My understanding, is that you can do them both at the same time. Otherwise you would have two documents (the grant & the matriculation), which would be twice the price.

When it comes to the artwork stage, you don't have to have the Lord Lyon's painter; there are others. The standard artwork can leave a lot to be desired. John Duncan of Sketraw (a member here) won't display his grant, because it is so badly done. You can see where they painted the shield incorrectly and then touched it up to make it right.

John will be able to give you better advice, PM me if you want his email address.

Regards

Chas