Stationery Bootcamp - What is it and who should attend?
Stationery Bootcamp is an online training course for entry-level designers and those who,  like me, are very passionate about custom wedding stationery design but are in the same place I was 13 years ago – not knowing where to start. Whether you are looking for a career change or looking to turn a hobby into a profitable business (as I did), Stationery Bootcamp will prepare you to excel in your craft and thrive as a creative professional.  
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Receive your first lesson today - immediately after registration! When I first started, I wish I would have had the opportunity to take a seasoned designer out for coffee and ask all about running a wedding stationery business. Now YOU have that chance!
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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. Even though I had the design skills and professional background, it still took a lot research, dedication plus trial and error to establish a business operating system that would confidently get me from the initial client inquiry all the way through the creative process and delivery of the printed goods. This is the system I share with you today, along with lessons on how to price your stationery and how to effectively communicate with your clients so that you may skip all the hiccups and get from point A to point B at a faster pace by avoiding all the common rookie mistakes.
How to register
Registration opens a few times per year through spring and summer. Simply purchase the course and you will receive a link within 24 hours to create a login and password to the Stationery Bootcamp website. Once you've enrolled, you'll have access to the lessons for life! This meas you get to learn at your own pace and enjoy all the new lessons as they become available. To receive email notifications regarding enrollment dates, please join the mailing list.  
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, Terminology, Resources
​& Wholesale Vendors
Below are some of the main topics covered in the course:
  • 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.
  • Digital and Analog Designer Tools - An introduction to the tools of the trade, what they are and when to use them. 
  • 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
  • Design Tips - Follow these design tips at all times to ensure your designs have a polished, professional look. 
  • 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.
  • 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. 
  • 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.
  • Terminology - Learn the terms of the trade so that you may effectively communicate with your clients, other designers and print shops. 
  • 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.
  • Digital Proofs - How to set up your digital files for on-screen client proofing, before producing any physical mockup proofs.
  • 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 to be added through fall 2018!
Enroll today and enjoy these added lessons as they become available at no additional cost!
  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

Testimonials

"I have been going slowly through the course and I have to say that I am so grateful for the day I came across your website. I like your tone in the course and all your instructions plus your tips are valuable...to the point of getting rid of anxieties and insecurities that have been crawling up into my brains..."
- Genevieve, D., Switzerland.
"After years of creating custom stationery for family and friends, I was ready to launch my hobby into a small business. But there were not many resources out there for newbies. Sure there are tutorials on the technical aspects of being a stationery designer but nothing out there that really helps get you started from a behind the scenes business stand point, until now that is. I found Stationery Bootcamp and I could not be more grateful to have access to such a great wealth of information. I have been a member for a little over a week and I have already secured my first wedding invitation client for the 2016 wedding season." 
- Brandi L., Verona, NJ
"You have no idea how valuable this course has been to me. I was very very very lucky to have stumbled upon your website at the perfect time for me. From your course I was able to develop a standard for how the process should flow. I was able to develop paperwork, contracts and also research better on what supplies and suppliers to use. You helped me tremendously to look very professional even though being novice at this print design. Thanks so much for the hard work you put in to help people/novice designers like me!" 
- Kimberly P., Saint Louis, MO
“Hi Dio, Thank you so much!!!! Module 1 is fantastic!!! Yes, it is a lot to take in for a newbie like myself, but very informative and helpful!!! You really, honestly have exceeded my expectations!  I look forward to the other modules for sure!!!!!!!” 
​- Wanda J., Clinton, MD

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