Spotlight | Sondra's Ink, Part One

I have known Sondra of Sondra's Ink for about a year now, and I must say, she is a talented woman who does it all - she's a mom, busy business woman, and friend to many, me included. Sondra is always there to answer questions about invitations etiquette, which comes in handy!

Sondra was more than happy to answer a few of my questions about her and her design business, Sondra's Ink. I hope you enjoy learning a bit more about her and what she does. Check back later today for more of her designs.

A special thank you to Kerri of Taylor Grey Photography for all of the images.

When did you start Sondra's Ink?
My own wedding in 2002 was my very first. After that I did random design work for small businesses and other couples getting married, but I did not get serious until after my five year old daughter, Kate, was born. I had planned on returning to work after she was six weeks old, or at least doing full time childcare, but God had another plan! Kate was born with a serious heart defect which required open heart surgery when she was seven days old. After her heart surgery, it was strongly recommended not to have her around large groups of people for at least a year due to sickness (mostly RSV) and infection. So, long story short, daycare was not an option. I could not be a conventional working mom and I HAD to find a way to remain in the workforce for my own sanity. My sister-in-law convinced me to take my love of graphic design to a new level and in February 2004, Sondra’s Ink became official.

How many invitations do you do a year?
Last year was my busiest so far, and I worked with 107 brides!

What inspires you as you design?
The couple’s personal wedding style & personality, wedding colors, the cut/fabric/detailing/lace from the wedding gown, photographers, talking to or viewing the works of other designers, my children, china patterns/place settings, walking around downtown Holland (or Target), just about everything inspires me!!

There are many talented artists/graphic designers/photographers in the Midwest that I chat with & email from time-to-time and they are my number one inspiration. I get the opportunity to bounce ideas, get advice, and learn new methods from them all the time. I really wish I had the time to be in a professional designers guild or to take more college design classes.

How long is the process, from first talk to delivery date?
It completely depends on the project. Some items I can turn around in two days, and some take six weeks! It depends on the paper, materials, design, etc.

My custom drawn projects take the longest because they are painstakingly drawn on the computer to resemble the bride and groom and their clothing (gown, veil, tux, etc.). The wedding party can be as detailed or simple as the client wants. I can work from written descriptions or photos, it depends on how much time the couple wants to put into getting me the information needed, and how quickly they provide it to me. On the custom drawn programs I can honestly say the wedding gown and bridesmaids’ gowns take the longest design time because I make them so detailed that the wedding guests are blown away by the likeness and uniqueness of the programs. I sometimes get emails or notes from guests or vendors (that have attended a wedding that used the program) and they always say that it’s one of the most unique touches they have ever seen at a wedding! I love it! That is a huge compliment when it’s coming from someone I have never met and they take the time to contact me!

What is your favorite beverage?
If it’s cold - anything with peach flavor. And if it’s hot - White Chocolate Raspberry Mocha from Starbucks.