Get to know the creative force behind The Printerie this month.
The Printerie has been adorning walls for the past three years, and for our anniversary month, we wanted to spotlight not one but two extremely exceptional people for a behind-the-scenes chat. Who better to feature as we celebrate three years of breathing art into spaces than these power sibs, Aya and Quito Limbo?
For this blog, we asked both Aya and Quito a few questions about their respective roles and how they help our clients bring their wallpaper fantasies to life.
Aya Limbo
- Describe your role in the company.
I am a co-founder of the company and the brand’s marketing and design director. In terms of marketing, I check and approve social media postings and advertising, and I collaborate closely with our amazing marketing agency, Z Studios.
For the design, I am tasked with creating wallpaper & canvas designs and collections and determining if we are capable of recreating an original design our customers may have in mind. My brother and I share customer service and relationship duties to ensure that customers get the finest service possible.
- How did you come up with the business concept? How did you choose the name of your company?
Our parents’ company has been in the printing industry for almost 25 years. We saw that there are more opportunities in the printing industry, especially in customised wallpaper, canvas prints, and other media. My mom has always wanted to start a wallpaper company, and when we were able to get our own machine, we plunged straight into designing our own brand.
Branding and e-commerce have been my expertise, especially since I have my own sleepwear business called Private Storey. So, since then, I’ve helped out in developing a brand for The Printerie.
- Could you walk us through the design process?
Step 1: Client Inquires > Quotation Approval & Theme Design Discussion
Usually, our clients inquire through our social media channels. Quito and I are very happy to give them an idea of the quotation and design options. Once the client has approved of the price, we will ask them for their “peg” or theme of the wallpaper they envision. Once the client has shared with us their vision, we will check if our team is capable of creating this design. We also send potential designs from our current collection or portfolio. If a customer likes something from there, we can definitely jump to the next step. However, if the client wants to tweak the design, we will provide several revisions before moving on to the next step.
If a customer wants a unique and particular design created from scratch, we will charge a recreation fee. It is relatively simple for us to create a design for a customer since we have a very strong and experienced graphics team behind us, which includes our dad, Raphy, who has been a graphic designer for over 30 years. We will go on to the next phase after the customer has approved the digital art.
Step 2: Ocular & Sample Swatches - Approval of Crop Proof
Once the client agrees on the pricing and design, we request a timetable for an ocular of the area to ensure the wall would not need any additional preparation before installing the wallpaper. If it does, we can also complete the wall preparation procedure for them for a cost. We also double-check the measurements of any walls, windows, or doors that will not need any product.
This next step is very crucial because this will be the actual scale and colour proof of the wallpaper. We send the client an actual 12”x12” crop proof sample for them to see how it will look on their wall. There will be several swatches that will vary in saturation and, in some cases, the scale of the elements. Once the client approves, it will be signed and sent back to our headquarters. For clients who are quite far, we usually do video calls and submit photos for approval.
Step 3: Printing & Installation
Upon approval, we will then render and impose the design to show to the client before printing. Our team will schedule a convenient time to do the installation for the client, and they will arrive complete with their materials while the client just needs to wait for the magic to happen!
- How involved are the clients in designing their prints?
- How do you stay updated on the latest tools and trends?
Quito Limbo
- Describe your role in the company.
- Could you walk us through the installation process?
First, we re-measure the wall’s length and width in order to map and plan the wallpaper installation. We always make sure that the wallpaper fits the wall.
During wall preparation, we smoothen the wall using sandpaper. We ensure that everything is even so that there are no marks once the wallpaper is installed. We use polytuff if needed.
Then, we prepare the wall using acrylic emulsion. The glue/paste is applied to the back of the wallpaper using a paint roller.
We always carefully and gently drop the wallpaper while placing it, leaving at least 1-2 inches of overlap and ensuring that the patterns are aligned. Then, using a squeegee, we carefully smooth out the wallpaper before trimming off any excess.
- What is the biggest challenge with your role, and how would you overcome it?
- How do you ensure all clients are satisfied and that tasks are completed on time?
- What makes The Printerie unique from other local printing companies?
You need not go any further to have someone meet your expectations in terms of design flexibility, ink safety, and print quality. At The Printerie, we promise to provide you only the best service and superior products at every stage of the process, from brainstorming, to printing, to installation.
Whether it’s your own photos or designs, The Printerie guarantees to give your space the extra flair it deserves — one wall at a time.
If you want to make your ideal wallpaper a reality, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at theprinterie.shop@gmail.com.