Today I am proud to showcase some talent from just down the road... the relatively new Sydney based duo Zed and Bee. I went to university with Billie and always knew she'd go on to make fantastic things. Kick-starting their lil company earlier this year, Billie and her sister Zoe, have already made a mountain of amazing invites for all kinds of events. Each and every one of them is so unique and they use such a variety of printing methods and materials that makes for much excitement each time they reveal a new one.
I sneakily distracted Zoe long enough to ask some questions about starting up the business and what they've come up against:
(Artists watercolour invitation)
Briefly, tell us how or why you started Zed and Bee?
When faced (happily) with my own marriage proposal and approaching wedding, although a designer, I felt I wanted to outsource my invitations due to timing. I was understandably inspired by the range of invitation design studios on offer overseas but couldn't find what I was after on home soil.
I ended up utilising a US based studio and collaborating with their designer on my joint project. I wondered why we weren't producing more inspiring bespoke invitations solutions here in Sydney and realised my dream of doing just that. My sister Billie, with over 10 years of experience in edgy design studios, was an obvious choice as my partner in crime. Her passion for all things paper and print related matched my own (as does our designer eye) and we have worked happily together ever since.
(Jewish papercut invitation in collaboration with madebyjulene)
What do you like most about designing wedding/special occasion stationery?
The variety of styles, stocks and print processes we get to incorporate by producing bespoke work for a rainbow of personalities. Zed & Bee also adore collaborating with local artists to create one of a kind pieces. We are currently doing just that with some beautiful invitations that will feature on our website in late November.
(Mary Antoinette themed French letterpress invitations)
What are the most challenging aspects?
The time consuming task of costing bespoke jobs has proved to be challenging. This is part of the reason we will be releasing a 2011 Collection later this year of ten brand new invitation designs that can be costed and ordered online. This collection will be aimed at our more budget conscious brides. We will of course continue to produce bespoke jobs, it is our creative outlet and where we really let our imaginations run wild.
(Saul Bass inspired Engagement poster)
What has been the biggest thing you've learnt to date?
To keep learning and evolving. The creation of each invitation teaches us something new. Whether it be a client/supplier relationship, new print process we wish to harness or embellishment we unearth there is something to take from the experience to aid us next time round. Recognising and acknowledging this is key.
Big thank you Zoe... Can't wait to see what comes next from Zed & Bee!
Check back in at the Zed & Bee blog to see more invites unfold over the next little while... and join the mailing list to hear about their 2011 stationery collection... tres exciting!
(Engagement poster)
(storyboard for a 'Modern Vintage' wedding)
(storyboard for a Bali wedding)
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Thankyou for your comments. emily x