Calligraphy, Weddings and Fine Art
1-1 with Kathleen Ostrom of Leen Jean Studios
We’re thrilled to welcome to our blog the wonderfully talented Kathleen Ostrom of Leen Jean Studios. Located in Denver, Colorado, Leen Jean Studios offers calligraphy, custom wedding invitations, and commissioned fine art. Kathleen produced the most spectacular invitations for a Ravello wedding for some special clients, Ryan and Jordan and we were literally blown away with how beautiful and original they were.
Photography : Michela Watson Photography
Thanks so much for joining us Kathleen!
What inspired you to launch your business?
I studied graphic design and had a corporate design job, but as an artist I had a vision of creating art with more of my own personal touch on it.
What services do you offer and to who?
I offer calligraphy, custom wedding invitations and stationery, and commissioned fine art. My work naturally lends itself to the world of weddings, but I also work with a variety of people and companies to create unique experiences and art tailored to their vision.
What does your work entail?
It really depends on the client, but typically in involves custom calligraphy, custom venue artwork and/or watercolors, full-service printing, envelope addressing in calligraphy, assembly and mailing of everything. I also often work with couples to create day-of paper goods that may be needed, like programs, menus, place cards, etc.
What do you enjoy the most about being a wedding stationery designer?
A wedding is such a beautiful celebration of love and joy, and the thing I love most about what I do is that I have the ability to enrich such a meaningful celebration and moment, and create a keepsake that can symbolize that time in their life.
What is your unique selling point? & What makes you different to other stationery suppliers?
All of the calligraphy and artwork created is done by me, in-house. I am not a middleman outsourcing artwork, so my clients are able to offer their vision and feedback directly. I think this helps to create one-of-a-kind stationery that truly captures each of my client's personality and style.
Do you specialize in a specific style or theme (for example, traditional or watercolor)?
I like to find a balance that honors traditional style and its simplistic beauty with notes of personality and vibrance. I think by definition that makes me non-traditional, but I think there is beauty in all of it.
Can couples request bespoke designs and if so what is the process?
Yes! In fact, that is all that I do! I love to hear from couples about their story, life, wedding, and goals to get a good idea of where to start. From there I formulate at least a couple different directions and the design process is on its way. During the entire process, I cannot emphasize enough how much I want each couple working with me to LOVE the end result. If they go to the extra effort to work with me one-on-one instead of just buying a templated design online, I think that should come with letting their voice be heard and making sure everything is even more than they could have imagined.
What trends do you see being popular this year?
I think this year is a mix of people who have waited extra-long to celebrate because of the pandemic delaying plans, and others having just come through it all with renewed perspective on life and love. I don't know that it's a "trend," but I think meaningful, symbolic celebrations are going to be deeply cherished this year. I think any touches of personalization will be of value as well.
How far in advance would you advise a bride to start sourcing their wedding invitations?
As soon as possible!! I typically work with brides 8-18 months out. (Remember, this is for the process of an entirely custom invitation suite.)
Are there any etiquettes are outdated? Are there any that you still consider an absolute must?
This questions depends so much on the person. I can certainly appreciate time-honored traditions and etiquette, and personally lean towards holding them. However, I also think it's 2021, and very few things need to be set in stone "no matter what." I usually offer information as to what the etiquette is and why, but let each couple decide how they want to do something in the end. I like to think of myself as a supportive and informative resource, but not the etiquette police.
What’s your favorite part of working within the wedding industry?
I absolutely love getting to work with couples who are planning one of the biggest celebrations and declarations of love anyone can make. I'm a hopeless romantic and find it endlessly inspiring to get to know the couples I work with and knowing what I am offering is something that symbolizes such love and joy in their lives.
What was the most unique request that you ever received from a bride for her wedding day?
Oh, good question! For a wedding day request, I would say the most unique one actually came from a groom. He commissioned me to calligraph a letter to his bride and it totally surprised her that he organized and put so much thought into that!
What tips/advice can you give couples planning their big day?
Hire a wedding planner! I'm not just saying that because of who is asking, I truly mean it! A wedding is a once-(maybe twice or so)-in-a-lifetime event, but there is an entire industry that exists to throw the most amazing weddings. I think a planner can offer so much guidance, perspective, and organization to planning your wedding, it's like the biggest cheerleader for one of the most meaningful celebrations of your life!
Contact details:
Website: www.leenjean.com
Email: info@leenjean.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leenjeanstudios/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leenjeanstudios
