JOKBlog Hello & Welcome

How to Commission your Wedding Flower Art

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 14:29:17 GMT

How to Commission your Wedding Flower Art

This guide on how to commission your wedding flower art will take you through the process and help you commission your own original wedding flower art.

1. Let Me Paint for You!

I can offer you a beautiful, bespoke wedding flower illustration that will preserve your treasured wedding flowers forever.

Take a look at my website and social media to get a good idea of my work and style. Is there a particular piece, combination or flower that you love?

Check out the price range and packages offered on my website to see what works within your budget. Remembering that original art will cost more than the price of prints or reproductions.

Top Tips

I only produce work in my own style, so it’s good to be familiar with what you’ll be getting.

2. Get in Touch

Once you’ve decided that this is how you’d love to preserve your treasured wedding flowers, then get in touch!

You can contact me via my website, email or social media.

Mention the type and subject of art you’d like (wedding flower commission) the amount of flower stems you’d like to be included within the piece (1-5 stems) and mention any examples that caught your eye.

Top Tips

Clearly describe what you want to commission, using any references you may have.
Be mindful that there are limited slots for original commissioned art. So its best to book early.

3. Wedding Flower Packages

Offer brides varies options for newly weds. Decide whether you’d like to have just the original piece of art or whether you’d like to include the giclee prints or thank you card packages.

Top Tips

If you’d like the giclee print package, have an idea of who you’d like these for and how many. Popular choices have been for bridesmaids and for the mother of the bride.
Do get in touch if the provided packages don’t cover your needs. Everything is adaptable!

4. Creating a Brief & Contract

It’s a good idea to work out the details before we start. I will confirm the size, medium and technique, subject matter, number of flower stems, price, payment and timeline upfront. We will also confirm which package you’d like to go with, how many giclee prints or thank you cards you may wish to include. The contract will also clearly state deadlines, pricing, what’s included (deliverables) payment and postage.

I like to create a brief and contract as it provides a reliable way to avoid any confusion within the art process. It ensures the process of commissioning an artwork remains professional and sets clear expectations for both me, the artist and you, the buyer.

Top Tips

Be clear with your brief and don’t assume the artist knows what your’re thinking.
Communicate throughout the commission. Decide whether you’d like to see initial sketches and be a part of the process. This can save any unwanted surprises at the end.
Be mindful that the art techniques used can not be chang ed and revisions or changes are not possible with this art process.
A Certificate of Authenticity will be provided, signed and dated by the me the artist.

Check out the blog from JOKstudios on 'What is a Certificate of Authenticity' (See below)

5. The Actual Flowers

In order for me to illustrate your wonderful wedding flowers I will need a clear reference for each chosen flower stem. You can do this in one of two ways.

A. Get your florist to send me the selected flowers as part of their wedding flower preparation. This would be at your responsibility. I can then professionally photograph the flowers as I need them and draw them from my photographic reference. This is the preferred option, as I have the exact flowers.

B. Photograph your flowers and email them to me WITH the exact flower name for reference.I will provide you with a clear guide on how to do this.

Top Tips

Ask your florist to give you the correct flower names and colour reference for each flower you’d like to be illustrated. The florist will know!
If you are photographing the flowers, send a range of clear photographs from different angles.

5. Final Delivery

The completion date and delivery process will have been establish in the brief & contract process. Sit back and look forward to your very happy, post wedding, post!

Top Tips

Let me know you’ve received your art and how much you love it!
Learn how to look after your original art by reading my Blog.

Check out the blog from JOKstudios on 'How to look after your original Art' (See below)

7. Copyright

Artists have copyright of their artwork by default. Should the artwork be used for commercial or licensing rights; a separate contract needs to be agreed upon.

Top Tips

Ask the artist if you are unclear about anything.
Always seek permission if you’d like to use the art in any areas not originally agreed.

What is a Giclee print?

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 16:50:53 GMT

WHAT IS A GICLEE PRINT?

I often get asked, what is a Giclee print? Until I started making prints of my own original art I wasn't entirely sure either! So, what is a Giclee print & why do you want to consider buying one or printing one, over a standard print?

What is a Giclee Print?

Giclee prints are an extremely high quality fine art print which uses a high quality paper stock.

Giclee prints can last anywhere from 100 - 200 years without significant fading. Museums use these prints for archival purposes because it lasts a very long time.

Giclee prints use pigment based, archival quality inks, manufactured on advanced inkjet printers which allows for a more diverse colour range.

Traditional print technologies use the classic 4 colour combination (CMYK). Giclée printers use up to 12 individual colours.

The final result of a giclee print has a richness & depth of colour, creating a high quality artwork reproduction, which will be as close to the original as you can get.

So, why choose a Giclee print over a standard print?

Overall a giclee prints will give you so much more; greater depth of colour, a higher quality, de tailed image, a long lasting piece of art that is unlikely to fade in your lifetime!

Worth every penny I think. Which is why all my prints at JOKstudios are Giclee prints.

More Art Blogs from JOKstudios

5 Things to do with your old Greeting Cards

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 11:15:52 GMT

5 THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR OLD GREETING CARDS.

5 fabulous ideas on how to use your old greeting cards with great tips on how to reuse, recycle and upcycle your cards.

1. Make a bookmark!

Cut out the main part or some part of the card design to make an original book mark. A great alternative to a crinkled shop receipt or scrap of paper!

2. Resend your card as a Postcard.

Simply tear off the front image, trim for a clean edge. Draw on the postcard lines, allowing half for the message and the other half for the address. Put on a stamp and resend it as a postcard. A simple way to save money and reuse those fabulous card designs.

3. Journaling Memories.

Cut out and use the card in a journal or diary to remember special occasions, precious moments & messages. Adding your own design touches & comments as you go!

4. Gift Tags.

Cut out parts of the card and make them into present gift tags. Once you've cut out the desired shape, use a hole punch to create a hole for the string. Thread the string through the hole so that you can attach it to the present. Write your own creative message on the back.

5. Get Arty with the kids.

Collect all your old cards and cut them up into various shapes. These can either be completely abstract cuts for a pop of colour or specific features and items on the card. Now give the kids a piece of card & a glue stick and get creative!! You could always create a new collage card to resend!

More Art Blogs from JOKstudios

5 Tips on How to Look After Original Art

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 12:38:45 GMT

5 Tips on How to Look After Original Art.

This 5 step guide on how to look after original art will help you consider the best way to look after your original art. If you've never owned original art before it's worth knowing how to avoid damaging it.

1. Avoid putting your art up in direct sunlight.

Although some art mediums are lightfast or partly lightfast, direct sunlight will speed up the fading process. This rule generally applies to any art medium used. Sunlight, over time, can cause colours to fade.

2. Avoid hanging your art in a humid room.

High humidity can effect the health of your art and have long lasting damaging effects.

3. Consider framing in a UV filtering acrylic, rather than glass.

This will protect your art from fading & ‘yellowing’ in direct sunlight.

4. Consider using acid free tape to seal up the back of your frame.

This will reduce dust & sunlight entering into the frame, which could potentially cause damage to the art.

5. Keep the Certificate of Authenticity.

Original documentation should be safely filed or kept in an envelope on the back of the artwork frame. The certificate proves provenance, should you choose to sell your art.

Check out more Art Tip blogs from JOKstudios

What is a Certificate of Authenticity

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 12:00:35 GMT

What is a Certificate of Authenticity?

What is a Certificate of Authenticity I hear you cry and why do I need one?

The certificate of authenticity is an official document that confirms the art is authentically provided by the artist. It accompanies any art purchase and is usually signed by the artist.

The certificate proves provenance and ownership, should you choose to sell your art. Art collectors will usually require any art they purchase to have one.

The certificates can add value and assurance to art buyers and collectors.

Original documentation should be safely filed or kept with the artwork.

Check out more Art Tip blogs from JOKstudios (See below)

5 Step Guide on How to Commission Art

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 11:48:06 GMT

5 Step Guide on How to Commission Art

This 5 step guide on how to commission art will guide you through the process and help you commission your own original art. It's not always obvious how to approach an artist and enquire about commissioning art. However, its important to remember that many artists love to be approached, so don't be shy to ask questions!

1. Find the Right Artist

Finding an artists style that you love and one that will fit in with your idea is essential to commissioning art. Take a look at artists websites and social media to get a good idea of their work and style. Research the materials they use. Is there a particular piece or style they have drawn in, that you love? Look for prices on the artist’s website and see if this will work within your budget, remembering that original art will cost more than the price of prints or reproductions.

Top Tips

Provide initial details about the piece of art you’d like to commission.
Do not request an artist to work in a style that is different to theirs or to copy another artists work.

2. Get in Touch

It is worth getting in contact to see if the artist is open for commissions. Many artists can be contacted via their website, email or social media. Mention the type and subject of art you’d like, with an example of the piece or style that caught your eye.

Top Tips

Clearly describe what you want to commission, using any references you may have.
Be mindful that what you are suggesting, may not be something the artist is able to take on, or they might be fully booked.

3. Create a Brief & Contract

It’s best not to wait until the work has started to discuss the details! Confirm the size, medium and technique, subject matter, price, payment and timeline upfront. Nail down any details that are important to include in the art piece, supplying reference where appropriate.

The artist is likely to create a written brief and contract, that both parties agree on and will clearly state all the discussed details including any deadlines.

To save disappointment this is an essential part of the commission process and a reliable way to avoid any confusion. Commonly artists will have a formal contract process in place. This is to ensure the process of commissioning an artwork remains professional and sets clear expectations for both the artist and the buyer.

Top Tips

Be clear with your brief and don’t assume the artist knows what your’re thinking.
Communicate throughout the commission. Decide whether you’d like to see initial sketches and be a part of the process. This can save any unwanted surprises at the end.
Ask whether revisions or changes are possible with the art process. Be mindful that some art techniques can not be changed.
Discuss what’s included in the price and how and when to pay.
Agree deadlines.
Ask for a Certificate of Authenticity, signed and dated by the artist.

Check out the blog from JOKstudios on 'What is a Certificate of Authenticity' (See below)

4. Copyright

Artists will have copyright of their artwork by default. Should the artwork be used for commercial or licensing then a separate contract needs to be agreed upon.

Top Tips

Ask the artist if you are unclear about anything.
Always seek permission if you’d like to use the art in any areas not originally agreed.

5. Final Delivery

Establish how your art will be delivered (this may have been agreed during the brief & contract process) and work out where you're going to put it up!

Top Tips

Let the artist know you’ve received your art and how much you love it!
Learn how to best look after your original art.

Check out the blog from JOKstudios on 'How to look after your original Art' (See below)

5 Ways to Preserve Your Wedding Flowers

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 14:09:00 GMT

5 Ways to Preserve your Wedding Flowers

It's the most special day of your life, but how can you preserve your wedding flowers, so that the memories live on forever? Here are 5 ways to preserve your wedding flowers and make that possible.

1. Press the Flowers.

To preserve your wedding flowers, place each individual flower from your bouquet into a flower press. You can choose to do just the flower heads or you may wish to include the stalks and leaves. Ready made flower presses are available to purchase with supplied layers and tightening screws. Alternatively use heavy books with wax or parchment paper between each flower. The paper will prevent the flowers from sticking to the books! You will need to add a heavy weight or more books on to the top and leave them to press for up to 7-10 days.

Pressing each flower individually then allows you to arrange them however you like, for your final piece. For beautiful results try placing the pressed flowers within a hanging, double glass frame.

2. Illustrate the Flowers

You can commission an artist to paint your bouquet or individual flowers for you. Art is a wonderful way to capture the essence of your bouquet and preserve the colours! Be sure to commission an artist with a style that you like. Art is

a great way to permanently preserve your flowers and allow you to bring them with you, framed, from home to home. You may also wish to try painting them yourself!

HOW TO COMMISSION YOUR ART.

I can preserve your flowers with a beautiful, original illustration. Simply choose from 1- 5 flower stems from your wedding bouquet and I will captured its beauty forever with an original illustration. I also offer high quality giclee prints and thank you cards, which are lovingly made from the original art. These prints make wonderful, unique gifts for your family, mother of the bride, maid of honour and bridesmaids.

For more information please get in touch or visit my wedding flower illustration information page on the button below.

3. Dry the Flowers Upside Down

This is a simple way to air dry your flowers. To allow the air to flow around each individual flower, separate your bouquet and remove all ribbons and ties. (Keep any reusable ribbons for tying once they are dried.) Hang each flower, upside down, using a piece of string tied to the stem and leave them hanging in a dry room or cupboard. Once dried you can arrange them into your desired bouquet. Be aware that once they are dried they will be quite delicate and fragile.

4. Set them in Resin.

Clear epoxy resin allows you to set and preserve your wedding flowers in beautiful moulded shapes. Simply buy a mould of your choice. Consider whether you'd like a paper weight or a rectangle block to display. Half fill the mould with epoxy resin and arrange your flowers carefully within it. Fill the mould to the top, covering all the flowers and wait for it to set. Individual flower heads, like a rose head, make wonderful small paper weights or you could arrange a selection of flower heads to recreate your bouquet.

5. Use Silica Gel

Silica gel is a porous sand that absorbs the flowers moisture, leaving your flowers dried and preserved. It takes about 7 days to work its magic and will preserve the colour to some extent too. To use this method you will need a large enough, air tight container. Carefully place your flowers onto a layer of the silica gel, being careful not to squash the flowers shape. Then cover them with more silica gel, so that all the flowers are just covered . Once the 7 days have passed, carefully remove the flowers and spray with an fixative, like hairspray. A successful way to arrange your flowers is within a shadow box frame.

And so...

You could choose to go with more than one of these options; some flowers pressed, others set in resin, plus a beautifully commissioned piece of art. Which ever way you decide is best for you, an original piece of art is always a wonderful addition to any wall and allows you to take your treasured flowers and memories with you from home to home.

Top 10 Small Biz Christmas Gifts

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 15:49:22 GMT

Top 10 Guide
to the Best Small Biz Christmas Gifts.

I've put together a Top 10 Christmas Gift Guide to help you get into the Christmas mood! To inspire & excite you; to encourage you to support small this Christmas.

So, in no particular order, enjoy your free 1 to 10 Christmas gift ideas!

1. Treasure Kave @treasure.kave

The Mistletoe and Holly kit is a beginners embroidery kit. It starts with some easier stitches and builds up. With this kit you'll learn Straight/running stitch, Back stitch, Stem stitch, Fishbone stitch, Lazy Daisy and French knots.

The kit has everything you need to get started. Learning to do embroidery with this kit is really easy with the step by step instructions and You Tube videos guides. It's a perfect gift for yourself this Christmas or make as a gift for a loved one.

https://treasurekave.com/product/christmas-embroidery-kit-beginners-embroidery-kit-holly-mistletoe-embroidery-christmas-hand-embroidery-kit-5-minute-crafts/

2. JOKstudios @jokstudios

A gorgeous, unique poster, lovingly made from 26 original, hand painted insects, in their own bespoke foot ware! A fantastic addition to any wall, that you won't find anywhere else.

This original, high quality Giclee print is great for nurseries, kids bedroom or part of a gallery feature wall, in any room (and for all bug lovers!)

*CHRISTMAS OFFER* with every purchase of an alphabet print you'll receive a FREE bug card! (offer ends 12th December 2021)

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1004676391/a-to-z-bugs-in-boots-a3-childrens?ref=shop_home_feat_2&frs=1

3. BevArt Designs @bevart_design

A two sided solid wooden heart pendant. Handcrafted using only the finest Ebony and Maple wood. Comes complete with a silver plated chain of choice and makes the perfect gift for the love of your life.

https://thebritishcrafthouse.co.uk/product/two-tone-handmade-solid-wooden-heart-pendant-including-nenckalce-made-from-ebony-and-maple-wood/

4. Bear & willow @bear_and_willow

A fun Christmas pudding tree decoration that will make your tree extra special this holiday! This traditional Christmas food hanging ornament is handmade and decorated on both sides. Personalisation is available on one side in gold lettering.

Other designs are available which include a Penguin, Reindeer, Snowman and Father Christmas!

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/891240123/christmas-pudding-tree-decoration-fun?ref=shop_home_feat_2&frs=1

5. Mish Made Me @mishmademe

Hand-signed in gold! These Christmas Letter Sets are designed to spread the magic of Christmas, throughout the whole of the festive season.

The magic begins when your child receives their very first letter & Nice List Certificate, hand signed in gold!

The excitement builds, when they get the chance to send their very own Priority Gift List directly back to Father Christmas.

Finally, on Christmas Eve, your child receives yet another letter from Father Christmas, packed with goodies… A bag of magical reindeer food & a special hand-bound, personalised book, telling your child the story of The Magical Reindeer Food, signed in gold and adorned with a keepsake golden compass charm.

www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MishMadeMe

6. CamillesLand @camillesland

Cat lover behold! Here is a box full of cat goodness that will make any cat person beam with joy!
These cat-themed gift boxes are purrfect to give as a birthday or Christmas present, and they're also a nice little treat to yourself.

£1 from each box is going to be donated to Cats Protection to help them on their mission to create a world where every cat is treated with kindness.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1092150248/cat-themed-gift-box-cat-goodies-box-cat

7. Cosmic Bloom Studios @cosmicbloomstudios

This is the Ultimate Lighthouse Burner, Melts & Candle Gift Set which has something for everyone. It’s £40 and includes 2 sets of wax melts, a burner in a colour of your choice and a large amber glass jar candle

This wonderful collection comes in a cardboard box, packed on a bed of shredded paper and acid-free tissue paper with a heritage greeting card.

https://www.cosmicbloom.co.uk/product-page/ultimate-lighthouse-burner-gift-set

8. Robins Bobbins @robinsbobbins

A satin superhero cape with the colours, letter and size of your choosing. Available in child and adult sizes and with a range of coordinating accessories available.

You can choose a star or flash decoration:

https://www.robinsbobbins.co.uk/product-page/kids-satin-superhero-costume-with-letter

9. Time For Me Teas @timeformeteas

A set of two full size tins, perfect for Secret Santa gifts or stocking fillers. These organic loose leaf teas are hand blended in Cornwall with no added flavourings, just pure herbs! Simply use in a teapot with a strainer or in a mug with an infuser. Perfect for the winter months ahead.

Serenitea - Calming herbs to relax your mind & body & ‘I Got Chills’ full of vitamin C rich herbs to help support your immune system!

https://checkout.square.site/buy/GCHVGBWB75R3RD2XONPBXEF3

10. Ludicrous Prints @ludicrousprints

From the official office of Santa Claus in the North Pole! This Christmas letter to Santa bundle is the perfect Christmas craft activity. It's always wonderful to make Christmas that bit extra special for your kids who know that believing is seeing.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1112011226/official-north-pole-sticker-sheet-santa?ref=shop_home_active_16&frs=1

Jokstudios Hello & Welcome

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 13:22:19 GMT

OH Look! ...a sneaky peek into JOKstudios!

Hello there, I'm Jo!

I'm starting a blog..... JOKblog . It's going to be BURSTING with colour, paint, art, illustration, photography, painting tips, behind the scenes & answering all arty queries & product questions. There will be plenty of wall art ideas for your home. Access to unique greeting card designs. Plus, an insight into my drawing technique & production.

What do I create?

I’m an illustrator & artist, selling my originals, high quality giclee prints & greeting cards.

My head is exploding with original ideas that I'd love you to know about & that will offer you a creative alternative to main high street shopping. I have a great collection of Bugs in Boots!

I also produce beautifully mounted photography of local areas in the UK, ready to pop into a frame of your choice & create a unique gallery wall. I use a combination of photographs together, which play on shape, textures & angles, to create an alternative impression of the buildings & landmarks we know so well!

Currently my portfolio consists of Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, Thames Ditton, Tolworth, Hampton Court and Bushy Park.

How to buy my Art & Photography?

I send physical products in the post to the UK via my online shop on Etsy.

If you'd love to commission a bespoke piece of art, you can always connect with me via any of my social media platforms or simply send me an email!

Oh...and why am I doing this?

As well as loving what I do, I want to offer art lovers high quality products that can be treasured & last for years on their wall. I am passionate to offer a unique take on things & if that means being a bit different & adding a little quirky into peoples lives, then I feel I have achieved my goal.

You Want More!

Head over to my instagram where I like to hang out @jokstudios or visit me and ALL my products at www.jokstudios.com

JOKBlog Hello & Welcome

How to Commission your Wedding Flower Art

How to Commission your Wedding Flower Art

What is a Giclee print?

WHAT IS A GICLEE PRINT?

5 Things to do with your old Greeting Cards

5 THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR OLD GREETING CARDS.

5 Tips on How to Look After Original Art

5 Tips on How to Look After Original Art.

What is a Certificate of Authenticity

What is a Certificate of Authenticity?

5 Step Guide on How to Commission Art

5 Step Guide on How to Commission Art

5 Ways to Preserve Your Wedding Flowers

5 Ways to Preserve your Wedding Flowers

Top 10 Small Biz Christmas Gifts

Top 10 Guide to the Best Small Biz Christmas Gifts.

Jokstudios Hello & Welcome

OH Look! ...a sneaky peek into JOKstudios!

Top 10 Guide
to the Best Small Biz Christmas Gifts.