Collaborations + Custom Projects

Throughout the year, I take on a limited number of commercial projects through commissioned based work with businesses, non-profits or other like-minded organizations. These collaborative projects combine my background in branding, my expertise in creating experience and story-telling through designs, and my ability to offer tested, quality, USA-made products.
EMAIL ME today, for more information and current availability. 

Types of Custom Projects

I typically create artwork for clients in three main ways. We can discuss these options during our initial meeting to determine the best solution for your project and budget. Please note that we do not currently offer full copyright release for custom projects.

Exclusive Artwork
I would create a brand-new, custom design specifically for you. The exclusivity of this artwork will be limited to a specific product or range of products and a defined timeframe.

Custom Artwork
This involves a collaborative process where we establish a general direction for the artwork, and I then create a unique piece based on your input or inspiration. Because this is a collaborative piece, the design or elements of it may be featured in my product line. Additionally, we can integrate your logo or custom color schemes for your printed pieces. 

Custom Packaging
We can take any of my current designs and develop custom packaging or other elements that effectively highlights your event and/or business. This option is quick, simple, and affordable, while still delivering a distinctly customized item.

EMAIL ME today, for more information on custom projects. 

MINIMUMS

Each project varies but I find offering a few details on minimums required by my printing and sewing partners helps at the initial stages as you consider a custom project.

TEA TOWELS
For optimal pricing our tea towel partners require a minimum of 100 or 150 towels for our printing process. If you are choosing to customize an already stocked Hazelmade design these production minimums do not apply.

STATIONERY
This includes everything from folded greeting cards with envelopes, to flat postcards or simple insert cards. For optimal pricing and to meet production requirements the minimum is 50 cards for a custom order.

EMAIL ME today, for more information on custom projects. 


Testimonials

"Working with Susan is such a joy. Her passion, precision and attention to detail make the process so effortless. Watching her take such pride and care in her work and the process is inspiring. The way in which she featured native plant life in these large-scale banners is not only intentional and informative but so beautiful. Her work is a wonderful addition to the public art throughout the downtown."

- Lesley Sickle, Marketing & Design, Main Street Kent

 

Working with Hazelmade on our custom stationery was effortless – Susan has the rare combination of creativity, talent, and business experience needed to help guide you through a creative project and deliver exceptional results. She has an uncanny sense for what is needed but not said aloud, really listens to what I want, effectively communicates with me every step of the way, and produces beautiful designs I’ve used for some of my most important projects. I continue to hire Susan for projects large and small and highly recommend you do the same!

- Jacqueline Garner, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Director of Outreach

EMAIL ME today, for more information on custom projects.


Next Steps

I’m looking forward to working together!

CONNECT
Email me at orders@shopHazelmade.com to get started. I can answer any questions and provide a custom project overview, estimate, and timeline.

DEADLINES
For exclusive or custom designs we are typically looking at anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks depending on the size of your project. For custom packaging we can often fulfill within 2 weeks or less. Every project is different, it's best to reach out with your timeline or event's details.  

STRESS-FREE
I prioritize a low-pressure, stress-free experience. Please reach out with any questions. I’m here to make this process easy for you, including answering your initial inquiries.

EMAIL ME today, for more information on custom projects.

 


Examples of Past Projects

CLIENT : The Chef Ann Foundation

PROJECT TYPE : For this project, I created custom artwork for a set of two tea towels, complete with a custom insert card and wrap-around band. The packaging prominently featured a QR code that provided access to the full story of our collaboration and detailed the environmental aspects of my production process, which were key elements for the client.

INSPIRATION : Following my initial research, I presented three potential creative directions, aligning with the client's brand values, project goals, and previous work. We ultimately decided to proceed with the "Eat the Rainbow" concept, which cleverly used two towels to showcase a vibrant array of fruit and vegetable designs forming a rainbow.

FINISHING : After completion, the towels were inspected and processed in my Kent, Ohio studio. From there, we bulk-shipped them to the client to manage the final fulfillment to their recipients. To facilitate personalization, the insert cards were completed early in the project, enabling the client to add handwritten notes before sending out the gifts.

EMAIL ME today, for more information on custom projects.

CLIENT : The City of Kent and Main Street Kent

PROJECT TYPE : This project involved creating custom artwork for a series of freestanding public art banners. Beyond the design itself, the banners necessitated meticulous file setup to accommodate their large format and specific production requirements. My process also included careful consideration of placement, the surrounding environment and visual context, contrast, and ensuring multiple levels of readability and potential interaction for viewers. 

INSPIRATION : Given the banners' intended location within the Hike and Bike trail and park system, I chose to create a design centered on local flowers, their bloom seasons, and the specific local park where visitors could observe them. To enhance engagement, I proposed an adaptation to the original brief, suggesting a "Z" shape with four distinct panels. This configuration was designed to draw viewers in and encourage closer inspection of the smaller, more intricate details within the artwork.

FINISHING : The city handled the printing and installation of the banners. I had integrated a QR code into the design and also created a series of free, downloadable coloring pages as a supplementary element.

EMAIL ME today, for more information on custom projects.

CLIENT : Magpie Diner

PROJECT TYPE : Our established partnership with Magpie Diner, who stock Hazelmade products in their diner and shop, led to a request for a breakfast-themed design. With open creative direction, I first developed the artwork for a tea towel. The success of this piece then prompted a subsequent request from Magpie Diner to print the same design on apparel.

INSPIRATION : The design concept centered around all things breakfast, carefully balancing Magpie Diner's dedication to fresh ingredients with the comforting familiarity of classic diner favorites.

FINISHING : We processed these items in our Kent, Ohio studio, preparing them for retail. Each piece underwent careful inspection, folding, and was finished with the custom packaging I designed for Magpie Diner. The completed items were then shipped directly to them for retail sale.

EMAIL ME today, for more information on custom projects.

CLIENT : Allison Mauro, Realtor for Howard Hanna

PROJECT TYPE : For this project, I created custom artwork for a greeting card for this realtor to use as thank you's, client followups and part of their client gifting.

INSPIRATION : The client saw a post I'd done with some quick door sketches from my travels in Portugal. We took that starting point and created a unique, yet neutral home themed design.

FINISHING : The envelopes were printed with the client's return address and we created a custom back design for the greeting card to reinforce the custom elements of this project. 

EMAIL ME today, for more information on custom projects.