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Hey everybody!! Guess what? Another great interview with Danielle, owner of Neil Creative. Danielle has graciously offered 20% off templates for Senior Solutions readers for the month of July! Use the code SrSolutions when you check out.

She is also doing a giveaway for a paper pack and and askua template!! All you have to do is comment to be entered!! There will be a random drawing on Sunday July 6th.

Thanks Danielle!!

List your sites:

www.neilcreative.blogspot.com

How long have you been a photographer and how did you get started?

I’ve been art directing photo shoots for the last 5 or 6 years, it always happened that no matter where I was working as a designer, I would end up going on the shoots to direct. I was always intrigued with photography but at that point just didn’t have the time to go back to school for it. When I got married two years ago, I spent most of the time trying to find the right wedding photographer; in the process I think I may have become obsessed with photography. When I returned from my honeymoon I immediately signed up to start taking photography classes at one of the nearby colleges. I just finished up the photography program and will soon be going live with my website and business. 

Tell us how you got started doing design work?

I was always involved in the art programs in high school, so it was only natural that when I went to college I ended up in the art department. I received my Bachelors in Fine Art in ‘99 and have been working as a graphic designer ever since. I’ve had a wide range of jobs in the business from non-profits to ad agencies to a Fortune 100 company. It was only last year that I started my blog and offering my designs to photographers.  

What is your favorite thing to design?

That’s a tough one. Logos are unique and original so those would have to be at the top. But I also like working on magazines at my day job, it’s pretty tedious work laying out 30-40 page magazines and I am pretty anal about it being perfect from cover to cover. 

If you were a new photographer starting out and didn’t have a lot of money to spend, what is the one thing you would recommend they buy first pertaining to your design work?

A logo and a good marketing kit for sure! I used to work in the brand dept. at one of my jobs and your brand is everything!! Not just the logo, but the complete look of your marketing package must be consistent so that clients see your stuff and remember you!

What are your hottest selling product(s)?

Lately I’ve been creating a lot of my templates without copy, so they aren’t specifically senior or baby or wedding templates and they are really hot right now. The same template can be used for a save the date, a graduation announcement or even a birth announcement, they’re very flexible. 

Where do you get your inspirations?

Life - I find inspiration in the strangest places. A brochure that I did a few years ago was inspired by a trip to CVS. I’m always paying attention to patterns and designs around me. It’s kind of scary. As for photography, since I’m still a newbie I love to surf the web and see the cool things that everyone is doing and their unique styles. Things that I would never have thought of!

What is your favorite camera and lens to use when shooting?

I just upgraded from a Nikon D50 to a D300 and love it! I’m torn between my 17-55 2.8 and my 70-200 2.8 VR; it just depends on what I’m shooting!

What is the one thing you could not live without (besides family and photo related camera gear)?

My dog! My husband works a lot and on top of that a lot of crazy hours. Most of the time you can find him sitting on the floor next to me while I’m on my computer. He makes for good company when it’s midnight and I’m home alone. 

If you could spend one day with a photographer or designer and ask them anything about their style, business etc who would you choose and why?

Scarlett Lillian for sure. I don’t even know how I stumbled across her photography site. She also used to be a graphic designer and I believe even did video at one point. She’s a great photographer and seems really down to earth. I check her blog daily. If you haven’t read it, you need to check her out; it’s more than just about photography it is about her life too. She’s a strong, Christian woman, who has become a huge inspiration to me. I can’t even image how much fun it would be pick her brain for a day. 

Thank you so much Heidi for the great interview and for your gracious giveaways! Here are the random winners!

Ann Gordon #16  - a set of Graduation Announcements

Sabreena #5- Set of Birth Announcements

I will have Heidi contact you!!! Make sure to watch the blog tomorrow for another great interview and more giveaways!!

Today I am interviewing Heidi Kruger from Heidikruger Creations.

Heidi has graciously offered to give away 1 set of her Graduation Templates & 1 set of her Birth Announcement Sets!! All you need to do to enter is comment here after reading her interview, the winners will be randomly drawn ( generated online) on Sunday.  To comment click on the little box that is at the top right of this post.

In addition if you are in the market for a new logo she is offering 15% off Custom Logo Design for the rest of June if you mention Senior Solutions!!

Thank you Heidi for taking time to answer my questions for our readers and your giveaway prizes! Now on to the interview!!

List your sites:   www.heidikrugercreations.com   &   www.vitabellaphoto.com 

How long have you been a photographer and how did you get started?

I’ve been non-professionally photographing all kinds of great things since I was a kid. My dad loved photography but I thought it was boring because he loved landscape photography. I use to ask him “why aren’t there any people in your pictures? I don’t like photo’s without people in them Dad!” I guess I was a portrait photographer way back then, before I even realized it!

Of course I did some weddings on the side in college to make a few extra bucks (probably went right to the bar fund back then!) and that was over 10 years ago (I’m getting old).

I became very active as a digital photog after my first son was born, four years ago. Bought my trustee 20D and still use her religiously to this day.

Tell us how you got started doing design work?

I have always been an artist, drawing, painting, always making and dreaming up something. I love painting murals for my kids and friends kids. I guess I’d say I’ve been into graphic design for at least 5 years but like I said, I’m an artist at heart, it’s in my blood.

Tell is why it is so important to have great business marketing materials?

I think the first impression is so important. So is the second and third and so on and I believe that clients want to feel like they have spent their money well. Good photography is key but name recognition and a first-class look goes a looooong way. 

If people recognize you (why you need a great logo) and refer you because you met or exceeded their expectations as a photographer and as a business then you’re set, things WILL happen for you, no doubt about it! 

Thanks everyone who joined in on the Father’s Day Sale!

Just a note, if you want to know more about the guide, what is in it and included; scroll down to the middle of the blog and on the right click on Pages. There is one that says INFORMATION and everything is right there for you.

Thanks
Natalie

Ok so I know that sounds stupid LOL. But I needed an excuse to run a weekend sale! I guess getting my power on after 3 days without and the fact that this Sunday is Father’s Day is good enough to offer 20% off the senior solutions guide!

If you want to purchase the guide & template package for 20% off the regular price of 75.00 you will need to use the paypal button in this post!  I will send you the links to download within 24 hours ( usually much faster). ** Currently I cannot get this paypal button to work so in the meantime please send your $60.00 to natalie@photographybynatalieb.com

Sale runs until Sunday night at midnight!