FAQS

 Commission Custom Art

How do I commission a new fully custom globe or map?
Please email us and explain exactly what you envision, and we’ll get back to you with a price quote. If you’d like to share drawings, photos, color swatches or color codes, those can be helpful.

What are the terms of commissioning a custom piece of art?
Wendy Gold Studios will develop all artwork and designs for you; we reserve the right to decline any Client-supplied artwork or design.

The “Scope of Work” noted in the original contract or sales price includes one preliminary design and one round of revisions. If you need more than one round of revisions or the development of other assets, it is considered beyond the Scope of Work and Wendy Gold Studios will bill an hourly rate of $50/hour for additional work. No ongoing work beyond the original Scope will be done without prior written approval.

Customize Pin Maps and Globes

How do I customize a pin map or globe I see on your website?
We include simple customization with many pin maps and globes. In general, if you see names, words, and/or dates on a sample globe or map on our website, those can be personalized at no charge. You’ll find free customization options for these in the checkout process.

For further customization (for example, a new custom legend on one of our existing vintage maps), the price will be determined based on how much time it takes to create your vision.

Custom work is anything not seen on the existing product image. Even small additions will be billed at an hourly rate of $50/hour

Pin Maps

Why don’t you use maps with current geography?
Some of our pin maps are created with authentic vintage maps, because we love their antique look. We’ve tried to re-create “modern” maps with the same aesthetic appeal, but today’s methods can only get so close to the hand-plotted maps of the past. We are willing to live with the quirks and some archaic place names in exchange for the vintage beauty.

We offer certain maps (such as World Wide Adventures) in both Vintage Antique and an up-to-date, accurate Modern World map. If you want current place names for pinning purposes, order a Modern map. If beauty is your priority, nothing compares to the artistry of a Vintage map.

How old are the vintage maps you use?
Most of our vintage maps are from the early 1900s. Though some geographical place names have changed over the years, the landmasses remain the same.

Can I add a specific location to the map?
Absolutely. We charge $20 per location for plotting and adding a location to your map. Note that we do not alter landmasses in any way.

Can I get my map or canvas in a different size than those the website offers?
Yes. Please contact us with your desired dimensions, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

How do I hang my framed pin map?
Our framed artwork and pin maps come wired and ready to hang.
• Hang centered on a screw or nail (not included).
• If using a nail, hammer it in at a 45-degree angle rather than straight in.
Note: Many museums and galleries hang artwork so that the center of the work is 57 inches from the floor, as that’s the average eye-height.

How do I mount a rolled print push pin map?
Your rolled push pin print map is shipped to you wrapped around a tube (rather than inside it) to prevent damage that can occur when a rolled print is put into or taken out of a tube. Unwrap it carefully.

Place your new push pin map on a flat surface and weigh it down with non-abrasive objects such as books. Once it’s relaxed into a flat form, you can mount it several ways:
• Pin it to a corkboard.
• Mount it on foamcore (available at craft and art supply stores) or another substance that can accept pins.
• Foamcore by itself isn’t suitable for hanging. If you plan to hang your new map on a wall, we recommend that you place the map and foamcore in a frame. If you plan to use pins, remove the glass first. Turn the frame upside down and place the map, facing forward, in it. Then, tape the foamcore onto the back of the frame so it stays in place. We recommend using black artist tape.

You can also simply take your print to a frame shop where professionals will do it all for you.

Are pins included with pin maps?
Yes, we include 100 pins with each pin map order, and you can choose which color you prefer during checkout. Please look through the packaging thoroughly to find your bag of pins. With rolled prints, please check in both end caps of the tube.

Pin Globes

Are pins included with pin globes?
Yes, we include 100 pins with each pin globe order, and you can choose which color you prefer during checkout. Your pins come in a canvas bag that’s tied around the globe axis that attaches to the base.

How do I get the pins in the pin globe?
Your pin globe comes with a wooden pin tool that’s shaped to offer leverage when pressing pins into the globe. There is an indentation on one end of the pin tool filled with rubber cement; put the pin head in the indentation, then push the pin in.

We recommend using fingers initially to pinpoint the location you choose, then using the tool to push pins into place. You can hammer the tool lightly if need be. Once you get a feel for using the pin tool, subsequent pins will be easier to insert.

The globes are made of recycled material. They are designed to have some give in the axis, so don’t worry about pressing too hard. We’ve never had a case of someone breaking the axis. Feel free to use elbow grease as long as the globe ball itself is braced on your legs or something else that won’t give.

Can I request a certain base style or color for my globe?
Yes, we do our best to accommodate any and all requests.

Can I see a proof of a customized globe or map so I can approve it before it is finished?
Absolutely. Please request a proof when you place your order, and we’ll send a photo to you via email for your approval before shipping.

How should I maintain or clean my globe?
We recommend that you keep your globe out of direct sunlight. It can be cleaned with a dry microfiber cloth.

Can people sign your globes, such as to use as a wedding guest book?
Yes! We recommend black sharpies for ivory or blue globes, and metallic sharpies (silver or gold) for black or dark-colored globes. We also carry black ink, fine-tip pens that can personalized with names and dates.

Handmade Globe Art

How long does it take to receive my handmade globe?
Each globe is handmade and personalized in our California studio, so we allow time for every step of the process - from creating and pressing the globe to adding your personalization and applying the finishing touches. While our typical lead time for a Custom Handmade Globe is 3-4 weeks, each globe is individually crafted and may occasionally require additional production time to meet our quality standards. We recommend allowing some flexibility if you're ordering for a specific event or deadline.

What can I personalize on my globe?
Complimentary personalization is included with your globe and is created around the North Pole. We offer four stained base options to choose from - whitewash, clear maple, walnut, or ebony.

For further personalization (for example adding specific images, a company’s logo, etc.) the price will be determined based on how much time it takes to create your vision.

Whether you're celebrating a milestone, honoring a special place, or creating a world of your own, your personalization helps make the globe uniquely yours.

Will I get to approve my design before my globe is made?
Yes. Before we begin production, we'll send you a digital mockup of your personalized globe for review and approval. This gives you an opportunity to see how your design will come together and request changes before we begin creating your globe.
 
Your original order includes one preliminary design and one round of revisions. If additional rounds of revisions or the development of other design assets are requested beyond the original Scope of Work, additional design time will be billed at $50/hour. 

Once your design is approved, we'll move your globe into production.

What makes each globe unique?
Because each globe is handmade, no two are exactly alike. Subtle variations in the materials, pressing, and finishing are part of what makes each piece feel personal and one of a kind.

What materials do you use?
We use eco-conscious materials and non-toxic finishes in our handmade globe process. We’re thoughtful about both the materials we choose and the way we make each piece in our studio.

Will my globe look exactly like the photos?
Because each globe is handmade, subtle variations are part of the process. Differences in materials, pressing, and finishing may occur from one piece to another. These small details are part of what makes a handmade globe feel personal and one of a kind.

 How do I care for my globe?
We recommend keeping your globe in a dry indoor environment and handling it thoughtfully, as each piece is a handmade work of art. A soft microfiber cloth is ideal for gently dusting your globe.

Why does handmade production take time?
Because your globe isn't mass-produced. Each one passes through a hands-on creative process in our studio, with time built in for crafting, personalization, and finishing. We’d rather make it thoughtfully than rush it.

Collage Map Art & Vignettes

How do you make your collage map art?
Creating collages – with the world as the backdrop – is the ultimate treasure hunt and puzzle.
It begins at the flea market, where I gather vintage world maps, engravings, ephemera and illustrations. Once the materials are ready, I piece them together to create a new, seamless work of art.

Ranging from flora and fauna to wishes for a great voyage (and so much more!), each work of art takes countless hours to create. While my primary focus is to illuminate beauty and spark wonder, the geographic backdrop of each map also stirs meaningful reflections of our greater journey.

Shipping

Do you provide expedited shipping?
Yes. There is an expedited shipping option offered in the checkout process. Please keep in mind that production time is not included in transit times.

What If my artwork arrived with damage?
We pack and ship artwork with care, using very high-quality packing materials. However, if your item arrives damaged, please save the box and send us photos of the box and the damaged item. With this information, we can file a claim and get new artwork sent your way.

Partner with Us

Do you wholesale?
We wholesale select items. Please contact us for wholesale inquiries.

Do you license your work for commercial use?
Yes, we are always looking for licensing opportunities, so please contact us.

Social Media

Can I post about your work on my blog or website? Definitely! Please just make sure you link back to us and give credit for photos where credit is due. Our website is https://wendygold.com/. On Instagram, please link to @wendygoldstudios. When posting on Facebook, please link to @wendygoldstudios.

Still Have A Question?

Please email us and we’ll do our best to answer any question you might have.