If you'd like to commission a marriage certificate, click here for examples and pricing. Use the links above to access information on logo designs, design services and classes.

For simple jobs, here is an example of how the process works.

1::The client contacted me via email:

Greetings Mr. Thomas.  I am interested in obtaining your services for the purpose of translating the word "sincerity" into Arabic (utilizing calligraphy).  The translated art will be used as body art.  Dimensions would ideally be approximately 7 inches long, with a height of 2 & 1/2 inches.
 
If interested, please advise me of the cost, payment instructions, time needed to complete the work, and how the completed work will be sent to me.
 
Thank you for your time and consideration.
 
Warm Regards

2::The first email was followed up by an exchange of emails in order for me to fully understand what the client needed, starting with my reply:

"Stewart J. Thomas" <sjthomas@palmstone.com> wrote:

Are you primarily interested in the translation, or the calligraphic
design? I am happy to provide just the word, or the design. Please
advise.

Thanks
Stewart

Thank you for your prompt reply Stewart.  I have the word sincerity already translated.  I could enlarge the translation and run with that; however, I am curious to see if I like the word written using more of a calligraphy-type font.  I have seen a number of calligraphic designs in Arabic and have been more drawn to more basic (or even simplified) versions.  Please forgive these laymen words - just attempting to best describe what I am searching for.
 
Hopefully this sheds some insight into my request.  Either way, please advise.  Again Stewart, I greatly appreciate your time and consideration.

Hi,

There are quite a few words in Arabic with the meaning of 'sincerity'
-- let me know the word -- either in transliteration or send a scan of
the writing in Arabic. Either way I'd be happy to do a calligraphic
design for you. My usual procedure is to charge 70.00 for which I give
you three different designs. Each design would be a finished product
that you could use. If you want further designs or modifications I
charge by the hour. I work on the honor system so I accept payment
after you get the designs. What you would be agreeing to in advance is
to pay for the designs, regardless of whether you choose to use them or
not.

Please let me know the word you want used, and your agreement to the
procedure and we can get to work!

Sincerely,

Stewart J. Thomas
calligrapher

3::In this email the client agrees to the terms of the commission:

Greetings Stewart - I hope that you had a nice weekend.  I appreciate knowing that there are a number of words with the meaning of 'sincerity.'  I am looking for the word that most associates with the definition of sincerity as found in say a U.S. Webster's Dictionary.  My best idea of sincerity (if this helps in identifying which Arabic word to use) is when a person's action is true & honest to the action taken and the result therein; usually (or should I say hopefully) when a person is acting out of complete selflessness with a passioned action that will no doubt benefit another person, cause, etc.; an action undertaken without ulterior or personal motivations (outside of committing the action for which it was originally intended (assuming the intention was 'sincere')); a moment of complete and pure truthfulness.
 
I hope that the above sheds some light on which Arabic word for sincerity I am looking for.  I trust your best judgment in finding this word.  However, if you find it more appropriate to further discuss the meaning as to identify the best word, please send me another email.
 
At which time the word 'sincerity' is identified, please move forward with your calligraphic services - I agree to the terms set forth in your previous email.  Please inform me of your payment receiving address.  Upon receipt of your services and mailing address, I will remit payment using certified funds (bank cashier's check) and mail and utilize USPS Priority Mail (2-3 day mail).
 
Again Stewart, thank you.

4::As it turns out, I supplied the appropriate Arabic word to match the meaning sought after by the client. I promised a minimum of three designs. However, while working to produce a good design I actually produced more than three designs. As is my usual procedure I provided the client with all the designs produced. That isn't a guarantee that you'll be so lucky--but I do make it a habit to provide a client with all the finished work done on any particular commission.

Here is the finished job:

A second client asked for a line of poetry to be inscribed inside of a wedding ring. The translation was made and the following lines provided. The final cost for this job was $150.00

A third example: