vellum
Before the
story begins
If you choose to add a vellum title page, please note that your album must begin on a 1/2 spread.
WHAT VELLUM OFFERS
A vellum title page is a translucent sheet bound inside the front cover, softly layered over the opening spread. It creates a quiet reveal as the first page turns, with text or illustration appearing to float above the image beneath – a simple, fine art way to begin the story for wedding, portrait, and family albums.
DESIGN POSSIBILITIES
Create a minimalist title, a monogram, or a subtle illustration that echoes the day. Designed as a single page file, your vellum can be tailored to each project while remaining consistent with your studio’s aesthetic.
BEST USES FOR VELLUM
Vellum is especially suited to fine art wedding, portrait, and family albums – any time you want the entrance to feel considered and elevated. It pairs beautifully with linen, leather, and other tactile cover materials.
FILE PREPARATION
how to
create Vellum
SET up
DOCUMENT
Create your vellum design in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign. Design a ½ spread (1 page) for the chosen album size (e.g.: 8×8), and start with a white background document.
DESIGN &
EXPORT
Place text and/or vector graphics in the location and colour of your choice. Please do not use any white for the text or vector graphics. Save the file as a JPEG in sRGB colour space at 300 dpi.
How to
PREVIEW
To review and verify that your design has the desired effect and positioning, proof it in Photoshop. Drag the vellum design on top of Page 01. Set the layer opacity to 65% to simulate the vellum effect.
order details
how to
order
You can add vellum to most albums in the Add-Ons / Embellishments area of the order form, except our Artisan Album, which already has vellum included.
important layout note
When adding vellum, your album design should start with a ½ spread (single page) so the vellum can overlay on top of the first image as intended. If your album starts on a full spread, the vellum effect will not work as designed.
vellum
Tips & Best
Practices
Keep it
simple
Use minimal text and clean graphics so the design feels intentional and doesn’t compete with the image beneath. Repeat the same styling across albums to keep your work consistent.
Prioritize
legibility
Avoid very small or overly delicate typeface, and always check your design at actual size to make sure names, dates, and details remain easy to read on vellum.
Proof &
reuse
Overlay your vellum file on page one at about 65% opacity to confirm placement and spacing, then save the final layout as a template to speed up future projects.
faq
you ask
we answer
1. Which albums can include vellum?
Vellum is included with the Artisan Album and can be added as an embellishment to select other album types. Availability may vary by product, so please refer to the options listed on the order form for the album you’re ordering.
2. Does my album design need to start with a ½ spread?
Yes. For vellum to sit correctly over the opening image, your album design must start on a ½ spread (single page). This is required for Artisan Albums and for any album where the Vellum Add-On is selected.
3. How should I set up my vellum file?
Create a single page (½ spread) document in your chosen album size with a white background, set to sRGB at 300 PPI. Next, add your text or vector artwork, and then save the file as a JPEG in sRGB at 300 PPI before uploading it with your album files.
4. Can I use any colour for my design?
Yes, you can use most colours for your text and graphics. Please avoid using pure white, as our main vellum printer will not print white. If you’d like a white only design, we also offer a separate white ink printer. Simply submit artwork created entirely in white.
5.How can I preview how the vellum will look over my image?
To proof your design, open page one of your album in Photoshop, place the vellum design on top, and reduce the vellum layer opacity to around 65%. This will give you a quick preview of how the text or artwork will sit over the image beneath.
6. Where do I upload my vellum file?
First, upload your vellum JPEG along with your album spread files and include it in the same file share link you provide on the order form. Our team then uses this file when producing the vellum title page.
7. Does adding vellum change production times?
In most cases, vellum is produced within the standard turnaround time for your album. However, if your order is time-sensitive or includes multiple embellishments, we recommend contacting us in advance so we can confirm timing.
