Why I choose to hand-paint my wedding signs
Apart from hand designing & professionally printing my fabric signs, ALL my other signage is hand painted. It is a labour of love, but the outcome is so worth it. Sure, printing is faster, but there are so many reasons why I prefer to spend my time with my wedding signs. From sketching and layout planning to executing the design and allowing for drying time, the process demands unwavering commitment. And I love it.
So, let’s explore 6 reasons why I choose to hand-paint my wedding signs.
I love to actually paint and write
Sounds obvious, but if you are printing, you’re not really doing any of this, everything tends to be designed behind a computer/iPad. And while digitally designing is a lot of fun, it does take away from that very physical aspect of actually putting pen to paper in real life.
I started this whole business with calligraphy, so making sure I carried this into my signage was important to me. Physically painting and writing is meditative and seeing your hard work come to life over time, is an amazing feeling.
They’re unique
Hand-painted wedding signs exude uniqueness. Each pen stroke adds my personal touch, resulting in a one-of-a-kind piece that perfectly captures what you want. The subtle imperfections and organic textures of hand-painted signs make them so unique. Even with the same design layout, no two signs are ever the same. This rawness is near impossible to replicate with digital artwork, no matter how good it is. Plus my calligraphy cannot be replicated or bought as a ‘font’ - it comes straight from my hands, and my hands only.
I have full control over the process
I don't have to rely on printers with wait times or risk them messing my orders up and delaying the process. I have way more control and completely cut out the middleman. I order all my eco-friendly wedding sign supplies in advance and paint and ship them as soon as they are finished.
The finished look is *chefs kiss*
The finish is usually always matte, which personally I love (unless you have the metallic’s - which are also gorg). There are no plastic stickers. I use non-toxic matte water-based pens, which help me achieve precision and durability. The colours tend to appear more natural and muted and the velvety appearance adds depth and elegance.
I can use sturdy eco-friendly materials
A lot of signs are printed onto a PVC foam board and while lightweight, the quality can feel less than desired. I may or may not have seen a PVC board blow away in the wind…(gasps).
While some foam boards (like Ecoboard) can be recycled you would need to check with your supplier if this is what they use. I use 100% recycled green cast acrylic which can be wiped down after use if you wish to recycle (instead of keep). And for my wooden wedding signs, I use sustainably sourced FSC-certified plywood which can also be recycled. Traditional painting techniques tend to eliminate the need for disposable materials associated with large-scale printing or plastic production. By opting for sustainable, hand-painted signage, you contribute to a more environmentally friendly wedding option.
You can’t print on wood
Wood carries a natural warmth and organic beauty that adds depth and character and it is one of my favourite materials to work with. It’s mega versatile and the colour choices are endless. But you can’t print onto this material which leaves it impossible for me to ever switch over to any other method, even if I ever wanted to!
I tell you what though, RSI may catch up with me and you’ll see me eat my words in a few years.
I can expense regular hand massages, right?
I want to clarify that my preference for hand-painting wedding signs is solely a personal choice. I hold no judgment or criticism towards other artists or stationers who prefer alternative methods. Everyone has their own unique style and that’s what makes the industry so exciting and unique.