CorelDRAW Help

September 2012

the entrepreneurial magazine for CorelDRAW users worldwide

INSIDE:
CorelDRAW X6 Part 7: Website Creator Attract and Repel Tools Going Mobile Lasering an Acrylic Award Heat-Applied Graphics 3: Resources

Cover Art by Vinnie Ciccia pg. 18 Published for the Association of CorelDRAW Professionals (ACDRP) / www.coreldrawhelp.com
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Inside

SEPTEMBER 2012

EDITOR / PUBLISHER Michael R. Neer mikeneer@coreldrawhelp.com GRAPHICS John Mise ADVERTISING John McDaniel II jhmcdaniel2@coreldrawhelp.com 602-502-2717 OFFICES Membership & Publishing offices located at: 4549 N. Glenn, Suite 110, Fresno, CA 93704 800-276-8428, 559-276-8494 Fax 559-222-1390 www.CorelDRAWHelp.com mikeneer@coreldrawhelp.com
Subscriptions: Free to qualified individuals and businesses. Send change of address to the above. ACDRP Membership: Basic $90/yr.; Premium $240/yr. See the website for details. Advertising: Request a Media Guide or download it from www.CorelDRAWHelp.com. Writers: CorelDRAWHelp accepts articles from industry experts. Email publisher for details. Copyright 2012 by ACDRP. All Rights Reserved.

By Mike Neer, Publisher

Finding Balance

Today is the Autumn Equinox. It is the balancing point between day and night, between summer and autumn. The amount of daylight is equal to the amount of darkness. We see this balance in nature all the time. Everything comes around to balance eventually. Even if the drought hits for a while, it eventually will rain. This makes me think that balance is also supremely important in our graphics work, in our businesses, and in our lives. Lets take a look at how we find balance. In graphics When we use CorelDRAW graphics, its important to balance the white space and the text, to balance the colors so they complement each other, to balance placement of images on a page, and so on. Without balance, our graphics look a bit off; something is not quite right. Its as if balance is pleasing to the eye, and the absence of balance is unsettling. (Now I admit, sometimes the intent of a graphics piece is to create that unsettling feeling and we can use unbalanced elements to achieve that effect!) But on the whole, most graphics aim for balance. In business Most of us run our own businesses to make money with CorelDRAW graphics. What do we balance there? Obviously, we have to balance spending and earning! Do

we buy new equipment? Or market for new accounts? We have to do both and keep them balanced. We also have to balance our work and our play so that our time is used most wisely. Do we do the urgent tasks first? Or the important tasks first? They arent always the same. How do we balance our time? Often, we are faced with routine work to keep the business running, and that seems to be counter-productive to being creative. There is research that shows a good routine actually allows for more creativity, if we stay rested inside. In our lives Balance is even more important at home and in our relationships. If we are always giving to others, then we eventually burnout. If we are always taking from others, then we constantly create drama. On a bigger level, how much do we do for our self and well-being, and how much do we give back to the community? Are we self-reliant individualists? Or esteemed members of a community? We have to be both, I believe. Balance is never a finished state that we can say we achieved. Its an ongoing process. Now at this season of the year, let us re-dedicate ourselves to monitoring our graphics, our businesses, and our lives to find more balance. I believe the constant returning to the state of balance is the key to real success in every aspect of our lives.

Published by Association of CorelDRAW Professionals President: John H. McDaniel Vice President: Judith McDaniel Executive Director: Michael R. Neer
ACDRP Corporate Office: Philomath, OR

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WE APPRECIATE YOU!
Our loyal customers, co-workers, and associates
As the recent recipient of the 2012 North American Customer Value Enhancement Award from Frost & Sullivan, Epilog Laser would like to take a moment to thank our loyal customers, employees and associates who have helped us achieve this honor. For over 20 years we have been designing and manufacturing the highest-quality laser engraving, cutting and marking systems for thousands of customers worldwide. We take pride in our company, our product and our commitment to provide our customers with the best machinery and after-sale resources available. As we approach our 25th anniversary in 2013, we would like to express our gratitude to all of those who helped make the past two and a half decades a remarkable journey for us.

w w w. e p i l o g l a s e r. c o m / c o r e l d r a w h e l p

s a l e s @ e p i l o g l a s e r. c o m

888-437-4564

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CorelDRAW Help
LEARN! APPLY! GROW!
13 Inside Laser: Lasering an Acrylic Award
by Jeff McDaniel

CONTENTS
September 2012 SPONSOR INDEX
Click Web to go to sponsors website. Click Ad to go to the ad in this issue. Clicking the ad itself will go to website.
Magazine Sponsors Online Expo Sponsors Conde Inc. Corel Corp. Epilog Laser Corp. Gravograph Identification Plates John E. Lepper Inc. Johnson Plastics LaserBuzz LaserSketch Paramount Services Inc. RB Fabrication Rowmark Inc. Topmost World Trotec Laser Universal Laser Systems Logo-Links Logo-Links Web Web Web Ad Web Web Web Web Web Ad Web Web Web Web Web Web Ad Ad

19 Getting Ahead: Going Mobile: Taking Your Business on the Road

by Deborah Sexton

7 Special Report: CorelDRAWs New X6: Part 7 -Corel Website Creator

by John McDaniel

27 Sponsored Article: Create a Vignette in CorelDRAW

by Epilog Laser

Imprintqables Warehouse Web Web Web Ad

30 Marketing Secrets: Its Time to Get Busy!

by Donna Gray

11 CorelDRAW Tips: Attract & Repel Tools (X6)

by John W. Mise

17 Making Money with CDR: Heat-Applied Graphics -Resources

by John McDaniel

35 Traveling Tidbits: Showtime, Wings, Talking Trash, and Sedona

by Otis Veteto

DEPARTMENTS
3 Inside: Finding Balance 6 Graphics News Wire Product News Headlines 25 Logo-Links 31 Product Focus: Holiday Products
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33 GNN Network 33 Marketplace 34 Contributing Writers

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Product News Headlines:

GRAPHICS NEWS WIRE

September 2012

NEWS DETAILS
(Click Here)

Conde adds SubliWrap Vinyl Skins for iPhone 4/4S

Transfer Express offers CADPRINTZ digital transfers for nylon Imprintables Warehouse offers new QuickPrint Sub-Block Print & Cut Material Great Dane Graphics adds new Occupations Stock Art Laserbits supports two groups which help single mothers with cancer

Roland introduces fastest SOLJET Printer/Cutter to date

DecoNetwork Version 5 takes ecommerce to new level Hirsch International names new president Stahls ID Direct introduces AnyWordAnyWay Custom Lettering Designer Transfer Express offers Easy Prints Basketball Transfers

LaserJumpStart Links BoxIt Suite with FlexIt CorelDRAW Macro Program

Check out the upcoming training classes and trade shows of interest to CorelDRAW users.
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SPECIAL REPORT
By Judy and John McDaniel

CorelDRAWs New Version X6 Part 7: Corel Website Creator

Dateline Tuesday, March 20, 2012 the latest version of CorelDRAWs Graphics Suite is released. The new version (16) is dubbed X6. So far in this series we have covered all of the new features in CorelDRAW X6 and Corel PHOTO-PAINT X6. Last time we covered the new and improved features in a key supporting application, Corel CONNECT X6. This time we will wrap up the series on whats new in CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6 with an overview of the new kid on the block--Corel Website Creator X6. First things First Do you have a business? Do you advertise your business? Do you have a website? Do you want one? If you do have a website, then who maintains it? Is your advertising budget large enough that you can hire a programmer, or an outside company, to build and maintain a website? The reality is that the Internet and search engines have all but replaced the Yellow Pages. Today, most people search online for goods and services. Even if they dont buy online, they will search there. If you have a business, in todays world, it is almost a necessity to have a website. If its not a necessity today for your business, it will be soon.

Picture 1: This is a screen-shot of CWC with the Contents page of CorelDRAWhelp.com open. Note the Custom Components Docker on the left.

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SPECIAL REPORT

Website Authoring Tools Corel Website Creator (CWC) is one of a group of programs designed to Create Websites, or in other words, program a computer remotely. That is whats really happening whenever a computer views a website. In its most basic form, a web Browser is a program on your computer that receives some of its operating instructions from some other computer on the Internet, i.e. a website host. Instructions are most commonly sent in a language known as HyperText Markup Language (HTML). Picture 4: The FAQ component. If you are a programmer, and you understand the syntax of HTML, then you may not need a program like CWC. If you are like the rest of us, then a program that converts what you see on your computer screen to programming code, so someone else can see the same thing on their computer screen, is essential. Corel Website Creator - Background Corel Website Creator was introduced to the CorelDRAW community with the release of CorelDRAW Premium Suite X5. It was then added as a standard feature of the Graphics Suite with the release of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6. That said, in no way is this a brand new untested program. CWC is a licensed version of NetObjects Fusion, which has been around for many years. The origin of NetObjects Fusion reaches back to the 1980s. CWC X6 is a custom version of NetObjects Fusion 12. Picture 5: The Forms Handler component. For more background on the history of NetObjects Fusion visit the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NetObjects_Fusion Picture 7: The News component. Corel Website Creator - Features CWC is a program that is rich in
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Picture 3: The E-mail component.

Picture 2: This picture shows Advanced Components.

Picture 6: The Guestbook component.

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SPECIAL REPORT

features. Picture 1 is a screen-shot of CWC with the Contents page of CorelDRAWhelp.com open. The feature we would like to point out in picture 1 is the Custom Components Docker on the left side of the workspace. The Custom Components Docker lists various website elements which can be incorporated into your website. The components are arranged by category. Picture 8: The Secure Site component. Picture 1 shows the Docker open to Standard Components. Picture 2 shows Advanced Components. Pictures 3 through 10 show components available in other categories. Working with Corel Website Creator X6 The beauty of CWC is that in many ways it has a look and feel similar to that of CorelDRAW. Its visual. It uses Dockers. The workspace has layout rulers. Alignment guides appear when moving objects. For the most part, what you see is what you get. You can create content in CorelDRAW and/or Corel PHOTO-PAINT and easily move it into CWC and display it on your website. You can drag and drop contents. You can simply add new pictures, drawings, and other elements; remove old ones, etc, etc. In fact you can completely rearrange pages on your entire site. For example, picture 11 shows the structure of www.CorelDRAWhelp. com as of this writing. On this page, we can rearrange the order of entire pages or sections simply by dragging and dropping them. That represents great flexibility. This is something that would be very difficult to do if you chose to program your website in HTML. Picture 9: The Testimonials component. In short, Corel Website Creator X6 is a powerful program that is a great addition to the suite. Since most of us have, or are looking to start, a graphic products business, CWC provides a great tool to help us advertise it. And of course, it is now included in the Graphic Suite, at no additional charge. Thank you, Corel!

Picture 10: The Plugins component.

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SPECIAL REPORT

Picture 11: This picture shows the structure of www.CorelDRAWhelp.com as of this writing. Conclusion We are currently in the process of revamping our website using CWC X6. The entire site was built with CWC. You can explore our progress at www.CorelDRAWhelp.com. We also have a series of articles that provide step-by-step instructions in using the features of the program. John and Judy McDaniel are owners of CorelDRAW Help, Inc. and MomentsRemembered.com. They started in the personalization business in 1989 with CorelDRAW version 1.0. Johns background is in computers, Judys is in art and retail. In their businesses they apply CorelDRAW! Theyve used it withmechanical and laser engravers to produce Awards, Gifts, and Industrial Products. Theyve also used it with all types of printers and vinyl cuttersfor creating sublimation and other image transfersfor making sandblast masksscreen-printing screenspad-printing platessigns and bannerssales literature and flyers. With the release of CorelDRAW Premium Suite, they are adding website design to their use of CorelDRAW. In essence, they have over 20 years experience in applying CorelDRAW! They have written hundreds of articles and tips; lectured across the country; and have been teaching CorelDRAW since 1991. (For information on training services and video lessons available visit www. CorelDRAWhelp.com) You may contact them via email at mail@CorelDRAWhelp.com

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10

Using CorelDRAW
The Attract and Repel Tools (X6)
CorelDRAW X6 has added several new tools to the Shape Edit group: Smear, Twirl, Attract and Repel. For this discussion, we will go over the Attract and Repel tools also known as the Pull and Push tools. These are pretty simple tools to use. With a little practice, they can become useful and fun tools to use.

Training

Repel Tool

Attract Tool

Nib Radius

Rate

Pen Pressure

When using either the Attract or Repel Tools, new options will also appear in the property bar. Nib Radius - this determines the size/radius of your nib. The effect will take place within the radius. Rate - this sets the speed of the effect when applied. Smaller numbers means slower speeds while larger numbers will increase the speed. Pen Pressure - If you use a digital pen or a tablet, you can use the Pen Pressure option to control the effect as you draw.

The effect for both the Attract Tool and the Repel Tool on an object will depend on where you place your Nib Radius and crosshair. Placing the crosshair inside your object will have a different effect than when it is placed outside the object. Once you have placed either the Attract or Repel tool where you would like it to be within your object, click-hold the mouse button until the preview outline stops moving. Anything within the Nib Radius will be affected.

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Using CorelDRAW
Here are some close-up views when using the Attract Tool or the Repel Tool:

Attract In Using the Repel Tool

Attract Out

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12

INSIDE LASER

By Jeff McDaniel, Contributing writer

Lasering an Acrylic Award -- Part 2

Background One of our regular clients has asked for parting mementos for departing board members. After looking at available options and prices the client has chosen an acrylic award to be laser engraved. In our last article, we took the physical measurements of our part and translated them into artwork. We modified the color palette of our artwork and separated the elements out into individually controllable layers. In this article, we will set up and run the laser system. Starting at the computer The artwork we created for this job in the last article (see image 1) has 2 distinct and individually controllable layers. We have a layer named part outline and a layer named graphic. By separating the two distinct types of graphics in this artwork file, we can put our laser system to work vector cutting an outline, or raster cutting the graphic. Setting up the print job for the laser system Our laser system is the Epilog Legend 32. Most laser systems can be run directly from CorelDRAW and will have a somewhat similar print setup. First off, we want to make sure that we have selected the part outline layer to print only (see Image 2). Right now the graphic portion will NOT be sent to the laser system. Once

Image 1: Artwork created for this job.

Image 2: Select the part outline layer to print only.

Image 3: We can also specify if we are going to be sending a vector (cutting) job, a raster (engraving), or a combined job.

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INSIDE LASER

we select print, the print dialog will pop up, and we can select our laser system and then properties. The properties dialog allows us to set the laser power and speed settings. We can also specify if we are going to be sending a vector (cutting) job, a raster (engraving), or a combined job (see Image 3). For this job we have selected vector and set the speed and power to 100% and 10% respectively. We also set the machine to auto focus. Using the imposition layout in print preview We have 2 pieces to run right now so we are going to set up the parts as an imposition layout. We do this by selecting print preview in the print dialog in CorelDRAW. The print preview brings up the layout view (see Image 4). The 3 highlighted areas in the image are the imposition layout tool, the number of duplicates, and the mirror button (highlighted blue). When we select the imposition layout tool, the regular graphic is replaced with a grey square representation of the page. By selecting the duplicates in the Page Across/Down box we can change the number of duplicates. We have also selected the mirror image button because we are going to be engraving the back side of the parts and viewing from the front. Once all of the settings are correct, we can exit the print preview and print the job to our laser system. Working at the laser system We are going to install a piece of plastic to protect the laser bed (see image 5). We could also use a piece of cardboard. This piece we will use to burn the outline of the part into at low power. By printing the outline first, we can get agreement between the laser system and our artwork (see image 6).

Image 4: The print preview brings up the layout view. The 3 highlighted areas in the image are the imposition layout tool, the number of duplicates, and the mirror button (highlighted blue).

Image 5: We install a piece of plastic to protect the laser bed.

Image 6: By printing the outline first, we can get agreement between the laser system and our artwork.

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INSIDE LASER

Image 7: When we send over the graphic portion of the artwork, the graphic layer should be turned on and the part outline layer turned off. The print preview will show the graphic in reverse.

Image 9: First we will make sure the laser system is focused for the new part height.

Image 8: The settings are different for raster engraving, so we will set the print driver to raster, the power and speed to 100% and 50% respectively, and the auto focus to off.

Image 10: After verifying the correct height, we can lay both of our parts directly over the part outlines we burned into the scrap plastic.

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INSIDE LASER

Image 11: We simply have to select the correct job and run it.

Image 12: We set up our fixture and engraved our part the finished product.

Back at the computer Now that we have our fixture ready, we can send over the graphic portion of the artwork. The graphic layer should now be turned on and the part outline layer turned off. The print preview will show the graphic in reverse (see Image 7). The settings are different for raster engraving, so we will set the print driver to raster, the power and speed to 100% and 50% respectively, and the auto focus to off (see image 8). Once all of the settings are correct we can print the job. Back at the laser system First we will make sure the laser system is focused for the new part height (see image 9). After verifying the correct height, we can lay both of our parts directly over the part outlines we burned into the scrap plastic (see Image 10). Now we simply have to select the correct job and run it (see image 11). Conclusion In this article, we took our artwork and individually printed portions of it to the laser system. We set up our fixture and engraved our part (see image 12). Jeff McDaniel is the Owner/Operator of Creative Graphic in Philomath, Oregon. Jeff has been working with computers since the age of 5 and was a journeyman machinist before working in the graphic arts business. Creative Graphic offers services including laser engraving, rotary engraving, sandblasting, sublimation, image transfers, vinyl signs, banners, screen printing, and promotional products. Jeff routinely applies graphics to a wide variety of materials. You can contact Jeff by email at Jeff@creativegraphic.net.

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MAKING MONEY WITH CDR

By Judy and John McDaniel

Learn

Heat-Applied Graphics Part 3: Resources

Review In the last two installments of Making Money with CorelDRAW via Heat-Applied Graphics, we looked at the products you can produce (part 1), along with the equipment required and its cost (part 2). This time well look at the training and other resources available to help you get started. Resources for Equipment As we pointed out in part 2, other than a computer and software, the equipment needed for this process consists of 1. A heat press large enough to handle the largest product you intend to create. 2. A vinyl cutter suitable to cut the materials you plan to use. Suitable means: (1) large enough to cut whatever raw stock you will be working with; and (2) having enough down-force to cut the weight of the heaviest material youll be using. 3. As an option--a print-and-cut machine capable of printing on, and then cutting the materials you plan to use. We also pointed out that depending on your product mix, you may want both a print-and-cut machine, and a stand-alone vinyl cutter. But, probably, because of the investment required, acquisition of a print-and-cut machine should follow a vinyl cutter. In short, that means almost everyone offering heat-applied graphic products will have a heat press. But, since precut lettering and other heat-applied items are available, not everyone will have a vinyl cutter or print-and-cut machine. Therefore, if you choose to enter this field, the logical equipment acquisition isfirst, a heat press, assuming you dont already have one. Then a vinyl cutter. And finally, a print-and-cut machine. Whatever your decision, here are companies that can help you get started with heatapplied graphics equipment and training. Johnson Plastics -- Johnson Plastics is a national distributor of sublimation, engraving and sign supplies including: Unisub materials, AcryliPrint, Geo. Knight heat presses, Sawgrass inks, Rhinocoat mugs, Rowmark, IPI, and Scott engraving material, JRS frames, magnetic sheeting and tape, findings and other accessories. Custom fabrication services, badge imprinting, ADA signage, Antares cutters, resharpening services. They hold training s e m i n a r s r e g u l a r l y ; a n d h a v e b r a n c h o f f i c e s n a t i o n w i d e . w w w. johnsonplastics.com. -- Primarily a resource for heat presses for this process. Stahls ID Direct -- Stahls ID Direct is a world leader specializing in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of heat printing technologies. Stahls ID Direct provides customers with the most cost effective and efficient ways to decorate garments. Stahls ID Direct is located in St. Clair Shores, MI, with GroupeSTAHL operations located throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. www.stahlsIDdirect. com -- Stahls is a resource for everything required for heat-applied graphic products. Imprintables Warehouse -- Imprintables Warehouse is a full-service distributor of equipment and supplies to create a wide range of heat-applied graphics including digital inkjet and laser transfers, digital cutters, digital cutting software, heatapplied materials, sign materials, and heat presses. www.imprintableswarehouse.com. Cond Systems Inc. -- Cond Systems is a leader in the digital transfer market and offers everything needed to get into the personalized photo gift business including transfer systems, production software, blank imprintables, transfer paper and supplies, and instructional videos. During all stages of product selection, sales, and post sales, Cond offers knowledge and customer support. www.conde.com. -- Primarily a resource for heat presses for this process.

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MAKING MONEY WITH CDR

ACDRP, The Association of CorelDRAW Professionals -- The worlds only association for CorelDRAW users, specializing in publications and training that give help with graphics and with entrepreneurial growth. One of the many services ACDRP provides are online CorelDRAW training videos for their members. www.coreldrawhelp.com and www.coreldrawpro.com For information on additional companies that provide blank products, equipment, supplies, and training services to the industry, checkout the Graphic Products Guide (GPG) maintained by (ACDRP) at http://www.graphicproductsguide.com. If you wish to outsource product production, check out the Graphic Services Guide (GSG) maintained by ACDRP at http://www.graphicservicesguide.com . (Note: If you offer blank products, equipment, supplies and training services for the industry; and would like to be listed in either of the guides, contact the association via email at editor@coreldrawhelp.com.) Conclusion Heat-applied graphics shares some equipment requirements and skill-sets with other processes. They include image transfers, sublimation, and depending on the level of commitment you make to equipment acquisition, perhaps sign making and even embroidery. If you are already involved in any of these processes you may wish to add heat-applied graphics to your mix. If you choose to start a business based on offering heat-applied graphics as a core component, then keep in mind the other business opportunities that are available with the same equipment and skills. One final point in closing, the main products produced with heat-applied graphics consist of garments and other fabric items. Keep in mind that this may mean youll need to find storage and display facilities for garments if you are not already involved in similar product offerings. All of that said, heat-applied graphics offers one of the least expensive processes you can start a business with, or add to an existing business. John and Judy McDaniel are owners of CorelDRAW Help, Inc. and MomentsRemembered.com. They started in the personalization business in 1989 with CorelDRAW version 1.0. Johns background is in computers, Judys is in art and
Click ads to go directly to advertisers web site.

retail. In their businesses they apply CorelDRAW! Theyve used it withmechanical and laser engravers to produce Awards, Gifts, and Industrial Products. Theyve also used it with all types of printers and vinyl cuttersfor creating sublimation and other image transfersfor making sandblast masksscreen-printing screenspadprinting platessigns and bannerssales literature and flyers. With the release of CorelDRAW Premium Suite and X6, they are adding website design to their use of CorelDRAW. In essence, they have over 20 years experience in applying CorelDRAW! They have written hundreds of articles and tips; lectured across the country; and have been teaching CorelDRAW since 1991.

About the Cover

These cover image was created by Vince Ciccia in CorelDRAW X5. Here is how he describes the process: I had originally created these 2 pieces as a large airbrush art back in the 80s. I decided to recreate them in CORELDRAW X5. I started out similar to air brush methods by first doing solid background fills. I then formed tiered shapes by adding darker colors and using transparencies to soften them. Then I duped them and layered them atop of one another, in some instances, to get the shaded feel. The background was created as solid colors overlapped to each other. The lips took several layers of transparent oranges and reds to achieve the wet look. Vince Ciccia, known as LeBrush from his days as a pinstriper in NY, can be reached at PH. 760-842-8494 studio address915 Orchid Court, Vista, CA 92081.

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18

GETTING AHEAD
By Steven Jackson, Contributing writer

Grow

Going Mobile: Taking Your Business On The Road

Have you ever thought about selling decorating apparel somewhere else besides your shop? Here are three unique approaches to setting up shop at an event.

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GETTING AHEAD
After talking with three businesses that do mobile decorating, the only conclusion I can come to is it must be a lot of fun. I think part of the enjoyment is simply having a one-on-one relationship with the end user. So many decorators ship hundreds or thousands of shirts out the door every year, but rarely see anyone wearing one. Decorating onsite, you are putting finished shirts in the hands of someone who will be wearing it. That immediate feedback of seeing a happy or excited expression on someones face is rewarding. I love meeting people and making friends all over the country, says Marjorie Corrow, Lifes A Stitch, Niskayuna, N.Y. I also like the excitement of people liking what they see in my booth. Mili Mulic, co-owner, Big Bark Shirts & Design, Seattle, also loves interacting with people. You always have passionate people there because the event is about something they love, he observes. Theres no question that doing on-site or mobile decorating can be more exciting than a stationary shop; however, its also riskier. The weather can have a significant impact on the profits, as well as all kinds of unexpected mishaps. It requires a certain sense of adventure as well as a sense of humor. But accordingly to Corrow, when things go right, the rewards can be big. Here are glimpses of three distinctly different types of mobile businesses: an embroiderer, a screen printer, and a heat-applied graphics decorator. Judge for yourself if this is a new venture you may want to embark on with your own company. EMBROIDERER FINDS LONG-TERM SUCCESS CATERING TO IRISH FESTIVALS & CONVENTIONS Marjorie Corrow has not written the book on having a decorated apparel mobile business, but with her 15 years of experience, she easily could. In a typical year, she will spend from March to October on the road, traveling to roughly 25 events. Her business, Lifes A Stitch Embroidery, which is based in Niskayuna, N.Y., specializes in catering to everything Irish. She exhibits at Irish festivals, feises (Irish dance competitions), and state and national conventions held by the Ancient Order of Hibernians (Irish Catholic fraternal organization). Included in her circuit is the Milwaukee Irish Fest, which is the largest in the world and Dublin Irish Festival (Dublin, Ohio), which is the second biggest in the world. Milwaukee is fast and furious, says Corrow. It is like Christmas Eve every day all day.

Because so many other vendors carry T-shirts, Marjorie Corrow, owner, Lifes A Stitch, Niskayuna, N.Y., deliberately avoids carrying a lot of basic Ts. Instead she offers cardigans, fleece, and a range of ladies tops all embroidered with something Irish. Through years of trial and error, Corrow has determined what merchandise to bring that ensures, despite the things she cannot control (the weather, the attendance, and the economy), she will sell the maximum amount of merchandise at every event. Shes got it down to a science. I offer a department store array of clothing for infants through adults, she says. I have a few bags and accessories, but mainly clothes. I have only a few basic T-shirts, because so many others do. Instead, I offer jackets, vests, a variety of hats, tank tops, shorts, flannel pants with matching hoodies, and a wide variety of pretty shirts for women. With the exception of a very few things that feature a heat-applied transfer, nearly everything is embroidered with something Irish. Corrow usually restricts her travel to events that are anywhere from an hour away to 18 hours away. But during her peak
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Corrow has learned that people shop by temperature and having the right clothing for the days weather can end up greatly boosting sales. For this reason, she usually has everything from tank tops to fleece, but with a greater emphasis on warmer or cooler apparel based on the time of year.
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season (Aug-October), she maintains a grueling schedule that depends heavily on her high degree of organization and the way she has structured her business. Monday is her day to replenish inventory, which is completely kept in her Freightliner Sprinter she had custom outfitted to perfectly fit her display fixtures and merchandise. She orders blank goods from her favorite wholesalers with delivery on Tuesday and Wednesday, while she is busy furiously embroidering the blank goods. van driven back to the shop on Sunday. For her biggest events, which fortunately fall around the same time, she packs the van for all three events and fills in inventory through shipping. While Corrow has found on-site selling extremely profitable, she also notes, This market is not an easy one, nor is clothing particularly lucrative when it comes to margin. Her rule of thumb is an event has to gross at least 10 times the booth price to make it worthwhile. Weather is one of the biggest risks and not just because of possible lower attendance. No matter what brand of tent or how much tarping, you cannot protect your inventory, says Corrow. Rain does not fall only from the sky, but mud splashes onto your goods, things get dropped, and customers are careless. The weight of the rain on the tent can suddenly let go and dump gallons of water inside your tent if you are not a structural engineer! But despite everything that can go wrong, Corrow loves what she does and has no immediate plans to stop. I like the challenge, and the pace, she says. I love the big results, getting to meet people, and making friends all over the country. I also enjoy watching peoples excitement as they come into my booth and like what they see.

How merchandise is displayed is critical to maximizing sales, insists Marjorie Corrow, owner, Lifes A Stitch. The veteran embroiderer makes sure that none of it is wasted. She never sets up her booth the same way twice, always bringing plenty of display fixtures so she can Corrow estimates production adapt to the space, the merchandise, those two days varies between and the type of event. 200 and 500 pieces, depending on how much was sold the weekend before and the size of the next event. All work is done on three singleheads and a four-head embroidery machine. On Thursday, the van is packed and shes back on the road. When possible, she prefers to set up the day before the event opens as its even more difficult to set up and then work an entire day. Every festival is different, of course, but a typical day has Corrow and her staff arriving at the booth between 8 and 9 a.m. Doors often open around 11 a.m. and, in some cases, stay open until midnight. Upon closing, the staff goes back to the hotel and hopes to catch between 4 and 6 hours of sleep before getting up and doing it all over again. Once the show ends, the booth must be torn down, packed up, and the
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Despite what would be considered by some to be a grueling schedule, Marjorie Corrow is having a lot of fun. She loves the challenges, meeting people, and the reward of seeing people get excited over her merchandise.

Lifes a Stitch, Niskayuna, NY, 518-783-6815, lastitch@gmail.com. SHOESTRING START-UP SCREEN PRINTER USES MOBILE EVENTS TO BUILD BUSINESS When Mili Mulic and Brad Van Steenvoort decided to start up a screen printing business together, their combined capital came to a whopping $350. Today, roughly a year later, having started in July 2011, this enterprising duo has moved out of Van Steenvoorts parents garage into a commercial location in Seattle, and Mulic estimates that the company now owns approximately $30,000 in equipment.

Although the demographics vary slightly from event to event, Corrow always strives to have something for everyone. Her biggest goal is to never run out of a size because she says if you run out of a size, you lose a sale.

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GETTING AHEAD
The shop has a manual six-color/ six-station press, a four-color/fourstation tabletop press, a one-color/ one-station tabletop press, and a flash cure. With the goal to have all equipment funded by profits from the company, shirts are currently being dried using the flash cure unit and sometimes a 15-inch by 15-inch heat press. Other equipment includes an Epson inkjet printer for doing digital transfers, a second Epson printer for doing sublimation transfers, a hat heat press, and a mug heat press. The shops name, Big Bark Shirts & Design, hints at the determination and drive behind this new company. We model our business after a Corgi (the dog breed). A Corgi is a small dog, but when it barks, you might think it was a big dog. We want to have a small company with a few employees that helps other small guys out with their big visions, says Mulic. an hour before the show and prints shirts as ordered. Extra inventory is on hand if the original 50-shirt quota sells out. Leftover shirts can easily be used for another order, because they werent printed. We also collect the money, says Mulic, and then settle up at the end of the show. Let them worry about putting on the show of their lives. We do the rest. Trying a car show Another opportunity came about when a vintage car show ordered some shirts from Big Bark. Mulic asked if his company could set up a booth. One of the first on-site events Big Bark exhibited in was a vintage car show. Coowner Brad Van Steenvoort walked the floor offering to take photos of attendees next to a vintage car, and the photo was then turned into an inkjet transfer and applied to a shirt. Customers were thrilled they could order a custom photo shirt and pick it up at the show.

Co-owners Mili Mulic (left) and Brad Van Steenvoort started Big Bark Shirts & Design, Seattle, with an investment of only $350. A band customer concerned about ordering too many shirts gave the pair the idea to go on-site and print to order, eliminating the problem of having to guess how many shirts to print in advance.

The organizers allowed us to use the show design to create a coloring book type outline, which we screen printed in black ink onto white shirts. We had fabric markers on a table for the kids to use, or they could purchase fabric markers to take home. Our idea was customers would see a bunch of kids having fun coloring the shirts, and it would attract more business. It worked great; we sold a bunch of shirts. For the adults, Van Steenvoort walked the show floor with an iPad offering to take photos of people standing next to a vintage car, which was then uploaded to Dropbox. Mulic grabbed the image from Dropbox, created an inkjet transfer, and the shirt would be ready and waiting when the customer stopped by the booth to pick it up.

In The Beginning The idea to start doing mobile printing came about when the company was approached by a local band to do some shirts. They didnt want to worry about ordering too many shirts, and thats when the light bulb went off, says Mulic. What if we printed to order at the show? That way we only print a sold shirt. That first band decided against it, but we ended up putting together a package that weve had bands go for. We have a check list of what we offer. The band picks a design and the shirt style and color. We recommend they purchase a minimum of 50 shirts for $350. Thats a one-color print on a white shirt. Then they can upgrade with a better quality shirt or a dark shirt if they want, explains Mulic. The band also decides how much to charge for the shirt. Big Bark sets up shop about

Doing mobile events has been so successful for Big Bark Shirts & Design, Seattle, that the company plans on doing at least 8-10 events in the coming year. Its been a proven money maker, and it also provides valuable exposure to new customers, according to co-owner Mili Mulic.
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GETTING AHEAD
Other merchandise offered included mouse pads, a keychain, or a name sublimated to a license plate frame. We even had people sending us photos from their phones, says Mulic. There wasnt a strong signal there so it was taking longer, but people still got it the same day, and they were happy with that. Tips for success One key to being successful at events, notes Mulic, is to put everything on wheels. The one-color/one-station tabletop press has been bolted onto a rolling cart that has storage space underneath to hold blank shirts. At their first event, the flash cure unit kept blowing out the electricity, so now shirts are cured in an ordinary heat press. After printing some T-shirts for a car show, Management agreed to let Big Bark have a free booth where they printed an outline version of the official show shirt onsite for children to color with fabric markers provided on a nearby table. This attracted a lot of attention to the booth resulting in new business. Mobile printing has been a solid profit center for the company. They make at least $7 a shirt for the bands, the youth white Ts sold for $20 each, and the adult photo T-shirts retailed at $25. No one in our area seems to be doing it, and if they are, they always overcharge, notes Mulic. We deliver top quality at a great price. Our customers love it and keep coming back! DECORATOR FINDS SUCCESS CATERING TO TEAM MARKET WITH ON-SITE LOCATION Lou Lippa loves two things: sports and kids. He has combined these two things with a heat press and a vinyl cutter and has established a thriving part-time business decorating youth baseball, softball, and football uniforms for kids ranging in ages from 5 to 18. Lippa started his original business, Chesterfield Sporting Goods, Chesterfield, Va., back in 1991 with a partner, working part-time. He was a fulltime employee of Dominion Virginia Power at the time.

Lou Lippa has run a part-time business since 1991. Using two heat presses, two Ioline cutters, and heat-applied graphics materials, he decorates team uniforms for youth baseball, softball, and football teams. Because he often worked three shifts on, one off, his schedule allowed him to spend his off time decorating team uniforms and spiritwear. Lippa also founded the Chesterfield Metro Youth Football league in 1998 and has served as league president for the past 14 years since its inception. Although this is a volunteer position, he benefitted by capturing the leagues business to decorate its uniforms every year. In 1994, Lippa and his partner split, and
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At the present time, on-site events are making up about 25% of overall business, which is otherwise mostly local custom screen printing, but the pair hope to increase it to as high as 50%. Its our goal to become a mobile printing powerhouse, Mulic says. After doing three big events in the past year, Big Bark has a goal to do eight to 10 big events this coming year. Weve learned the value in these types of events, and we hope to do more and more each year, says Mulic. Big Bark Shirts & Design, 233 South Holden St., Seattle , WA 98108 206-852-1109, bigbarkdesign@live.com https://www.facebook.com/BigBarkShirtsAndDesign

Although Lou Lippa occasionally does shirts for local businesses and family reunions, the majority of his work is decorating for team uniforms, specifically youth leagues ranging in ages from 5 to 18.
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Lippa named his new business Chesterfield Sporting Apparel. In addition to decorating uniforms, Lippa also has a mobile operation set up right at the field, which he mans every Saturday from April through July, offering spiritwear he prints on-site. The entrepreneur parked a portable storage container at the field, which serves as his shop. Using a 12- by 6-foot trailer pulled by his vehicle, he loads up his inventory and equipment and spends the day creating custom shirts for any parents, friends, or family who want to support their team. The spiritwear style is usually an athletic gray T-shirt. Lippa has the Central Chesterfield Little League seven-color logo made up as a transfer in two sizes: full chest and left chest. Customers have the option of choosing which size design and also can add a team members name and number on the back. Team names and numbers are cut using a vinyl cutter and sports film material, which is stocked in every team color. Lippa provides this service as much to be a support to the league as he does to make money for himself. He has about 100 transfers printed up each year, which the league pays for and he charges roughly about $15 per shirt, of which Lippa donates $5 per shirt back to the league. In 2000, the sporting goods store that had been providing the league football uniforms went out of business, so at that point, Lippa also took over ordering the uniforms as well as decorating them. The owner prides himself on the fact that each uniform is fitted to the player. The football uniforms are reversible and require numbers on the front and back. This means each uniform must be heat pressed four times to apply all the numbers. A 2-inch player name also goes on each side (inside and outside) of the back of the shirt.
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For baseball, Lippa puts a 6-inch number on the back of the smaller youth styles and an 8-inch number on the back of the larger youth styles. Then the players last name is positioned above the number and that is also 2 inches. In the past, Lippa cut numbers and letters out individually using his vinyl cutter, but recently, he began using a service that cuts out the entire name or number in one piece. It comes pre-positioned on a carrier sheet for faster application.

During the baseball season, from April to July, Lippa parks his trailer at the field and makes spiritwear shirts for parents, fans, and friends of the teams playing that day.

It costs a bit more than doing it individually, Lippa says, but its at least twice as fast to do. I used to take about three weeks to do 800 baseball team uniforms, but Ive reduced that down to one week using the ready-to-apply player names and numbers. Lippa got a boost in business this current season when the baseball team decided to add a fall league. So the decorator found himself working 21 hours at a stretch (from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. the next day, and then sleeping roughly three hours before getting up to do it again) to get out 1,000 football uniforms at the same time as the baseball jerseys. Lippa admits that even though he retired from his full-time job in 2007, he still loves seeing the kids every season and isnt ready to quit his retirement job just yet. Ill be turning 60 this year and I told my wife, You know what I want to do for my birthday? I want to be on my football field with all those kids. Im going to Sams to get a couple of cakes and Im going to celebrate it with them. Chesterfield Sporting Apparel, Chesterfield, Va., lippalou@gmail.com, (804) 937-8444 Deborah Sexton, former editor of Impressions Magazine, has been in the apparel graphics industry since 1981. She currently does marketing and public relations for apparel graphics companies. She can be reached at dsexton@sbcglobal.net.

For hauling his equipment, supplies, and blank goods to the ball field, Lippa purchased and custom outfitted a 12- by 6-foot trailer.

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SPONSORS: MAGAZINE
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THE WORLDS ONLY ASSOCIATION FOR CORELDRAW USERS INVITES YOU TO LEARN! APPLY! GROW! WITH CORELDRAW!
The Association of CorelDRAW Professionals is The Education & Business Resource for CorelDRAW Users Worldwide. Its goals: 1) IMPROVE your CorelDRAW skills, and 2) MAKE MONEY with those skills! All CorelDRAW users are invited to join! All users of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite are qualified to subscribe FREE to CorelDRAWHelp magazine (PDF format) and CorelDRAWHelp E-News. To subscribe, simply visit CorelDRAWHelp.com and sign up!

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SPONSORED ARTICLE
By Epilog Laser Co.

Creating a Vignette in CorelDRAW

If youre looking for a more sophisticated look when cropping and engraving photos, consider a vignette - a cropping technique that produces a soft, feathered edge that is very appealing. In order to create a vignette, it is necessary crop the image first. When cropping a photo in Corel PHOTOPAINT or PLP (PhotoLaser Plus) many users become frustrated because its difficult, if not impossible, to get the correct size and shape thats desired. Because of this difficulty, these instructions will show an alternate method of cropping in CorelDRAW that is easy to perform as well as being very precise. The Place Inside Container tool in CorelDRAW allows a photo to be cropped very precisely. 1. To define the area to be cropped, first you must import a photo into Corel and then create an ellipse (or any other shape). Use the sizing handles to adjust the ellipse to the desired size and shape.

2. Next, select the photo, go to Effects | PowerClip | Place Inside Container (top image). Click on the container (the ellipse in our example) with the large Place Inside Container arrow tool and the photo is then perfectly cropped to a precise size and shape (photo at left.)

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Once the photo has been cropped it is no longer a bitmap image, which is necessary to create a vignette. Luckily, its easy to convert the PowerClip image into a bitmap. 3. With the image selected, go to Bitmaps | Convert to Bitmap and convert to an RGB Bitmap. While in the Convert to Bitmap window, make sure the resolution is set to the value needed for engraving. This image is going to be engraved onto black marble so the resolution needs to be 300 DPI. Now that we know how to crop a photo and get it back to a bitmap format we can move ahead with creating a vignette. 4. In CorelDRAW, with the cropped photo selected, go to Bitmaps | Creative | Vignette. The Vignette adjustment window allows you to set the amount of Offset the vignette will cover and the amount of fade. Values close to 95 for Offset and about 20 for Fade are used in this example.

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At this point, the Vignette is complete and can be engraved. Keep in mind that depending on the photo processing software youre using, you may need to save the vignette as a different file type before you can engrave it. For example, if you are using PhotoLaser Plus processing software, youll need to save your vignette as a .bmp or .jpg prior to importing it.

There are several ways to save the image as a .bmp or .jpg but the one that seems easiest for most users is to select the image and then click on the Edit Bitmap option in the Corel Property Bar. The Edit Bitmap function will open the image in Corel PHOTO-PAINT and it can be saved from there.

Go to File | Save as. Save the image as either a .bmp or .jpg. The file is now ready to be imported into PhotoLaser Plus.

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MARKETING SECRETS
By Donna M. Gray, CRM

Its Time To Get Busy

September, in our industry, brings the return of customers who have been in hiding for the past couple months. With the start of the fall season, we have new opportunities to connect with existing clients, to look for, and find new customers, and to increase business before the end of the calendar year. Its a good time to get busy! For some, the last part of the calendar year brings both the challenge and the opportunity of meeting the companys selling and budget goals for the year. In a perfect business economy, sales would be evenly distributed throughout the year. Thats not the reality of our industry. So, what kinds of things can we do, now, to make sure our year-end goals are met? Ive asked some marketing and sales experts (they have good track records) to share some of their secrets and here are a few of their suggestions: Take a good look at the companys existing customers. What do they buy? Do they spend their entire recognition/marketing/promotional budget with your company? If its a corporate buyer, are they responsible for more than one project? Are they connected to other departments in the company? Beef up your companys selling process. Everyones in a hurry nowadays. Customers want things right now, and they dont want hassles. Focus on making company processes more efficient. Find ways to streamline the sales process. Set selling policies for team members, and then get out of their way. Encourage team selling so that clients know they are always at the front of the line with more than one sales person. Get on the phone, get in the car, and get out of the comfort zone! Calling on current customers is very important, because if you dontyour competition will. Take time each week to recultivate existing customer relationships. The experts say we need to keep our sales focus on romancing our existing clients. Set a goal of calling or visiting X number each day and then do some homework to find out the latest information about the contact before the call or visit. Nowadays, with research tools, like LinkedIn, Facebook, and others, one can find out just about anything. Stay positive. Dont take no for an answerand dont take it personally. Most everyone has heard their share of nos in the past couple years, however, the experts think the economy is recovering, and our customers will again see recognition and appreciation as valuable tools. Dont let stop signs get in your way. Theres an old sayingI dont know who said it, but it goes something like this, The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how you use them. Ask for referrals. Any company that has been in business for a while already knows that the best way to get new customers is through existing customers. In order to introduce your company, business people need to know, like, and trust your company. Those customers who are sure you will take care of their friends will pass on the information. Experts say that
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Its time to get busy and go for the gold!

referral marketing reduces sales expenses, and sale cycles. It allows a company to focus on customer satisfaction instead of cold calling. Not every customer is a good referrer, so its suggested that you concentrate on the top 20% , who really know your company, and who can best influence others with their word of mouth. Oh, and dont forget to say thank you in a special way. Make a good impression! Presentation is everything! A companys image is made, not just inside the business facility, but with the first look that an existing customer, or a new prospect, gets as they approach the business. It goes with every experience they have with the companyfrom the way the phone is answered, the appearance of the front line team at the counter, and the way team members present themselves at networking opportunities. Early fall is a good time to examine how the company looks to others, and make changes, or up-grades if needed. Create a sales incentive program that will give you and your team a reason to get out and sell. Keep it simple and attainable. Eighty/twenty the customer list. In tough times, some companies would settle for any kind of sale; however, as things begin to improve, the best use of time and resources is concentrating on those customers who bring the most to the pay window. Our accounting firm (I consider them to be experts) has determined that they only want to work with those companies that are profitable, and

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MARKETING SECRETS
that are fun to work with. I love that theory. Wouldnt it feel good to turn away the customers that just cant be pleased no matter how hard you try? I read in a blog not too long ago that we should actually fire our toxic clients. At the same time, you need to show the good customers how much you value their business. Listen to clients. We used to have an insurance man whose mantra was I dont sell you insurance, I help you to buy insurance. Pay attention to your customers and youll get the signals you need to move forward with helping them to buy. Encourage customers to talk. Ask open-ended questions that begin with Tell me or Explain to me, or Show me. This helps when youre trying to read their mindsand it helps them to feel like theyre really participating in the product selection process. Stay on top of whats hot and whats not. Every expert Ive talked to has suggested that a huge secret for increasing sales is to stay on top of industry trends. We need to keep our fingers on the pulse of popular products and have them availablebefore anyone else does, whenever possible. Dont let the samples in the showroom become obsolete. Create a work environment thats conducive to success. Make sure every team member has a place where they can focus on the things they do to make the company successful. Not only does this feel good to everyone, it provides the momentum and motivation for success.

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Since my experts feel confident that improvement is closer than right around the corner(I hope the media begins to get that message)Im going to take positive actions in my role with my company. Last month, I spent some time watching the winning attitudes of the Olympians. How could anyone not be impressed with their hard work -- from the way they set their goals and follow their dreams to the way they present themselves, winner or not? We are part of a winning industry. We can all set our goals, inspire each other, and find our way to the winners podium. Our gold medals are waiting in the form of good sales and returning satisfied customers, who will act as champions for our businesses. Times are changing and financial challenges will, hopefully, be a thing of the past, soon. Soright now, I encourage us all to put on a positive attitude and start acting like winners! Its time to get busy and go for the gold! Donna Gray is the president of Total Awards, Promotions, & Gift (aka AwardsMall. com) in Madison, Wis. She and her husband Dave have run their full service awards and personalization business since1977. She has presented seminars nationwide, won awards as Business Woman of the Year, Retail Marketer of the Year, and Sam Walton Business Leadership Award. She is also the author of two books on family business, Its All Relative! Surviving & Thriving in A Family Business (2007), and Never Quit: The Ups & Downs of Running a Family Business (2004). She can be reached by email at donna.gray@AwardsMall.com.

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PRODUCT FOCUS

Opportunity

Holiday Gifts
Transfer Express Offers Holiday Design Custom Transfers Create custom transfers for holiday events, customer appreciation gifts, or to promote holiday products using Holiday Easy Prints by Transfer Express of Mentor, OH. Choose from a wide selection of clip art that includes Santas, Christmas trees, candy canes, angels, Nativity scenes, gifts, bells, candles, snowmen, and more. No art experience is needed! A special holiday section of professionally designed template layouts makes it easy to choose one you like and simply add your chosen piece of clip art to it. In addition to holiday layouts, there also is a wide selection of other layouts that can be used to create personalized gifts. The step-by-step online program prompts the user through the process until the design is complete and you are able to see exactly what your design will look like before you order. Transfers can be heat applied to cotton, polyester, or cotton/polyester blend shirts. For a screen printed transfer, the minimum is five pieces and its only one piece for CAD-PRINTZ digital transfers. With Easy Prints, one-color orders ship the same day and multicolor orders ship in two days when ordered by 11 a.m. EST. Transfer Express Inc. is a progressive company that manufactures custom, heatapplied garment transfers known as Easy Prints. As the largest manufacturer of custom transfers in the world, Transfer Express provides a competitive edge to dealers of imprinted sportswear by producing imprinted garment graphics quickly and with great accuracy. INSTANT INFO
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Membership On Sale Now!

T h e A s s o c i a t i o n o f C o r e l D R AW Professionals (ACDRP) announces a Special Limited-Time Sale of 50% off on association membership -- and the addition of a new Video Training membership level. Effective June 15, Basic Membership which is normally $90/year will be $45/year. Basic ACDRP Membership offers online access to more than 500 articles, tips, and templates for improving graphics and business skills. Premium membership which adds On-Line Video training and 2 free email consultations per year to the basic level is normally $240/year; but now for a limited time, Premium membership will be available for $120/year. Premium membership was added in 2009 with a complete on-line Video Training Library. More than 75 videos are currently posted and more are added each month. In fact, a new series on CorelDRAW Tips, with special focus on Version X5, will be posted this summer. ACDRP has also announced a new intermediate level of membership; VT (Video Training) membership. VT membership includes Basic and On-Line Video Training; it does not include free email consultation. The regular price for VT membership is $180/yr. During this sale VT membership will be available for $90/yr. Now is the time, says Executive Director Mike Neer, for CorelDRAW users to really boost their skills, so they can grow their business as the economy recovers. The new Video Training program has won rave reviews from members, and this special makes it available to more people. Members, who have joined or renewed in the last 90 days, can also call to take advantage of this Special. For more information, visit www.coreldrawpro.com/join. htm. Click this link to see a sample of the Video Training for the technique of Feathering the Edge.

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GRAPHICS NEWS NETWORK

All these news and information products and services are part of the Graphics News Network, developed for ACDRP. The goal is All the News, All the Time For the World of Graphics.

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The Entrepreneurial Magazine for CorelDRAW Users

CorelDRAWHelp Magazine is delivered to you once a month in PDF format. It features in-depth content that readers rave about, including articles on how to use CorelDRAW, how to apply CorelDRAW, and how to profit from CorelDRAW.

The Graphics News Wire is the always live, always updated source for graphics news products, equipment, technology, and more. Make it (CorelDRAWPro.com/NewsPage.htm) your home page or favorite to gain access to: Breaking news, updated regularly. New Classified Ads New Job Announcements Supplier Specials All news is related to graphic products!

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Generate new business by doing jobs for others!

List your company in GSG, the Digital Yellow Pages for the industry. www.coreldrawpro.com/ListGSG.htm The worlds only association for CorelDRAW Users! www.coreldrawpro.com/Join.htm

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The Industrys Most Comprehensive & Easy-To-Use Search Engine It gives you one-click access to suppliers, products, phone numbers, and live links to ACDRP Member Suppliers. Its always up-todate, searchable by keyword, and accessible from your desktop!

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Some Things Were Meant To Be In Etched in Stone

Importers & Wholesalers of Marble/Onyx Gifts & Accessories N&R International 1155 Allgood Rd. #13 Marietta, GA 30062 678-560-4088 Fax 678-560-1157 Call for a free color catalog.

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E-News

News, Tips, & Resources for CorelDRAW Users CorelDRAWHelp E-News is a free digital newsletter delivered to you twice a month about the 15th and 25th. It brings you highly targeted content that you wont find elsewhere, including CorelDRAW Tips, extensive product news, links, and a calendar of shows and training. The Industrys Newest Resource for Graphics Tips & Templates Gain access to a growing library of CorelDRAW tips and templates that will make your work easier.
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Your ad here could reach thousands of potential customers. Find out how by calling our Ad Representative John McDaniel II.

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The Industrys Most Comprehensive and Easy-To-Use Article Library Gain access to hundreds of articles on graphics-related and business topics, searchable by keyword.

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Useful Resources www.coreldrawhelp.com www.coreldrawpro.com For members: www.acdrp.org

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CorelDRAW Help
Donna Gray is the president of Total Awards, Promotions, & Gift (aka AwardsMall.com) in Madison, Wis. She and her husband Dave have run their full service awards and personalization business since 1977. She has presented seminars on a variety of topics nationwide, and has won many marketing awards. She is the author of two books on family business, and can be reached at donna.gray@AwardsMall.com. Bill Leek of Houston, TX has over 30 years experience in computer engineering and graphics design. He has developed several lines of color imprintable products, and does testing on a variety of products for different manufacturers. He can be reached at wfleek@ jblgraphics.com or 281-257-0695. Jeff McDaniel is the owner of Creative Graphic in Philomath, Oregon. He worked as a journeyman machinist before getting into the graphic products business. Creative Graphic offers laser engraving, rotary engraving, sandblasting, sublimation, image transfers, vinyl signs, banners, screen printing, and promotional products. Jeff routinely applies graphics to a wide variety of materials. Contact him at Jeff@creativegraphic.net. John McDaniel is the co-owner of JHM Marketing in Albany, OR, which provides consulting and training services for the industry. He worked for many years with computers in electronic data processing and pioneered the use of CorelDraw for engraving applications. He owned a retail personalized gift shop for over ten years, and writes about hardware design, software, laser engraving, sublimation, and more. He is a Corel Training Partner, and co-founder of the Association of CorelDRAW Professionals. For information on training and more, call 541-967-4271, or write to mail@CorelDRAWhelp.com.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Judy McDaniel is the co-owner of JHM Marketing in Albany, OR, which provides consulting and training services for the industry. Her background includes many forms of art and retail sales, as well as the operation of a retail personalized gift shop for over ten years. She is a regular columnist on sandblasting, sublimation, and diversifying business, as well as a Corel Training Partner, and co-founder of the Association of CorelDRAW Professionals. She can be reached at 541-967-4271, fax 541-967-4272, or via email at mail@CorelDRAWhelp.com. Mike Neer is the editor of CorelDRAWHelp magazine and Executive Director of ACDRP. He has more than 25 years experience in writing and publishing in the personalized products industries. He is the author of the CD, Creative Showroom Display, and the booklet, The Professional Edge. He can be reached at the ACDRP office in Fresno, Calif., at 800-276-8428 or mikeneer@coreldrawhelp.com. Deborah Sexton, former editor of Impressions Magazine, has been in the apparel graphics industry since 1981. She currently does marketing and public relations for apparel graphics companies, and is a columnist for several industry publications.. She can be reached at dsexton@sbcglobal.net. Otis Veteto is a sales consultant with more than 30 years experience in the awards and promotional products industry. He offers the PROspective of a veteran sales rep in reporting on ideas, people and places that he visits. Otis also presents sales and motivation seminars for industry organizations. He can be reached in Sacramento, CA when not on the road at 916-396-3009. Or email olveteto@gmail.com.

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Traveling Tidbits
by Otis Veteto

Showtime, Wings, Talking Trash, and Sedona

On the road again September has been a real show month. I had just finished the AZPPA (Arizona Promotional Products Assoc.) show the last week of August, in Phoenix, AZ, and got home Sept. 1st. On Sept 5th, I flew to Atlanta, GA, for the ARA (Awards & Recognition Assoc) show in Duluth, GA, about 40 miles from Atlanta. The ARA show was well attended by both suppliers and awards dealers (we used to call them trophy shops). I was filling in for Kevin McLaughlin, owner of TimeCraft, who was unable to attend. It gave me the opportunity to meet & greet some friends I usually only get to see at the Las Vegas ARA extravaganza. Got home Sept 9..Sept 15, back on the road (as Willie Nelson singsOn the road again), Headed for Denver, CO for the RMR/PPA (Rocky Mountain Region Promotional Products Assoc) show. Wings over Rockies The RMR/PPA people chose a really super, albeit unusual, venue for their 2012 show. It was held in Hangar #1 at Lowry AFB. Lowry is now closed, but Hangar #1 is now home for the Wings Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum, and houses and displays planes from WW1 to current aircraft. They even have a full size replica of the X-wing Starfighter from Star Wars, donated to the museum by Lucasfilms. The show was a total success. I think the location of the show was a terrific draw and helped the attendance figure. Congratulations RMR/PPAgreat ideagreat show! Talking Trash Quick note.right across from my booth at the RMR/PPA show was Earthspun Apparel. They were kept really busy both days of the show, and I had a chance to talk to Kim Fullerton from Earthspun Apparel to find out why they were so popular. Their shirts are made from 100% recycled waste diverted from land fillsthats rightland fills. Get this---the grey shirts are recycled X-ray
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film! Talk about eco-friendlyTHESE PEOPLE REALLY KNOW HOW TO TALK TRASH!!! Check them out at www.earthspunapparel.com, or email Kim at kfullerton@ earthspunapparel.com. Sedona After leaving Colorado, Emily and I drove to Santa Fe, NM, and played tourist for a couple of days. Then down to Sedona, AZ. Sedona is one of my favorite stop-over places. The drive down Red Rock Canyon on 89A from Flagstaff to Sedona is a slow but absolutely gorgeous drive. While in Sedona, I made a sales call on Steve Crawley, owner of Sedona Engraving and Awards. Steve told me he is having a great year, thanks to a very steady business from the resorts in and around Sedona. From Sedona, its on to Scottsdale, AZ for the C.A.T.D.A (Central Arizona Trophy Dealers Assoc) show, Sept 29, thanks to Chris Lyman, who does a great job putting this show together. After the CATDA show, it is time to head for the barnback home. Hilton Inn in Elko I will close with this: KUDOS to the 3 wonderful servers at the restaurant in the Hilton Garden Inn, in Elko, Nevada. Kymm, Dawn and Shonna (all 3), made Emily and I feel really special, when we stayed their Sept 15th. All 3 took time to make sure everything was o.k. with our meals, and even found a little time to chat with us. The Hilton chain, and especially the Hilton Garden Inn at Elko, NV, is very fortunate to have Kymm, Dawn and Shonna on their staff. It sure makes us want to stay at that hotel the next time we are travelling through Elko. Thats all for now. Remember to save some time for yourself, and you family. And when you travel, please travel safe.

Otis Veteto has more than 30 years experience in the industry and is currently a consultant. He offers the PROspective of a veteran sales rep in reporting on ideas, people and places that he visits. Otis also presents sales and motivation seminars for industry organizations. He can be reached in Sacramento, CA when not on the road at 916-396-3009. Or email olveteto@gmail.com

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