Growing in it’s own direction

[Rachel Campanelli]

Oh the world of invitations, where to begin? The site is nearly done and already I am looking forward to re-doing it. I came up with another idea and now I want to change the entire thing. So, I left my job months ago and I have been bringing in my own clients but now with summer over, things are slowing. I have that little whisper of fear, what if I don’t get any winter business!? Instead of dwelling on the worry, I have been doing everything I can to get work with soon to be married couples. It is tough, with people becoming less willing to let go of their hard earned cash. I can't blame them, I think we are all doing the same thing. I even dropped prices to generate some attention, I make less but at least I am making something.
Recently I have been emailing coordinators my information in hopes they will tell their brides about me. No such luck. I've come to the conclusion; coordinators make these tightly knit communities of vendors and are not interested in adding on. It is a shame; they are missing so many opportunities, not just with me but also with other small fries out there.
This weekend I am going to a bridal show to pass out cards. My cards are beautiful, I am hoping to get some callbacks. I am bringing my younger sister to try her hand at direct marketing. I think she is going for all the free cake! I am a little apprehensive about this approach mostly because I do not have a booth, I only am paying the entrance fee. I am sure the other vendors will hate me but honestly, I don’t have enough money to care. Maybe if the booths were not so expensive some of the little guys (myself included) could actually afford to advertise themselves. Next month I am hoping to go half on a booth but who knows I might have even less cash by then.
This has been quite the learning experience for me. What’s funny is the people not using me for invitations are calling me for other design work! I don’t mind too much, “work is work” to quote my father. I love the beauty that naturally comes with wedding design so it is a great no matter what part I am designing for. Currently I am working on three websites and a few print jobs, brochures, cards, and flyers. No invites right now but plenty of design work for coordinators who do not have an in-house designer. Oddly enough I am working with Miracle-ear on some postcards. The manager saw a birthday invite I did for a girlfriend and practically demanded I do some work for her. Got to love the exposure.
So for now, my business has turned in a different direction until weddings pick back up. Until they do, I will work for wedding vendors who need better design, print design, websites, and so on. I have noticed at recent shows a lot of the vendors offer great service but their means of promoting their company are not all that great. It is my opinion that company design is overlooked and their cards, brochures, flyers, and so on look like they were home design jobs. Sad. Here is the deal, I am going to reach out to the awesome community here first as a way to gauge interest level. If you are in need of any type of graphic design, I will be more than happy to work with you! It does not matter where in the US you are, we can still work together, that is the beauty of technology my friends! I am going to list some sample prices, if you are interested please, email me.

Prices include: Custom Design, Email (soft) proof, Printing, and Bindery (folding) if necessary.
If Client requires a press proof I can mail you one for an addition $50 however this slows turn around time greatly. Tax and Shipping not included.

Websites
Starting at $700 this is including getting site posted.
Keep in mind this is basic design and 3-5 pages depending on complicity.

Corporate branding / Identity
Starting at $250

Business Cards
Regular size 3.5 x 2
14 pt card stock full color both sides
Matte or gloss finish you choose
500 Cards $150 (.30¢ a card)
1000 Cards $220 (.22¢ each)
5000 Cards $500 (.10¢ each)

Postcards
Regular size 4 x 6
14 pt card stock full color both sides
Matte or gloss finish you choose
500 Postcards $375 (.75¢ each)
1000 Postcards $615 (.61¢ each)
5000 Postcards $1525 (.30¢ each)

Brochures
Tri-fold 8.5 x 11
100 lb gloss book full color both sides
Gloss coating
500 Brochures $575 ($1.15 each)
1000 Brochures $1050 ($1.05 each)
5000 Brochures $4250 (.85¢ each)

Since most of you are not in California, I would ask for half down upon approval of quote and full payment upon completion of design and approval for print. After processing payment, I would overnight the product. I am looking forward to working with each and every one of you!
If you would like to see previous work take a look at my site
www.invitationrevelation.com

[Guy Husvar]

Hello Rachel, Glad you have found a different direction for the moment. This flexibiltiy will most likely payoff in great rewards in the future. Have you considered marketing your speciality to maybe class reunions and corporate events which may appreciate a more personal and profesional touch?

Wishing you great on going success!

Guy Husvar