and take a photo as above to send to me.
If you wish to have an alternate title or footnote/commemoration please include that info in your message with your photo. While I can not recreate a title in your own or your loved one’s hand writing, I will choose a complimentary typeface.
In most cases I determine the best orientation for your engraving based on material shape and the layout of your artwork. If you want to request a specific orientation (IE: portrait or landscape) please include this info with your photo. If working with text, a nice clean image without words overlapping, can be rearranged into an esthetically pleasing alignment.
Obviously my magnet cards are intended to go on metal surfaces in any orientation. My paddle cutting/bread/charcuterie/plaque boards can be displayed by hanging on a wall, by using an easel or simply placed on a counter or shelf. If hanging, then a portrait orientation may be best, so please consider this when composing your artwork to send!
And now a message from my legal department!
All special requests will require your approval of proofs before production.
Maximum of 2 proofs will be provided. Each proof must be either refused or accepted within 48 hours or your item may move into production. Please be sure to check your spam folder!
I do reserve the right to refuse to make any design for any reason.
All photograph image engravings are extremely individualized and website pricing will not apply.
Once your order is complete I save it in my system so that if you want to order additional engravings the process is simple! You’ll soon realize that your friends and family will want one too!
Let’s get started!
Contact Me!
Still have questions? Need more information?
Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you!
