Each job I take on is unique. So too, each has a unique price to their creation. The examples shown below include a description "itemizing" some aspects of the monogram and their associated costs.
A monogram designed using variations of standardized letterforms might be the "simplest" one to create. There's a bit of tweaking to make them overlap in a balanced manner, however.
Designing the additional compass rose would brought the total to 250.
Designing a monogram that take inspiration from another source is possible. In this example the invitation had some floral motifs on it which I managed to recompose to form the image you see here.
Creating one to fit into a particular shape adds the same sort of complexity. The circular one was to be printed on a CD.
Designing a "gothic" monogram usually is a bit more involved. Lots of Victorian decoration needs to be included on the image.
Had the ampersand not been a part of this monogram, the costs would be a bit less.
Some letters can be combined to form an image of a tree or other object. Certaim letters work better at their new role than others! Had the initials been a "c" and a "g" for example, the tree shape may not have been possible.
A more detailed, or realistic, drawn image usually means greater design costs. This image could have been renedered in a pen and ink line drawing for a small additional charge.
Should the monogram NEED to be made in a vector file I'd prefer to know that before I begin. It is a process that takes a bit more time to work with. These vector files might be required should your monogram be engraved on silver or embroidered on fabric.
Adding a third initial usually means greater costs.
Designing a pair or monograms, one with two and the other with three initials is possible, though they may not be able to be made with one continuous line as these show.
Designing one with four initials which form an object of some sort can be done as well.
Creating something as elaborate as this is a joy! But, just because I am smiling doesn't mean it isn't work. A note-book's worth of sketches went into the evolution of this monogram.
I begin by talking with the client about their needs and the uses for the monogram. Once I have an understanding of what they want I sit down and sketch out possibilities. I usually choose three or four of the best examples to show the client in rough sketch form. Often one hits the nail on the head, and I go towards the finished product. Sometimes a second round is required where I develop a version that is an almalgum of elements from two or three of the sketches.
Once in a while, I am given a "blank check" and the directive to "just run with it."
Below you see what happens. Emma's parents were going to present their daughter with personalized stationery. They suggested I draw her favorite bird, a bald eagle, at the top and have her name typeset below. That could have been done very easily, but I suggested combining the two in one! I "saw" immediately that the symmetry of her name could represent wings of a bird. they loved the idea, and told me to "go for it." You see the many versions that resulted below.
