design

what is the design process to create my personalized map?
what does the design fee include?
how long does it take to design?
will i see a proof?
can you create a map to complement my invitation?
can you create an invitation to complement my map?
what lettering styles do you offer?
can i include written directions?
can i reuse artwork that you have already created?
can i keep the artwork?
do you make other stuff?


printing

what types of printing do you offer?
can i print the maps myself or send the artwork to my printer?
is there a charge for sending the file to my printer?
can you supply me with one large print of my map?
can you create maps on other items?
how is the color added to the maps?

paper

what types of papers do you offer?
can i send the paper and materials to you?


ordering

how do i submit an order?
what do i need to supply you with to get started?
where do i send my order?
can i visit the studio?
who carries your maps?
what is the minimum order?
are rush orders available?
how are the maps shipped?
do you ship internationally?
what methods of payment do you accept?
what is paypal?
do you offer refunds?
can you send some samples to me?

design

what is the design process to create my personalized map?

Our maps are bespoke, one of a kind works of art and are created by hand by a skilled artist. No computer software is involved at all.

After you place an order, we will contact you to discuss your ideas and overall feel of the piece. We will then take all of your information and compact it into a rough draft. Once you see the sketch, we are happy to hear your suggestions regarding accuracy, composition, icons, color and layout-- all of those things we learned in art school. We work with you to create as many sketches as you need to make it perfect.

In the meantime, we will put together some paper samples for you to choose from based on your specific needs.

Once all of the revisions are made, the final artwork is created. There are, although, additional fees for any changes to the final artwork. The piece is then shipped to the printer.

When the maps are finished, they are shipped back to the studio where the artist adds the colors of your choice. If you decide that you don’t want hand painted pieces, the maps are then shipped to you.

Once you receive them, you may squeal with delight!

What does the design fee include?

The $400.00 design fee includes the design of the map, title, a border and as many icons as you want. It also includes all of the proofs as well as one hand painted color after the map is printed (up to 200 pieces).

The design fee does not include written directions, additional hand painted colors or shipping.

how long does it take to design?

Depending on our schedule, the turnaround for the finished pieces is about 6 weeks.

Our timing breakdown is as follows:

4 weeks for the design process. This is sketch phase to final artwork.

2-3 weeks additional for offset printing

4-5 weeks additional for letterpress printing

For large quantities, rush orders and special projects, please inquire with us.

will i see a proof?

Of course. You will see all of the drawings in the sketch phase and approve the final artwork before it is shipped to the printer. Proofs are included in the price.

can you create a map to complement my invitation?

Yes! That is our specialty, and we would love to become a part of your special day. Just be sure to send us a copy of your invitation—preferably by mail—so we can determine the best style, size and paper to use. We work closely with many talented stationery designers to create the map that adds the final touch to your invitation ensemble.

can you create an invitation to complement my map?

Absolutely! Our wedding stationery is as special as our maps. To see examples of our one of a kind invitations, to go stephanniebarba.com.

what lettering styles do you offer?

At our studio, we believe lettering is an art form. Our calligraphy styles have been meticulously designed by us and can be seen here. We are always coming up with new letter forms so check back often.

We are proud of our original work so we don’t use traditional calligraphy hands or copy any style. This will insure that you are receiving a unique, one of a kind map. We can however create a new alphabet just for you!

Our studio is a member of The Friends of Calligraphy (US) and The Society of Scribes and Illuminators (UK).

can i include written directions?

Yes! Our calligrapher can hand write your directions or our graphic designer can type it out. Please feel free to contact us to discuss the details.

can i reuse artwork that you have already created?

Sure! Maps of places like New York City, Rome and Paris are often reworked to include specific details. Since the design is already finished, pricing is a bit different. Please inquire with us regarding your details.

can i keep the artwork?

No, the original artwork becomes the property of the artist. If you wish to purchase original art, please contact us for a special commission.

do you make other stuff?

Our illustration studio offers many different calligraphy services and designs a full range of stationery items. Feel free to check out the atelier of stephannie barba.

We collaborate with the most talented and skilled offset and letterpress printers on the planet who take great pride in their work. They are very experienced at working with calligraphers and illustrators so they produce the highest quality printing available today. On top of that, they are also very nice people.

can i print the maps myself or send the artwork to my printer?

Of course! We are happy to supply a digital file to you, your printer or your stationery designer. Please just let us know the requirements of your specific project. If they are not printed with us, there is a $35.00 fee for a digital file, and we require that you supply us with some samples so we can add your map to our portfolio.

is there a charge for sending the file to my printer?

Yes. There is an additional $35.00 charge for a digital file. Please let us know what format your printer requires.

can you supply me with one large print of my map?

Yes and they are very cool! Our posters can be printed up to 48”, and the pricing is as follows:

	Up to 12" x 12"	25.00
	12" x 24"	45.00
	24" x 24"	85.00
	24" x 36"	115.00
	36" x 36"	145.00
	36" x 48"	185.00
	48" x 48"	225.00

Scanning and computer time $35.00 additional. Turnaround time is approximately 2-4 weeks.

can you create maps on other items?

Sure. We work closely with promotional companies so we can print on almost anything. Please contact us with your special requests.

how is the color added to the maps?

Most of our maps are hand painted, however, there are many options for printing in multiple colors. Please contact us to inquire.

Because each and every map we create is unique, the papers we use are limitless. We have papers available in all different colors, textures, countries of origin, and they can be cut to any size. We travel around the world to find special papers to showcase our work, so feel free to order a package of samples and let us know what you think.

Sure, we just need 20% overage for spillage.

Just fill out the estimate request form and include as many details as possible. We will contact you soon after to discuss design, printing method and pricing. We will then ask for a 50% deposit to begin the design process.

what do i need to supply you with to get started?

In order to begin, we will need the following items

	An overview map of the area you wish to be represented. This can be from Google maps (US) or Multimaps (Europe) , but we prefer a hard copy. You may also send a sketch that you have created.
	A list of items you wish to include on the map (a map key) with the items highlighted. Please include important streets, landmarks and places of interest.
	Any website links or brochures of the area. This will help us get a feel for the area and inspire us to create!
	If we are designing a map to complement your invitation, please supply a sample of the invitation suite.
	The title you would like to include. This can be the bride and groom’s names, the date of the wedding, or anything else you can think of.
	The final size of the piece.
	A 50% deposit to begin. the balance will be due before delivery.  If we are providing the digital file, the balance is due in full to begin.  Our calendar fills up quickly so we require a payment in order to be added to the production schedule.

 

where do i send my order?

Please send it to

3545B 23rd Street
San Francisco, California 94110
415.437.6001

--or—

feel free to email your order to hello@couturemaps.com

can i visit the studio?

Yes, please do! We would be delighted to set up an appointment for you to stop by and see our artists at work. We are located in the Mission district, the most colorful and artistic area of San Francisco. We love animals so feel free to bring your dog with you.

who carries your maps?

We are represented by The Wedding Library in New York City. They are located in a posh townhouse on the Upper East Side, and they would love to show you the full portfolio.

what is the minimum order?

For printing, the minimum order is 25, and they are created in increments of 25.

are rush orders available?

Rush orders are sometimes available. Please feel free to contact us regarding our schedule.

how are the maps shipped?

We use FedEx for all of our U.S. shipping. For international orders, we ship USPS Global Express, which provides tracking information. You are also welcome to supply your FedEx account number to us.

do you ship internationally?

Mais oui! We work with clients around the world and ship worldwide.

International shipments may be subject to import duties, taxes, customs charges or other fees once they reach their destination country. We have no control over these charges as they are determined by each country, and these payments are the responsibility of the customer. Please contact your local customs office for more information.

what methods of payment do you accept?

All major credit cards and debit cards are accepted through paypal. We also accept personal checks and international wire transfers.

what is paypal?

Paypal is a secure site in which you may pay for items using your credit card or debit card. You will need an account to send a payment. To learn more click here.

do you offer refunds?

Because we are creating a map especially for you, deposits are non refundable. The balance due will be determined by the phase of your artwork.

can you send some samples to me?

We would love to send examples of our gorgeous work! Our sample packages contain 3-4 finished maps and can be purchased on our order page.