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!

your connection to the party line

We have a winner in the Go{4}Pro iPhone case template collection giveaway! It’s Rebecca Strang of Wise Idea Portraits:

Thanks again to Go{4}Pro, congrats to Rebecca, and a huge thank you to everyone who participated as well!

And don’t forget, Paperie readers have one more day (through Monday, May 17th) to use the discount code Paperie to get 10% off the iPhone case template collection at Go{4}Pro!

You also have until 11:59 p.m. EDT Sunday night to win a $50.00 gift code from Jamie Schultz Designs. Get to it!

but Friday, never hesitate…

An incredible end to an incredible week – today an amazing giveaway / guest post from Jamie Schultz Designs. I’ve been a fan of Jamie’s work forever and I’m beyond thrilled to have her here at Paperie!

Jamie Schultz Designs is so excited to be featured as a guest on the Paperie Boutique blog. Let me take a moment to introduce myself. I was raised in a very small town in Nebraska where my passion for all things creative developed. My grandmother owned a charming flower shop and I spent countless hours watching her design works of art right before my eyes. As a child, I dabbled in art but didn’t find my niche until I picked up a camera. At that point it was evident that photography would serve as my creative outlet.

A childhood dream was realized when I opened my studio loft in the quaint downtown area of Hudson, Wisconsin. Inspired by the charming details in my grandmother’s shop, my boutique style studio offers the capability for unique custom photography. With that came a client base who came to expect a wide array of products to preserve and showcase the images from their session. As my photography business grew so did the number of inquiries from other photographers interested in purchasing my designs for use in their own businesses. Thus, Jamie Schultz Designs was born.

Using my signature style, I create templates that are clean and simple with a splash of defining detail that will undoubtedly impress your clients. These timeless designs include collections of holiday cards, birth announcements, graduation announcements and coffee table books for engagements, high school seniors, families, and babies.

As a token of our appreciation to the loyal Paperie readers, Jamie Schultz Designs is offering a $10 gift code off $50 or more to you just for reading this blog! (Enter code: paperie10)

In addition, one lucky winner will receive a $50.00 gift code to www.jamieschultzdesigns.com

See below for details how to win!

First become a Facebook Fan of Jamie Schultz Designs.

Then post this in your status…
I’m loving http://paperieboutique.com -and- http://www.jamieschultzdesign.com

Next come back here and leave a comment here where you’ve done so … and you might just be the lucky winner. Good luck!

UPDATE-EDIT: Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 16th.

Thanks so much Jamie (and Natasha)! Don’t forget to stop by the site, the blog, and become a Facebook Fan to show your appreciation!

UPDATE: The winner has been announced here. Thanks again to Jamie Schultz Designs and everyone who entered!

Also don’t forget that the iPhone case template kit collection by Go{4}Pro is still up for grabs through 11:59 p.m. EDT on Saturday, May 15th – there’s still a chance to win!

Have a great weekend everyone!
-Robyn

P.S. Look around the sidebars and say “hi” to several of our new advertisers. 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.

sold!

I love being able to put up posts like this. It’s confirmation this site isn’t just random words floating out there into the ether. It really is helping people kick-start their businesses and launch their brand. Keep ‘em coming and pay it forward, I say! But first, enjoy a new guest post right-quick featuring a beautiful charity auction gift basket by Elizabeth Sethi Photography.

I started my photography business about a year ago, and have avidly read your blog for 6 months.

Through you I found Leah Remillet / GO{4}PRO who did my custom logo – and I have learned so, so much about creative packaging and marketing.

Last week was my very first charity auction, and my basket (thanks to all your blog posts and vendor ideas) was the hit of the auction! The ladies setting up the show spent at least 15 minutes “ooh-ing” and “aah-ing” over my packaging, my basket items, and my very own ‘Martha-esque’ bow. Without this blog I never could have created something so special, and set my photography business apart from the rest of the donors. I just had to share.

P.S. – I just got my Zazzle stickers in the mail…I’m in love!

ATTENTION PHOTOGRAPHERS: Show us your packaging! If the features here have helped you pull together your own look, please share with the class and pay it forward. Contact Robyn (e-mail link in the sidebar / robyn @ this domain) to be added to the posting schedule.

ATTENTION VENDORS: We tuck business cards, coupon inserts, and promo pieces inside of our prize packages. If you are interested in having yours included, please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment). Also contact me if you are interested in having your business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured on Paperie Boutique.

If you are interested in advertising with Paperie Boutique, please contact todd @ this domain.

win-win situation

We have a winner in the LCH Design $100.00 gift certificate giveaway, and it’s Susan Peck Photography!

Congrats to Susan, and a HUGE thank you to LCH Photography & Design for such an amazing, sought-after prize.

Thanks also to everyone who entered! If you entered and didn’t win, don’t forget that all Paperie readers get 20% off at the LCH Design store through May 3rd using the code PAPERIE20. There’s no limit to how many times you can use it!

And a new contest for 503 Photography Workshops launched last night — Paperie readers have the chance to win one spot to the online workshop for kids and teens! Check out yesterday’s post for more details!

you might be a winner!

Today we’re very lucky to have a guest post by Kim Drury of MadiLu Designs. Kim also designs for one of my favorite template sites Pink Ink Studios. Read to the end for a chance to win one of TWO fantastic prizes!

What’s best for you? Custom or premade design?

I was so excited to hear from Paperie Boutique! Packaging and presentation is something I’ve loved my entire life. Thanks for having me!

There are many design resources for photographers. While some can, and ENJOY doing it for themselves, there are many others who don’t have the time to devote to designing their own marketing materials. It’s great to have so much to choose from, but can be overwhelming!

Many sites will offer premade marketing templates. You basically download the files, pop in your info and you’re finished. Easy peasy! Premades are great for the photographer on a budget or when you need something right away. They are also nice to have when you aren’t sure about your look or style, yet you need something to present a professional image. You’ll find some of my premade sets at Pink Ink Studios. There are many talented designers over there who offer great marketing templates and they are ready to go!

Custom design is beautiful and by far my favorite thing to work on. I recommend going the custom route when you’ve got a good idea of what image you want to portray to your clients and if you’ve been looking at premade sets and can’t seem to find “the one”. Custom work does take longer and is typically more expensive. It requires focus and input on your part, but when you’re finished it’s very rewarding. It belongs only to you and can set you apart from your competition.

I’m sharing a custom logo and set I recently created for Jack and Jane Photography. It was so much fun to watch this come together.

But wait! That’s not all!

One lucky Paperie reader can win this Premade Set from MadiLu Designs! (Premade Set includes business card, gift certificate, thank you, 2” sticker, print care card, copyright card, referral card, #10 envelope, 5×7 card, letterhead and 5×5 digital negative holder. Colors can be customized.)

Another lucky Paperie winner will win a Custom Logo Design from MadiLu Designs! (Custom Logo Design includes logo and watermark.)

Since there are two great separate prizes (and not everyone needs a logo) we’re going to split the chances to win. So to enter one of the giveaways, or both, please make sure you follow the directions closely for each one – as the contests and your entries are separate.

To win the MadiLu Designs Premade Set:

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

I want the MadiLu Designs Premade Set from @madilu_designs / madiludesigns.com – enter to win at Paperie Boutique / paperieboutique.com

Post the URL(s) to your link(s) in the comments for THIS ENTRY. Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Thursday, April 22nd.

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

You can enter up to two times total for the MadiLu Designs Premade Set – one entry each per public, non-private blog Facebook or Twitter account.

You have two chances to win the MadiLu Designs Premade Set but only one chance PER LINK – please do not post the same link multiple times – duplicate links will be removed. And post your separate links in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

Post your comment in the following format (up to two separate entries per person for this prize):

I posted to win the MadiLu Designs Premade Set on Facebook: [insert your Facebook link here]

  — AND / OR —

I posted to win the MadiLu Designs Premade Set on Twitter: [insert your Twitter link here]

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by random drawing out of a hat, and the winner will be contacted within 24 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize. Bonne chance!

To win the MadiLu Designs Custom Logo Design:

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

I need a MadiLu Designs Custom Logo Design from @madilu_designs / madiludesigns.com – enter to win at Paperie Boutique / paperieboutique.com

Post the URL(s) to your link(s) in the comments for THIS ENTRY. Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Thursday, April 22nd.

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

You can enter up to two times total for the MadiLu Designs Custom Logo Design – one entry each per public, non-private Facebook or Twitter account.

You have two chances to win the MadiLu Designs Custom Logo Design but only one chance PER LINK – please do not post the same link multiple times – duplicate links will be removed. And post your separate links in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

Post your comment in the following format (up to two separate entries per person for this prize):

I posted to win the MadiLu Designs Custom Logo Design on Facebook: [insert your Facebook link here]

  — AND / OR —

I posted to win the MadiLu Designs Custom Logo Design on Twitter: [insert your Twitter link here]

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

Thanks so much to Kim Drury and MadiLu Designs for this fantastic prize! Stop by the MadiLu Designs Blog and tell her thanks!

UPDATE: The winners have been announced here. Congrats to them and thanks to those who entered and once again to MadiLu Designs!

ATTENTION VENDORS: We tuck business cards, coupon inserts, and promo pieces inside of our prize packages. If you are interested in having yours included, please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment). Also contact me if you are interested in having your business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured on Paperie Boutique.

ATTENTION PHOTOGRAPHERS: Show us your packaging! If the features here have helped you pull together your own look, please share with the class and pay it forward. Contact Robyn (e-mail link in the sidebar / robyn @ this domain) to be added to the posting schedule.

If you are interested in advertising with Paperie Boutique, please contact todd @ this domain.

Good. Friday!

You might have noticed it’s been a little quiet around here this week. It’s spring break and between my ‘regular’ job, and hurricane advisories and tornado warnings occurring approximately every 15 minutes in my living room, something had to give! But to close off the week I have something to give…you!

Not only a new contest, but also a free download – so everyone wins!

This gift set for today’s contest includes:

• one Martha Stewart Crafts package of 8 champagne-tipped CD labels with 8 matching 5×5″ white and champagne envelopes (“includes handy alignment pad to ensure perfect label application”)
• one Martha Stewart Crafts 4.75×6.75″ photo-corner-accordion (cardstock construction with decorative front label and ribbon-tie – holds eight 4×6 photos)
• one baggie of 40 Paper-Source acid-free photo corners in Pool

How do you win? Easy-pleasey! Go to your blog, Facebook account, Flickr account, or Twitter account and post the following:

Win Martha Stewart Crafts & Paper Source accordion + CD label set – visit Paperie Boutique / paperieboutique.com by @shutterblog 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 item.

You can enter up to four times total – one entry each per public, non-private blog URL / Facebook / Flickr / Twitter account. Post the URL(s) to your link(s) in the comments for THIS ENTRY. Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, April 4th.

You have four chances to win but only one chance PER LINK – please do not post the same link multiple times – duplicate links will be removed. And post your 1-4 separate links in separate comments 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 everyone!

UPDATE: The winner Susan B. Photography has been announced here!

In case you missed the free download for the 5×7 flat press card “baby girl birth announcement”, I now have a printed example of what they look like. I knew one day it would be the perfect fit for someone!

These announcements were designed for, and printed by, my favorite lab ProDPI.

And I’ve updated the post to include the template for the new card-back as shown in the photograph above. So if you’ve downloaded the front in the past, make sure to go back and grab the back too!

If you’ll scroll down in the right sidebar you’ll see a category called “free product downloads” with several links for more goodies!

To those who celebrate, Happy Easter weekend! See y’all next week!
-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).

If you are interested in advertising with Paperie Boutique, please contact todd @ this domain.

sticky? sweet!

I recently ordered custom post-it notes from VistaPrint and was very pleased with the quality when they arrived today. Sometimes I want to send clients ‘official’ communication, but it might not be ‘important’ enough to use a press-printed card or thank you note. These totally fit the bill and look fantastic.

I’ve altered my own template design for you to download (for FREE!) and create yours. The official VistaPrint crop and bleed guides are included in this .psd layered file. You can also change the colors of the pink and brown stripes, as well as the colors (box and border) of the square at top left. To change colors, click the color fill layers for each section — just double-click each box and you can change to any color you’d like. The content to alter is located inside folders. Make sure to open them so you can see what to edit. The pink arrow in this sample image shows where you click to change the colors.

You can either leave the little camera-icon and text I have there (which you will not be able to edit) — or hide that layer altogether and add your logo inside, or in place of, the square (dimensions provided in the file).

Don’t forget to hide the crop guide layer before printing! Once you go to save your work, these are VistaPrint’s accepted file formats. The font I used is Futura Medium Condensed.

→ 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)

There are a million VistaPrint coupon codes and freebies floating around out there, so make sure to hit up Google before you buy to make sure you’re getting the best deal. (And word of warning. They tend to spam. A lot. So you might want to use a secondary e-mail account to place your order just in case.)

This template is ©Robyn Pollman, 2010. All rights reserved. It may not be copied, resold, made available for download or given away elsewhere, or redistributed without my written permission.

be ? mine

Today’s guest post is the best kind – pretty with benefits! One of my favorite vendors, Terry from Sassy Designs, Ltd., has dropped back by with Valentine’s Goodies for everyone.

Hi, Everyone! It’s me – Terry from Sassy Designs, Ltd.! Robyn is such a gracious host and offered to have me back a second time! Again, I am honored!

I’ve got some big plans for Sassy Designs, Ltd. in 2010 so I hope all of you will keep up with me! I’ve been so busy that I’m closing up my Etsy shop and focusing my time on my main website shop and of course doing custom orders. Until the Etsy shop is empty everything there is discounted 25% so be sure to check it out before it’s all gone!

The shop at the main website is stocked full – digital papers, design elements, card templates, and has a bunch of new things that have been added over the last few months! I’ve been working on some fun things for Valentine’s Day and as a thank you to Robyn and all of you fabulous readers I’m offering the two newest items to you for free! I hope you do fabulous things with them!

Thank you so much, Terry! When you make good use of these
freebies please leave a note in the comments and share with the class so we can all see. (You can take a peek at how I made good use of Sassy Designs background papers and a frame element in my holiday gift tags.)

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).