Q&A: A Moment With Paper-Cutting Artist Adriana Saipe ’07

The adorable cover of PAW’s 2026 Reunions Guide, featuring George Washington Tiger leading a boatful of alumni, was created by none other than Adriana Willsie Saipe ’07. An illustrator and paper-cutting artist, she lives close to Princeton in Montgomery, New Jersey. Adriana agreed to share a bit by email about her paper process and her professional journey, from alum to artist.

How did you create this cover?

“Tiger Crossing the Delaware” is essentially a paper collage. I have an embarrassingly large collection of random paper scraps (I’ve been amassing my trove for years) that I will source paper from. If I can’t find what I’m looking for, I’ll sometimes create a specific pattern or gradient digitally and print it out before cutting it. I use a laser to cut the more intricate patterns (such as the waves). And then some of the textures and patterns are hand-drawn on the paper (such as the plaid jacket). Finally, I like to wedge little bits of foam core between certain layers to strategically give it depth where needed. Overall, the sketching and planning phase of this piece took a couple of weeks, and then the actual production of the piece took about five days.

How did you learn this type of art, and what got you interested in it?

The first time I developed this technique was when I was messing around in my studio trying to create something for my husband (Noah Saipe, also ’07) to celebrate our 10th anniversary. I had so much fun making the tiny paper people that I then made a piece of my three daughters. After that, I started getting commissions from private clients for similar pieces of their families and loved ones. I love seeing the little paper characters come to life as I cut, assemble, and glue. I also love the physical nature of cut paper. Digital illustration is my first love, but I’ve recently been drawn towards these more old-school, analog techniques.

Where else would we see your work? Do you typically illustrate for publications, private events?

I began my career as an illustrator when I started my wedding company, Ink with Intent, about seven years after I graduated. I’ve since done over 5,000 projects for clients all over the world. Many of those projects were for couples who were getting married, but I’ve also worked with musicians, private collectors, schools, religious institutions, and nonprofits. Recently I’ve become more interested in editorial work and children’s literature. I’m hoping this next year will be a time of exploration for me in my studio. 

What did you study at Princeton? Have you always been an artist?

My major was psychology and my certificate was in Spanish literature. I’ve always loved to draw (and hoard bits of paper), but it wasn’t until I was unexpectedly laid off from a desk job in 2011 that I made the leap into doing art professionally. And I’ve never looked back!

How big is the original piece you created for PAW, and where can alumni see it during Reunions? 

The artwork is roughly 16 inches by 20 inches and about 1.5 inches deep. It’s currently on display in the lobby of Firestone Library, right outside the Cotsen Children’s Library and the Nursery of Rebellion exhibit. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add, anything you’d like people to know?

There’s nothing I love more than connecting with other Tigers who are pursuing careers in the visual arts! I’m so grateful for other creative Princetonians who have supported my work and shared their own with me. You can find me at adrianasaipe.com or on Instagram at @inkwithintent.