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Just ask! I'm sure he'd be happy to help, but maybe start off with the assumption that he would like to get paid a little something so he's not insulted. If he is comfortable doing it pro-bono he will probably say 'I wouldn't charge you anything!' Or maybe the design services are free, but you need to take on the printing costs yourselves, etc.
This is coming from someone trying to build their graphic design portfolio:
Just nicely ask, maybe tossing in a: "I don't have a lot in the budget for this, but could you give me an idea of prices?" He might even do it as his gift, and considering how much graphic design services are, that would be one generous gift.
Keep in mind though, just because he wants to build his portfolio doesn't mean that a wedding invite suite would necessarily help him. He might want his portfolio to have a certain look or help him get jobs in a particular area.
i agree with @FutureMrsDuff's last comment 100%. A designer's portfolio reflects his/her style and strengths which may not be reflected/ shown to its fullest in your invite design ideas.
That said, all of my friends planning a wedding asked me for "help"/ if i'd be willing to design various paper products for them and I've always done it as my "gift" to them. Printing the pieces were on them though.
Just ask!
Another option is to ask if he has any suggestions for designers. You start by saying, "I don't know if you do this kind of thing, but do you know someone who does?" That would give him the option of backing out or making a suggestion.
A friend of ours graciously designed our invitations for us, and did a great job! We just asked. I already had exactly what I wanted in mind, though, and just told her exactly what I wanted. She was more than willing - she designed some logos and the actual invite - and we loved the way everything turned out. In return, she asked to use them in her portfolio, and to have final printed invitation set. We had a vietnamese and chinese invite versions, and we gave her one of each. =)
We got a lot of compliments - and on our wedding website, we gave her credit and linked to her portfolio. =)
Thanks, bees! After reading your suggestions/insights, I've e-mailed him hinting at a proposed project for him and inviting him out for dinner/drinks to catch up as well. I will definitely take into account your advice and ask in a way that leaves it open to him to decline easily or talk prices. I had assumed I would take on printing costs already, so that was good reinforcement.
Will post how it goes!
Hi! Just wanted to post an update. I asked, and he was really flattered and excited and said yes - and since he is in school and building his portfolio, he doesn't WANT to charge for the service. We've moved onto concept discussions (postcard idea - we're getting married in Mexico City, so I want a 'off and away we all go' type of vibe).
I also asked my photographer-by-hobby friend to take our engagement pic for the Save the Dates, so we're all set!
Thanks for your support and great advice, bees.
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Hello!
I am starting the planning process and looking forward to adding a custom, personal flair to all things our wedding. A friend of mine is in graphic design school and in our past conversations he's always talked about wanting to build his portfolio with pro-bono work (in fact, I almost got him a gig once with my former employer!). I love what I've seen of his work and am thinking of asking him to help design the save-the-date cards and invitations, but don't want to corner him into saying yes or embarrass him in case he does want to get paid (which i'd be willing to do of course)...
Has anyone else had a similar situation? How did you deal??