A Chat w/Invitation Designer Sandy Shannon

How did you first get involved in invitation design?

I got into print production and graphic design shortly after college, but my real passion for paper designs came on the heels of planning my own wedding. I found so much of what was out there in the way of invitations was stiff and impersonal. I think people deserve invitations that reflect their personalities and their occasion!

What is your latest project?

I'm in the middle of my busy wedding season, so there is a lot on my plate! I have such a diverse mix of weddings this year: book-themed soirees, nautical fetes...my clients have a clear vision of their wedding and it makes for some really fun designs. I'm also constantly doing shower invitations and birth announcements.

What advice do you wish you'd received when you first got started?

I spent a lot of money on supplies, hoping to be 100% ready for when business started rolling in for me. I wish I had waited until I got a sense of my business needs before I invested in this expense. But more generally, the thought that always comforts me is that making mistakes is part of the game. If you aren't doing this, you aren't pushing yourself hard enough!

What is your favorite part of helping people who are about to get married?

I think it's really special that I can say my work is part of people's most treasured days. Knowing that you're creating something that will be remembered for a lifetime is a responsibility I love. Plus, I get to work with fun & fabulous couples!