Welcome to Stationery Bootcamp!
Your step-by-step guide to running a custom stationery business.
What is Stationery Bootcamp?
Stationery Bootcamp is an online training course designed to assist those who, like me, are very passionate about custom stationery design, but are in the same place I was 14 years ago...not knowing where to start and what it entails to run a custom stationery design studio.
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Back in 2002 when I decided I would become a wedding stationery designer, there weren't as many online resources as there are now and there was no such thing as Stationery Bootcamp. It took me a couple of years of trial and error to develop a system that would confidently and effectively get me from the initial client consultation all the way through print production and delivery. At the beginning I had so many questions regarding pricing, proper file setup and finding the right resources that would allow me to succeed in this field. Today, through Stationery Boot Camp, I answer all these questions as well as those questions that entry-level designers/freelancers don't even know to ask yet.
Who is Stationery Bootcamp designed for?
This course is designed for entry-level designers and paper crafters who want to establish themselves as custom wedding stationery designers. Weather you are looking for a career change or looking to turn a hobby into a business (as I did), the lessons provided in Stationery Bootcamp will prepare you to excel in your craft and thrive as a creative professional. 
The virtual classroom (this password-protected website) is updated with new lessons a few times a year, and the best part is that once you've enrolled in Stationery Bootcamp, you'll have access to the lessons for life. Learn at your own pace and learn from the added lessons as they become available. 

The Designer Arsenal
One thing I learned early in my career is that organization is key to your success! Once you begin working with clients you will learn that it takes about 30 hours to complete an order of 100 custom designed invitations, and out of that, only about one third of the time is spent conceptualizing and designing, while the other two thirds of the time are spent managing the project. The lessons found in the Designer Arsenal within Stationery Bootcamp will arm you with the right tools to execute all tasks relating to design and press production. You will set up systems that will allow you to transition from one phase of the project to the next seamlessly. You will also learn how to and apply time-saving methods to those systems, allowing you to spend less time on operating tasks and more time doing what you love!
There are currently 13 Lessons in the Designer Arsenal
Plus separate pages containing Q&A, Tutorials and Terminology
Below are some of the main topics covered in the course:
  1. The Process - An inside view at my entire process, all the way from the initial client inquiry to the delivery of a completed custom invitations order and everything in between. You can adapt my process or borrow from it as needed. Includes guidelines and actionable steps to remain organized, gain your clients' trust and keep them involved and up to date with the progress every step of the way.
  2. Digital and Analog Designer Tools - An introduction to the tools of the trade, what they are and when to use them. 
  3. Software Introduction and Tutorials - Quick overview of the three applications I use to create my stationery designs, address envelopes and create forms. Includes short introductory video tutorials. "How to..." software tutorials will be added on an ongoing basis
  4. Design Tips - Follow these design tips at all times to ensure your designs have a polished, professional look. 
  5. Templates - Learn how to save time and energy by creating and using templates that will speed up many aspects of the project management and design process.
  6. Time Management - How to create a timeline for each project to ensure you and your client understand the amount of time and work that goes into each phase. It's important that you don't overbook yourself, that you allow enough time to complete each project and that you leave a little wiggle room to deal with unexpected circumstances such as vendor delays, sick days, planned vacations, etc. 
  7. Documentation - You will learn all about the necessary documents that will help you gather project information, understand project goals, stay organized and transition from one phase to the next. Those documents include: The Creative Brief, Font List, Invitation Wording, Service Agreement, Proofing Checklist, Production Form and Price List.
  8. Terminology - Learn the terms of the trade so that you may effectively communicate with your clients, other designers and print shops. 
  9. Print Estimates - Learn the terminology and find out exactly what information you need to include in your emails when submitting a quote request to the print shop.
  10. Digital Proofs - How to set up your digital files for on-screen client proofing, before producing any physical mockup proofs.
  11. Vendors & Resources - Access to a list of trusted resources I use, guidance as to what services to outsource and when, what to look for in a vendor/supplier and finding a supportive community
New lessons will be added by the end of Spring 2019
  1. Prepress Setup - How to set up your files to print by a professional print shop.
  2. Critiques - What to expect during a design presentation, and how to extract precise and useful information from your customer to ensure you are able to bring forth their vision based on their feedback. 
  3. Custom Maps - Design tips and video tutorials on how to create custom illustrated maps
Try the 5-Day Stationery Crash Course and receive your first lesson today!
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