The Inside Scoop - Avenue16

“A graphic designer can help you achieve the look and feel you want for your big day, offering you more custom choices, and keeping you on budget,” Brittany Marshall, owner and designer at Avenue16 states. “For me, I treat each wedding as my own. I get just as excited as my bride does about all the ideas she has.”  I was able to speak with Brittany about her company and get an inside look into how using a Graphic Designer can really personalize all the details about your big day. She was also kind enough to share  some of her most memorable moments in the industry.

The Company Itself

The road that has led me to Avenue16 took me away to North Carolina for a short period after graduating college. I returned home to work for a local company that previously provided me with co-op experience. Here, I was the sole designer for the company, working on projects like “The Security Brief” television show, Best Buy USA, Aphria Inc., Twiggs Restaurant, and Enwin Utilities. These projects provided me background and experience in developing logos, websites, business cards, brochures, trade shows, wall, floor, and window graphics. With a wealth of background knowledge, I’ve been moving forward in my own community to provide clients with a personalized, face-to-face, experience.

Years in the business: I’ve been working full time as a graphic designer for three years but I’ve been designing for six and a half years.

What made you decide to venture out on your own and start your own company: I love what I do. I love to design and I love delivering the final product to my customers. My full time job has given me a solid base, I’ve learned so much, but I wanted more. I’ve always wanted to start my own business, that was part of my plan and my goal through college.

What kind of services can you offer those who are getting married?

I offer design and rentals. If you can think it, I can design it or make it.  I’ve had a lot of clients come to me with their Pinterest board ideas and say “Is this possible?”. My answer is yes. My slogan should really be “I make Pinterest projects go right!” At the end of the day my main service is Graphic Design. That’s anything print or web. Some of the most common projects Avenue 16 is working on for weddings including Save the Dates, invitations, table numbers, and seating charts. In terms of rentals, Avenue16 can provide you with bird cages, custom table numbers, wine barrels or even a Kissing Booth.

Fun Fact: “I don’t just do weddings. I also do baby showers and other events too. Many of my past brides have come back for their Baby Shower needs or even their own business needs,” Brittany adds.

Favourite thing about dealing with weddings:
Seeing my work come alive and putting it all together is my high point. To see my work become a physical product is why I do what I do. The icing on the cake is seeing my work at the wedding. It all comes together and I’m thankful to all the photographers that share their beautiful photos of my work with me.

Favourite Wedding Project to create:

I love when I get to create something custom. My most recent favourite wedding project to work on was the Wooden Pallet for a seating chart (Cuviello Wedding). I love to build things, so when the bride said she has a rustic theme, wants wood and wood textures, I knew just the thing.

Best advice for those planning a wedding in terms of graphic design:

My best advice in a longer detailed answer is that I know every couple is on a budget. I get it, and I’m right there with you. The words Graphic Design tends to scare people away. While there are other great, quick and “cheap” alternatives, they can only give you a few options when it comes to paper and finishes. It is like shopping at a big box store when you go to these places - your choices may be very limited.

While working with Avenue16, you can expect personalized attention, no matter how big or small the project. Expect experience and quality, without the big dollar signs attached. Rest assured that your deadlines will be met, no matter the time of day. My job is to think of every detail to bring your project full circle to ensure a cohesive product. Every project is custom and should be treated as such. I strive to give every client and every project a personalized experience, ensuring your vision comes to life.

Most memorable experience working with weddings:

I have two so far. The first was when I had my first client that came to me “cold turkey” so to speak. Meaning she wasn’t referred by a friend, she wasn’t someone I knew, she found me on her own, and my work spoke for itself. That was a proud moment. A moment when you go “Okay, I am doing something right.”  My second favourite experience working with weddings has been when the bride says “It’s everything I hoped for.” The cherry on top is when the groom is involved and you can see his excitement too. It’s fun and I try to bring that to the process. I try to remove the stress and make it fun for the couple.

Avenue16 is certainly a one-stop shop for all your graphic design wedding needs and beyond! Not only are you getting individualized treatment from  Brittany, but you are walking away with personalized touches to make your day extra special.

Be sure to check out Avenue 16 on Facebook and take a peek at their website for all your graphic needs!