Let’s walk into the weekend feeling inspired, shall we? This studio tour + interview with Tricia of Fourteen-Forty oughta do the trick. Tricia is the owner of the Fourteen-Forty design studio, and the creative force behind the brand. Their NYC space is pretty spectacular, with white walls, inspiration boards, vintage touches, and just a hint of rustic-modernity. We’re so excited to get this peek into her + her team’s studio + biz, thanks to Brookelyn Photography of The Wedding Artists Collective. Here’s what she had to say…
What keeps you inspired in your business?
I get a lot of inspiration from vintage objects, especially old documents. I love handwritten letters and recently found a 1918 receipt from a dry goods store that was so well designed, with elegant type and the most beautiful handwriting—nothing like what you would get today from your grocery store!
What was the best decision you made that was the turning point in your business? And, how do you define success?
The best thing I’ve done for my business was finding a community. Creating a wedding takes a lot of collaboration with the many people involved; it’s truly a group effort! Connecting with other creatives has been such a wonderful thing! I always ask myself, “Do I love what I’m creating?”. I feel fortunate to be in a creative field, and it’s important that I’m proud of the work that is coming out of the studio. And of course the best feeling is when my couples are thrilled with the final product.
Note to self: Your mood board should always be as big as your shelving.
Favorite wedding/stationery trend of the moment? Trend you’d love to see disappear forever?
A lot of couples are realizing that stationery is more than what comes in the envelope. They’re asking us to get involved with how everything will look on the wedding day, from custom cocktail napkins, to coasters, to drink stirs to signage—and we love it!
Emailing save the dates is one trend that’s becoming more common. While I totally get the rationale and convenience behind it, I’m still all for getting it printed. It’s the very first announcement of the wedding, which makes it so important! A beautifully printed save the date will set the tone and build excitement for the very special day coming up.
Is there an artist/designer/generally creative person in a totally different field who inspires you?
I’m pretty obsessed these days with Ariele Alasko, who carves the most beautiful objects out of wood. I also love what Nicole Land of Soil & Stem is doing—her arrangements are works of art!
What is or has been your favorite wedding moment?
My favorite wedding moment is when the bride and groom write their own vows. It’s such an intimate and sweet moment, to hear it in their own words. We were lucky enough to calligraph one of our couple’s vows to hang in their home. We think it’s such a beautiful way to remember your wedding day!
Necessities.
What’s on the horizon for your business?
We’ve been developing a line of unique stationery that includes materials outside of paper. We’re super excited about that!
If you weren’t a stationery designer, what would you be?
If I wasn’t a stationer, I think I would love to be an interior designer. We share a lot of the same passions—texture, color, form, and balance—and it would be so much fun to apply it to another field!
Thanks to Tricia for giving us a glimpse into the life of an incredible wedding stationer!
Photography: Brookelyn Photography of The Wedding Artists Collective / Studio: Fourteen-Forty Design Studio
