it’s by design

Today we have a guest / vendor post by Leslie Vega Design (with a very special discount for Paperie readers), and I share my latest column in Professional Photographer Magazine.

Leslie Vega Design is a brand design studio offering inspiring brand designs for photographers, wedding professionals, and other creative businesses. From your logo to your web image, we keep you and your business personality in mind every step of the way. Whether you’re classic, chic, modern or go ga ga over all things vintage, we help you put together the perfect brand that reflects your business.

We offer logo design, stationery, web graphics, packaging and any other creative piece to complete your look.

We would love to have you visit our Facebook page, check out our website and jump on over to our Twitter page to keep up with the daily fun at the Leslie Vega studio.

Through September 15th, Paperie readers will receive a $100 discount on the design project of your choice! Whether you need your logo designed, or any other part of your brand!

All you need to do is join us on Twitter and follow us, and visit our Facebook Page! Like our page and comment to let us know Paperie brought you to us and your $100 discount is yours!




The digital edition of the September 2011 Professional Photographer Magazine is now online for digital subscribers.

For this month’s article I reviewed albums and books by Loktah, DigiLabs, AsukaBook, KISS Books, Dream Album, Collages.net, Miller’s Professional Imaging, WHCC, Cypress Albums, GraphiStudio, Bay Photo Lab, H&H Color Lab, Finao, and Pinhole Pro.

Click the magazine pages above for a larger .pdf version. You can find the article on page 54, page 56, page 58, page 60, and page 62 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.

TGIF!

Excited Photographer Cafe is back for a new giveaway / vendor / guest post!

Photographer Cafe is dedicated to providing photographers with a beautiful shop filled with practical, fresh products, along with an inspirational blog and active Facebook page. From marketing resources to card templates to newsletters to album templates, Photographer Cafe has all the tools photographers need to look great and save valuable time.

Get a jump start on your client holiday marketing efforts with the new 2012 calendar sets. Pair a personalized calendar with a coordinating client card, and you’re well on your way to connecting with your clients this holiday season and getting your name out to countless potential clients. Choose from a variety of designs and styles, including our popular Playful set and our chic Loft set (shown below). Add coordinating business and marketing templates, and you have the tools to create a cohesive, professional presentation in no time at all.

Photographer Cafe is giving away a $100 shopping spree to one lucky Paperie reader. Here’s how to win your choice of fantastic products from the Photographer Cafe shop:

1. Visit Photographer Cafe and dream about how you would spend $100. Come back here to leave a comment, telling what you would purchase if you won.

2. Follow @PhotogCafe on Twitter, and tweet the following (and tell us where you did):
Enter to win a $100 shopping spree from @PhotogCafe / PhotographerCafe.com at @PaperieBoutique / PaperieBoutique.com – http://is.gd/w3vzLa

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want TWO chances to win, you have to do the two things listed above, and then make two separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Comment that you have followed @PhotogCafe / posted to your Twitter account, with a link to where you did it in the comments here – in addition to making another separate comment stating what you would buy if you won – to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, August 23rd. You can enter up to two times total. Post that you have met both requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to two times total – one entry each for both the options listed above. (PLEASE NOTE: Comments are held for moderation and may not appear immediately. Please be patient! They will show up eventually.)

You have two chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

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 48-72 hours of the winner-announcement to claim their prize.

Good luck!

Thanks to Photographer Cafe for the great giveaway – what a nice way to kick off the weekend!

Hope everyone has a great one!
-Robyn and Todd

je l’ai fait à ma façon—trente et un

Happy 2nd birthday to Paperie Boutique!
Visit PaperieBirthday.com for all events!

Winner announcements started on Monday, July 25th…

But we’re not done quite yet. We have one big “prize pack” giveaway for one lucky reader (from Melissa Davis Designs and Collages.net) before we sign off for the evening tonight – and another big “final giveaway” on Tuesday before we empty the punch bowl and take down the streamers. So let’s get to the fun, shall we?

Melissa Davis Designs is offering up a $100 gift certificate for this prize pack! You can see a sneak-peek of her new 2011 holiday card templates above.

And Collages.net is back one last time – this prize pack winner will also receive a $25 gift card for a Canvas Gallery Wrap.

So how do you win? It’s simple!

1. Go to your Facebook and Twitter accounts and post the following on either or both (then tell us where you did):
Win a @Collagesnet & @brandsushi & Handmade Paper Album Boxes gift packWin a @Collagesnet / Collages.net and Melissa Davis Designs gift pack at @PaperieBoutique / PaperieBoutique.com – http://PaperieBirthday.com

2. Like Collages.net on Facebook.

3. Like Melissa Davis Designs on Facebook.

4. Comment here with your favorite Melissa Davis Designs template.

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want FIVE chances to win, you have to do the five things listed above, and then make five separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Comment that you have posted to your Twitter and/or Facebook account(s), with a link to where you did it – or that you’ve liked one or both vendors on Facebook – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, July 27th. You can enter up to five times total. Post that you have met both requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to five times total – one entry each for both the options listed above. (PLEASE NOTE: Comments are held for moderation and may not appear immediately. Please be patient! They will show up eventually.)

You have five chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

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 48-72 hours of the winner-announcement to claim their prize.

Good luck!

Huge thanks to Melissa Davis Designs and Collages.net for the amazing prize pack! Check in on Tuesday for the very last birthday party gifts!




Don’t forget several of our merchants are offering discounts and coupon codes to all Paperie readers this week! Check and see if your favorite vendor is there!

Just one giveaway to go – make sure you check back Tuesday!
-Robyn

deux années – giveaway 29

Happy 2nd birthday to Paperie Boutique!
Visit PaperieBirthday.com for all events!

Winner announcements started on Monday, July 25th…

We’ve officially been at this a week now and we’re still going strong! Shame when you have so many amazing vendors donate so many awesome prizes, huh? Stay tuned today because we’ll start announcing winners to the earlier contests soon…

But first! How about we kick off with another giveaway — this one will have THREE winners! This one is from a Paperie favorite Design Aglow and DeVoe Creative Photography & Design.

Portrait Studio Welcome Packet
A fine “How do you do?”

Preparing your clients for investing in the ultimate custom portrait experience with your studio? Design Aglow’s Portrait Studio Welcome Packet is our latest comprehensive collection that sets the scene for a complete luxury experience. As time-saving as it is beautiful, all the information you’ll need is in one place and plants the seeds for ordering wall galleries and your finest products. Clients will look flawless—we supply tips for great hair, makeup, and clothing—and you’ll look even better, with a suite of items you can print yourself, or order in short runs at the your lab of choice.

A small investment to look like a million bucks (and the most impressive studio in your town), our products pay for themselves, setting the bar high for customer satisfaction and a true, customer portrait experience—and with the professional, inspiring appeal clients will want to share with friends.

INCLUDES:
•   welcome note: defines the custom portraiture experience and
    how your studio exceeds client expectations (5×7 flat note card)
•   session info card: time/date/location of session, plus studio
    information (2×7 folded bookmark)
•   fashion tips: a clothing, hair and makeup guide to help your
    clients look their best (5×5 trifold)
•   portrait referral cards to share with clients for marketing
    (business card size)
•   studio policies: what session includes, what to expect during
    and after the session, policies and copyright info (5×7 wide
    format card)
•   sticker: for branding the front of your packet (4×5.5)
•   essential “getting to know you” questionnaire to print yourself
    (8.5×11)
•   product menu: shares wall gallery and product introduction
    and ordering requirements (8 panel accordion card)
•   client gift: customizable mini promo book with 10 panels,
    quotes and studio info, plus front and back custom covers
    (3×3 accordion hardcover book)

•   BONUS: 8 page tutorial of must-have sources and information.

See more info & lots of images here:
designaglow.com/store/product…Studio-Welcome-Packet

One lucky Paperie reader will win: one $150 gift certificate to Design Aglow
- and -
one concept logo design ($250 value) from DeVoe Creative

Two other Paperie readers will each win: one $75 Design Aglow gift certificate

That’s THREE winners! So how do you win these great prizes? It’s simple!

1. Post the following to Facebook or Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
Win 3 DesignAglow.com / @designaglow giftcards + @devoecreative logo at PaperieBoutique.com / @PaperieBoutique – http://PaperieBirthday.com

2. Like Design Aglow on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Design-Aglow/100326373364376?ref=ts

3. Follow Design Aglow on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/designaglow

4. Like DeVoe Creative on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/devoecreative

5. Follow DeVoe Creative on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/devoecreative

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want SIX chances to win, you have to do the six things listed above, and then make six separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Comment that you have posted to your Twitter and/or Facebook account(s), with a link to where you did it – or that you’ve liked one or both vendors on Facebook – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, July 27th. You can enter up to six times total. Post that you have met both requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to six times total – one entry each for both the options listed above. (PLEASE NOTE: Comments are held for moderation and may not appear immediately. Please be patient! They will show up eventually.)

You have six chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

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 48-72 hours of the winner-announcement to claim their prize.

Good luck!

Thank you Design Aglow and DeVoe Creative Photography & Design for the fantastic giveaways. Don’t forget to check the Paperie birthday celebration coupon codes. You can find coupon codes for several other vendors here!




Believe it or not, we still have more giveaways left! We’ll keep
going ’til all of the giveaways have winners – see ya’ soon!
-Robyn

joyeux anniversaire – giveaway 7

Lucky number 7! Another great prize pack from the Life Art Design Shop!

Included is a combo of “Rock the Walls – Multiple Portraits Design Kit” and the “Rockin’ Singles Design Kit” ($200 value) – and the “Sketchy Collection” of borders, storyboards and cards ($70 value)!

So how do you snag these great prizes for yourself? It’s easy!

1. Go to your Facebook and Twitter accounts and post the following on either or both (then tell us where you did):
Win a $270 @lifeartdesign / LifeArtDesign.com gift pack from @PaperieBoutique / PaperieBoutique.com – just visit: http://PaperieBirthday.com

2. Follow Life Art Design on Twitter.

3. Like Life Art Design on Facebook.

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want FOUR chances to win, you have to do the four things listed above, and then make four separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Comment that you have posted to your Twitter and/or Facebook account(s), with a link to where you did it – or that you’ve liked one or both vendors on Facebook – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Friday, July 22nd. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have met both requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to four times total – one entry each for both the options listed above. (PLEASE NOTE: Comments are held for moderation and may not appear immediately. Please be patient! They will show up eventually.)

You have four chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

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 48-72 hours of the winner-announcement to claim their prize.

Good luck!

Thanks to Life Art Design! And don’t forget Life Art Design is offering 30% off purchases for all Paperie readers thru July 25th! You can find that code, and several others from our vendors, continually updated this week here!




Don’t forget several of our merchants are offering discounts and coupon codes to all Paperie readers this week! Check and see if your favorite vendor is there!

Click over here and see what you missed. A special sale, and a teaser of the great giveaways ahead this week, were posted over the weekend!

There’s a limited-time offer for advertisers / vendors this week, too. Over half-off some ad rates for new advertisers. Check it out!




Catch ya’ next entry…coming up soon!
-Robyn

P.S. Vendors, if you are interested in being a part of the birthday celebration, e-mail me at “robyn AT paperieboutique DOT com” ASAP!

awesome sauce

We have another awesome guest / vendor post and giveaway today – Photoumbra Studios is back with their new venture StudioThoughtSauce.com.

We are Monica and Jake of Photoumbra Studios. Our home-based studio was just featured in the June issue of Professional Photographers Magazine article about home-studios that you can view here. In conjunction with this article, we have not only launched a new website, StudioThoughtSauce.com, but released a new product that is sure to excite home-based studio owners: The Studio Inspiration Guide: Enhancing your Home-Grown Studio.

This 30 page downloadable eBook features six chapters full of great information for getting the most out of your home-based portrait studio including studio photos, individual exercises and checklists to help you identify where and how your home studio can grow.

Chapters include:

ONE: The Client Experience {We take you step by step through 7 critical contact points to make your client’s experience a positive and memorable one. We also share ideas on how to infuse each contact point with important information to maximize your selling potential and tips on how to do this from your home studio.

TWO: Space Wars {Owning a home-based business not only presents the challenge of balancing work and family, it can also put you in the middle of a constant tug-a-war for space. This chapter will help you determine which spaces are best utilized for specific functions and how you can creatively utilize your space to its max!}

THREE: Do-it-Yourself Tips and Tricks {We walk you through several DIY ideas on how to enhance your space and client experience such as how to make your own background studio system for under $50}

FOUR: Keep the Bottom Line in Mind {This chapter will provide specific activities to help you be more profitable in your spending and selling.}

FIVE: Defining your Success {Success is measured in many different ways. We’ll help you explore your own definition of success and offer tips on how to better reach your goals.}

SIX: Our Favorite Things {This chapter identifies the the tools and vendors we find most useful in operating a successful home studio.}

BONUS: Enjoy some of the graphic elements we used to create the Studio Inspiration Guide. Get 7 Doodle Frames and an entire page of fun doodle elements. See images below!

Get the Studio Inspiration Guide for the special launch price of just $19.99, regularly $39. Plus, get a bonus download of 7 doodle border frames used in the book as well as several doodle embellishments!

You can purchase the guide HERE.

Also, for your chance to win a complimentary copy of The Studio Inspiration Guide or any of the other great products that Studio Thought Sauce offers, simply visit our website and see which product you would like for FREE in the Sauce Shop — then visit our Facebook page and “like” us — and then write which product you would like for FREE on our wall by 11:59 p.m. EDT Saturday, June 25th. One random wall post will be selected by Monday, June 27th and will be notified via Facebook.

Thanks to Photoumbra Studios and StudioThoughtSauce.com for the awesome prize!

Don’t forget we also have a giveaway running through 11:59 p.m. EDT on Thursday, June 23rd for a pre-made logo OR $100.00 giftcard to Dear Miss Modern!

modern love

Today we have another great vendor / guest post and giveaway from Dear Miss Modern and Deluxemodern Design – plus a discount code for all of our readers.

Hello Darling!

I’m Christine from Dear Miss Modern…..the chic and stylish design + branding shop from Deluxemodern Design.

While Deluxemodern Design specializes in high-end custom branding, Dear Miss Modern specializes in instant gratification!

In the design shop you will find pre-made logos, marketing sets, all kinds of fabulous patterns, cards, and our latest and greatest, The Blog Sugar Design Kit! What is THAT, you ask? It’s a neatly packaged group of design elements for your blog. Use all the elements, or just a few. Change the colors, or keep them. You decide. Works with any blog platform. Lots of new designs in the works!

We’d be so pleased if you’d come say hello, join our Facebook page, check out our site, and peruse our design shop!

And one lucky Paperie reader will receive a pre-made logo OR $100.00 to the shop {in case you don’t need a logo}.

You have three ways to enter:

1. Visit the Deluxemodern Facebook page at facebook.com/deluxemodern
    and LIKE it.

2. Follow Deluxemodern Design on Twitter at twitter.com/deluxemodern.

3. List your favorite Dear Miss Modern product in the comments here.

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want THREE chances to win, you have to do all three things listed above, and then make three separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Thursday, June 23rd. You can enter up to three times total. Post that you have met all three requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to three times total – one entry each for the options listed above. (PLEASE NOTE: Comments are held for moderation and may not appear immediately. Please be patient! They will show up eventually.)

You have three chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

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 48-72 hours of the winner-announcement to claim their prize.

Good luck with the giveaway darlings…I wish you all could be winners!

And right now all Paperie readers will receive a 10% disicount to Dear Miss Modern with the code MISSPAPERIE!




And lastly, a very belated announcement for the BrandSushi eBook giveaway…the winner is…Alison Douglass Photography!

Congrats to Alison and everyone who entered, and special thanks to BrandSushi for such a fantastic prize!




I know updates here have been quite sporadic due to health issues I’ve been having – but don’t forget to tune in often because there are several great vendor giveaways and features in the queue and I’ll be posting them as frequently as possible!

Thanks for your patience!
-Robyn

mini Cooper

Photo Card Boutique is back again for a vendor / guest post and giveaway!

But first… Recently I was given the opportunity to try out a few of the templates, and a Buttons and Bows client just selected the “Cooper Baby Boy” design as their birth announcement. Here’s the front and back as submitted to ProDPI. (Last names were blurred out for privacy reasons.)

The images below show the finished product. The templates were so easy to tweak and customize. (You can see I changed the back up somewhat from the original and made it a 3-photo design.) Changing colors and inserting images was a breeze with the multiple layers. Font information was also included so any alterations could remain true to the original.

And now Angie is back with another great giveaway and deal for Paperie readers!

One lucky Paperie reader will win their choice a $100 gift card OR one limited edition marketing set. How? It’s easy!

1. Like Photo Card Boutique on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/PhotoCardBoutique

2. Follow Photo Card Boutique on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/PhotogBoutique

3. Post the following to Facebook or Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
Win a $100 gift card to PhotoCardBoutique.com / @PhotogBoutique from PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/92ZZS1

4. Leave a note in the comments here saying what Photo Card Boutique item is your favorite.

Each entry requires its own separate comment. (In simple terms: If you want FOUR chances to win, you have to do all four things listed above, and then make four separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 24th. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have met all four requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to four times total – one entry each for the options listed above. (PLEASE NOTE: Comments are held for moderation and may not appear immediately. Please be patient! They will show up eventually.)

You have four chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

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 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck!

And everyone can take advantage of this special offer – Paperie readers will receive a $5 gift card to Photo Card Boutique good on their next purchase when they spend $15 or more. Just enter the code paperie!

Thanks so much to Photo Card Boutique for the awesome giveaway and promo offer! Have a great weekend everyone!

P.S. If you’re waiting to hear from Robyn, please be patient. The inbox is more backed up than the Mississippi River!

she’s got the look

Today Khimberly Caton of Snaptastic Shots Photography is stopping by for a vendor / guest post and is giving away one of the three logos below to a lucky Paperie reader.

From the time I was a little girl I was fasinated with photography. I love the beauty and memories that come from photographs. I’ve been shooting since I got my first Polaroid – before digital cameras were around. I am totally and utterly addicted to the feeling I get from producing a wonderful work of art. Without it I am not whole. I feel an instant puppy love crush with my favorite photos.

I am an addicted photography-crushaholic.

I always knew the typical 9-5 job wasn’t for me… Converting my role from a Director and Lead Pre-K teacher into a full-time photographer wasn’t what I expected but it’s what I always wanted. A little bit of me goes into each of my photographs. I’m incredibly self-critical, not to mention a perfectionist. If my heart’s not in it then 9 times out of 10, the photograph is deleted because it just doesn’t evoke any emotion in me when I look at it.

As with most aspects of life, moments in time flash by in a buzz. This happens so quickly that we often miss the fine-tuned details of life which occur with beauty and synchronicity. I cannot explain the beauty that I discover. It comes to me in a flash as if it is an innate sense of knowing when to snap.

It is out there for all of us to discover.

Win one of the following three logos from Snaptastic Shots Photography!

You have three chances to win!

1. “Like” / follow Snaptastic Shots Photography on Facebook:
    facebook.com/pages/Snaptastic-Shots-PHOTOGRAPHY/

2. Post the following about prettygirldesigns.com on Facebook
    or Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
    I need to win a new logo design from Snaptastic
    Shots Photography over at @paperieboutique /
    PaperieBoutique.com – http://bit.ly/hxxl0n

3. Tell us which of the above three logos is your favorite – and why!

Each entry requires its own separate comment. (In simple terms: If you want THREE chances to win, you have to do all three things listed above, and then make three separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Friday, February 11th. You can enter up to three times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page, posted to Twitter or Facebook (with link), and / or listed your favorite logo – in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

You can enter / post up to three total times – one entry each for the three options listed above.

You have three chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

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 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck – and thanks to Khimberly for this great contest!




Don’t forget we have an amazing stationery set giveaway going on, too!

mmmm…sushi

Today we have a great new vendor / guest post / giveaway from brandsushi. Read on to win their The Complete Album System!

about brandsushi:
brandsushi is here to make your life — and your workflow — easier to manage. With product and marketing templates; custom branding, consulting and design services; and no short supply of inspiring ideas and market trends, brandsushi is a one-stop shop for transforming your boutique photography studio into a full-fledged brand. Our collections are hand-crafted with professional wedding and portrait photographers in mind, and extensively field tested to ensure they’ll be loved by studios and clients alike.

about the designer:
I’m Claire, and I’m the designer behind brandsushi. I’m an East Dallas raised, Art School educated, working pet photographer who left the glitz (and sleaze) of the Advertising industry to pursue my true passion for the marriage of photography with sleek, modern design. My commercial portfolio includes clients such as Neiman Marcus, Toni & Guy, Bergdorf Goodman, and ABC, but what I really love is working one-on-one with photographers and fellow creatives to craft timeless & chic bespoke brands and identities.

about the giveaway:
Now, on to the good stuff! One lucky Paperie Boutique reader will receive a copy of The Complete Album System! From marketing your album pricing and options to completing a customized album just for your client (and everything in between), the The Complete Album System will help you breeze through the entire album creation process — saving you time with layouts, revisions and image selection!

What’s more, every Paperie Boutique reader can enjoy 20% off their total brandsushi product order from now until the giveaway deadline with promo code PAPERIE20!

How do you enter to win the The Complete Album System? You have four chances!

1. Tweet the following on Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
Win the Complete Album System from @brandsushi over at @paperieboutique / PaperieBoutique.com – http://tinyurl.com/brand-sushi

2. Post the following to Facebook (and tell us where you did it):
Win the Complete Album System from brandsushi.com over at PaperieBoutique.com – http://tinyurl.com/brand-sushi

3. Like brandsushi on Facebook: facebook.com/brandsushi

4. Follow @brandsushi on Twitter: twitter.com/brandsushi

Then come back and comment here that you’ve done so – each entry requires its own separate comment. (In simple terms: If you want FOUR chances to win, you have to do all four things listed above, and then make four separate comments telling us how you did them.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Thursday, January 20th. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page, followed on Twitter, posted to Twitter (with link), and / or posted to Facebook (with link) – in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

You can enter / post up to four total times – one entry each for the four options listed above.

You have four chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

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 24-48 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Thanks to brandsushi for such a fun, fantastic giveaway – and GOOD LUCK!

in a real bind

BUMPING BACK TO THE TOP: Zazzle has just issued a new $9 off coupon for custom binders. Read on…

I recently made a post about Zazzle custom binder templates. The Zazzle code BINDERS4SALE for $9 off binders expires on January 31, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST. As luck would have it, my binders using these templates just showed up – so I’m sharing here! (Click images for larger version.)

Happy New Year!
-Robyn

get organized

Earlier in the year I made a post about the custom binders I use to organize contracts and client information. As hard as it is to believe, I’m about to order a new set for 2011!

These custom binders would also work well as organizers with baby plan clients and engagement / wedding couples. When your bride-to-be is out wedding planning, why not make sure your logo goes everywhere she does?

I’ve been repeatedly asked when I will be making a template for sale since I made my original post here (and the follow-up on Flickr). So if you’ve been waiting, today’s your lucky day because I’m launching them on Paperie Boutique first until January 1, 2011 – and the price is HALF OFF!

A quick rewind of my binder images first…

My 1.5″ binder template pack allows you to customize the color of each “solid” area of the binder, and edit the text. This set also gives you the choice to have stripes + logo on the back, or dots + logo / image. You get six total graphic choices (3 stripes / 3 dots) – and with color-customization in the solid areas, you can make endless color-combinations.

Dimensions are provided to insert your logo inside of the bordered-circle graphics, or you can hide those layers altogether. The spines also feature an optional cute camera icon. These 1.5″ custom binder templates are designed to be printed at Zazzle.com and include a hidden layer with Zazzle’s bleed/crop guidelines. There are no order minimums – you can make one, or as many as you’d like.

(UPDATE – the sale listed here has ended. Check the end of this post!) The special launch price for my 1.5″ custom binder templates is $10.00.

You can use the code BINDERS4SALE at Zazzle through January 31, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST for $9.00 off.

For $5.00 more you can REALLY get organized and purchase my “client paper sample kit” template (featured on Paperie here and here) half-off when purchased with the new binder template. Or if you spend $40.00 through January 1st, you can get the ENTIRE “Fit to Print” store – including the new binder pack template – for just $40.00!

Thanks and stay tuned for more packaging updates soon!

wild at heart

Today’s vendor / guest post by Wild Hearts Photography also includes a great free download. This is one you don’t want to miss!

I have been a child/family photographer offering custom, lifestyle sessions for approximately 6 years. I absolutely love what I do! Throughout the process of teaching myself about Photoshop, I realized that I had an affinity for creating custom-designed pieces for my clients. This has translated into creating unique templates for other photographers to use.

I have and still do use many templates from other sites, but truly love just starting from scratch and working through the design process myself. One thing that has frustrated me with some of the templates that I have used from other vendors is the level of complexity that they involve. For my templates, I have worked to create a simple, user-friendly format, eliminating unnecessary steps and making them understandable for the basic to intermediate PS users. I’ve also tried to make these templates affordable-something that anyone can get and use.

I currently have many templates in the works, but the first to be released are the Print & Blog Templates {Basics}. This is a set of 10 storyboards for printing and 10 duplicate storyboards, sized for blogging. It also includes a bonus 16-image template.

The print templates are high-resolution, sized at 8×10, 10×10 and 10×20 and are very flexible in that they can easily be resized, rotated and backgrounds changed for an even greater amount of layouts.

The blog-sized templates are low-resolution, duplicate copies of the print templates, sized at 900 pixels wide and these can also be resized for other blog formats or website use. The Basics templates are clean and modern, fitting well with any style of photography and the storyboard format showcases your images in a unique, dynamic way that will appeal to your readers.

These templates are specially priced at just $15.00 for this introductory week only! Other promotions/discounts will be offered on a regular basis and are announced on my Facebook page. When purchasing the templates, you receive an email with download links immediately after payment-so no waiting for items to be sent. You can get started creating right away!

In the Works: I am working on another set of the Print & Blog Templates that have the ever-popular, rounded corners. These should be released within this month sometime. I have many other templates (cards, marketing items, storyboards/collages, etc.) that may also be added in the near future.

Free download: Paperie readers can snag a free PS action that I created to get some of the red out of my images. This is especially useful when using the soft light layer that tends to create more red tones. Find it here!

I would also love to give away a set of the Print & Blog Templates {Basics} to a lucky PB reader. If you just cannot wait to get your hands on these-get in on the special introductory pricing, offered this week only!

How do you win? It’s easy and you have four chances!

1. “Like” wildheartsphotography on Facebook

2. Follow @WildHeartsPhoto on Twitter

3. Post the following on Twitter:
Win Print & Blog Templates {Basics} template set from WildHeartsPhotography.com/ @WildHeartsPhoto at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique

4. Post about Print & Blog Templates {Basics} on Facebook

Then come back and comment here that you’ve done so – each entry requires its own separate comment. (In simple terms: If you want FOUR chances to win, you have to do all four things listed above, and then make four separate comments telling us how you did them.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Friday, October 8th. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page, followed on Twitter, posted to Twitter (with link), and / or posted to Facebook (with link) – in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

You can enter / post up to four total times – one entry each for the four options listed above.

You have four chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

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 24-48 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

UPDATE: The winner has been posted here – check it out!

Good luck, and thanks to Wild Hearts Photography for the great free action and template set giveaway!




We have a winner in the Design Aglow ornament contest and it’s Three Graces Photography!

Congrats to Three Graces Photography, thanks to everyone who entered, and thanks to Design Aglow for such a fantastic prize!




If you missed it earlier, we have a great advertiser special going on right now – and it includes a gift certificate to Paper Source! Check it out…

P.S. If you are a photographer and are interested in having your packaging featured – or are a vendor and are interested in having your business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured here at Paperie – please contact robyn @ this domain to be added to the posting schedule.

you’ve been carded

One more big thank you to Kotori Photo Jewelry for their recent giveaway! They’re offering a special offer to all Paperie readers to say thanks right back – $10 off the purchase of a studio package with the code PAPERIE through Friday, September 24th at midnight.

And now I have a guest / vendor post for you from Angie of Photo Card Boutique. Keep reading for the special giveaway!

Howdy Paperie Boutique Readers! I am so excited to introduce myself to you and can’t express my gratitude to Robyn enough. My name is Angie Sandy and I am the designer behind Photo Card Boutique. Mother of 3, lover of coffee, wanna be photog and all around computer nerd. My goal is to bring unique card templates to the market with a fresh style. I love adorable illustrations, rich textures and fun color combinations.

I am just over the top excited to give 3 lucky readers a $50 gift card to Photo Card Boutique and it’s easy to win! (See below.)

But that isn’t all! I am also including a 30% off coupon good until September 26, 2010. Simply enter paperie-boutique at checkout and the discount will be applied to your purchase (excluding gift cards).

So how do you win? You have four chances!

1. “Like” Photo Card Boutique on Facebook

2. Follow @PhotogBoutique on Twitter

3. Post the following on Twitter:
Win one of three $50 gift cards to Photo Card Boutique / photocardboutique.com / @PhotogBoutique from @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/fko7i

4. Post about Photo Card Boutique and this giveaway just once on any of the following – public-access Facebook account, public-access blog, public-access forum, or public-access Flickr account

Then come back and comment here that you’ve done so – each entry requires its own separate comment. (In simple terms: If you want FOUR chances to win, you have to do all four things listed above, and then make four separate comments telling us how you did them.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, September 22nd. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page, followed on Twitter, posted to Twitter (with link), and / or post the link to your Facebook, blog, forum, or Flickr posts – in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

You can enter / post up to four total times – one entry each for the four options listed above.

You have four chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

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 and thanks to Photo Card Boutique for kicking the week off with a bang!

P.S. NEW! Please follow our brand new Twitter and Facebook accounts!

If you are interested in advertising with Paperie Boutique, please contact todd @ this domain. If you are a photographer and are interested in having your packaging featured – or are a vendor and are interested in having your business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured – please contact robyn @ this domain to be added to the posting schedule.

welcome mat(erials)

Recently on an entry by Courtney Reece Photography, we had a couple of requests to show how to put together a “client welcome kit” (and to list what typically goes in one). Although I can’t speak for everyone, as photographers and photography-genres can all vary quite a bit, I did recently take step-by-step photos of what goes in mine…

First I include a paper sample kit (featured previously on Paperie here and here). Most of my packages include announcements or holiday cards (or the ability to purchase cards as an add-on) so I like to give each client a better idea of the paper and envelope choices available from the various print labs I use. Every card a client sends has my logo and URL on the back, so they are wonderful advertising for my business, and a ‘status symbol’ of sorts that Buttons and Bows Photography was their photographer. As such, I want them to select their personal preferences for the product rather than me just choosing the paper and envelope types for them.

Each paper and envelope choice is clearly labeled. I purposely use the color red in the card samples because not all card stocks start off as “pure white”. Some can have a blue cast, and others yellow. Red really highlights the differences in the final products. They can easily see how the same images change hues when printed on different papers.

Since my clients order online, I feel the only way to guide new parents through this process is to give them something to hold and feel when picking out announcements and cards. It’s simply too much to remember from the prior in-person consultations, and easier on them also means easier for me.

You can purchase my paper sample kit template at my site “Fit to Print“.

Next I include a “wall design” mini-booklet. You can see this featured previously on Flickr here.

I designed my wall gallery booklet with the help of a Pinkle Toes 4 Photographers template. If you are not a member of PT4P, other options are:

1. Photographer’s Wall Display Guide (featured on Paperie)
2. Gradybug Designs (set 1, set 2)
3. Design Aglow (Portraits I, Portraits II, Canvases)
4. Melissa Davis Designs (Wall Display)
5. The Savvy Photographer (Savvy Size Guide)
6. Simply Walls
7. Jamie Schultz Designs (Ordering – Wall Display Brochure)
8. Kori and Kate (Portrait Wall Displays)
9. Pink Ink Studios (Order Form with Wall Displays)

The pages of my mini-booklet are 4×5 photo prints that I adhere back-to-back with Tombow MONO Permanent Adhesive. The final page is a press-printed card and includes a ruled-lined page for client note-taking. I hole punch the top left corner of each page, place them together on a binder ring, and hot-glue my trademark button & bow on the ring-top. The completed booklets are placed inside envelopes from Paper Source.

I also tuck in my 2010 Client Information Kit. You can see the 2009 version here on Flickr. (And you can purchase the 2007-2008 “wide-format 5×7″ version here on “Fit to Print”.)

The 2010 accordion-version includes a pocket with business cards, cards for my referral program, and any promotional items. Each panel of the accordion provides information and tips for the various types of sessions included in client packages, and also explains my shooting style and business philosophy. The kit also has a section that gives each client their username and password for their personal Buttons and Bows Photography website.

I print these accordion cards at Miller’s. The outer envelope is from Paper Source, and the card pocket envelope is from Action Envelope.

At the end, everything is gathered into a 2-pocket folder by Envelopper Inc. (You can see an older photo of this posted to Flickr here.) In the left-side slit, I include a self-addressed, stamped #10 business envelope (printed at Vistaprint). In the right-side slits, I include “appointment reminder” business cards with the dates of their scheduled sessions. The left pocket includes everything that needs to be returned to me (and this is noted in a sticker placed on the pocket) — this includes all contracts and adult / minor model releases. The right pocket includes their copy of the contract (to keep), relevant session information ‘tip sheets’, and four envelopes (paper sample kit, wall gallery booklet, information kit, and a handwritten thank you card for booking with me). Envelopes are sealed with my cute little Moo stickers – new Moo.com customers can get 10% off their orders through 9/30 with the code W9K55V.

I add my signature button & bow to the outside of the folder, and then place these inside of an outer presentation envelope from Paper Source, ready to mail. My clients love having everything organized in one folder for quick access and reference. I shoot primarily maternity and newborn sessions, so life is chaotic enough preparing for a new arrival. I don’t want to add to the clutter and confusion if at all possible.

Other photographers have featured their welcome packets here on Paperie in the past. Make sure to look through the archives for ideas and inspiration! A few of note are:

1. Julie Rollins Photography
2. Carrie Small Photography (and a follow-up post)
3. Heather Garland Photography
4. Denton Boudoir Photography
5. Stylized Portraiture
6. France Photography
7. Gail Werner Photography
8. The Captured Life Photography

You can find more vendors I use and recommend here. So what are you waiting for? Get started on yours! (And then send us the photos and share with the class!)

And totally unrelated…but In Character Costumes are on SALE at HauteLook right now. The sale ends at 8:00 a.m. PDT on Monday the 20th. Don’t miss it!

The Kotori Photo Jewelry giveaway ends Saturday, September 18th, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

Happy (almost) weekend!
-Robyn

P.S. NEW! Please follow our brand new Twitter and Facebook accounts!

If you are interested in advertising with Paperie Boutique, please contact todd @ this domain. If you are a photographer and are interested in having your packaging featured – or are a vendor and are interested in having your business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured – please contact robyn @ this domain to be added to the posting schedule.

The Photo Professional:
      It’s a total ExPROsion!

Today we are extremely lucky to have a guest post / prize giveaway by Michelle Black of The Photo Professional.

The basis of the giveaway spreading the word about our blog, Twitter, and Facebook page. You will need to do at least one of the following and then leave a comment here to state which one you have done and where (viewable on a public link – links to private, passworded, or friends/family only sites are not eligible):

• PROMOTE OUR FACEBOOK FANPAGE by suggesting us to your Facebook friends and letting them know about this giveaway – a then leaving a comment on this entry telling us just HOW MANY friends you suggested us to. You will receive one point for each friend’s first name that you list – each friend’s name you list is worth one point. *IF WE REACH 3000 FANS ON FACEBOOK BY NEXT FRIDAY, ALL FACEBOOK FANS WILL RECEIVE A $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE CODE! That’s ’cause we love you!

• Post a link to the giveaway on your Facebook page (and provide us with a link to your update in the comments)

• Leave a comment on our FACEBOOK FANPAGE

• Join our affiliate program

• Follow us on Twitter and/or Tweet about the giveaway

• Subscribe to our blog via RSS or by email

BEST OF LUCK! WE WILL ANNOUNCE THE WINNER ON SATURDAY, JUNE 19TH, 2010 AT 9AM EDT!

*Don’t forget to let us know what you’ve done to win and earn points by leaving comments here!*

The winner will receive:

1. The all new Spritzers Action Sets I and II (Photoshop 7 & above – $40 value)
2. The new Picture Perfect Workflow Action Set (Photoshop CS & above -
    $49 value)
3. Magic Vintage Textures and Actions ($50 value)

You are only required to do one of the above and leave one comment stating which option you have chosen and completed in the comments. However, if you invite friends for the Facebook Fan Page and list those names you will collect “points” and be eligible for the following prize:

“I’m giving away a separate, additional $50 gift code to the person who invites the most friends on Facebook. Remember to list the people you invite in the comments!”

Good luck and have fun!

UPDATE from Michelle: The winners were Christi from Christi Colvin Photography (Grand Prize Winner), and Bliss Goodloe at Relative Bliss Photography (Runner-Up).

Thank you so much Michelle – it’s great to have you back at Paperie again so soon!



   ”contest: Is your packaging the fairest of them all?”

So for almost a year now this blog has helped you kick your packaging and presentation up a notch. Now the Design Aglow blog is calling you (yes, you) out. Do you have what it takes?

Packaging that’s so pert it’ll tickle you pink. That’s what Design Aglow wants to see.

Send us your best packaging ideas for the opportunity to be immortalized in Issue 11 of Design Aglow magazine: The YOU Issue. The more creative the idea the better.

Shoot us your pictures in full res/full size, with at least 2 shots of each package, along with a paragraph blurb extolling the packaging, the design process, who inspired or designed it, where you bought it, any obstacles in the process, why you love the packaging so much, what your clients/peers say, and anything else you think readers might want to know.

Make sure to give credit if it’s an idea you’ve borrowed, give a nod to the designer/company, and be sure to shout out the company that makes the packaging.

Whether it’s cinched, pulled, gathered, glued, tied or taped, make us proud and you’ll receive a free copy of the magazine issue along with a $100 Design Aglow shop credit. What’s more, you’ll forever be worshipped as the prime purveyor of packaging magnificence.

So go ahead, ladies and gentlemen: pimp your packages. Send us your entry here by July 1, 2010.

I’d love to see a Paperie reader win. Please share what you submit if you enter!