You are in for such a treat today! As you know I’m a big lover of stationary and when I was first contacted by Courtney I instantly fell in love with her company. She makes the most beautiful one-of-a-kind cotton hand water colored stationary and invitations.
So, enough about me and my love for stationary, here is the amazing (and talented) Courtney Khail! 🙂
Name: Courtney Khail
Location: Denver, Colorado
Company Name:Â courtney khail stationery and design
Site: www.courtneykhailstationery.
Twitter & Instagram:Â @ckhail
Tell us a little about what you do.
I create one of a kind, hand water colored stationery and invitations. Each piece I create is individually painted and inked onto 100% cotton paper so no two are ever exactly alike.
I wanted to provide people with pieces that felt luxurious and truly representational of themselves. Sometimes the wedding industry can feel a little mass produced and like everything has been done before and I wanted to change that. By hand painting each and every piece my clients always receive a one of a kind keepsake that is special to them, and as an added bonus have the chance to give the gift of one of a kind artwork to their guests.
What is your favorite thing about your business/studio?
The moment when my client first holds their invitations. Although they know what they will look like, it’s the first time they actually see the subtle differences, feel the thick paper, and see the vibrancy on each piece. I’m rarely there in person, but for the more often than not I receive the sweetest, most excited phone calls or emails within minutes of the box being opened (A close second is watching the pieces come together. From cutting the paper, to inking the last piece, it’s really rewarding).
Was there a defining moment when you knew you picked the right career path?
I’ve always been an artist, but I never imagined I’d end up painting stationery. After my first order was finished and mailed out though, I was hit with such a wave of emotion. It took a lot of work and there was a steep learning curve while making them, but in the end I’d actually created those invitations one by one. Invitations that announced the love between two people; invitations that the couple loved! I just felt so lucky to have the opportunity to do that and knew I wanted to keep having that feeling.
When you built your business what style would you say you built it around? (i.e. classic, modern, vintage)
I didn’t really think much about it to be honest- I just kind of did what felt right. If I had to label my style though, I think it would be a blend- like modern romantic. Ethereal, but still very graphic and bold.
When working with people how do you help bring the vision for the event to life?
Invitations set the tone for the entire event. It’s the first thing people see, it’s what gets them excited, and it’s what gives them clues about what to expect. Is it formal? Traditional? Bohemian? Is there dinner? Dancing? What’s the attire? The invitation should tell a guest pretty much everything they need to know.
When guests receive one of my invitations I want it to be the kind that’s put on the refrigerator and held on to after the day has passed. Something they have never seen before that makes them start planning their outfit before the couple has even received the RSVP! In order to do that though, I have to understand the couple and the event myself. I ask a lot of questions- both design related as well as more personal ones- and do a ton of sketches until I feel I’ve captured what my clients are looking to receive.
Where do you go for inspiration? (i.e. blogs, magazines)
I get a lot of inspiration just from being outside and traveling. New places and experiences always trigger the creative parts of my brain! As for blogs, I tend to shy away from wedding blogs because I get wrapped up in “what’s in style” or “trendy” right then, but i do love a good design or fashion blog. Some of my favorites are- Design Crush, Design*Sponge, Oh Joy, Cupcakes and Cashmere, and Young House Love. (The last one is a little random, but they have such a great sense of humor and I love DIY home stuff.) Magazine wise, I love Harper’s Bazaar, W Magazine, House Beautiful, Conde Nast Traveler and pretty much any other publication with beautiful photography!
Is there anything else you want people to know about you and your business/studio?
Business wise, this fall I’m offering commissioned watercolor paintings in addition to my stationery! So whether or not you need invitations, you’ll now be able to purchase affordable, meaningful, custom artwork.
As for me, I’m kind of a nerd. I majored in scientific illustration and after graduation I coordinated/taught the anatomy and physiology labs at the University of Georgia so it’s not unusual to find me completely geeking out over plants at the Botanic Gardens, displays at the natural history museum, or simply watching some Planet Earth documentary.
All photos are copyright of courtney khail stationery and design.
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