Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

General Questions

What is distant earth studio?

Distant Earth Studio is a side project by photographer Brett Simison where he creates handmade, limited-run screen printed art, posters, and apparel inspired by fantasy, sci-fi, science, and nature themes. Every piece is hand-pulled using traditional screen printing methods in Vergennes, Vermont, making each print unique with beautiful, tactile variations.

What does “Art for a Fictional Universe” mean?

Distant Earth Studio is my creative exploration of imagined worlds and speculative themes. The work draws inspiration from the storytelling traditions of fantasy and science fiction, combined with my love of nature and science, to create art that exists in its own narrative space.

Is the shop open for orders?

Not yet! The shop is currently in the alpha test phase. You can browse items and add them to your cart, but I’m not accepting orders at this time. Please check back soon or contact me through the Contact form if you have questions about specific prints.

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Products & Printing

What makes your prints “handmade”?

Every item is hand-pulled using traditional screen printing methods. Unlike mass-produced prints, each piece goes through a manual printing process that creates slight, beautiful variations—no two prints are exactly alike. This tactile, imperfect creation process is what gives each piece its character.

Do you offer framing?

Currently, all prints are sold unframed and I’m probably not going to change that. Framing can be a very personal choice, and shipping framed items is expensive. I encourage you to patronize your local custom frame shop. This allows you to choose framing that best suits your space and style and helps local businesses!

what sizes and types of prints do you offer?

I offer posters printed on premium fine art and kraft papers. Specific sizes vary by design. Check individual product listings for dimensions, or contact me if you’re looking for something specific.

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Materials & Sustainability

What materials do you use?

I’m committed to quality and sustainability:

Paper: Premium fine art and kraft papers for posters

Apparel: 100% cotton for comfort and durability

Inks: Water-based, eco-friendly inks only

Are your inks environmentally friendly?

Yes! All inks used are high-quality, water-based, and eco-friendly. I believe in making art responsibly.

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Ordering & Shipping

How do I place an order?

The shop is still being set up, so I’m not processing orders yet. Once the shop is fully operational, you’ll be able to complete purchases directly through the website. Sign up for updates or check back soon!

Can I request a custom print or commission?

I’m open to inquiries! If you’ve seen my work and have a question about a specific print or custom work, please reach out through the Contact form and we can discuss possibilities.

Why does “Brett Simison Photography” appear on my payment/statement?

Because Distant Earth Studio is a side project, all payment processing is handled through my photography business account. You’ll see “Brett Simison Photography” on payment pages and on your credit card or bank statements—this is completely normal and confirms your purchase from Distant Earth Studio.

Do you ship internationally?

Not quite yet. I’m researching reliable shipping rates for destinations outside of the United States. Shipping details will be available once the shop is fully operational. Feel free to contact me if you have specific shipping questions.

What payment methods do you accept?

All payments are securely processed through Stripe. I accept all major credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Stripe also supports digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay for quick checkout.

Is it safe to use my credit card on your site?

Absolutely. All payment processing is handled through Stripe, a trusted and secure payment platform used by millions of businesses worldwide. I never see or store your credit card information—it’s processed entirely through Stripe’s encrypted system.

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Returns & Quality

What is your return policy?

Since each piece is handmade and limited-run, return and exchange policies will be clearly outlined once the shop opens. Quality and customer satisfaction are important to me.

Can I request a custom print or commission?

I’m open to inquiries! If you’ve seen my work and have a question about a specific print or custom work, please reach out through the Contact form and we can discuss possibilities.

Why does “Brett Simison Photography” appear on my payment/statement?

Because Distant Earth Studio is a side project, all payment processing is handled through my photography business account. You’ll see “Brett Simison Photography” on payment pages and on your credit card or bank statements—this is completely normal and confirms your purchase from Distant Earth Studio.

Why do handmade prints have variations?

The beauty of hand-pulled screen printing is in its imperfections. Slight variations in ink coverage, registration, and texture are natural results of the manual printing process. These “imperfections” are what make each print unique and give it character—they’re features, not flaws!

What payment methods do you accept?

All payments are securely processed through Stripe. I accept all major credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Stripe also supports digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay for quick checkout.

Is it safe to use my credit card on your site?

Absolutely. All payment processing is handled through Stripe, a trusted and secure payment platform used by millions of businesses worldwide. I never see or store your credit card information—it’s processed entirely through Stripe’s encrypted system.

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About the Artist

Who creates Distant Earth Studio art?

That’s me, Brett Simison! I’m a Vermont-based artist who also works in photography. Distant Earth Studio is where I explore my passion for screen printing and create art inspired by the themes and stories I love. Learn more on my dedicated About page.

Can I request a custom print or commission?

I’m open to inquiries! If you’ve seen my work and have a question about a specific print or custom work, please reach out through the Contact form and we can discuss possibilities.

Where are you located?

I’m based in Vergennes, Vermont, where all the printing happens.

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Contact & Connect

How can I get in touch?

You can reach me through the Contact form on the website. I’m happy to answer questions about prints, commissions, or anything else!

What about your photography work?

My photography portfolio is at brettsimison.com. If you found Distant Earth Studio through my photography, welcome!

Where can I follow your work and stay updated?

I’ve got a blog right here on this website. You can also connect with me on social media for the latest updates, new releases, and behind-the-scenes looks at the printing process:

Bluesky: @distantearthstudio.bsky.social

Instagram: @distantearthstudio