Find 5 examples of ketubot you like, and send them to me via email: susankarnold1@gmail.com
Choose a color palette. You may simply send a list of colors or find any picture (doesn’t have to be a ketubah) that has the colors you would like. I love to use metallics. I can also incorporate gold, silver, and copper foiling.
If you have specific symbols you would like for me to incorporate (tree of life, star of David, hamsa, etc.) or any other specific imagery, list them or find pictures.
Choose a size, orientation, and shape. The smallest I work is 18″ x 18″ as the calligraphy is very difficult to hand write in a smaller painting. The largest is 48″ x 48″. Orientation may be portrait or landscape. For example, you may choose a 12″ x 48″ vertical or horizontal layout (although one dimension is only 12″, the longer one will provide plenty of space for imagery and text. You basically want at least 300 square inches of area. Multiply your two dimensions together to figure out the square area.
I will create a “thumbnail” design based on your proportions and send it to you via text or email.
You will respond with suggestions, changes. The price is based on the complexity of the design you choose and includes a total of 3 preliminary designs. Additional designs are $30 each. Once I have an idea of what you like, the size, and text specifics, I will quote you a price. A rough estimate is $100 per square foot but will be less or more depending on detail or complexity of design and text.
You will decide if you want me to write your text or if you want to hire a professional calligrapher. On the gallery page, the professional calligrapher’s Hebrew appears on the “hamsa” and “crescent of leaves” ketubot. The others are mine. All English calligraphy is mine.
If you choose to use a calligrapher, you will pay him or her directly and will incur the expense of my mailing the work there and back. When I use a calligrapher, I paint three backgrounds and draw the spaces where the text will appear. The calligrapher does the writing and sends the work back to me. This is the process so that the calligrapher does not make a mistake on the finished work of art.
If I create the text, I make the painting first. It is your responsibility to have any Hebrew text proofread by your rabbi or other competent Hebrew-reading individual. All text must be typed in “print.” I do not do Hebrew cursive. I am not responsible for any spelling/ wording/ grammar mistakes in Hebrew. I will copy the Hebrew text EXACTLY as it is typed; so, please do not skip the proof-reading assignment!
Once you have selected your design, color palette, and size, I will create the finished work.