just say Julie!

Posts like this make me smile. Not just because the packaging is so fantastic (which it absolutely is), but because all the counteless hours people have poured into this site are really paying off and helping people. What a fantastic way to “pay it forward”! Grab a Coke, a smile, and kick back. Another great packaging feature / guest post coming up…by Julie Rollins Photography…

This past October 2009 is when I decided to move full steam ahead with my photography business. I scoured the Internet daily, trying to soak up everything I possibly could on how to get my business off the ground and running. I constantly read about how important branding is and I knew I had a ton of work ahead of me. I came across the Paperie Boutique website and turned to it almost daily looking for inspiration for the packaging I would eventually come up with.

My New Years Resolution for 2010 was two parts. The first part was to get my blog (julierollinsphotography.com/blog/) up and running. The second part was to design my packaging and Welcome Kit.

All of the colors in my packaging are a direct spinoff of my logo. I wanted to stick to that same color scheme, which made things easy for me.

My bags, tissue, ribbon, raffia, large Kraft boxes and Kraft pillow boxes are all from Gift Box Corp of America.

My large and small round stickers are from Zazzle.

My brown photo boxes are from DNL Photo.

My rounded hangtags are from 48HourPrint.com.

Inside the chocolate boxes you will find clear bags with backing boards, which are from Clear Bags. Also included in the boxes are 5×5 cards with portrait care and copyright information.

When my clients call to book their session, the first thing I do is send them out their Welcome Packet. The packet is full of information about my photography, pricing and session details.

The Kraft colored presentation folder is from Paper Presentation.

Inside my Welcome Packet you will find a chocolate petal envelope with my referral cards in it and a 5×5 card detailing the program. The envelope is from Paper Source.

Also included in my Welcome Packet are a pen and a sticky note pad. These two items along with my 4×8 rack card are from Vista Print.

The remainders of my press printed products are from local printers. I love being able to have all of this information together in my Welcome Packet, because it’s so nice to mail this right off to my clients when they call to book their session. The last thing I include in the Welcome Packet is a Session Reminder Card, which is also from a local printer.

Designing all of my press printed products took a while and then ordering all of the packaging was also a huge job. That being said, having everything done is such a relief. I felt great today when I had a new client call to book a session for next week and I dropped her Welcome Kit off at the post office this afternoon. Knowing that I have this all finished, I probably would still be trying to figure things out if it hadn’t been for the inspiration from Paperie Boutique! Thank you so much Robyn – I love your site!!!

-Julie

Thank you so much, Julie! Make sure to stop by her blog and say “hi”! (You can also see a lot of the photos above bigger and in greater detail there.) And don’t forget to submit your own packaging photos to the site (instructions at post’s end)!

In case you didn’t see today’s newsletter, Paper Source just announced a new recycled kraft paper collection. Check it out:

Don’t forget there’s just over 24 hours left to enter the “Pink Boutique Packaging Set” from Paperie Boutique and HB Photo Packaging. Go here to enter!

If you’re interested in having your own business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment).

the dotted line

(Psssst…read to the end of this post for a chance to win fabulous prizes!)

Last fall I featured an amazing guest post by Heather James Photography. In it she shared her accordion price guide. She’s now designed that guide for you to use as well, and provided an amazing discount to Paperie readers. I’ll let Heather do the talking from here…

Last summer I found myself with a dilemma: I had an inquiry from someone who didn’t have internet. I found myself scrambling as I had built my business on an eco-friendly format and had nothing to send the potential client. I needed something that showcased my best photography, my pricing and most of all my passion for my work. I also needed a product that wouldn’t break the bank and was easily reproduced in small quantities. And so, the accordion price guide was born!

I love this piece and have had so many compliments and inquiries on what’s exactly inside that I’ve decided to release it as my first template in my shop for my new project, Brand by Heather James. This 10- panel accordion offers places for you to showcase images, provide information about you as an artist and your sessions, as well as a large section dedicated to pricing, packages and products. The photoshop template is both a fully editable and multi-layer and includes sample text direct from Heather James Photography’s guide that we currently use to help you get started.

I love this product so much that I want you all to have it as a part of your business brand. That’s why from now through March 31, 2010, take $10 off the purchase price of the template with offer code pbmarch2010. Be sure to visit our design site at thebrandproject.com and our shop at thebrandproject.com/shop for more details on this template and all of our other design offerings!

Thank you so much for sharing these, Heather! They look fantastic!

Today’s giveaway is a “Pink Boutique Packaging Set” courtesy of Paperie Boutique & HB Photo Packaging. Read on to see what’s included and details how to win!

The “Pink Boutique Packaging Set” includes:

• two sets of 2 still-shrinkwrapped 9×9x3″ boxes (4 total) by Making Memories (includes photo corners on top to hold 4×6″ photo – you can see it in use in my own packaging here – great for announcements, prints, and session albums 8×8″ and smaller)
• one 5×7 1/2″-deep Paragon Brown photo box from HB Photo Packaging
• one 5×7 1/2″-deep Pink Pearl photo box from HB Photo Packaging
• one 5×7 stretch ribbon loop in brown from HB Photo Packaging
• one 1.75×2.75″ photo frame by All Tied Up
• three 24″ strips of brown ribbon with pink polka dots / gold edging
• 1.5-yards of Martha Stewart Crafts decorative ribbon tape
• three .5-yard strips of 1/8″ stitch grosgrain ribbon in deep-brown/white, beige/brown, and white/chocolate
• one 25-yard roll of 1.5″ Bella Terra paper ribbon in chocolate from HB Photo Packaging
• one HB Photo Packaging “Professional Photography Presentation Packaging” guide

To win, it’s simple! Go to your blog, Facebook account, Flickr account, or Twitter account and post the following:

I NEED the “Pink Boutique Packaging Set” from Paperie Boutique & HB Photo Packaging / h-bphoto.com – visit paperieboutique.com for more!

Please note: The link you post must direct to a public account. I cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this promotion.

You can enter up to four times total – one entry each per public, non-private blog URL / Facebook / Flickr / Twitter account. Post the URL to your link(s) in the comments for THIS ENTRY. Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 a.m. EST on Thursday, March 11th.

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize. Good luck!

If you’re interested in having your own business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment).

guess who?

Another big thank you to Color Inc. Digital Pro Lab for the last amazing giveaway! I’m happy to announce that the winner of the free 16×20 gallery wrap canvas is Rosemarie Songsong!

More contests are currently in the works, so stay tuned! Happy WPPI week!

the perfect Color

I promised y’all something big today – and here it is! Today’s guest post is by Color Inc. Digital Pro Lab.

Make sure you read all the way to the end because there’s a very special prize and an amazing offer exclusive to Paperie Boutique viewers!

Color Inc. is a full service digital lab that is founded on helping other photographers experience the same success as we have through education, networking, and marketing. Our commitment to you is to provide you with the best digital product at the best possible price.

We are excited to offer one Paperie reader a free 16×20 gallery wrap canvas!

Photographer Lori Reedy had this to say about Color Inc. gallery wraps: “…Gallery wrapped canvas art is the top selling product in my studio, so it just made sense to show more of what my clients love. After all, you sell what you show and canvas is perfect for that tactile high end presentation.”

Our Gallery Wrapped Canvases are a high-quality, finished product that will come ready to hang the moment it is unwrapped. Preserve your memories in style with the Gallery Wrap!

Each Canvas is hand wrapped around a 1½” frame with the finest attention to detail. Each piece is properly finished with a wire hanger, bumpers, and you can choose to leave the back open or cover it with Tyvek® backing. In addition, your canvas will be coated with Hahnemuhle protective spray which protects your work from harmful UV rays and other atmospheric contaminants.

Our wrapped canvases are available in the “Gallery Wrapped Canvas” catalog in our ROES software. To order first read these instructions, then go into ROES and click the “Sizes” button, then the “Gallery Wrapped Canvas” option as seen at left. Canvases are arranged by size within that catalog.

So now you’re ready to win that 16×20 gallery wrap canvas, right?

Go to your blog, Facebook account, Flickr account, or Twitter account and post the following:

Wrap it up! Win a gallery wrap canvas from Paperie Boutique & @colorinc / colorincprolab.com – visit paperieboutique.com for details!

Please note: The link you post must direct to a public account. I cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this promotion.

You can enter up to four times total – one entry per public, non-private blog URL / Facebook / Flickr / Twitter account. Post the URL to your link(s) in the comments for THIS ENTRY. Because so many people are traveling to WPPI this weekend, I am extending the contest through Monday morning this time. Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 a.m. EST on Monday, March 8th.

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be put in touch with Color Inc. within 24 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

As if that wasn’t awesome enough, Color Inc. is also offering all Paperie readers 25 FREE 4×6 prints! Use the code PB25.

Thank you so much Color Inc.! You’re definitely kicking everyone’s weekend off on a great note!

And just in case you missed yesterday’s entry, keep scrolling because you have to check out the The Boutique Product Catalog!

Here’s just one more example of how they can be customized:

It’s a product I can’t wait to use, and I think you’ll feel the same! So go peek…

Have a great weekend everyone!
-Robyn

If you’re interested in having your own business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment).

what a concept

I was lucky enough to get a demo version of The Boutique Product Catalog recently. To say I was “blown away” would be an understatement. In fact, I tore into the box like a little kid at Christmas. And then I made my poor husband sit there and “oooh” and “ahhh” right along with me until he showed enough enthusiasm for me to let him off the hook and return to my regularly scheduled swooning in private.

I have been looking for a solution like this – not only in look, but in price – forever. This delivers and then some! The concept is fantastic. The design is beautiful. The quality is exceptional. And because they’re customizable and the wording is available, well that’s really just the icing, now isn’t it?

It is with much excitement that I introduce Andrea Halsey of “The Designer Concept” for today’s guest post…

If you have ever looked into creating a unique catalog to hand to your clients at (or before) your session, you may have had some of the same troubles I did when seeking out this perfect marketing piece. After a lot of research, both local and around the digital marketplace of the world wide web, I finally found a solution that was perfect for the Boutique Experience, and light on the pocket!

I wanted a piece that served the following purposes:
- Boutique Look and Feel
- Something unique you can’t just get anywhere
- Something small enough for clients to keep in their pocketbooks (and show off to friends and family)
- Something concise and image-oriented
- A piece that matched my branding and set me apart from other local photographers

Is it so much for a girl to ask?!

Well, I did find some solutions that I loved, but just couldn’t swallow the price tags. I started to find myself looking into custom pieces that had minimum quantities in the thousands just to reduce the price to $3 or $4 a piece. Or, if I wanted to spend $10 a piece, I could get just 250 (insert googley eyes). When I looked into smaller booklet-style pieces, I just wasn’t happy with the look and feel. I wanted my pieces to have that wow-factor that represented the caliber of my boutique work, and the products I offer.

After some prototype mockups, I found a solution that would only cost me around $1/catalog and met all of my expectations. I kid you not! And the minimum quantity was right where I needed it to be, at just one hundred pieces. Having used the pieces myself, I know how valuable they are and can confirm that you will love handing them to clients, leaving them with other businesses, and handing them out to prospective clients… and they will love them too!

The deal only gets sweater. One of the issues I share with many other photographers, is the need to update or change pieces in my product catalog over time. Imagine spending $2,500 on your product catalogs just to realize a vendor has increased their prices or discontinued production. What if you have a new product line you want to add? Even though your original investment for your catalogs may have been around $100, the way our pieces are put together, you can update an entire section for just around $15 or $20. And when I say update, I mean update ALL of your booklets.

The team at my studio has put together a template for The Designer Concept that will give you a Master Cover template to custom match to your branding, as well as layout guides and instructions for creating your own booklet for just $1/piece. You can also purchase our Premium Template and have my personal catalog shipped to your door! This will give you a first-hand look at how I have created my own catalog, the products I offer my clients, and the images and wording that I use.

Paperie Exclusive Alert!

I have developed an exclusive Paperie Master Cover Template ONLY available for Paperie Boutique readers. After purchasing your template, simply email me your PayPal transaction ID and mention Paperie Boutique, and you will get in on this exclusive cover template. (If you have already purchased the Boutique Product Catalog, you can still email me for the exclusive cover!)

Last but not least, I can’t help but give a little something more in the form of a limited time discount!

For *one week only* you can get a $25 or $35 discount only for Paperie Boutique readers and friends.

For the Premium Template, get $35 off instantly by using this code:
PaperieExclusivePremium

For the standard template, get $25 off instantly by using this code:
PaperieExclusiveStandard

OFFER ENDS THURSDAY, MARCH 11TH

Thanks to all for reading, much love!
~Andrea

Thank you so much for the product, and the special Paperie exclusive plus discount, Andrea! I cannot wait to get mine together and share the photos here!

In just minutes the My Funky Camera contest will come to a close. But stay tuned! There’s another HUGE give-away coming on Friday. Yes, I said HUGE. So don’t forget to check back in!

If you’re interested in having your own business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment).

just a splash of color

This guest post is a double-win – it has a packaging feature and a separate vendor-promo at the end! Jamie Brokus of Color Splash Studio LLC recently contacted me to see if I’d like to feature her packaging? Are you kidding, Jamie?!? I almost want to switch my color-scheme after seeing the photos!

I was so inspired by all of the awesome packaging I saw other photographers put together, so I am sending you what I came up with following Heather Garland’s guest post at Paperie.

After hearing Sarah Petty talk about boutique packaging, bringing your brand together and then seeing all of the wonderful things other photographers have been so willing to share on this blog, I was inspired to put together my own. It is so cool to watch people walk out of my studio with bags with my name on them and tissue and have them feel like their money was well spent on the the prints they just bought.

My kraft paper shopping bags, tissue and raffia are from Nashville Wraps. I also am using their gourmet food shipping box for a shipping box. It fits up to an 8×10 box.

My shipping labels are from 123print.com.

My photo boxes are from Rice Studio Supplies. I am also using their portrait cases for 11×14 and 16×20 prints.

My logo stamp is from Simon Stamp with the big and juicy stamp pad.

My square thank you sized business card tied on the bags is from prolabexpress.com.

My business cards are from overnightprints.com and then I score them myself.

Gift card is from Miller’s Lab on water color paper and trifold brochure is from WHCC.

Circle Stickers are from Zazzle.

Small orange suitcase is from Paper Source, and costs half the price of a custom proof box.

Note from Robyn: It’s harder and harder to get the retro-suitcases from Paper Source. Land of Nod recently started carrying them, so try there as well!

Thank you so much for sending these along Jamie! (Don’t forget to visit her blog.) It should not only inspire others, but also show how quickly you can pull a look together once you decide on the direction.

And now…the promo! It’s no secret this blog is a big fan of Moo. Not only am I excited to find out I’m in “The Moo Ideas Book” (pages 3 and 33 – see the book here on display at a trade show) — I’m also excited to share a new Moo.com promo just for Paperie readers.

Using the code SHUTTER10 will give you an extra 10% off a 200 pack of Business Cards (classic or green stock) OR a 400 pack of MiniCards.

The code:
• is valid for one pack
• expires midnight PDT on March 31st, 2010
• is only valid for one use per customer
• is an additional 10% off the cost of a bulk pack (Bulk packs are already discounted, so this makes it even better value!)

Please note: the code will not work on 4 separate packs of 100 MiniCards. It must be used on the bulk-pack of 400.

Thank you, Moo! If you haven’t already, check out the sidebar to the right for free Moo template downloads from Paperie…

P.S. Don’t forget the My Funky Camera contest is still running through 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, March 4th!

If you’re interested in having your own business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment).

Funky! fresh.

You’ve got the camera. You’ve got the hip camera bag. So why on earth are you still using that factory-issued camera strap? It’s time to get funky!

The photo below shows my own “My Funky Camera” straps. I have four total – 2 sets of matching neck straps + wristlets. (Although I have to confess, I love my wristlets so much, they rarely leave the cameras.)

The product is described as a “fun, funky, trendy camera strap or wrist strap” and has been featured in Amateur Photographer Magazine, Digital Photographer Magazine, and Digital SLR User Magazine.

And just in case you haven’t graduated to a DSLR yet or have a weekend “play” camera, My Funky Camera also has a product line for point-and-shoot cameras. These mini-straps also work well for cell phones, hand-held video games, video cameras, ID badges, and keys.

But wait… There’s more! You can even get Funky Jotters notebook covers to match your camera strap.

And because the owner of My Funky Camera, Gabi, is a long-time fan of Paperie Boutique – she is offering two straps (any size, any kind) up to our readers.

UPDATE: The two winners have been announced here and here – thanks to everyone for participating!

To make this giveaway a little fun, this time it’s going to run two days (edited to add: ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, March 4th), and there’s two different ways to win each strap:

1. The first way / easy way to win is go to your blog, Facebook account, Flickr account, or Twitter account and post the following:

Get Funky with Paperie Boutique & @myfunkycamera / myfunkycamera.com – visit paperieboutique.com to win a My Funky Camera strap!

You can enter once via this method – one entry can be posted to your blog URL, Facebook, Flickr, or Twitter account. Then post that (ONE) URL to your link down in the comments for this entry. Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by writing the comment numbers for “chance 1″ on a slip of paper and drawing the number out of a hat. The prize information will be e-mailed to that person within 24 hours of contest’s end.

To be clear, you can post via any of the methods listed (blog, Facebook, Flickr, Twitter) – but you can only link ONE of those methods here. That is your first chance to win. Which brings us to the second chance to win, using a separate comment…

2. To win the second strap is going to require more creativity. We need a shot of you, or you and your camera, or even just your camera. But one of those three has to be in the photo. And either you or your camera have to illustrate through the photo WHY you need a new camera strap. Maybe you can take your cell phone and snap a photo of your DSLR on the street corner holding a sign that says “Will work for My Funky Camera strap”. Or maybe you can take a photo of yourself all pouty, holding your ratty old factory-issued strap that’s now held together with duct tape and safety pins. Perhaps even get a couple of friends sporting their super-fly straps to point and laugh at you sadly without…

The possibilities are endless. But creativity counts! Gabi and I will select the winner within 24 hours of the contest’s end.

Post a link to your photo entry in the comments.

You may enter two times total – once for posting the quote above online, and once with a photograph. Good luck! And thanks Gabi for such a fantastic prize!

If you’re interested in having your own business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment).

third time’s a charm

The Internet is full of photography-related forums now, both free and paid, private and public, new and old. Sometimes it gets pretty overwhelming to figure out what to choose—not only from the sheer volume of groups out there, but also deciding which ones will benefit your business and be the best investment of your time. On the 17th of last month, I gave one recommendation. Now I’m proud to feature the only other paid-forum that I’m a member of – Pinkle Toes 4 Photographers (PT4P). I have been a member of PT4P since day one of v1, and immediately renewed my membership for v2 and v3. I’ve always found it more than worth the expense for the member forum alone—nevermind the business and marketing materials, templates, card designs, website expansion tools, etc. So it is with great excitement that I introduce Michele, a.k.a. Pinkletoes, to explain more.

Spring your photography business into action with Pinkle Toes 4 Photographers! Now in its third year, PT4P is the original ever-evolving, all-in-one design, marketing, and resource center for photographers. Whether you’re just starting out or even if you’ve been in the business for years, PT4P has materials to help save you time and money and keep your business fresh and moving forward. New materials are released quarterly, but here is just a small sample of the kinds of templates created just for PT4P members:

Be sure to check out ALL of the offerings in PT4P including webinars (topics chosen by the members), album and framing actions, contract and brochure templates, and so much more.

Special Limited Time Offer: Purchase your v3 membership by March 7th and mention “Paperie Boutique” in your payment message and you’ll receive a bonus Senior Save the Date postcard template.

Thank you so much for doing a guest post, Michele! I look forward to seeing some of you at PT4P soon!

If you’re interested in having your own business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment).

March…in like a lion!

Once more, thanks to Pixel2Canvas for our last amazing giveaway! What a response!

Without further adieu, the big winner of the “Sample Set” is…Christy Johnson!

And in case you missed it, Susan Kelly won the 20×24 canvas for being the first one to correctly post Roxanne’s birthday.

We have another big week ahead so check back again on Monday! Thanks again!

oh say can you P2C

I told everyone that Friday would be a big day around here, and I don’t plan on disappointing! Today we have a very special guest with a very special prize. It’s a vendor I’ve used since 2007 and can’t rave about enough. Can you guess who it is? Ready? Set? Go!

About Pixel2Canvas: “After well over a decade of experience in the photography, design and printing businesses, we have decided to focus on delivering the best quality, artist grade, printed canvases to our fellow photographers and artists. We are committed to the highest standard of quality printing. We use only the best quality canvas, fine art papers, stretcher bars, K3 ultrachrome inks, and UV coatings to ensure that your art will be around for generations to come. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction. In fact, we won’t accept anything less! We are here to be your sole provider for canvas and fine art prints. We expect to win you over with our great service, fantastic quality, and exceptional value.”

And to celebrate the P2C debut on Paperie Boutique, they are giving away the following prize:

The “sample set” prize includes…
• Gallery Wrap Canvas – Your image is printed on canvas and stretched over deep gallery stretcher bars. These bars have a depth of 1.5 inches and allow the piece to be hung directly on the wall without a frame. Every canvas is covered across the back with Tyvek with hardware to hang the canvas already installed.
• Chromaluxe Panel – Custom made panels that have the clean look of a mounted print with no need for a frame.
• Aluminum Panel w/ Ice Block Stand – These aren’t metal prints. They’re aluminum panels with a poly-resin coating. The coating is clear, so when it bonds with the ink you can see the metal shine through which gives it a wicked 3-D look. Ice Block Stands give your customer the option to display the metals on a desk or table with a sleek, modern stand – which also allows you to add your logo to the back of the metal and it will be seen. (Check out the P2C blog for more photos!)

So wipe the drool off your keyboard and get ready to win this prize! To enter, go to your blog, Facebook account, Flickr account, and/or Twitter account and post the following:

Paperie Boutique / paperieboutique.com rocks with @canvasrox – visit to win fabulous prizes from Pixel2Canvas / pixel2canvas.com!

You can enter up to four times total – one entry per blog URL / Facebook / Flickr / Twitter account. Post the URL to your link(s) in the comments for THIS ENTRY . Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST this Sunday, February 28th.

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be put in touch with Pixel2Canvas within 24 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Hey, did you notice I said “prizes” up there? As in…plural. You read that correctly! Roxanne reopened the prize vault and is offering a 20×24 Gallery Wrap Canvas to the first person to post her birthday in the comments of this entry. Fire up Google (and please leave a valid e-mail address so I can contact you)!


UPDATE: 20×24 “birthday prize” was gone within minutes of this entry going up. It’s no longer up for grabs. But you still have all weekend to win the “sample set”!

Going to WPPI in March? Make sure to check out Pixel2Canvas in person!

Thank you so much Roxanne and P2C! What a fun, amazing giveaway!

P.S. Don’t forget there’s less than an hour to enter for yesterday’s tri-fold press printed card template giveaway. Check the previous post for details. The winner will be posted at noon EST today.

If you’re interested in having your own business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment).