Thank you to the many clients over the years who have shared their positive raves!

Dear Dawn,
We recieved our wedding album yesterday and want to say a HUGE thank you to
you for your fabulous work! We were waiting with such excitement after seeing
the proofs. It is absolutely beautiful and reflects our day brilliantly, it's
as if you were there! The backgrounds in particular are utterly stunning in
their originalilty. We are amazed how you tuned in to the type of people we
are without ever having met or spoken to us . We are delighted that you managed
to get so many shots in without it looking too busy and overcrowded. As an artist
myself who is quite particular about how things look , I am so grateful for
your sensitivity and creativity it has made it a perfect momento. We are over
the moon!! We would highly recommend your work to anyone who wants a unique
album that eloquently captures the essence of their day. Thank you for creating
an album that we will cherish for ever. with warm regards across the water to
you.

Claire and Duncan Macdonald



Hi Dawn,
What can I say, except that I am very impressed. I certainly wish I knew how
to write scripts etc. I shall hopefully be going over all your templates this
weekend and let you know which ones I am interested in.

Regards,

Paul Hughes
http://www.paul-hughes.com/


Dawn,
You are a genius! I had no idea that I was buying such a powerful tool. As far
as the Java files, I will let you know when I get look into it some more. When
I read the email, I was afraid that this might be way beyond me, but my installation
went perfectly. Once I typed in my serial (the right way) everything was up
and going. And I like the template manager--it alows me to view all my templates
in one area without the hassles of digging through folders and looking at thumbnails.
I think you should be charging a lot more for this program--Kubota and Fong
charge huge sums of money. Anyway, I put in a good word over at MPIX forums,
it was moving a little fast this morning, so I'll be sure to post some of my
pages over there when I get some done. Just wanted to let you know that I think
you have a great product here--now I wish I would have bought the larger package
with the cards--maybe next time!

Stacy


Dawn,
I recieved the book. It was absolutly wonderful. I was very nervous
because this was my first book. I knew the design was beautiful, but it was
so exspensive I was afraid my client wouldn't like it as much as I did. (hard
to please). Anyway I recieved it and called my client immediatly. She is my
mothers best friend and a day before the wedding her father passed away. (the
brides grandfather). I had been explaining the book to her but she just kinda
gave me that look that ok. She made it one page and was in complete tears! She
LOVED IT. She said that that day was kinda a fog, that she only remembers peices
of it. She was so pleased with it, and it's thanks to you. I just wanted to
let you know that WE loved it. I was wondering can i still order a copy of the
book? Can I order different sizes. What is the cost? Do i have to pay the design
fee again, or just the price of the book?

Let me know, and once again, THANKS!!!

Jerrica


Sorry it has taken me so long to write – I’ve been absolutely slammed (garage
sale, b-day party planning, job hunting, freelance pr assistance for friend
until 2am) ß-I still have NO IDEA how you do it. Hopefully I can succeed in
the workplace come August.

Thank you so much. The book was very well done!!!! I’ll spread the word – trust
me.

Kendall

This weekend went SO well and people were ALL OVER my stand and ALL OVER
the books.

I have booked a few more weddings because of the books and have orders from
people looming in the next few weeks... It was a success and you helped that
happen and Im REALLY glad that I found you!

So, it looks like we will be making a lot of contact in the near future
and I wanted to let you know that a lot of this weekends' success was due
to your designing and your books.

Claudine (London/UK)


Thank you very much for coming through with the album in time for Christmas. It
looks wonderful...thank you for your patience, professionalism and speedy turnaround
time.

Daniel B (NJ)

AMAZING! They actually delivered it about 11:30 this morning. Perfect timing, as we
had just started breakfast and had just finished the gifts. Carl was floored by tthe
16x20 framed pic I had given him just 20 min before the book arrived. I had decided
that once the book came I would wait until our anniversary but once it came today
and I saw it, NO WAY was I going to wait 8 weeks to give him this book. My family
is floored, He's floored and I'm floored! You have really taken some beautiful pictures
and turned them into lasting memories!!!! I will make certain that I take some pics
of the book and email them to you. Thank you again for all your, sweat, dedication
and creativity!

Max (CT)

The ladies couldn’t get over beautiful it (my album) was.

Christiane (NY)

Everyone I showed it (album) to was quite impressed as they had never seen anything like it
before.

Emily (OH)

GENERAL

• What do you charge for your services?
  
  
  
  
  • Our services are for professional photographers who would like a high end professional design to present their clients that suit their creative and studio style. We also design directly for couples whose photographer does not offer albums and are typically known as "Shoot and Burn" or "Destination" Photographers. Pricing is not displayed to the public. Please fill out the registration form found here. Once we verify your status (photography business or consumer) we will set up your account and contact you within 24 hours or 72 hours if contacted during weekend hours with your account details.


• How many images should I submit?
  
  


• Design fees are based on the number of images you want
  included in the album. Its ideal to only submit the images you want to appear in
  the album, but if you have alternates of the same image or would like to submit
  images to be used in the cover designs that do not need to appear within the
  album you may submit those.


• To determine how many images to choose; most well balanced
  albums contain roughly 80 - 100 images (determined by the budget of your
  client). On average, the typical client will purchase a 16-20 spread album. The
  number of images used on each spread is guestimated at 5 images per spread or
  2.5 images per side. This is strictly a guestimate. Often couples will choose to
  include several reception candids that will make up the final pages of the
  album. These pages tend to be more crowded than the previous spreads and in
  contrast some of the previous spreads may contain just a single image. In
  the end, you can be safe at using 5 per spread to gauge how many pages your
  album will become.
  
• What is your design turn around time?
  
  
  
  
  • Once you submit your order and you have paid your invoice the
    design process will be scheduled and you should receive a link to your design
    presentation within 7-14 business days. Because we like to get to
    know you and work closely with you there may be times you'll be asked "how hot"
    your order is which allows us during peak times to better schedule design
    projects. It is important that as SOON as your client chooses their album
    designs that you submit your order and images ASAP. Even if you need more time
    to pay its best to get the order placed and once your invoice is paid work can
    begin. Often you will become overwhelmed with studio priorities and wait until
    the last minute to get the order placed or will be waiting on your clients to
    pay your invoice. We understand as it happens all the time so open communication
    is key and we'll keep your client moving forward together.


• Do I pay before or after design service is delivered?
  
  
  
  
  • It depends. Your first order is discounted 50% so this order
    is to be paid in full in order to start the design process. On future orders,
    "Mock Up" services are to be PIF (paid in full) while Design + Edit services are
    paid 50% up front to create the initial design and then the balance is due upon
    your clients' final approval.
  
  


• Do you edit individual image files?
  
  
  
  
  • During the design process images will often be converted to BW or sometimes Sepia toning. Other image treatments may take place if it adds or enhances the style especially if it is done in order to match the type of style you convey in your order or when sneaking a peak at your company website. Levels adjustments may also be necessary in the process all of which are done with adjustment layers and are not permanent. It is best to submit edited images unless you specifically request your images be edited first. An extra fee would apply. Most photographers like to do their own initial edits.


• Do you offer unlimited changes?
  
  
  
  
  • Yes and No. If you choose our "Mock Up" service then you will be sent all .psd Photoshop layered files upon completion of the initial design using either low resolution images you submitted or high resolution images (Depending on your preference) that you will edit with your client. If you choose "Design + Edit" service then you will have unlimited design changes included UNLESS your clients changes are delayed on their end and 30 calendar days pass before receiving any feedback/change requests.
  
  
  • Once the editing process has begun your client can make unlimited changes, but must be consolidated into 3 rounds of changes to avoid the client from not taking the time to fully review and critique the design. There is flexibility in this restriction; however, guidelines will ensure the editing process goes smoothly and timely



• How will I be billed?
  
  
  
  
  • Once your order is received and processed (typically same day) your bill will be sent to your indicated email address for paying using paypal services.


• What makes you different from other competitive album designers?
  
  
  
  
  • I have designed for professional photographers as well as end consumers for over 8 years studying the trends and creating my place and style in the industry.
  
  
  • I love what I do and use each design job as an opportunity to explore creatively while getting to know your style and ultimately provide a professional level of service that enhances your studio capabilities. My growth and success is directly related to yours.
  
  
  • I inspired and co-founded the now called pixel creator pro photoshop album design program understanding the demands and needs of professional photographers who were excited by their growing knowledge of photoshop yet still needed the assistance of ready made designs to get them started. The time and devotion that period of my life encompassed pushed my own level of creativity and inspired many new ideas I have created over the years.
  
  
  • I partnered with another album design software called albumds based on Spain for much of the same reasons as pixel creator as the developer was in need of internationally friendly designs to offer their clients. If pixel creator pro didn't push my design envelope then Album DS sure did offering its customers over 600 custom creations which has continued to inspire new creations I develop.
  
  
  • My love for custom designing specifically in the elegant field of wedding albums is evident as I have created many professional frienships through my album design services. I strive to present the best timeless, balanced, and eye catching designs that will stand the test of time.
  
  
  • In the beginning, I offered a full service Design, Print, and Bind for both flush mount thick paged albums as well as the now called press printed photo books back in the infancy stages. I understand the process intimately and will take on the responsibility of processing your album finishing orders as well.
  
  
  • My communication response time is often times immediate when communicating through email. There are office hours or time zones to work against.
  
  
  • I simply love what I do and want to be YourDesigner.

THE DESIGN PROCESS

• How do I submit my image files?
  
  
  
  
  • High Quality (typically 4mb or more) JPG files can be sent directly to our server via your own FTP software such as cuteFTP. Once your account is set up you will be provided with the FTP information. If you prefer to use an online FTP service you can use DropSend or Box.net.
  
  
  • Files should be numbered in the order in which they should appear within the album. For example: client_name001.jpg, client_name002.jpg, client_name003.jpg, and so on.
  
  
  • You may group them within folders if you require images to appear on same spreads. Sample folder names: Getting_Ready, Ceremony, romantic, formals, reception
  
  
  • You should indicate which images are must have images if submitting extras for consideration. For example: client_name012mh.jpg, client_name023alt.jpg


• How do I choose a design style?
  
  
  
  
  • Each album is unique and you are not limited when it comes to choosing a style. Most album designs fall into the modern yet freestyle category combining styles to suit each story telling page. Your order form will give you an opportunity to select aspects from one or each style so that the end result is all you hoped for.


• How much detailed direction do you need when filling out the order form?
  
  


• Honestly, the least requirements the better as I can freely explore the ideas as I get acquainted with the story you are telling. I very much feel I have taken part in your clients' special day as the designed pages unfold. But, if you are very particular about what is in the design and what isn't then certainly knowing up front makes the design process easier
• How do you present the final designs for review?
  
  
  
  
  • Once your album is designed an online preview gallery will be uploaded to our company website. If you prefer to show your client the designs on your own site or machine the gallery can be zipped and available for download alternatively. Please indicate on the order form which way you prefer.
  
  
  • If you opt for "Mock" Design service your designs will be available for download and in most cases will include a video tutorial custom created to point out any editing tips, features and helpful suggestions to ensure your ability to successfully edit and modify on your own.


• How will my final designs be delivered?
  
  


• Upon design approval and final payment your designs will be bundled, zipped, and uploaded to our company server for you to download. You will receive the final print ready high resolution JPG files as well as the layered PSD Photoshop files. "Mock" Design service will not receive a set of JPGs as the edit phase will be handled on your end.


• For an added fee you can opt for a backup copy to be burned and sent on disc


• You may also opt to purchase a set of associated design templates and are priced per spread as each album design job will contain a different number of spreads. You may not request only to receive some and not all templates. They are offered as a bundle set. Your set will include a custom created video tutorial.
  
  

Since 2002, Dawn has partnered with professional photographers throughout the globe providing elegant well planned page designs. She designs based on what style represents your studio incorporating style wishes from your clients, if submitted, along with Dawn's artistic eye. Dawn enjoys being "YourDesigner" during the process and prides herself in professional, caring, and timely customer service and has thrived on the many business friendships built as a result.

In the beginning the company name was Digi-Books Montage Studio. Digi-books Montage Studio was a full service design, print, and bind flush mount album and photo book company. At one point Digi-books also offered custom made portrait handbags. Dawn did all the designing and along with her very skilled bindery friend Tony Crowle of Van Huizen Bookbinding and Finishing . Over the years I worked with a variety of printing houses and professional photo labs and when Tony and I realized business was too slaving for us we opted to remain business friends but my album creation work has now been outsourced. All along I had used Pechman Imaging for album spread printing and they were sent off to Albums Unlimited for flush mount album design. ACI labs now handles photo book creation. Clients who use my full services will enjoy the high quality results as I have been very happy with this combination for years. For those who already found an album company they love I have established accounts with other companies and prefer Finao and Vision Art Books for a creative alternative.

Shortly after, I became co-founder of what is now called PixelCreatorPro, a photoshop plug-in style console that works together to speed workflow and enhance your capabilities in using Photoshop as your main design program. A couple years later, I separated from PixelCreatorPro and began selling my bundles of wedding album design templates on ebay. The wedding and portrait photography industry is fast moving and more designers and labs began offering similar services. By Mid 2007, I became the designer for AlbumDS (Album Design Software by Art Fotografic) . I provided over 600 designs relating to wedding albums, High School Senior books, baby books, calendars, magazine covers, posters, cards and announcements and more providing a nice mixture for all professional photographers to use and manipulate to suit their needs.

Since about 2007, I am now known as MyDesigner Studio. The old studio website design was dedicated to my album design and fulfillment company while MyDesigner Cafe site handled the sales of my album design templates. I now just have one site at which features my template sales with auto download capabilities, but my mission for 2010 is to bring custom album design services back in the forefront. It is where my biggest strengths reside and my ability to prosper.

The name "MyDesigner" was specifically developed because of my desire to convey that I am a photographer's designer. The scenario is that...the wedding photographer (or portrait photog) meets with their client to choose album images. During their meeting they explain that MY DESIGNER will be custom creating your album and we work closely together to ensure it is the album of your dreams. So that is why I changed from Digi-books (descriptive towards the final albums i offered) to MyDesigner (focusing on my relationship I like to build with fellow photographers).