A few thoughtful questions take us beyond the usual facts and into the stories, quirks and details that make them unmistakably them. You’ll also share photographs, so I can get a feel for the person before I begin writing.
I take it from there - finding the poem’s rhythm, structure and exact language. Every line is shaped with my particular mix of wit, warmth and emotional precision, then refined until the finished poem feels effortless.
The writing is only half the work. I then shape the poem as an art piece, using typography, color and paper to give the language its own physical form. You’ll choose from a curated color palette and four signature styles, with my guidance on which best serves the poem.
You’ll first receive a proof of the finished art piece. If particular words, phrases or the tone don’t quite land, one round of writing edits is included. Once approved, it’s printed on fine art paper and sent to you - yours to sign, frame or give in your own way.
Each gives the language its own visual presence.
Choose the style that speaks to you, or leave the visual direction with me.
Once I know the person and the story, I can guide the direction that feels right.
Typography is not a finishing touch. I choose it as part of the poem – so the language has it’s own weight and rhythm.
Intimate, playful, coded, full of fragments.
For the person you know by heart.
Elegant, distilled, full of regard.
This is how I see you.
Breadth, history, accumulation.
For a milestone with a lifetime behind it.
Built from the first letter of their name.
Bold, graphic, design forward.
Color sets the mood before a word is read. Choose the background that feels most like them; I’ll select the type color that gives the poem the right contrast, character and presence.
You answer a few questions about the person and share photographs.
I find the poem’s rhythm, structure and exact language.
You choose the background and tell me which style draws you in; I shape the finished design.
You receive a proof and one round of writing edits before the final piece is printed and sent to you.
You don’t need polished answers or beautiful language. I’ll guide you with questions designed to uncover the memories, quirks and details that matter. You’ll also share a few photographs so I can get a fuller sense of the person. [Preview the commission questions.]
No. The person and the material usually tell me where the poem needs to sit, within my own writing voice. If there’s something you especially want it to feel you can add that to your commission order notes.
You’ll receive a proof before anything is printed. One round of writing edits is included if particular words, phrases or the tone don’t land. This doesn’t include changing the entire direction, signature style, layout or color choice.
Commissions start at NZ$275 for A4 size, $300 for A3 size. This includes the original poem, its signature GF design, your background-color choice, a proof, one round of writing edits and the final fine-art print on premium cotton-rag archival paper. Shipping, framing and additional copies are priced separately.
Allow approximately 14 days from the point I receive your completed answers, photographs and payment. Rush commissions are not available at this time.
Names and significant dates can be incorporated where they suit the language and chosen style. The finished print is also yours to sign by hand before you give it.
Additional copies can be ordered for a fee. The poems are designed to be framed with standard size off-the-shelf frames.
Personal commissions can be delivered anywhere I have a relationship with print partners, currently New Zealand, Australia and USA.
Absolutely. I won’t publish your poem, photographs or identifying details without your permission. Choosing to keep the commission private does not affect the process.
Because each poem is created for a specific commission, the creative fee becomes non-refundable once writing begins. You’ll receive a proof and one round of writing edits before printing. If you choose not to proceed to print, any separately itemised printing and delivery costs will be refunded. This does not affect your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act. [Read the full commission terms]
You don’t need to answer these yet. They’re here to help you gather your thoughts before you begin, and if the best bits arrive later, you have access to me via email or WhatsApp.
Who is this poem for, and what is your relationship to them?
Tell me about them in your own words. What do you love, notice, remember or laugh about?
What do you hope they feel when they read it?
Are there stories, phrases or private references you’d be sad to leave out?
Share 3–4 photographs, of them or you together.
What else should I know?
You’ll answer these as part of your commission order on the next page, along with style, color and size choices.
Take your color and style choices with, you’ll be asked for both on the next page.
I can’t wait to get started on your commission.
Tracey
