DIY Digital File Presentation

Oh happy day! Today marks the 2 week birthday of Wootness!™

In that time, we’ve had 12,000 page views, over 2,000 unique visitors and this is our 50th article!

Whew! I’m tired!

I’ve had a couple of people ask about how to package digital files, so I’m going to share with you the way that I do it. I cobbled together this system from a couple of sources and then did all the design work myself.

We aren’t going to get into a debate about whether or not you should sell digital files. That’s a personal decision and we just aren’t going to “go there.”

I sell two types of digital file packages. One is for my actor and business headshots and generally are 5 digital files or less and the other is for wedding packages. The packaging I will go over in this article is for the 5 file or less packages. I will cover the wedding digital file packaging in a future article (those clients pay more and receive a custom packaging option).

Here are some photos of my finished package. I have an Epson printer (model no longer being sold) that I use to print the design directly on the CD/DVD. Please see THIS ARTICLE about printing on CD/DVDs.

The outer packaging is a 5×5 trifold that I have printed at MPixPro.

I attach the CD/DVD to the trifold with a clear plastic hub that I purchased here: ULINE

There are areas on the print authorization form and the disc itself that need filled in with client information. I use a nice chisel-tipped calligraphy marker to hand write in these areas.

You can order envelopes with the trifolds (they are free). If I need to mail the package to a client, I put the trifold/envelope into a large padded envelope for safety. I don’t quite trust the package being handled by the USPS without a bit of extra protection.

 If you don’t want to deal with designing your own trifold and CD/DVD template I have put together my files for you, including all of the wording that I use for a nominal fee. You will need to delete my logo and insert your own and there are several areas that you will need to type in your info, as I currently have “placeholder text” there.

The trifold template is divided into two sections.

• The inside contains:
  • Left Panel: This section is called “Printing Your Images” and discusses color correction, etc., maximum file size and disclaimers about using a non-professional lab. This text is in a jpg layer and contains my company name. You will need to delete the text file and insert your own, but you have permission to use the same exact wording if you wish.
  • Center Panel: This is blank and is where you will attach the CD/DVD hub and disc.
  • Right Panel: This section is called “Additional Information” and contains copyright information as well as suggestions on labs to have photos printed at.
• The outside contains:
  • Left Panel: This section is called “Authorization” and contains a form that you will fill out with your information and the client’s information giving them permission to have the files printed at the lab of their choice. Sometimes this is referred to as a “Print Release.” The client will need to show this form to the personnel at the lab. This is an editable text layer.
  • Middle Panel” The panel is the back of the package and contains the logo and contact information. You will need to delete my logo and add your own. You will also need to replace the “placeholder text” with your own text.
  • Right Panel: This is the front of the package and contains my logo, which you will have to replace with your own as well as the title “DIGITAL IMAGES AND INFORMATION,”which is editable.

It is important to note that:

• These files have been used with Adobe Photoshop CS3 and CS5. I can not guarantee that they will run with any other version or any version of Adobe Photoshop Elements.
• You should know how to use Photoshop and especially, how to manipulate layers. I can answer questions if there are issues with the template that are my fault, but I will not answer questions on how to use Photoshop.
• The background graphic for the files is of my own design and need not be replaced if you desire to use it.
• The trifold file is designed to be printed through MPixPro. I cannot guarantee the suitability of if for any other lab and I have no intention on redesigning it. I do not desire to be in the template-designing business. 😉

The CD/DVD template is designed to match the trifold. You will need to replace my logo with your own and insert your information in place of the “placeholder” text. There is a circle shape layer that you can view for the purpose of assuring yourself that none of your design elements fall outside the printable area. Do not leave the circle shape layer on when printing.

The font used in this template set is Futura Book.

This file will be available for the next 24 hours for $2.50 as a special birthday offer. After that, it will be available in the Wootness!™ Deals section for $5. The $2.50 price expires at 6PM EST on Monday September 19, 2011. If you purchase the file, please do not share it. The proceeds will be used to run the site.

NOTE: My apologies, there was a temporary issue with the “Buy It Now” button not reflecting the discount. I have updated the button and it is now working correctly. I will be refunding the overpayments shortly. Christine.