Stinkerpants

Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing and Product Questions

How much do you charge for your custom services?

Because all of Stinkerpants’ designs are custom made, the pricing varies on the design (the number/type of drawings and the layout) and printing options. For a general idea of what to expect, plus a pretty comprehensive list of printing and envelope costs, visit the pricing page. I like to be very upfront with how much you can expect to pay; that's how I like things to be myself, and so I don't hide any fees from my clients, either. You can expect to pay for the drawing, printing, envelopes and shipping. And, if you live in California, sales tax (unfortunately).

I think I want an Event Theme…but what does term “limited rights” mean?

Basically, “limited rights” means that you can print the drawing as many times as you want for your event, but you’re not allowed to sell anything with the image on it (or the image itself).

Do I get a finished product if I order something from you?

You will get a beautifully finished product. I am a very picky person, so you can be assured it will be of the highest quality, too.

All finished products are printed on at least 30% post-consumer recycled paper. All inks used are environmentally friendly. I’m a bit of a hippy, so these things are very important to me.

Where do you get your stuff printed?  Do you print it yourself?

No, I definitely don't print it myself. Printer technology is super frustrating to me, and I want to make sure you get the best finished product you possibly can—so I leave that job up to the professionals. I actually did a lot of research to make sure I found the best quality printer for the best prices, because (as I've said before) I'm pretty darn picky about quality and I don't like overcharging people.

In the end, it depends on the type of printing—I have different printers for magnets, digital and letterpress printing. I work with several local Bay Area printers; I like to form relationships with the people I work with instead of dealing with faceless online printers. This allows me to have more control over the finished product, and gives me more confidence that I can fix any problems as quickly as possible.

How long does it take to get my finished product once I place my order?

There are several stages to the process, but the short answer is “generally around 6 weeks.” From sketch to final proof is 4 weeks, and I don't start on the sketch until I receive the deposit and signed contract from you. Printing is generally about 2 weeks (magnets take a bit longer, and letterpress can take up to six weeks, depending on the time of year). Please keep in mind that extra revisions take time, so if you have a lot of things you want changed, it will take longer.

What if I want a proof?  Do I have to pay for it?

Digital proofs are complimentary with every order. You will see a proof of exactly what goes to the printer--this way, you can make sure that all the wording is 100% correct, etc. If you have revisions after you’ve approved the final proof and it’s been sent to the printer, there are additional charges set forth by the printer. If you want something changed after the product has been printed, you’ll have to pay for a repeat printing. Don't worry, though, I'll never send something to the printer without your explicit consent.

If you'd like a paper proof, I can make that happen, too. The only drawback is that this will extend the length of time for the printing process, because I have to get the proof from the printer, mail it to you and wait for your feedback. But if you'd like a physical proof, it can be done! Just make sure you approve the digital proof first, because changes after the printer has created a paper proof will incur the same fee as if you'd already sent it to print.

I really want you to do my ____ but I don't have six weeks!  Can you do a rush order?

Depending on my schedule, I can accommodate rush orders, yes. For an added fee of $150, I can sometimes cut the drawing time down from 4 weeks to 1 week. Contact me to inquire about my current schedule.

What if I don’t like the final product, or I want a lot of things changed?

My main goal is to make sure that you’re happy with what you get–that’s what the sketch and brainstorming phase is for! Generally speaking, most clients have some revisions, but they are usually small things like font choice, hair color, and clothing color. If you want an entire drawing changed, there will likely be an additional fee; my design fee includes a certain number of design hours, which are usually met during the initial design phase. Extensive revisions (such as the re-drawing of an entire piece) will likely go into overtime.

Can I get a big version of my design, to hang on my wall?

Sure! There are a few different options for these, ranging from high quality giclée prints (which you can put in your own frame) to mounted, ready-to-hang pieces of art. Prices range from $30 to $150. Contact me for more information.

Questions about the drawings themselves

How do I know your drawing is going to look like me?  You don't have any photos to show what people look like compared to their drawings.

Don't worry, it will definitely look like you, provided I have good pictures to work with!  

As for not showing client photos with every drawing on the site?  When I started working on my website, I made an active decision not to include photos of my clients on the website. I thought it made the website itself look kind of cheap, and I wanted to protect my clients' privacy. I do have permission from a few clients to show their photos, though, so if you'd like to see a few examples let me know; I can email them to you.  I promise, I have nothing to hide.  ;)

Can you make my eyes open, or add a nose for me?

The short answer: maybe.

The long answer: As an artist, it’s really important for me to maintain a consistent style to my work–that way, when people come to my website and check out my portfolio, they know what they’re getting.  I’d also like people to see a drawing and think “that’s from Stinkerpants!” That kind of recognition only comes from having a very dependable, consistent style. I am definitely willing to add open eyes (instead of the happy lines) in most cases, but I definitely feel that adding noses would change the overall look of my drawings, so they’re a no go. Sorry!

Copyright Questions

Can I reuse artwork that you have already created?

It depends.  I want to make sure that each of my clients gets a completely unique creation, so I prefer not to completely redo an entire drawing with different people in it. That said, I totally understand that you might be inspired by some of the drawings in my portfolio.  Contact me, and we’ll talk!

If you’re thinking to have a print made of a drawing I’ve already done, but have the people taken out (for example, I’ve done this for the San Francisco skyline drawing), I can definitely accommodate you. Just let me know what you’re looking for!

Can I use the design on other things?

No, the original artwork becomes the property of Stinkerpants Designs. To use the drawing on a website or printed materials without my written consent violates the copyright, even if it’s just for personal use. The artwork is all an artist has, so hopefully you understand where I’m coming from.

I do offer "limited rights" and "web rights" options, in which you purchase limited rights to the design so you can use it on other things. People most often do this for events; they put their images on Out of Town bags, website, programs…even their wedding cakes!

Personal Questions

Where did you come up with the name "Stinkerpants"?

When my husband and I first started dating, he randomly called me "stinkerpants" in an email. So I guess it's sort of a pet name?  Although he doesn't call me that anymore because everyone else does.  ;) 

I was looking at your blog and came across your wedding. Why do you look familiar?

I blogged on the website Weddingbee during my website under the moniker "Mrs. Cream Puff." If I look familiar, that might be why!

I have questions about your wedding DIY projects or where you bought ____ for your wedding.

Hey, thanks! I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about anything, really, so feel free to shoot me an email. :)

Do you seriously have chickens in your backyard?

Sort of.  For three years, my husband and I rented an apartment with a backyard, and we most definitely had chickens in our backyard.  We have since moved to a more urban area, where we bought a condo.  My father-in-law loved the chickens and agreed to take over their daily care, so technically they're in his backyard - but they're still our chickens! They are all named after flowers, and they have really funny personalities. Plus, their eggs are healthy, delicious, and they come from very happy chickens!

If you have any other questions for me, be sure to send me an email or ask them on formspring! You can ask them anonymously if you're shy. :) I post my favorite ones on the blog!