Today’s interview is with Anna Moore, Owner and Designer of
Prim + Pretty Prints, based in Nashville, Tennessee! Anna’s beautiful designs have also been featured in Vogue and Southern Living.
Enjoy:
Tell us a little about your story and your business, Prim + Pretty Prints.
I started Prim + Pretty Prints because I was looking for a creative outlet while working in fundraising. I myself am an avid hostess and love to entertain. I had made a couple items for myself – invitations, menus and things like that – for my own events and decided to give it a try and just see if people were interested.
So I started an Etsy shop and it just sort of took off. Now I continue to run my Etsy shop and also have my own website. I am self-taught and continue to learn and grow every day. I love that I can always learn something new.
What do you enjoy most?
Truly what I enjoy most is interfacing with my clients. Hosting parties/events/weddings is such a personal gesture and by working with people on invitations I am invited into their world. I get to see their thoughtfulness, their creativity, and their love for the people they are honoring with these occasions. I’ve been so lucky that most of my clients are truly sweet and appreciative people, and it always makes me smile when they are happy with what we’ve created together!
When did you know it was a career you wanted to pursue?
I knew I wanted to pursue it as soon as I sold my first invitation. It was such a great feeling knowing that I had created something that somebody liked enough to have it be a part of their celebration!
How long have you been in business?
It’s been about 2 and a half years since I started.
What is the average day like at work for you?
My day typically starts with answering emails and inquiries from the night before and make sure I’m not leaving anyone hanging. Then I shift gears into design mode and handle new orders and edits/revisions to existing orders. Then the end of my day usually ends with printing and packing orders and then working on custom work and new designs.
Where do you get your daily inspiration?
I get a lot of my inspiration from the questions people ask. I also am inspired by nature.
Do you offer custom invitations and templated styles both?
Indeed! I have many pre-designed styles to choose from and those are even customizable with fonts, colors, etc. I also offer completely custom work and that is always a lot of fun too.
Do you also design other personal items such as save the dates, favor tags, table numbers, place cards, escort cards, ceremony programs, menus, etc?
Yes! I design pretty much any paper items that might be needed!
Do you recommend styles and designs for a brides budget?
Absolutely. A budget is the most important thing for a bride to consider when planning her wedding. I love hearing from brides about their budget and what is most important to them so we can prioritize where to splurge and where to save.
How far in advance do you suggest a bride order invitations?
I suggest ordering 1-2 months before the projected mailing date. While my turn around time is pretty quick and production only takes about 2 weeks, building in extra time allows us wiggle room in case a shipment gets delayed.
Can you give me an idea of the timeline process for ordering once a design is picked?
Once a client places an order they will receive a digital proof within 2-3 business days (M-F). They’ll have the opportunity to review the proof and request and edits or changes. I aim to make revisions within 1-2 business days, so depending on how many revisions are requested by a client, the turn around time for the design is pretty quick.
Three rounds of proofs are included with each order and once the client approves the proof for printing it goes to production immediately. Regular orders usually ship within 3 days of proof approval and wedding orders take about 2 weeks to print and get ready for shipment.
Explain the progression of custom design. Where do you start?
Every custom design starts with a conversation where we discuss the client’s vision. This usually involves a phone call, but sometimes is handled via email as well. If it’s for a wedding I like to hear about the couple – how they met, what they like to do, what’s important to them, anything special or meaningful about their wedding that we can incorporate – pets, sentimental places, etc. Then we move on to talk about the details they’ve already picked out for the wedding – colors, florals, bridesmaid dresses, the venue and overall look and feel they’re going for.
Then finally I ask for visuals – Pinterest Boards or other inspiration pictures that they’re drawn to. There are so many styles these days and this helps me narrow in on exactly what they like. Once I have a good grasp on what their style is and what they’re looking for I get started on the design. It takes a few weeks to get a design together and then I bring a proof to the client and we add, subtract and edit as needed until it’s exactly how they want!
Do you offer assembly and addressing services?
I do!
When is payment due and what methods of payment do you accept?
I require adeposit of $75 to start designing wedding orders and the remaining balance is due upon final proof approval before production.
Do you do other designs besides wedding?
I do! Besides weddings I have designs for birthdays and baby showers – really any life celebration.
What are some of the trends for 2019 and 2020?
In my world it seems that sketched illustration is replacing watercolor as the hot item. Personalized wedding maps are a huge trend right now and really just personalization in general is really big. Couples continue to incorporate really special, unique details into every facet of their wedding. Instead of just having a signature cocktail, brides are now opting for nearly every detail to be unique and personalized!
Is there a wedding invitation trend that you like at the moment and why?
I am loving the personalized wedding maps! These are so fun to work on because I get to stalk all the pretty locations and get a behind the scenes look at the wedding weekend. Maps are a fun and special detail that is modern yet still classic. I think they are fun for the guests too and make a great keepsake!
How can a bride get in touch with you to find out more?
Brides can either shop directly from my website, fill out a contact form through my website or email me directly at info@primprettyprints.com
What’s an app you can’t live without?
My website app and the Etsy app because I can manage my orders and interface with my customers instantly from anywhere!
When do you feel you are most creative?
In the mornings with a fresh cup of coffee and a cleared-out inbox!
If you could be a superhero, who would it be?
I have no clue! Someone nice and fearless.
What do you listen to when your working?
I am addicted to podcasts and prefer ones I can binge – true crime, please! And Heather McMahan’s Absolutely Not Podcast – she’s the greatest!
Describe your personality in 3 words.
Caring, curious and creative.
What hobbies do you have outside of design?
I love hiking, being outside, gardening, hosting, traveling, and relaxing!
Thanks, Anna! For more information about Prim + Pretty Prints, use one of these links.
Website
Etsy
Instagram
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