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).

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!

Heather, be thy name

I am so excited about this guest post—it has really inspired me to change things up a bit and add a few new items to my packaging arsenal. Sit back, take five, grab and drink, and prepare to be wow’ed by Heather of Heather Garland Photography!

“Wow, I feel like it’s Christmas and I just got handed the most beautiful present under the tree.” When a client told me this one day, I knew why I put so much work into my package. It wasn’t just because I loved packaging, it was because my clients loved it too and it made them feel special. Of course, I do love packaging too. It is so exciting to me and I am always working to improve my packaging. Most people think it is silly to put so much investment and work into handing clients who have already booked you their prints. I think that is quite wrong, our clients that have had sessions are photographers MOST important marketing tool. Every one of them has friends, family, and co-workers who get married, have babies, and want family portraits. Making my clients happy is my biggest goal, not just for referrals but because I genuinely consider them friends after our sessions. Because of this, when I hand them their prints, I want them to feel like I handed them something worth the hundreds of dollars they paid for it.

First off my amazing marketing products and logo are from Amy Grace at candyapplestudios.com. She is absolutely incredible. I already had my logo done before and just switched to her to give me a somewhat new look. She made me feel so professional and amazing. Every design she handed me I was in awe because they were so incredible.

Above is my packaging. I have 3 different sizes of bags (one for sizes up to 5×7, one for prints up to 8×10, and one for sizes up to 16×20), a few different sizes of boxes (wallets, 4×6, & 8×10), and multiple shipping boxes (4×6, 8×10, and DVD sized).

My bags, boxes, tissue paper, and shipping boxes are all from papermart.com.

My tags are from cpq.com, are tied with raffia from bagsandbows.com.

My 8×10 boxes (apparel boxes), which I place inside the bags, have ribbon from Hobby Lobby and are secured with a 2 inch sticker I made myself. (I am probably going to start an etsy store eventually, just because there aren’t a lot of places to get quality round stickers. I’ve tried tons of places like Zazzle and can’t stand the shift.) I also have a 2×3.5 inch sticker from whcc.com on the bottom of my boxes and in the middle of my bags.

Inside my boxes I put the prints, an envelope with a copy of the contract, a business card, a referral post card with referral cards, and usually a little post-it note with a note to the client.

Here is a close-up of the envelopes with the contract. They are from vistaprint.com.

I include referral cards that share my referral program, along with a baggie from clearbags.com with 5-10 referral cards. The large postcard is from whcc.com and the business cards are from gotprint.net.

These are the post-it notes from 123print.com.

My prints are secured with the appropriate bag from clearbags.com and have white backing board.

I also have little wallet boxes and 4×6 boxes (jewelry boxes) that are inside the bag (if applicable).

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They have small 1 inch stickers on them, which I use on a lot of my products. I also make these myself.

If clients order a gift card, I package them the same as prints but in a 4×6 box. Here is a close-up of my gift cards.

My shipping boxes are new for me, I figured if I was professional in my other packaging I should have the same look for my shipping too.

I get my shipping labels from 123print.net and use a 2 inch sticker to seal it.

I include a tag (unpunched), the pictures, and tissue paper. This a 4×6 sized box with 4×6 prints and wallets.

For my wedding clients, I have my contracts printed and put in a folder from Office Depot. My folders are the only thing I am changing soon. I am looking into brown folders from paperpresentation.com. I put a 1 inch sticker in the corner and a business card in the slot inside.

When they book I send them a copy of the contract, a thank you card, and a candle. The thank you is from whcc.com and the candle is from Bath & Body Works.

I also include a link to a personalized site. This site has dates their payments are due, a copy of the contract & model releases, a get-to-know-you email form, and special tips for the wedding. If you want to see an example you can check it out here: http://heathergarland.com/bridesite/

Here is a close up of the thank you cards, referral cards, and business cards again.

The only thing not shown is my DVD cases, they are from jewelboxing.com and designed by my amazing designer. They are personalized with pictures from the shoot, along with a print release, and a panel explaining cropping of the photos and recommending Mpix.com.

My marketing materials change all the time, but I feel like now finally my packaging is established and I will only be adding on new and more exciting pages in the future. I am so excited to be able to share my packaging and hope it can inspire someone. This blog has definitely inspired me in my packaging and I love Robyn’s packaging and every person featured on the blog. So I hope I can pay back in a way, what has inspired and helped me so much. Thanks!

Love, Heather

Did I tell you that you would be wow’ed or what? Please stop by Heather’s blog and / or leave a comment to tell her “thanks!” What a way to kick off the new week!

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).

rfp = really fun packaging

Having chic, custom packaging doesn’t have to cost you 50% of your sale-profits. If you know where to look and have somewhat of an idea how you want it to look—all it takes is a little paper, a little ribbon, and a lot of inspiration. Which brings us to today’s guest post by Tiffany Austin of rfp studio. Read on…

Hi all! My name is Tiffany and I’m the owner of rfp studio in Belmont, WI. I’m here to share my easy-peasy packaging with you!

In the picture above (view larger) you can see how my orders get the special treatment before being bagged up for the client.

All prints are mounted so the photos you see in the packages are 5×7s, 8×10s and an 11×14 for the large print.

I wrap in red wrapping paper from Kmart.

The ribbon is simple satin ribbon from Wal Mart. I also wanted to convey a more upscale look so I chose to use real satin ribbon instead of curling ribbon.

The little tags are hang tags from 48 hour print.

Portrait care and copyright info are actually on the same card. Just a pearl flat press printed card from WHCC.

Wallet tins are from containerandpackaging.com.

The stickers on the tins are wallet stickers from ACI.

All of this gets tucked in a bag….again from Wal Mart and fluffed with purple tissue from the Dollar Store. I also add another hang tag and sometimes, as you see here, I include a little key chain with an image from the session.

I love my packaging because I can get so much of the stuff locally and don’t have to keep a large inventory. However, I am looking into Nashville Wraps as a bulk supplier for my ribbon, paper, tissue and bags.

Thanks so much for looking and I hope it gives you some ideas!

Thank you so much for this guest post Tiffany! You do such amazing work! Please stop by her website and let her know how much you appreciate her time.

(P.S. Every wonder how to get those really cool icons / avatars next to your names in the comments? Wonder no more!)

More new guest post features are currently in the works! 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).

think pink

It’s no big secret what keeps y’all coming back for more… The guest posts with the pretty, pretty packaging! And as luck would have it, that’s just what I’m about to serve up… Prepare to be blown away by the gorgeous stylings of courtney jade photography!

What would cake be without the icing? Well, it would still be quite delicious, however it wouldn’t be quite as beautiful. The details are so important to me, and beautiful photos deserve beautiful packaging. From the luscious chocolate brown boxes, to the pop of the pink ribbon, nothing goes un-prettied! I’ve recently updated and upgraded my packaging, and so far everyone has loved it!

First of all, I’ve switched from putting my digital images on CDs and DVDs, and now clients will get their images on a USB Flash drive. I’ve decided to do this for a few reasons. 1) Most importantly, the images will be safer for a longer period of time. As time goes by, DVDs and CDs can lose data due to deterioration. 2) USB Drives can be re-used, recycled. If a client prefers, they can back up their USB Drive, and use it for other things. 3) They look nicer. It may be my personal preference, but USB Drives are compact, sleek, and sexy! Here’s a peek at what you’ll get when you purchase digital images from me.

Print orders will come in luscious chocolate boxes adorn with pretty pink bows!

Inside, your precious prints are wrapped in matching pink tissue! All prints are packaged in clear plastic bags inside for protection and easy handling.

Another new thing I am doing for clients is creating “referral cards”. This is a complimentary gift with any print order. Most of my clients are referrals, so what better way to get my name out there, than to give my clients miniature photos from their session with my contact information on it?! Everyone loves a wallet-sized photo to hand out to friends and family, so far my clients love this!!

I’ve also been working on updating all of my client materials. I’m not quite finished yet, but I have a feeling that in this field, there will always be more that I want to create! Here is a taste of materials that I’ve had printed to hand out to my clients and possible clients.

There are still more fabulous materials on the way, but for now I feel like my brand is established, and will only grow from here.

I am so excited to be able to be a guest on Paperie Boutique! I love this blog, and I look to it for inspiration and ideas on a very regular basis. Robyn has been an inspiration to me for years now, and I am so excited to see this blog blossom and grow! Thank you Robyn, and thanks to everyone who reads and participates in this community!

<3 Courtney Jade

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your products with us Courtney! They’re absolutely beautiful and I adore the pink – everything here is tied together so well! You have very lucky clients.

Make sure to visit her blog and tell her thank you for this guest post!

More new guest post features are currently in the works! 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).

a moment like this

Just in time for Christmas, a new guest post that comes bearing gifts!

Hey, I’m Moon! I am an 18 year old photographer who is very interested in graphic design, photography, and art in general. I’ve just started a small business called “Moments Photography“. I have done most the designing myself and was working on digital papers for albums, business cards, etc. So I thought I might as well share them here!

I also do custom logo designs, headers, and basically anything graphic-based thing needed for photography.

Thank you so much Moon! Please visit her website Moments Photography and don’t forget to download your (FREE!) gift!

This weekend I finished these cute holiday-themed birth announcements for a client’s baby who decided to make his debut about six weeks early. The artwork is by Holly Brooke Jones at twopeasinabucket.com, commercial license available.

Last but not least, one final look at my “Christmas wrapping 2009“. You can see my two Moo mini-card free template downloads (one, two) – recently featured at the Moo blog – in action.

I’m taking another break for the holidays so Merry-Happy! See you next decade… Thanks for making the 2009 Paperie Boutique debut a smashing success!

tag – you’re it.

Sorry it’s been really quiet around here lately. Most photogs are up to their eyeballs in “holiday” right now which means I haven’t put out the call for guest features so as to not impose.

That goes for me as well…so… I’m trying to keep the content new here. Promise!

I packed these up to ship tonight and thought I’d share. It’s a holiday gift for my newborn clients. A photo of their baby on the front, and graphics to make it into a gift tag on the back. I had them printed as square business cards by ProDPI.

The background “papers” and frame element on the back of the gift tag are by Sassy Designs, recently featured here at Paperie Boutique.

To complete the look, I rounded opposite corners and used a heart-shaped hole punch to create a “tag” — then finished each one up with ribbon. I’m very pleased with them. Can’t wait to hear the client reactions later this week!

Christmas came early this year

This (FREE!) Moo mini card template is designed to be used as a bag-tag or gift tag for the holidays. Just punch a hole in one end and run thin ribbon through the hole. Instant cute! You can also download a matching sticker template (FREE!) and you’ll have yourself a set. (HO)³ – a.k.a. “HO HO HO”. Get it?

You can see how the card printed from Moo in this photo below.

The red candy cane mini has also been featured recently as a (FREE!) download.

→ download link ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

Here’s another photo of other Moo mini cards / bag tags I’ve had printed recently. LOVE these things!

P.S. Check out my Moo stickers on display at Moo’s recent trade show booths!
http://www.moo.com/blog/2009/11/03/…events-trade-shows…

This template is ©Robyn Pollman, 2009. All rights reserved. It may not be copied, resold, made available for download or given away elsewhere, or redistributed without my written permission.

café d’album

When I ran across The Album Cafe website online, I knew I had to feature it here. It was instant-love. I put off an entire morning full of work just combing through the site. Thankfully they offered to do a guest post so now you can see what all the fuss is about, too!

Hi there, we are The Album Cafe!

We were so excited to be contacted by Robyn about doing this guest post! Be sure to read to the end for a great coupon! There is so much to talk about, so let’s get started…

The Album Cafe provides professionally designed Photoshop templates exclusively for photographers. As the name implies, we of course have tons of Album templates…oh, but there’s so much more!

When our company first began, we added a Suggestion Box to our website so that photographers could suggest products that they felt would be useful to them and their businesses. All the following products are a direct result of those suggestions…

Need a business card for your business? It can be so expensive to have a card designed for you, and all the “pre-made” cards out there are so generic – why not create your own card, with YOUR OWN IMAGES… our business card templates range from $3 to $7!

One of my favorite suggestions we’ve ever gotten was for blog photo templates. Most of you have a blog already that you like, but what fun to spice it up by adding fun borders and collage style layouts to the photos you upload? Check out a few of our super fun “Blog It” templates… they even include automating actions that place all your pictures in the layouts for you. Sweet!

Okay, I realize it’s only October, but the holidays will be here before you know it! How about offering your clients the option of ordering their holiday cards through you – with photos from your shoot?

We want you to have fun with your templates and maybe even learn some new cool things about Photoshop, so we have OUTSTANDING customer support! There are tutorials on our “Learn” page to help you out and free actions on our “Free Actions” page to speed you along. We are always available to answer any questions you may have (and we won’t make you wait days for an answer!) – if you’ve got a question, no matter how big or small, please ask! That’s why we’re here. That’s what we love to do.

Also, don’t forget to check out our “Free Stuff” page for totally free templates available for immediate download!

See something here you like? Want to save some $$$? Just use the code Paperie20 at checkout to receive 20% off your entire order! This code is good through December 31, 2009.

Huge thanks to The Album Cafe for an amazing guest feature and coupon code! What are you still reading here for…go…now!

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).