Q: Which memory do I use for my map?
A: The sky is the limit! Your memory is precious and will make your map completely individual. You may choose to record your memory as something that is already well known (like a local landmark) or it could be not at all obvious to anyone else but you. If you are mapping your wedding day for example, you could choose an icon of your wedding venue, OR you as a couple (I can even recreate your wedding outfits so you know its you!) OR your rings, OR anything else at all.
Remember, you can also add a place name (if not already included on the original map) AND a short description of your icon underneath, included in the £20 price. So for a wedding example, I could write the date of your marriage and “Our perfect day” underneath the icon of your wedding venue.
If you are in any doubt as to what would work best, feel free to contact me for a chat before you buy, this way we can talk through all your ideas until you’re happy you’ve pinned down which memory you’d like me to turn into an icon.
Q: Can I have more than one bespoke icon?
A: Yes, If you’d like more than one icon this is absolutely possible and each individual icon is an additional £20 each. So for example, if you wanted 2 bespoke icons, on an A4 map, the price would come to £25 (print) + £20 (1st icon) + £20 (2nd icon) = £65 total.
Please contact me first via the contact page so that I can give you an individual quote and I’ll ask you to pay via direct bank transfer rather than through the checkout as I only offer the payment option for one icon in the shop.
Q: How do I send you the information that you will use to create my bespoke icon?
A: Once you have decided which size of map you require and have made your payment (choosing the “custom icon” option before you check out) I will send you an email to which you can reply and from there we’ll have a chat about your requirements. You can also send me any photos via email too that you wish me to work from, if it’s your house or pet for example. For more well known landmarks, I can research this myself.
Q: How do I know which size of map to choose?
A: Sizes are based on the UK paper sizes, A4 (29.7 x 21 cm), A3 (42 x 29.7 cm), A2 (59.4 x 42 cm) and A1 (84 x 59.4 cm). A4 is a perfect choice to hang alongside other artwork. A3 works well if you have only a small space in which to hang the artwork. A2 is a great choice for those wanting a real feature on their wall. A1 is designed to make maximum impact and will make a super talking point for a larger room.
Q: What if, after seeing the low-resolution ‘proof’ of my finished map (which will be emailed to you for your approval before printing takes place) I spot a mistake?
A: Any mistakes on my part (such as spelling errors, or mis-placements) will be corrected for free. Any other changes you require at this stage will cost £8 each.
Q: I have a special event coming up for which I will need my map to be ready – can you guarantee I will receive it in time?
A: I strongly recommend that you build in enough time from the point of deciding to order a map to the time you will need it to avoid disappointment. Ideally you need to leave at least 1 week (3 weeks outside the UK) after ordering until delivery. Taking the above into account, if you find that there will just not be enough time to get the actual map delivered in time for your special event, may I suggest that you could always give the intended recipient a hint (in the form of a note or card) of what’s to come and that it will be well worth waiting a little longer for!
Q: I have ordered a Map of Joy as a gift for someone else and they do not like it – can I return it and have a refund?
A: Because a Map of Joy is a bespoke product which has been created specially for you, I’m afraid I cannot offer a refund for any reason once your map has been shipped. If you are in any doubt as to whether the intended recipient of the map may not like it, why not direct them to have a look around the Maps of Joy site and ask for their input before you order? That way, although your gift may not be a complete surprise, you can be sure that once it has been created it will be treasured as one of the most thoughtful gifts that person has ever received.
Q: My Map of Joy has arrived but was damaged in transit, what happens next?
A: If damage occurs in transit, I will be happy to send a replacement print. I package each order very carefully, rolled in a sturdy cardboard tube to ensure that damage whilst in transit is most unlikely.
Q: Can I order a framed Map of Joy?
A: Yes! Please contact me for options and prices as I don’t offer this service directly through the shop. The printer I use (The Print Space London) also does the framing if required so it comes directly from them. It will take a few weeks for the framed print to arrive due to the extra time needed for framing.
Alternatively, a local framer will be able to give you help and advice about the best framing choice for you when you take your Map of Joy to them and of course there are many cheaper frames available on the high street or online which are designed to fit the standard size prints.
Q: I would like to order more than one print of my map, will each print cost me the same?
A: The first print will cost what is quoted, but if you need further prints of the same map, I can offer these at a reduced rate. Equally, if you require several copies of the same map with some small changes on each (perhaps for different members of your family) this can also be achieved at a reduced rate. Please get in touch to find out more.
If you have any other questions which are not covered here, please feel free to contact me and ask.