Friday, September 7, 2007

Getting Personal


With an uncommon name like Arque, I had to develop a fondness for personalization because I cannot find my name on anything. There is a story behind how I got my name and I can share that with you at another time. I’m a fan of sending personalized greetings (especially for Christmas), although I have not done so in a while. These last few years, I have gone to the Hallmark Store, found a design that fits who I am, filled out the cards, and popped them in the mail. Sounds simple enough, right? Well here’s my latest dilemma. I just purchased a co-op, (thanks to Kelly Bristol, who introduced me to her realtor), and now I need to decide from which company to buy “I’ve Moved” personalized cards, and give them the honor of announcing my relocation to friends and family. My colleague Lori Robinson (if the name sounds familiar she used to manage the National Stationery Show) chuckled when I said the word “honor,” but then she thought about it and realized that it really is an honor. Think about it, whichever company I choose will communicate one of the biggest and long lasting decisions I will ever make in my life!

I could invest in an Epson Printer (or borrow Kelly’s) and do it myself, but I’m not sure I would do as good a job. You see, although we are living in the age of technology, I’m not ashamed to say that I’m technologically challenged, in large part because I am not a fan of reading directions (it always frustrates my sister, Kenda). I’m the one who thinks that with a little common sense I could figure out how an item works by ripping a box open, plugging up whatever is in it, and them pushing a few buttons. I’ll have you know that this approach has worked for me on a number of occasions! Ask me sometime about my IPOD experience!

If I had the luxury of time, I would probably try printing them myself. But I’d like my new whereabouts to be known this century. So I have decided to leave it to the experts this time. I have worked on the National Stationery Show for 15 years, and have developed hundreds of wonderful relationships with exhibitors that specialize in personalization. How do I narrow it down? I could simply choose from the pool of exhibitors who have given me personalized thank you gifts over the years- Perfect Printer (see the pink heart notepaper at top); Olivia Mullin – I really love this notecard below -


Personalized Expressions, (here’s what they gave me at this year’s Show, below – love the stripe, Patti was right, stripes are in!)


and NRN – they gave me this, right after I got married.


But that would be too easy. I want to put more thought into it and expand my options.

I have decided to start by doing a search on the National Stationery Show website and looking at those companies in the personalization, imprintables, or invitations and announcements categories; then visit their websites and check out the designs, colors, and typography. I’m looking for simple, but elegant. My favorite color is navy blue, so I will definitely be drawn to anything that has blue in it.

I’m not sure who will end up with this important job, but I will update you in a future blog. I’ll even post the winning company and the design I chose. I’d love to hear who you suggest! Does anyone have any recommendations?


-Arque

9 comments:

  1. Instead of using something that is personalized why not opt for something that would have an original abstract drawing done especially for you on the front with an insert that has all the details to go on the inside. Visit noteworthycrafts.com and let us know if you would like us to design something for you.

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  2. I don't like to use blog comments to plug my own company, but since you're asking for it, check out the following link. We feature products from a variety of exhibitors at the stationery show:
    Change of Address Cards / We've moved announcements.

    Olivier
    InvitationConsultants.com

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  3. If you are looking for unique, stylish, fun, personalized invitations, announcements, stationary and more, Doodlebug Prints is your answer! www.doodlebugprints.com

    Our designs are fully customizable (text and color) for no additonal fee!

    Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

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  4. Thanks for all of your input! I will definitely let you know who I choose to go with

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  5. Arque, I can relate to your predicament of not finding items with your name on it! How about incorporating photography? Perhaps an image of your new home or neighborhood? I would be happy to chat with you about creating an announcement as unique as your name. Best wishes for your new home!

    lidia
    www.lsvgalleria.com
    www.lsvdesign.com

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  6. Thank you Betty Refour! I will visit your website and let you know what I think of the idea. I like the idea of original designed just for me. In all reality this task is becoming a daunting one. Trying to unpack after the move and let everyone know about it and stay on top of work etc. I get exhausted just thinking about it!

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  7. Thank you Olivier! Plug away! I'm in need of ideas to narrow the possibilities down. I'll click on your link and let you know my thoughts.

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  8. Thank you Doodlebug Prints! Unique and stylish that's me! So what you have to offer could work. I will check your site and get back to you.

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  9. Creating an announcement as unique as my name- I'm liking the idea. I look forward to chatting with you about it soon!

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