I started my career focusing on print but, after changing industries and pushing towards working in more digital spaces, I don’t get to play with print so much these days. When I was recently asked to design a wedding invitation and stationery, it was great to be able to stretch my creativity and have fun with different papers and printing effects again.
At first, I felt stuck—overwhelmed by all the design directions I could take. So, I turned to other stationery designers for inspiration and guidance. I’m happy to report that stationery (especially wedding stationery!) is still a meaningful focus for many people when planning events. Here are a few of the designers who inspired me.
June and Opal Paper Co.: Stationery customized to your personality
June and Opal Paper Co. is a full-service design studio that offers custom invitations, day-of stationery and branding services in Pickering, Ontario and serves Toronto and the GTA. They create designs that truly reflect their client's personalities, believing that the invitation gives guests a ‘sneak peek’ at the upcoming wedding and sets the tone of the entire event. When you look at their portfolio, you can see how varied their work is in meeting the needs of each of their individual clients. They use patterns, colour, foil and many other printing techniques to create classic yet dramatic designs.
Ofelia Botella: Hand-painted stationery
Ofelia Botella’s work is unique, personalized and colourful. Their designs bring fun and freshness to each client they serve. Featured in Vogue just after launching their business, they are now one of the most sought-after stationery designers. Their ‘Designed in a Day’ stationery is a popular choice, allowing you to work with Ofelia to create 10 bespoke designs you can use across your stationery. It offers you a chance to express yourself as a couple in fun, illustrative ways, making your event design really reflective of who you truly are.
Paper Palette Stationery Co.: Luxurious and elegant stationery
Paper Palette is a creative studio based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, that specializes in designing elegant wedding and event stationery with luxurious print finishes. Their meticulously designed stationery leaves no detail ignored. Their passion for stationery is evident with wax seals, silk ribbons and patterned paper added to the inside of envelopes. Each design is so thoughtful and truly reflects a modern couple.
Samantha Colling Creative Studio: Bespoke illustrations and stationery
Samantha Colling Creative Studio is based in Australia and focuses on bespoke illustrations that tell the stories of the couples that they work with. Their designs are simple, minimalistic and modern, appealing to a chic, timeless couple who want to add small, thoughtful touches to their event. These designs really pop, with colour and illustrations used in unique ways (either as patterns or parts of a border) that don't overwhelm the designs. If you are looking for something unique, this is the stationery designer for you.
Studio Oros: Thoughtful and elevated stationery
Studio Oros is a woman-owned graphic design studio in Toronto, Ontario. They describe their work as ‘thoughtful and elevated stationery and signage for the lovers and the dreamers,’ something that is demonstrated so beautifully in their work. Their portfolio shows a strong, minimalistic design approach to wedding stationery. Typography is the focal point of the design and colour is added in such an impactful way. If you want a modern yet timeless design for your event, this design studio is perfect for you.
Sara Loos RGD
YWCA Toronto
