Vendors I Love: SERIF & SPICE
photo by Firework Photo Booth Co.
I met Giuliana at two recent events sponsored by the local the Rising Tide Society. She may be a little quiet (introverts unite!) but her passion for what she does shines through. Giuliana doesn’t toot her own horn, so I’m going to help her out a bit. I’m super excited to introduce the talented Giuliana LaMantia of SERIF & SPICE.
photo by Marissa Kelly Photography
What was the path that led you to become a stationery designer?
My path to graphic design started at Drake University in Des Moines. I was originally studying journalism and thought that graphic design would pair well. What I enjoyed about journalism was telling stories, and I realized that design is another way to tell a story. Just in a more visual way, which really resonated with me. So I wound up double majoring in magazine journalism and graphic design.
During college, I worked at a couple of letterpress studios that designed and printed wedding stationery. This sparked my interest in weddings. Then after college, while I was working as a corporate designer, I took on a couple of wedding invitation design projects on the side for friends. I ended up falling in love with it and decided to pursue it as my career.
What excites you about weddings?
I love talking to the couples and getting to know them, their style, and their story. Then I can weave it throughout the design and details of their stationery in beautiful and cohesive ways. I feel like weddings are a wonderful way for people to express themselves creatively. They can tell the story of their love and their lives coming together through the paper goods they decide to include. It’s truly an honor to help them do that and to get to be a part of it.
What do you look for in a couple?
I look for couples who are genuinely excited about their invitations and paper goods. Those who are interested in the little details of their wedding and making them very special. I love when their excitement for their big day and for their relationship comes out during our conversations. It’s always really sweet.
What is the greatest compliment you’ve ever received?
One bride that I worked with recently told me that she didn’t know what she wanted, but that I figured out exactly what she wanted. Just from her giving me the words “elegant,” "classy," and "minimal floral” I was able to take it and bring it to life. That was very kind and felt really cool to hear. Having worked in design for a while now, I feel like people do know what they want (even if they don’t think they do!) It’s about helping them express it.
What do you desire for your business?
I want people to feel heard and taken care of when it comes to their invitations and stationery. Planning a wedding can be an all-consuming process. So I try to be there as a design consultant and friend, ensuring that they have all of the paper goods they need. I also make sure it's going to look good and align with their vision. That way they can be freed up to focus on their relationship and other aspects of planning.
What are you grateful for?
I’m most grateful for the close relationships in my life. My family and friends are so incredibly supportive of me. I don’t take it for granted.
Any recent cause for celebration?
I’m working with some lovely clients right now and having a blast! First up is an invitation suite for a fall wedding in Chicago. Rust/mauve/cream floral vibes with a clean design. I'm also designing a personal stationery set for a client who is gifting it to a friend! I’m excited for their projects to soon officially be in print.
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