Scrapping styles, albums, personalization, portfolio... how do you do it?

[DogwoodMama]

I am investigating the possibility of scrapping for hire, in part because I know someone who said, "Boy, I wish I could pay someone to help me get my boys' albums up to date!" (my dad's fiance, she's a doctor, super-busy). I thought, "Hmmm, I could do that!"

I am considering doing an album for her at a very reasonable price as a learning experience and to see if I like it. She doesn't know this yet, I haven't made the offer. :) I am trying to think through the issue of doing an album though... do people scrap in fairly simple styles, just as a time thing? How do you handle journaling- could I show her previews, she could dictate journaling (she's used to that, hah), and I could input it? If I was to do this, I would want the albums to be as "personal" for the people I'm making it for as possible... does anyone else have this goal, and how do you accomplish it?

I was also thinking that if I set up a website, I'd want the online pages, but then I'd also want some physical products, albums to show what the end result would be.

These are sort of rambly thoughts... but here is another random comment- I think this forum is great, because I feel like if I did this, I wouldn't be competing with any of "you", who post in this forum, since you don't live near me and know the people I know (I'd try to get local business) and I'd still get to support the digital designers around here that I "know" and love! Gives me a warm fuzzy feeling, just thinking about it, I tell ya. :wub :lol

[bellajoy]

Ok, I just tried to type a reply, and accidentally moved away from the page before hitting submit. Going to try again!

First, you have a beautiful scrapping style. When you work for clients, you will probably stick with YOUR style, and if you have a portfolio, potential clients will know what to expect when they hire you because they will have seen your work. We all have our own unique way of designing layouts, and what works best for YOU is what you should do.

For journaling - I usually send rough drafts in PDFs or re-sized JPGS, and then work with the client to finalize the journaling. I also ask ahead of time how much journaling they might expect to do for any given layout. It helps that I have a web design background, so I have a format already of ask, ask, ask before starting a project. Save a lot of time re-doing later!

Most of my portfolio is what I can show online (either sending email of specific items when asked for examples of x, y, or z, or just directing them to my website and personal galleries). I am working on some physical examples too, as I've been building up my Heritage Makers business and am going to be teaching some digi-scrap classes in our town soon, so a book or album in hand will be important to show the folks I actually meet in person. You can work your way to that point - it's ok to get started and continue to build your portfolio!

Hope this is helpful!

[iamkaren]

You know I've been wondering about this same issue. I would like to start a S4O business doing theme albums for people - weddings, baby books etc.

I've been wondering how to gather the personal information prior to starting. For example, if I were doing a baby book, I'd want them to journal each month's milestones, I'd want them to select quotes they like etc. I've been trying to envision a type of paper or online form created specifically to gather the basics of each page. And then I'd need some kind of numbering process or way for them to identifiy which photos go on each page (whether digital or actual photos that need to be scanned).

Do those of you in this business have processes like this?

[DogwoodMama]

I think you are on the right track, Karen! Perhaps they could number the photos, and then you could "interview" them over the phone about their thoughts concerning a grouping of photos or particular photos, or fill out a form... I know some people don't like to "journal" while others are more comfortable with it.

I'm trying to think through how to approach a 30-page album (approx) for someone's 3 children, their births and baptism... I was thinking some limited journaling about the birth from the mom, and then identify people in the baptism and may some scripture?

(and I have to figure out pricing too!)