We decided this was the year that we should finally submit to a few competitions.

We weren’t exactly sure when the winners would be published but knew we were supposed to be notified upon winning. The mail (and magazine) came in around noon so when I finished working that evening I sat down to check it out. To say I was surprised is an understatement. WE WERE IN IT … not once BUT TWICE!

So, I hope you will celebrate this huge milestone with us and allow us the opportunity to enter more in the future. In order to do that, we need your samples! If we have created your brand, PLEASE send us at least 10 samples of each printed piece. Being showcased in these competitions is a huge advertisement for YOU too! This is our very favorite part of the process. To be able to see all of the hard work that we (us and you together) have accomplished come to fruition in print is what reminds us that we LOVE what we do and want to share it with the world!

~Eva

Bold colors paired with brightly colored frames and lovely accents, couture holiday is sure to appeal to the modern and classic tastes alike. Like most of our holiday collections this year, this collection is versatile enough to use all year round!

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 5, 5×7 folded/4-sided card template designs
• Designs for front back and inside
• All text and colors can be edited
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

Couture Holiday Wallet Accordion Calendar $20.00

An adorable companion to our Couture Holiday set. Offer these to your clients as holiday gifts, an add on to their holiday order or as the perfect gift for parents and grandparents. However you choose, they are sure to delight all year long!

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 2, wallet size accordion calendar template designs
• Designs for front, back and covers
• Most text and all colors can be edited
• Most fonts used are standard or free
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

Images in samples courtesy of Stacy Larsen

~ PURCHASE NOW ~

Deck The Holidays $60.00

A retro and modern mix of swirls, plaid and antique backgrounds. With it’s unique color palette and bold patterns, this set takes the old and new and shakes things up. Deck the Holidays is sure to be a new holiday favorite. Get creative and use this funky set for multipurpose solutions.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 5, 5×7 folded/4-sided card template designs
• Designs for front back and inside
• Most text and colors can be edited
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

Deck The Holidays Wallet Accordion Calendar $20.00

An adorable companion to our Deck the Holidays set. Offer these to your clients as holiday gifts, an add on to their holiday order or as the perfect gift for parents and grandparents. However you choose, they are sure to delight all year long!

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 2, wallet size accordion calendar template designs
• Designs for front, back and covers
• Most text and all colors can be edited
• Most fonts used are standard or free
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

Images in samples courtesy of Stacy Larsen

~ PURCHASE NOW ~

Delightful Dreams Holiday $60.00

Our very first holiday collection for 2010! A soft color palette paired with delicate patterns, frames and ornamental elements is sure to be delightful. Additionally, you will be able to use these multi purpose templates all year long!

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 5, 5×7 folded/4-sided card template designs
• Designs for front back and inside
• Most text and colors can be edited
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

Delightful Dreams Wallet Accordion Calendar $20

An adorable companion to our Delightful Dreams Holiday set. Offer these to your clients as holiday gifts, an add on to their holiday order or as the perfect gift for parents and grandparents. However you choose, they are sure to delight all year long!

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 2, wallet size accordion calendar template designs
• Designs for front, back and covers
• Most text and all colors can be edited
• Most fonts used are standard or free
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

Images in samples courtesy of Stacy Larsen

~ PURCHASE NOW ~

I am so super excited to share this news! My best friend and one of our very favorite photographers, Stacy Larsen, has just announced that her next workshop will be in Atlanta … and in September!!! Atlanta is not only my hometown but one of my very favorite places to spend time. I especially love the city in the fall! So, I am definitely not going to miss the opportunity to be a part of THIS workshop!

As with all of her workshops, Stacy is generously giving away a free seat. To enter the contest all you have to do is comment on the Launch blog before Sunday, July 18th. *** AND to make things even more fun you can also comment HERE on the Luxc blog for an additional entry and better chance to win! ***

Oh, and just in case Atlanta isn’t enough enticement for you, Luxc gives all Launch attendees our entire Business & Marketing set , that’s a $140 value … just one of many goodies you will receive over the weekend.

Good luck to everyone and I will see you in Atlanta … in September!!!

~ Eva

Just for fun we whipped up this fun and FREE mad lib baby announcement. Hope you like and enjoy.

GET IT HERE

Seriously Simple Marketing | $80

Designed to coordinate with and compliment our Business Forms, these clean and simple templates will make creating marketing materials easy while making your photos the true focus, as they should be. You may use the included text or fill in with your own.

INCLUDES:
• folded appointment card (2×7)
• dvd case (single)
• postcard (4×6)
• promo card (5×7)
• bookmark (2×7)
• accordion (4×5.5)
• trifold (5×5)
• sticker (3×3)

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• All text and colors can be edited
• All fonts used are standard or free
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

*** If you haven’t had a chance to buy the Business Forms you can now purchase our LUXC BUSINESS & MARKETING COLLECTION which include both the business forms and the marketing collection, saving you $20. ***

Luxc Business & Marketing Collection | $140

*** Links to Purchase*** :

Seriously Simple Marketing Collection | $80
Luxc Business Forms | $80
Luxc Business & Marketing Collection (includes both the MARKETING AND BUSINESS FORMS) | $140

Images in samples courtesy of Stacy Larsen

Announcing our VERY FIRST Mini Accordion Albums: Flora Mini Square Accordions | $60

Mini accordion albums are a great way to offer affordable variety to your clients. Use them as client gifts, grandparent albums or simply as a unique option for greeting cards. 4 unique styles are included in this collection (vintage, organic, modern and a little funky too).

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 4, 3×3 mini square accordion album template designs
• Designs for front, back and covers
• All text and colors can be edited
• All fonts used are standard or free
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

YOU MAY ALSO PURCHASE THESE INDIVIDUALLY:

Antique Flora Mini Accordion Square Album | $20.00

Funky Flora Mini Accordion Square Album | $20.00

Vivid Flora Mini Accordion Square Album | $20.00

Flora Doodles Mini Accordion Square Album | $20.00

Images in samples courtesy of Stacy Larsen

Don’t underestimate the importance of well designed materials, even when it is something as simple as your business forms. These clean and simple, pre-filled forms are a perfect starter set for a new photography business or a great way to unify your currently used forms. You may use the included text or fill in with your own.

Included:
• copyright notice
• digital release
• dvd label
• invoice
• model release
• notecard
• client questionnaire
• caring for your canvas / caring for your prints
• client folder checklist
• price sheet

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• All text and colors can be edited
• All fonts used are standard or free
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

So, Luxecetera customers … send us your show and tell photographs! And if your’s get posted you will receive an instant gift credit to our store for any template set you wish (up to $80!!) You will be linked to and credited but please send only non-watermarked images.

We can’t wait to see what you all have to show & tell

We are so excited to announce the winner of our Anniversary Contest … and she is Elizabeth Leighton!!! Please know that this was HANDS DOWN one of the most difficult decisions we have had to make. We poured over the emails and agonized over the decision but in the end all of us here at LUXC were so touched by Elizabeth’s story. We received MANY entries and after sifting through them all we felt that Elizabeth’s called out to us the most. Please know that this decision wasn’t easy and we thank you ALL for your entries and especially your kind words about LUXC We would also like to announce our 2nd and 3rd place winners:

2nd: Jessica Schaack

3rd: (tie):

Leah Kua
Stephanie Lyell

Congratulations to our winners!!! And here’s to all of our amazing (past and future clients) and another wonderful year ahead for us ALL!

The first was our anniversary giveaway. This is a truly no strings attached brand giveaway to thank you and offer a gift to those who may not be able to afford (but want and appreciate a well planned, designed and thought out brand).

We have also come up with an additional idea that we think may help. Because we are currently booking for November and feel awful (really!) about the people who call /email daily and tell us they just can’t wait. We TRULY understand and have been wracking our brains for months to come up with a solution. Well, we think we have one (for some of you ) LUXC NOW is a pre-designed brand that is available for you RIGHT NOW. A full brand, including several pieces of collateral and all that you need to get started with NO WAIT. You will receive:

• Logo (vector/pdf and psd)
• Watermark(s)/Element(s) (vector/pdf and psd)
• Pattern(s) (vector/pdf and psd)
• Brushes of logo & watermark(s) (psd)
• 2 sided business card (vector/pdf and psd)
• Folded Notecard (vector/pdf and psd)
• Multi purpose 8.5×11” page template (use instantly as letterhead, for a model release/contract, price sheet, invoice, etc.)
• Style guide including list of fonts used, colors (pantone, web/hex, rgb and cmyk), directions on using files and recommendations for printers.

These Brands are available for sale ONCE, so like each luxc brand, the business that purchases the selected brand will have something unique and their’s only. So, this means also, that if you like something, grab it quickly because it will be gone after the first purchase.

If you are on our waiting list now but find that one of these brands fits what you are looking for, you can purchase now and will be removed from the waiting list.

So, without further ado, please take a look at our LUXC Now Brands RIGHT NOW…

Thanks to everyone who entered our anniversary contest. We were so excited to read all your kind words. We had SO many entries that it has taken us a little longer to read them. We have narrowed them down and are very close to a decision. We’ll be announcing the winner this Friday April 23rd.

~ Ash, Eva, Lisa

To celebrate our first official year in business, we will be giving away several high dollar goodies!

GRAND Prize: BRAND DEVELOPMENT + Business Card design + $300 template credit
2nd Prize: $200 template credit
3rd Prize: $100 template credit

So, how do you enter? Send us an email (inquiry@luxecetera.com) and answer the following questions (please keep it to a few paragraphs):

• Tell us why you need, deserve or just have to have new branding!
• Tell us why you are choosing LUXECETERA to develop your brand – and because “it’s free” is not an answer
• What you are looking for in regards to your brand identity
• Send us a sample of your work (1 image) or a link

Please note: Contest is open to prospective clients as well as those on our waiting list. In order to be fair to our current wait listed clients, we will be commencing this brand development in October 2010 as if you were a newly booked client.

And we couldn’t post about our anniversary without giving a HUGE THANK YOU to all of our existing brand/template clients, blog readers, vendors, contractors, employees and friends for making this year so rewarding and successful for us.

***Deadline is April 10th at Midnight***

William & Lydia $60, NOW $30

A classic baby collection full of florals and delicate touches that is sure to please almost any client.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 16 (5×7 or 5×5) flat card template designs (8 girl/8 boy)
• All text and colors can be edited
• All fonts used are standard or free
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

OTHER USES:
• Party Invitations
• Thank You Cards

Images in samples courtesy of Stacy Larsen

Chocolate Animal Asuka $60, NOW $30

A sweet and simple Asuka album template full of colorful animals against a rich chocolate background.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 20-page, 10×10 Asuka album layout
• Includes front/back cover design
• All text and colors can be edited
• All fonts used are standard or free
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

Images in samples courtesy of Stacy Larsen

Chocolate Animal Baby $60, NOW $30

A sweet and simple template collection of colorful animals against a rich chocolate colored background.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 10, 5×5 flat card template designs
• All text and colors can be edited
• All fonts used are standard or free
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

OTHER USES:
• Party Invitations
• Thank You Cards

Images in samples courtesy of Stacy Larsen

A new addition to our 2010 line of senior card templates. Couture senior is sure to be the perfect look, appealing to today’s high end senior.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 6 5×7 folded template designs
• Designs for front, back and inside spreads
• All text and colors can be edited
• All fonts used are standard or free
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

OTHER USES:
• Party Invitations
• Thank You Cards

Images in samples courtesy of Laure Lillie Photographie

Off The Wall Senior $60.00

New for 2010. Inspired by graffiti walls and urban streets, this senior collection is off the wall.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 6 5×7 folded template designs
• Designs for front, back and inside spreads
• All text and colors can be edited
• All fonts used are standard or free
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

OTHER USES:
• Party Invitations
• Thank You Cards

Images in samples courtesy of Laure Lillie Photographie

Well … I say I am just back although it has been over a week. After catching up on client work, emails, phone calls, and not to mention with my family I FEEL like I am just back.

So, some of you may know that Stacy Larsen (aka Stacy Larsen Photography/Launch Workshop) is my bff. What most of you don’t know is that LUXC would not even exist without her. That’s right! I met Stacy in 2006. I was a stay at home Mom (of 1 and 2 year old boys) and I was finally ready to find and hire a GREAT photographer. I called her up and we had our shoot. While ordering holiday cards I was being a bit picky regarding the font (we designers can be that way , I apologized and blamed it on my “graphic designer past”. She was super sweet and instead of getting irritated with me she asked me why the heck I wasn’t still designing. I told her the long story of why (the deadlines, all-nighters, countless weddings and graduation that had been missed as well as low pay to boot!) and of course she quickly understood how that did not fit into my new life as caretaker of 2 young sons. To my surprise she asked me to consider getting back into it. She told me that there was quite a need for photographer templates that were more her style (keep in mind this was quite a while back Although I had never even thought about going back to work she had lit a fire under me. I quickly realized that design might be the one thing that was missing in my just-about-complete life. Long story short … it was. I started Eva Talley Creative, met Ashley and Lisa and the rest is pretty much history.

Stacy and I have been just about inseparable since. We carpool, hang by the pool in the summer, our kids spend the night at each other’s houses and we even had babies at the same time (and yes, on purpose!) I have done 2 entire brands for her and of course she takes ALL of my family’s pictures (she even photographed the birth of my 3rd son). So, why am I telling you all of this?

… Because I am about to vouch for her workshop (LAUNCH) and I want you to know it is in more than a “LUXC sponsors” it kind of way. When Stacy first decided to do a workshop (which was in all of about 5 minutes after I suggested it) she totally panicked. She wondered if she was qualified, if anyone would want to come, if everyone who DID come would go home with the knowledge she wanted them to and so on and so forth. As a matter of fact, she pretty much worried in this manner until the morning of the first workshop day! So, at the end of the first day of the workshop I was happy to say something that I say to her A LOT … “I TOLD YOU SO!” Although I am certain that this was the first time she was actually happy to hear it LOL

the LAUNCH gang

I attended day 1 to speak about branding/identity but was also privy to take part in the workshop as well. Along with 11 others we casually sat in a circle in Stacy’s studio and listened, discussed, laughed and learned. (Day 2 was similar but included a newborn shoot and Day 3 – the optional day – was portfolio review and on location shoots.) Stacy was simply amazing. She was open, honest and shared an incredible amount of knowledge, experience and advice. She poured her heart and soul into this workshop and when I saw it all come to fruition I was almost bubbling over with pride and joy.

Luxecetera sponsors many great workshops but this is the first one I can personally attest to. If you are a new photographer looking to launch your business (or take your new business to the next level) this is a MUST! And by the way … she just announced the next LAUNCH workshop for Seattle, Washington on June 19-21st. Not only that but she is giving away a free seat again this time! Go over there NOW and register to win because the contest ends March 5th!

Hope to see some of you in Seattle

~ Eva

Sewn with tender love and care this multi-purpose set is sure to be the perfect addition to your template collection.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 5 (5×7) folded/4-sided card template designs
• Each template includes a front, back and inside spread design for a folded card (sized appropriately)
• All text and colors can be edited
• Most fonts used are standard or free
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

USES:
• Birth Announcements
• Party Invitations
• Thank You Cards
• New Years Cards
• Save the Date Cards
• Holiday Cards
• Valentine Cards
• Infinite Possibilities!

Images in samples courtesy of Stacy Larsen and Andrea Casey

Our sincere apologies to our international clients and vendors who probably didn’t receive their packages by Christmas… We are pretty positive that they got held up in customs and you’ll probably get them in March. We will send them in October next year.

Now… off to think about how we will top this next year … whew!

We are also on track to release several new template sets in the coming weeks – how exciting!

We hope everyone has had a relaxing and refreshing holiday season! See you next year!!!

One of our classics & best sellers is now available as a folded set.  The sweet simplicity of Emma and Jack is the perfect showcase for any of your newborn images.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 16, 5×7 folded card template designs (8 girl/8 boy)
• All text and colors can be edited
• All fonts used are standard or free
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

Images in samples courtesy of Stacy Larsen

* Please note that if you have already purchased this set you can upgrade for just $20. Email here for your upgrade *

Regal Textues $30.00

A bright and funky texture set full of regal color. Use on your album covers, templates, marketing materials or just about anywhere you choose!

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• Includes 5 Regal-style textures
• File size is 12×24″
• All colors can be edited
• instructions for use included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

Images in samples courtesy of Stacy Larsen Photography and Stacey Woods Photography

Happy Holidays O’ Dear Friends & Clients!!! We just wanted to update everyone about the goings on here at the LUXC offices. We are busy, busy bees wrapping up lots of work and preparing for a relaxing holiday with our friends and families. We are all excited for a little break to rejuvenate our creative juices for a very full first (and second) quarter in 2010. We are currently COMPLETELY BOOKED for January, February, March, and April of 2010. We are have 3, 1 slot(s) (Yes. THREE ONE.) left for May as of Tuesday, December 8th 2009 @8:30pm EST Wednesday, December 9, 2009 @8pm EST. MAY IS NOW BOOKED!

We will be CLOSED December 17th-January 3rd. We will have limited access to email. We will be answering emails regarding template purchases and questions as quickly as we can. Please bear with us as we take this much needed time off.

Also note that we will be doing some maintenance on our site during the holidays so you may encounter some strange things if you happen upon our site during this time.

Ok. So… you should now go and eat, shop and be merry. Happy Holidays from Luxecetera!!

Please make sure and use code cyberluxc at checkout (AND make sure you click on APPLY once you enter the code).

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

From 9am-10 am EST (RIGHT NOW!!!) enter code BLACKLUXC at checkout an receive 50% ANY AND ALL TEMPLATE PURCHASES.  After 10 am EST discount code BLACKLUXC will earn you 25% off until midnight.

* Please note that this does not apply to branding or custom design, only template sales.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• Includes 10 distinct color palettes
• Includes one limited edition Dream Album Wish cover with color schemes already implemented
• Includes template sizes for all available cover options (8×8 & 10×10)
• All colors and text can be edited
• Font information will be included with your download
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

OTHER USES:
• Transfer colors to nearly anything.
• Cards, marketing materials, websites, branding schemes and more!

PALETTES INCLUDED:
• Tweed
• Birches
• Tucson
• Napa
• Fall Line
• November Mesas
• Golden Rod & Heather
• Early Autumn
• October Plains
• New England Cranberry

Images in samples courtesy of Stacy Larsen

Seriously Simple Wish Album Templates $60.00

• 50 single page templates, sized 8×8 and 10×10
• designed specifically for the Dream Album Co.’s Wish Album
• designed with simplicity in mind

Images in samples courtesy of Stacy Larsen

*** FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY, BUY THE SERIOUSLY SIMPLE WISH TEMPLATES AND GET COLOR ANTHOLOGIE FALL FREE!!! ***

Enter code freefall09 at checkout

Seriously Simple Finao Box Covers | 60.00

Created especially for Finao’s line of Seldex Image Preview Boxes and based on our Seriously Simple Album Spread Collections. A clean and versatile set of box cover templates that will allow your photographs to truly be the focal point of your image boxes. You will love the versatility and simplicity of these image preview box covers!

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• Includes 10 box cover template designs to be used with Finao’s Seldex Preview Box
• Includes optional borders and/or color blocks in each cover
• Includes template sizes for all available box options
• All colors and text can be edited
• Font information will be included with your download
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

Images in samples courtesy of Andrea Casey Photography

Add a touch of refinement to your proofs, image boxes or albums with this lovely new collection of fine borders.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• Includes 5 border designs in 2 sizes (4×6 & 5×7) with 2 border options (bordered & full frame)
• Bonus actions for seamless workflow
• Designed to be multipurpose
• Instructions for use included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

Images in samples courtesy of Ashley Jankowski

We here at Luxc are thrilled to finally be able to share some big news!!  We have been bursting with excitement about this but until now have had to keep quiet.  It’s been so hard!  Two of our most talented (and not to mention nicest) friends have decided to take on a new venture.  Stacy Larsen and Kristie Serra announced their brand new workshop today … LAUNCH!

Launch is a brand new photography workshop designed for the beginning photographer who wants to “LAUNCH” a successful business from the start.  We have worked with the Launch girls from the very day that they made the decision to create this amazing experience.  If you are just beginning your photography business this workshop is a MUST.  From proper shooting techniques, camera settings and lighting to marketing, branding, pricing, vendors and so much more, Kristie and Stacy have a complete weekend planned to help you Launch your business successfully.  For the complete schedule, content and more about these amazing photographers please visit their site.  We know they would love to have you!

*** ENTER TO WIN A FREE SEAT AT LAUNCH (go to the site now to find out how)  BUT HURRY!  ENDS NOVEMBER 1!!! ***

Oh I guess we should mention that we also did their brand … 

1. We are COMPLETELY booked for 2009. There ain’t no squeezing left.

2. We are booking currently for March 2010. Yup – that’s right January and February are pretty solid too. Crazy – right!? BUT – we are growing our little team and things could pick up and move a bit faster in twenty-ten.

3. While we are natural workaholics and we work very hard throughout the year… but… we are like most of you… we have friends and families too and we would like to spend some quality time with them this year. So… we will be taking off for the upcoming holidays.  The LUXC offices will be closed. We will not guarantee that emails or phone calls will be returned during those times. Please see the dates below for closings.

CLOSED November 24th – November 30th 
CLOSED December 17th – January 3rd

Katie’s job is simple (hahahahahaha!). She is in charge of preserving the ever-important relationships with our clients – past, present and future. Katie will now be handling all waiting list questions, product inquiries, customer service issues and three alarm fires (which is why she gets a nifty set of flame-retardant coveralls and a sweet oxygen mask). On top of that, she will be managing the waiting list and generally keeping order in our LUXC offices. So, those of you who are already clients, and those who are thinking of becoming clients, rest easy in knowing that you are in very capable hands.

Katie is a fiery redhead from Atlanta. No, that’s not quite right … hmm. Katie is an Atlanta native, mother of two wonderful children, a former financing officer and a rabid UGA football fan … no, that doesn’t really quite capture her either. Okay, okay … ummm. Oh! Got it! Katie Troxel is, like, the coolest woman ever. No, really. She has this really incredible personality that just puts you at ease. She’s very controlled and calm, which has a lot to do with why we hired her (she’s a dedicated practitioner of Bikram Yoga  – yes, that’s the one where people meditate inside an oven). The organizational skills she acquired during her tenure in the banking industry, coupled with her feats as a wonderful mother of two great kids, makes her the ideal person to keep the LUXC ship sailing smoothly (or, at the interest of maintaining the metaphor, the LUXC Bullet Train running tip-top). And, like all of the LUXC team, Katie is a creative thinker, which makes us just that much stronger. So, be sure to welcome Katie to the team – she is, after all, keeping us all sane.

Meet Katie and her gorgeous family!

Seriously Simple Album Spreads III $80.00

• 50 template spreads, sized 9×9
• actions for resizing templates to fit a variety of album sizes (6×6, 7×7, 8×8, 10×10, 12×12, and more!!!)

• All 3 versions were designed to mix and match for use with almost any album size you wish. YOU CAN USE THESE WITH ALMOST ANY ALBUM OUT THERE!

Images in samples courtesy of Andrea Casey Photography

We’ve just created the Luxecetera page on Facebook. Check us out – become a fan – and find special offers and discounts that you’ll only find there! Hurry on over – you may find something special!

NOTE: If you have already contacted us for 2009 – be sure to send your deposit in by this Friday (August 28th, 2009) in order to hold a 2009 date.

And don’t forget we released Holiday Silhouettes early this summer.

Images in samples courtesy of Stacy Larsen

It’s to be expected that you are anxious. This is not just a financial investment, but an emotional investment that asks you to put the future of your business into someone else’s hands – often without the slightest idea as to what, exactly, they are doing with your business. At Luxecetera, we get this and want to demystify the process to help you better understand what to expect over the coming months. With any luck, this guide will help clear the path and make your journey a bit easier. Remember, this is a positive, enriching experience and we want you to be comfortable. We value your business and your trust and want you to enjoy, what should be, an exciting and constructive moment. So, read on and come with us, down the rabbit’s hole …

The first thing is getting on our waiting list. We are a small firm and one that prides itself on carefully and thoughtfully creating every brand “from scratch” As you read on, you will notice that we have a well-developed process that ensures every project is thoroughly developed and completed with each client – not dependent of her or him. It’s what differentiates us from a lot of our competitors. A $250 deposit holds your spot in line and waiting times vary. When you make your deposit, we will give you an approximate estimate as to how long the wait will be.

Once we’ve gotten you on the list, you will fill out our initial questionnaire, which is a mix of questions to help us understand the who, what, why, where, and how of you and your company. This is our first real glimpse into your business, so be sure to take the time to carefully think out and develop your answers. It’s essential that you are honest and thorough and (this is really important) detailed. For instance, with a question like “who are your clients,” don’t respond “moms” – there are a lot of “moms” out there. Tell us what kind of moms or families or engaged couples you are looking for. Use descriptive language and really pinpoint your client demographic. These questions are not just an exercise – they are an important part of the process. They get you really thinking about what you want for your business and help us to gain an understanding of what you need.

As soon as your name reaches the top of the waiting list, things kick into high gear. We begin with a consult. This will be our first real meeting since this whole thing began. Meeting new clients is an exciting event at Luxecetera. We’ve learned a little about you from your initial inquiry and the questionnaire, but now we get to assign a voice, personality, and (sometimes) a face to the individual we are working for. This is a time for both of us to ask the other questions and develop a real rapport. Together, we will review the questionnaire and you will have the opportunity to amend and further develop the ideas you expressed there. The designer will give you honest feedback and a professional perspective on your concepts. The phone consult is also a key decision-making time. We will discuss your options in regard to branding packages and help you to decide on one right for you and your business. This is also when you will make your first payment so that we can carry on the conceptualization process and start developing your new brand.

Now that we have your ideas and have come to an agreement about your design package, our designers set to work on creating concepts for your brand. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes branding action (sounds fun, doesn’t it!) at Luxecetera, involving our entire creative team. We have a diverse think-tank working for you, drafting concepts, writing brand statements, illustrating design elements and giving life to your ideas. Creativity literally flies all over the place (usually in the form of scribbled post-its, crumpled pieces of drafting paper and, on occasion, entire computers). We could show you all of this, but we don’t want you to think we’re out of our heads, so, just take our word for it, there is a lot going on. All you have to do is sit back, relax and wait for …

The concepts. Once all of the fantastic magic of conceptualization and design has calmed, you will be presented with the initial concepts for your brand design. Based on your branding package, you will receive a number of items at this time, such as logos, accents, taglines and the like. It is now time for you review these “drafts” and make some decisions. Try them on, see how they fit, use your imagination and picture you and your new brand on the beach or out to dinner with the kids: is this the one? But seriously, think about each concept carefully and consider what works and what doesn’t. The good thing is that you and we have already taken the time to think things through before we ever got started putting ink to paper, so these concepts should be very close to what you had imagined in the initial stages of this process. Our experience has taught us what works in this regard-that is why we have all of these steps. However, it doesn’t mean that every concept is perfect every time. So, if there are real issues in this stage, now is the time to identify them.

In a perfect world, you receive three “perfect” concepts and your toughest decision is which “perfect” design works best for you. But, we aren’t as vain as all that and know that revisions will, most likely, be necessary – however minor they may be. In most cases, you find that at least one of the concepts (usually two) is to your liking and you’re ready to move forward with that design. At this point in our journey it’s time to take a step back and see how we can make your chosen brand fit even better. Revision is a normal process and an important element in the design package. We are professionals and conduct ourselves as such, so don’t be afraid to offer critiques of the concepts we’ve provided. You won’t hurt our feelings (much, haha). That said, it is also important to keep in mind that revision does not constitute a re-conceptualization. If you have been a proactive part of this process, the concepts we send you should be very near-perfect visual representations of the ideas you helped to create. All that will be necessary is a few tweaks here and there, such as color changes, font alterations, layout, etc. In other words, with very few exceptions, we will not scrap these designs to create a new slate of concepts. That is not revision. Again (underscore this), we work to make this a reciprocal process – so long as you are onboard and active in that process, you will see concepts that match with your wants and needs.

Hard to believe, but we’ve arrived at our destination! After the revision process, you receive your completed concept or concepts and you choose … the most perfect, greatest, fantastic design for your business ever created! Well, hopefully. You’ve chosen a design and are left with a few decisions concerning your branding package. There is an opportunity to now upgrade. If you initially signed on for a logo and decide you want an entire branding package, we can do that. We are at the point of wrapping up, so consider those options. Whatever you decide, you now have a new brand and we move on to creating your deliverables:

For the logo, you will receive your logo in vector and layered .psd format, a lookguide with fonts, colors and instructions.

Brand packages will include the logo in vector and layered .psd format, patterns, accents, watermark files, the lookguide with fonts, colors and instructions.

Once those are received and reviewed, your second payment for the package is due. After the payment is received, you will be given the brand “projects,” 3 or 6, depending on your package, all built around the added brand accents.

And so, after all of that-the thinking, deciding, conceptualization, creation, revision and completion of your brand – all that is left to do is for you to fall in love with your business’ new look and feel. You have done it! Pop the champagne, order a deep-tissue massage, treat yourself to an expensive dinner and celebrate making an intelligent and beneficial investment in your business.

Tyrie Smith is a bit of a prat, who is currently making his girlfriend write his biography blurb. He is a father of a son whom may or may not be an angel from heaven. On another note, Tyrie may or may not have been to Greece. He has a post hole-digger degree (a PhD, thank you very much) in Folklore from the University of Louisiana. More importantly, he received a degree in Creative Writing from Georgia State University – that’s where all that creativity comes into play. He currently teaches English at Georgia Perimeter College in Atlanta and dabbles in guitar, the culinary arts, puzzle-making assistance and being a futbol hooligan. Along with his son, Eli, Tyrie raises a lazy 70-pound dog, a lazy 20-pound ginger cat and shares an adventurous life with his cheeky girlfriend. He is the copy-god of Luxecetera and occasionally has a good idea about branding.

A 2 hour brand name and/or tagline consult is included with our LUXC Large Package and a 1 hour brand name and/or consult is included with our LUXC Little Package. Additional writing services are billed at $70 per hour and editing services are billed at $70 per 1000 words.

If you have a question or two for TJ – you can email him here.

~Ashley

We are so excited to announce that Dream Album is offering a special promotion exclusively for LUXC customers! Here’s how it works:

ANYTHING you purchase from now until June 27th from LUXC will automatically get you a special discount code. FOR ONE WEEK ONLY (June 21-27) you will be able to redeem that code for 15% off any Dream Album purchase.

So, if you aren’t already in love with Dream Album, now is your chance to fall!

Seriously Simple Round Album Collection $80.00

The newest addition to our Seriously Simple Collection, this fun and unique set includes 25 round and 25 rounded corner album spreads (50 total). As an added bonus, included are 6 coordinating Dream Album cover templates.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 50 template spreads, sized 9×9
• actions for resizing templates to fit a variety of album sizes (6×6, 7×7, 8×8, 10×10, 12×12, and more!!!)
• 6 Dream Album Cover templates to be used with the Dream Album Co. albums
• Cover template sizes for all available Dream Album cover options (ie. 6×6, 9×9, 12×12)
• All text can be edited
• Instructions for use and font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

Images in samples courtesy of Kyung Jung at Yellowhale Photography, Andrea Casey Photography and Laure Lillie Photographie

Modern Tropics Dream Album Covers $60.00

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• Includes 3 cover template designs to be used with the Dream Album Co. albums
• Includes template sizes for all available cover options (ie. 6×6, 9×9, 12×12, etc)
• All text and colors can be edited
• All fonts used are standard or free
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Includes a variety of original illustrations that can be mixed and matched within the sets
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

Images in samples courtesy of Kyung Jung at Yellowhale Photography, Andrea Casey Photography and Laure Lillie Photographie

Tuscan Textures $30.00

Our very first Texture set! Aptly named for it’s Tuscan feel, choose between paver, burlap, fresco, leather or plaster textures. Use on your album covers, templates, marketing materials or just about anywhere you choose!

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• Includes 5 Tuscan-style textures
• File size is 12×24″
• All colors can be edited
• instructions for use included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

Want those specs again?

1/0 offset celery green 
1/0 letterpress burgundy
0/1 foil stamped burgundy 

Paper by French Paper Company – Custom Duplexed (i.e. glued together)
Front: Poptone WhipCream 100lb Cover
Back: Construction Paver Red 100lb Cover

We worked with two extremely talented print houses…
Jason @ Henry & Co. + Kip @ Spartan Methods 

Cost: about $0.60 per card.

Quality German engineering… still going strong…

The letterpress die…

Ah… tone on tone burgundy foil on rich burgundy stock.

The Kluge… chugging out the foil work.

The foil / embossing die…

Letterpress is a true art form. We are in complete awe. Thanks to Jason Henry from Henry and Company who gave Lisa and I the grand tour. And a super special thanks also to Kip at Spartan Methods for making our stationery dreams come true!

Not that we didn’t run into challenges … for one … we knew we wanted our envelope to be green, but found that there was nothing out there that matched our previously selected Pantone colors … we also knew that we wanted to use an envelope liner with our signature pattern. This is where having a really great printer comes in ’cause he was the one that suggested a custom converted envelope. Printing our signature green on the outside with the subtle creamy inside free for our pattern … making our job of stuffing envelopes much simpler. Simple Work flow = Happy Business Owners. Pricey, but totally worth it!

We also knew that we wanted to use one envelope and since we aren’t formal kinda business owners – we knew we didn’t want the traditional business letterhead and envelope. We are note card kinda gals. But we did need a way to print receipts, invoices and quotes … and we opted to print a 7×10 sheet the would fit in that signature A7 envelope. FYI – we had Ashley’s techy husband set up an Excel file that matches up perfectly with our lovely little form.

We paired the 7×10 invoice sheet with a 5×7 folded note card.  After all … we are note card kinda gals.

So… between our printed pieces and our site… do you see our brand coming together?

Here’s the rundown of papers and processes …

Envelope: 2/2 Ink | Custom Conversion | Sized A7 (5×7) | Printed Offset | French Paper’s Poptone Whip Cream 80lb text weight

Notecard: 2/1 Ink | Score line | Sized 7×10 folds to 5×7 | Printed Offset | French Paper’s Poptone Whip Cream 100lb cover weight

Invoice: 2/2 Ink | Sized 7×10 | Printed Offset | French Paper’s Poptone Whip Cream 80lb text weight

We did a press check on our business cards today … so look for another post later today or early tomorrow and the final product sometime next week.

Needless to say we are not the only ones who have fallen in love with Dream Album so to say that we have been bombarded with requests for cover designs is an understatement. Although we have already released Itty Bitty covers we realize that only covers a small part of the demand. So, we thought why not turn one of our best sellers and most versatile products into Dream Album Covers. And from that very thought comes the introduction of the SERIOUSLY SIMPLE DREAM ALBUM COVER COLLECTION.

Below are JUST A FEW samples of the many cover design options that are included in the set:

PRODUCT DETAILS: buy now $60
• Includes 10 cover template designs to be used with the Dream Album Co. albums
• Includes optional borders and/or color blocks in each spread
• Includes template sizes for all available cover options (ie. 6×6, 9×9, 12×12, etc)
• All colors and text can be edited
• Font information will be included with your download
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

When you place your order at Dream Album make sure you tell Kyung that we said hello (and sent you). And stay tuned for many changes in regards to albums here at LUXC. We are in the process of converting all of our album templates into Dream Albums. We just know that once you get your hands on a Dream Album you will know where they got their name!

Images in samples courtesy of Kyung Jung at Yellowhale Photography

SENIOR DOODLES – $60  BUY NOW!

PRODUCT DETAILS
• 5 5×7 flat card template designs
• Design for the front and 2 designs for the back (plain and postcard)
• All text and colors can be edited
• Includes original illustrations
• 4 original fonts designed by Luxectera are included
• All fonts used are standard, free or included
• Instructions for use & font information included
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and later, Windows and Mac

OTHER USES:
• Party Invitations
• Moving Announcements

Images in samples courtesy of Laure Lillie Photographie

In honor of our Grand Opening please enjoy 25% off all templates for photographers. Use the code grand25 at check out. Discount cannot be used for previous purchases and cannot be combined with any other offers. Discount good thru May 15th, 2009.