Behind The Scenes

Who are you and what does Gotamago mean?

The name "Gotamago" is a combination of two Japanese words: "go-cco", a self-contained printing press that was used to print the very first Gotamago card; and "tamago", meaning "egg", as a reminder of our fleeting existence and universal connection. If you want to know more about who we are, check out our story and read more about our company values.

Do you draw everything by hand?

Every product begins as an ink-and-watercolour illustration hand-drawn and -lettered by Lichia. Sometimes a design will go through many changes before being chosen for print. It’s then adjusted digitally and printed by our local print house. Every item in our collection is a labour of love from beginning to end.

What paper do you use?

We’re paper nerds and we like it that way. Our standard card stock is a heavyweight 100lb. cover stock in cool white, with a textured finish that resembles watercolour paper. Our archival prints are printed on a heavyweight smooth or textured paper, depending on the style. You can find out more by clicking on the individual product descriptions in our online shop.

Buying, Shipping, Returning, and other -ings

Where can I buy your products?

You can buy them online or at a local retailer. We love supporting local businesses. If you have a favourite shop that’s missing our products, please let us know!

I would like to carry your products in my store. Do you wholesale?

Absolutely! Please refer to our wholesale page for details on how to join the Gotamago community. It’s nice here.

How long is delivery?

We ship out of our studio in Toronto, Canada. Our processing time is 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation via email when we've shipped your order.

To keep costs down for our customers, we ship using the most economical method, which is oversized lettermail. Unfortunately for Canadian customers, this does not include tracking information unless you purchase a tracking upgrade. If you need your order within a specific time frame, we highly recommend that you purchase tracking.

Orders within Canada typically arrive within 3-7 business days, even if you are located in Toronto. Orders going to the US typically arrive within 5-9 business days. Orders going to international destinations may take up to 8 weeks to arrive. Shipping upgrades for all destinations are available at checkout.

We do our best to get your order to you in a timely manner! If you have any questions or concerns at all, or would like to purchase an additional tracking number, a faster shipping option, or insurance, please don't hesitate to contact us prior to placing your order.

Do you charge sales tax?

We do not charge tax on any orders outside of Canada. Canadian orders are charged HST or GST, depending on your province. These taxes are added automatically on checkout.

How do you ship your products?

Cards and prints are placed inside protective cello sleeves and shipped flat in rigid protective mailers. If you order multiple cards, we will package them together in one cello sleeve to minimize waste, unless otherwise requested in advance.

What are your shipping rates?

We offer free shipping within Canada and the US for all purchases over $75 (before tax). For purchases under $75 and international orders, shipping is calculated at checkout.

What's your return policy?

We understand that life isn’t always happy purchases and well-delivered mail. If you are unhappy with your purchase in any way, if it arrived damaged or got lost in the mail, please contact us. We will gladly exchange, replace, or refund your item.

Can You Do This?

Do you take illustration commissions?

Yes, depending on our schedule. Please get in touch to tell us about your project or check out Lichia's illustration portfolio for ideas.

I'd like to change/add/remove x on a card. Can you do that?

Unfortunately, no. We can’t make any changes to our existing products.

Can you write a personalized message in the card for me?

We can’t write inside the card for you, but if you have an iPad or iPhone, we encourage you to download and try Felt App. Many of our card designs are available there, and you can personalize your card before you purchase it.

My purchase is a gift. Can I include a message for the recipient?

Yes! If your order is being shipped directly to the recipient, we would be happy to include a short message on your behalf. Please leave us a note at checkout with your message. Gift messages will be carefully hand-written on a Gotamago logo note slip.

My purchase is a gift. How will it be packaged? Do you offer gift-wrap?

While we do not offer gift-wrap, we package all orders neatly in a kraft paper bag with a logo sticker. It looks simple and elegant, if we may say so ourselves. If your order is a gift, please let us know in the notes section on checkout and we will make sure not to include additional order details (like the price) with the package.

Do you design custom wedding invitations?

Honestly? No. We’re really passionate about the concept of doing what you love and for us, wedding invitations aren’t a good fit.