Miss Organization

It’s no secret that I’m all about the paper. (If this URL didn’t give you a small clue…) All of my client forms, contracts, releases – all of it – are on paper and not digital. I just can’t make the switch. It works for others and works well, but for my own business I want a client’s John Hancock signed on a non-digital line. It’s not easy being green.

So every year in January I start “the great binder switch” and get everything in order for the upcoming year before I start shooting again. One of those binders goes with me to every session, without fail. It has alphabet-tab dividers and the contact / session forms (and printed directions) for every client I photograph. I also take the signed contracts with me for the particular session I’m photographing. That way there’s no awkward “how much do I owe you?” pause. I can just flip right to their section of the binder and say, “Well it looks like…” with their signed contract right there in front of them. It’s also handy for when clients can’t remember the products they selected for their package as I’m showing album, canvas, and announcement / card samples. Their contract has an itemized list right there in black and white.

In the past, my system has been rather simple. A new polka-dot binder goes with me to sessions. A solid binder stays behind at home with the remaining contracts and releases for that year.

However, this year I was intrigued by the Avery Signature Binder.

UPDATE: New photos of my 2nd binder if you want a peek! Check the comments.

You start by choosing from 3 different sizes of binders – 1″, 1.5″, or 2″. (Photographs shown are of the 1.5″ version.) You can use a pre-designed template or make your own, including full-bleed.

There are no minimums, so you can make / order just one. They have a FAQ if you have additional questions. The binders come with four inside pockets as shown. Those will come in very handy for extra model releases (just in case) and pose-sheets if needed.

This is branding that will make you instantly-recognizable to a client if you are shooting on-location. It gives them a chance to see your work and your logo as you approach.

I think these would also be fantastic for bridal / wedding packages. If you presented a client with a binder with your photographs and logo / URL and all of the paperwork necessary for their portrait package with you — but also included tabbed dividers for other vendors (such as bakeries, florists, bridal shops, DJs, transportation companies, travel agencies, etc.) — there’s a very good chance you will have just handed them an “official wedding organizer” featuring your images and branding. And as anyone who has planned a wedding knows, that organizer goes everywhere the bride does for quite some time. It allows your name to be seen not only by countless wedding professionals, but also by the couple’s friends and family who may just be planning weddings of their own one day. With price points that start at $18.95 it’s not the cheapest of options, but if wrapped into the cost of your session / package fees, the potential free-marketing is limitless.

Avery has also teamed with Zazzle to offer this same product. Zazzle has several templates available that make my basic custom design shown here pale in comparison. (My binder was created to look exactly like the contracts and information packets my clients receive.) Zazzle even has a wedding planner design available from Hallmark!

Psssst… Before you order, make sure to look up available coupon codes for Avery Signature Binders and Zazzle!

Check back soon because 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).

Roy G. Biv

One of the most difficult things about launching a business or rebranding is deciding “what” looks like you. And defining your brand / logo also involves selecting the colors that will in turn make you stand out above all the rest. Be it classic, funky, timeless, modern, elegant, or shabby-chic — the colors you choose will be the exclamation point to finish the statement.

So what’s a photorapher to do?

A great site to check out is colorcombos.com. The site will allow you to view various color-combos together, or create your own. You can enter a color hex value and find related color-libraries. (For instance, this is the combo library for lemon yellow.) The site even has a color combo tester.

Another big help is the “color index: Over 1100 Color Combinations, CMYK and RGB Formulas, for Print and Web Media“. And the follow-up “color index 2: Over 1500 New Color Combinations for Print and Web Media – CMYK and RGB Formulas“. (Or you can buy both of these books combined in the “complete color index: Over 2600 Color Combinations“.)

From Amazon.com: “Each color palette includes a swatch, an example of the colors used in a design, and accurate CMYK and RGB formulas, making it easy for you to find appropriate colors and implement them immediately. The palettes in “color index” are divided into categories based on the moods they evoke, while the palettes in “color index 2” are based on color families. No matter your preferred method for searching, you’ll be able to easily reference hundreds of hues at a glance.”

I have The Designers “complete index” set myself (which includes the “color index“, the “idea index“, and the “layout index“). They’ve been invaluable to me during my years as a web designer, then photographer.

UPDATE: Don’t miss another great link / site review posted in the comments!

So what are you waiting for? You have all the links. Now go play!

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).

mesmerized.

Jen Gentry of Mesmerizing Moments Photography recently shared how she set up a booth for a community event.

Now we’re lucky enough to have her back for another guest post, which proves without a doubt that like Mary Poppins she is practically perfect in every way.

I am a member of PT4P, and Michelle made us these great wall gallery layouts, so I made mine into a handout that I give to every client!

I print most of my marketing material through Miller’s – a little trick for all of you, is when you are ordering in quantities of 25, always add 1 more (ex.26) and it will push your pricing into the next category, and make it cheaper!

My gift cards, they are 4×5 cards – double sided, and I put them in the envelope shown, and then into a really pretty envelope from Paper-Source and top them off with ribbon (not shown)

My baby’s first year handout – it’s a 5×5 tri-fold

My pricing guide including all my boutique items, printed on a 5×5 tri-fold

My date reminder card – printed on folded business cards – I just circle the date and fill in a time, my clients tell me it’s perfect for their fridge!

I really love Miller’s, their turn around time & quality is top of the line, I couldn’t ask for more! To keep everything a little nicer I print it all on their pearl paper, which is to die for!

My brown envelopes from Paper-Source, and all my clients’ forms & handouts go inside

I put all my client forms and handouts into a large brown shimmer envelope from Paper-Source with a logo sticker on the front.

My photo packaging boxes

I get my photo boxes from DNL – I love them, great quality, a variety of sizes, and they match my colors perfectly. ☺ I use the 11×14 brown box, and the 8×10 green box, and just decorate them all a little differently with ribbon (from Michaels & Paper-Source), logo stickers (from WHCC), and bands (from Envelopper Inc.) For my prints, inside the boxes, and everything larger than 11×14, I use clear bags from clearbags.com and just make them pretty with a variety of ribbon. ☺

My photo packaging bag, with a common gift for my clients – the accordion wallet album from Millers

I put all my orders in a large chocolate tote that I also get from DNL, and I finish them off with prettyness, including my bag tags from Jessica.

My office -

The view from in front of the garage door – into my office and the front door to my house

We bought a townhouse about a year and a half ago, and it works perfectly for my office! The entry level only has a half bath, our entryway, the garage, a closet, and my office, then all our living space is on the second and third floor, so my clients come right inside my door, but never into my home, and I love it!

View from the office entryway – most of those gallery wraps from the back wall are now at a local OB/GYN office ☺

I have clients come in for an optional consult (a lot of clients do this over the phone or via email though) and a mandatory in person ordering session. This really helps clients see what they are getting, get a better feel for it, see their photos on a large calibrated monitor, get my help and opinion, and helps sales too! Once they see it, they want it!

View from the window

View from my chair – my custom framing area

View from the back corner

Well – thanks so much for inviting me over Robyn – Hope that helps some of you readers!

Thank you so much for the inspiration, Jen! Once again, don’t forget to stop by her website and blog and tell her how amazing it is she put all of this together for everyone to see and learn from!

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).

it’s not easy being green

I would love to feature a photographer here who has ‘gone green’ with their packaging and product / marketing presentation. Finding one has proved quite the challenge, however. Do you fit the bill? Would you like to see your name up here in (energy-efficient) lights?

If so please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment). I’ll help walk you through how to get your guest post and photos published.

Thanks!
-Robyn

P.S. A few sources for environmentally friendly packaging and products:
1. H-B Photo
2. Botanical Paperworks
3. Greenerprinter.com
4. Nashville Wraps
5. ProDPI Lab (Green Executive Packaging)
6. Moo (Eco Friendly Business Cards)
Have more? Please leave ‘em in the comments!

see. spot.

*tap, tap* Is this thing on? I apologize for the temporary neglect of this site. Finally have my real life back together enough to tackle my online one. And I’m kicking things off with a bang!

You might remember Carrie Small’s recent feature (and her adorable logo). The following guest post is by that logo’s amazing designer at “On the Spot Studio“.

UPDATE: See below for a special discount from OnTheSpotStudio.com for Paperie Boutique viewers!

Choosing and Designing a Logo for a Photography Businesses
by Tiffany Willett of OnTheSpotStudio.com

Hi! First off, I’m Tiffany of OTSS. Thanks so much Robyn for having me here at Paperie Boutique! Today we’re going to talk a little about logos and branding.

The first step in branding yourself is, of course, choosing a designer. There are quite a few designers out there to choose from so how do you know which one is the “right” one? When choosing your designer, be sure to look for the following:

Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a logo that defines you?

Communication: Does your designer offer methods of communication other than just email?

Previous Work: Check out your designer’s portfolio. Do they do a lot of work similar to the style you’re wanting?

Research: Contact some of the designer’s past clients. Find out how the process went and whether or not they were happy with the result.

Policies: Be sure to check out the designer’s policies. Make sure they offer what you are wanting in terms of final files, turn around time, edits, etc.

Let’s touch on the subject of budgeting. Most importantly, stick to what you can afford. Your logo defines your business and should be with you MANY years. Wait until funds are available to work with the designer that you really feel can capture your style and business in your logo. Your logo defines your business and shouldn’t be changed often. The basic concept should remain the same, as constantly changing your look may cause your clients to wonder whether or not you are serious about your work.

Next up: Communication. I offer my clients the option to call me, chat with me on messenger, or email me. I personally prefer designing when I have my client on instant messenger. It really gives me a “feel” for my clients personality. For me, the key to nailing the clients vision is to really get inside their head, get a feel for what they like, their personality, the type of photography they do, etc.

Research: Be sure to research your options. Check out local competition to make sure you don’t brand yourself too closely to them. Make sure you make note of the style of logo you like, write down links, and be sure to write out what you like about each logo you choose. I supply my clients with a questionnaire and I ask for logos that they like. This way, I can get to know their style a little better.

Final Files & Policies: I supply my clients with all files needed to use their logo to its full potential. PSD files with a resizeable vector shape, transparent PNG file to use on website, marketing materials, etc., JPG files to show off on sites such as Facebook or MySpace (sites that require a JPG image), ABR files (Photoshop brush file) for watermarking images in Photoshop, and I supply an optional vector format (EPS or AI) if requested. I keep all my client files saved on an external harddrive so should my client lose their files, I have a backup.

Be sure to check your designer’s policies!!! Some designers do not offer PSD or Vector files that can be edited. I do. This guarantees the client the ability to change colors or placement of elements within the logo. Hey, if you’re paying for it, you should have the oppurtunity to change things up once in a while!

Now, after you have chosen your designer, its time to get down to business! Below I will explain MY logo process with my clients.

Once the client orders the logo, I will send them a logo questionnaire to fill out. The questionnaire contains things such as Business Name, a place to describe their preferred style, a section for them to let me know their color preferences, examples of a few logos they like (note above: Research!), any elements they feel they want in their logo (flowers, trees, bubbles, etc.), and finally, I ask my clients to describe what they feel their style is. The questionnaire helps me create the design based on exactly what the client wants.

Finally: How I Design for Clients

The most important part of designing, for me, is capturing the client’s style. I love to hand draw elements that really show the photographer’s personality. I will try basically anything the client requests…I love the challenge of drawing new things! My goal as a designer is to create a brand that the photographer will never want to change. Something that defines them, as a person and as a photographer.

Let’s start the process:

Once I have received the client questionnaire, I file it in their folder in my inbox. I then tag the email so that I know what they ordered and when. This helps me make sure I get to orders in the order they were received.

The design process can either be simple or a bit trying. I always let my clients know that even if they’re less than satisfied with the first set of proofs I create for them, to not get discouraged. I ask them to voice what it is they like and what they dislike about the drafts. It’s kind of like a process of elimination. From the first set of logos, I take what the client has mentioned and apply it to a new set (of 3 logos). I will do this (within reason) until I get a logo so very close to what they’re wanting. Then all that’s left are the final edits. I try to go out of my way to make sure the client has full control over the design they hired me to construct for them.

For viewing proofs, I supply my clients a link and password to a private gallery on my site. This lets the client view their choices all at once, instead of having to refer back to older emails. This is also where I load new proofs during the process. It makes it easier when they tell me which logo designs are their favorite.

Once a design has been chosen, I will add their folder to a “Finalize” folder in my inbox letting me know what the next step for the client is. I primarily do finalizations on Friday afternoons, although if the client needs the file sooner, all they have to do is let me know. Once I finalize the files (PSD, JPG, PNG and ABR), I will zip the folder up, labeled with the clients name (for organization) and Description of the folder. Then I email the final files to the client.

I am always available for my clients if they have any questions about their designs. I like to work with them on a personal basis, and nine times out of ten, by the time I am finished working with the client, I can think of them more as a friend. My clients also get discounts for future purchases from OTSS as a thank you for choosing me as their designer.

If you have any questions for me regarding choosing a designer or any other questions about how the process works, I encourage you to email me and let me know! I will do all that I can, as a designer, to promise you my best work should you choose me for your design needs!

Thanks so much to Tiffany for taking the time to share her expertise and advice! Please also visit the On The Spot Studio Blog for more!

In order to have a custom logo, you’ll need to have a business name picked out first. If that is something you’re still struggling with, visit this excellent new article by Photojojo: “Starting Your Photo Biz…What’s In a Name?“

There are more guest features in the queue so please stay tuned! If you’re interested in having your packaging, marketing ideas, or products featured please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment).

to be or not to be…

Settling on a business name was hard for me. I didn’t want to put it up for public debate because those always seem to result in half the group saying they love it and the other half giving reasons and issues dating back to grade school why it’s the worst. idea. ever. Using my name (as in “Robyn Pollman Photography“) wasn’t really an option because no one can ever spell “Robyn” right — nevermind trying to get the combo of “Robyn” + “Pollman” correct. I do own every version of Roby/in Pollma/un and have them all pointing to my business site. But when I started up, I didn’t want to constantly have to spell out my name over the phone. My own grandmother (who I ultimately named my business after) can’t even write it correctly half the time.

After a lot of brainstorming I thought back to what I remembered most about my grandmother’s business. Without fail, it was her wrapping / packaging. I hopped up to that wrapping table just as soon as my little hands could hold safety scissors, and had a giftwrap tip-cup filled during the holidays for every year that followed. My business name was born out of what set her children’s boutique clothing store apart…the presentation and delivery.

It also has the plus of two very common elements — buttons and bows. They are relatively inexpensive to add to packages and product presentation, and they are instantly recognizable symbols pulling my look together. In a sea of Firstname Lastname photographers in my local market, I have the unintended bonus of brand-recognition. That’s not to say Firstname Lastname doesn’t work well. Not having your name in the title seems to be the exception, not the rule and one size does NOT fit all. But again, see “Robyn Pollman”. Thanks to Martha Stewart (a Firstname Lastname business), I’ll never be short on buttons and bows!

(Just don’t forget the downside of using something other than your name: In Florida you need a separate “doing business as” / fictitious name license.)

So what symbols have you tied into your own branding?

P.S. Don’t miss the big SALE over at “the vibe” through Tuesday! You can own everything in the store (let me repeat…everything in the store) for just $50.00! This includes actions, borders, business forms, templates, marketing kits, textures and more. See this blog post for more details.