Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Custom design? Yes, please!! *GIVEAWAY*

Happy New Year, friends!!!  I hope you all enjoyed so much deserved time off spent with your littles and families.  My girlies go back to school tomorrow and Thursday, and I am not ready!  We had so much fun soaking in family time this month.  Spring break can't come soon enough!

I tell my husband at least twice a week that I couldn't be any happier with my decision to do design exclusively!  Making the decision was so hard, and I was literally sick about it for a solid 3 days.  I wasn't happy with where I was with my business and I was feeling very overwhelmed being pulled in 2 opposite directions.  Props and design.  So, after laying around for 3 days throwing myself a pity party, I pulled up my big girl pants and basically cut out props.  I am in control of my business, and ultimately my happiness with it.  That being said, I can also give away free things whenever I want!!!  Muahah!!!

Who would like to win a custom design package from yours truly?!

There are going to 'requirements' for this giveaway, so to speak.  Now that I am settling into design, I have found my favorite platforms!  They have changed from suggestions to favorites!  I would love to be exclusive with a blog platform and a website platform, but I understand there may limitations for clients when it comes to this!  Design is design, across the board.  For me, it doesn't matter who your platform is because it's all in the same language and I can work with any platform.  These are the best I have worked with, and who doesn't want the best?!

I think you all know that I am mildly obsessed with Prophoto.  Talking hosting may be foreign to some, but Prophoto is a template for photographers.  It can only be used with a hosted Wordpress blog.  So you must have hosting to have a Prophoto...it's not a bundle deal.  You get your domain (hostgator, bluehost) then you get your hosting (Wordpress) then you purchase Prophoto!  A site hosted through Wordpress is a monthly cost, and the more you purchase at once the deeper the discount.  Hostgator offers a monthly subscription (that you can tie into paypal) at around $7 a month.  That is a nice option for those who may not want to budget in an upfront cost of hosting for 5 years.  Just so you know...you can get a discount of $10 off through me!  Click the Prophoto banner at the bottom of my website and it will automatically generate the code for you :)

http://www.laynieandbelle.com

Now, with the websites...that's a tricky one.  I really love Wix!  Now that I have been working with a different platform though, Showit is now my absolute, all-time fav-or-ite!!!!  It is also a 'free' site (see comparison chart).  It limits your media space to 30mb, and you can upgrade to the pro version for $39 a month with 10GB of media storage!  It plugs into Smugmug!  Which is a huge bonus, not to mention timesaver!  

Sorry, to ramble!!!  About that giveaway...

I would like to re-design your Prophoto blog!  Prophoto 4 is a REQUIREMENT to take advantage of this part of the giveaway!  AND I would also like to offer a custom Show-it website design as well!  Maybe you don't have either, but you have a business and need a logo?!  Well, go ahead and enter, because that is included in the package as well!!!!  I am basically going to meet your needs and give you a fresh brand!

Terms and Conditions:

The scheduled design date will be determined by me, but will be before March 1st, 2013.  The date cannot be changed and will only be scheduled according to Ashley, owner of Laynie and Belle.  If you win this giveaway and want to take full-advantage of it, then I suggest you purchase Prophoto if you haven't done so already!   If you are not interested in having a blog or website, then a logo it is :)  *Cannot be used towards purchased design packages*


43 comments:

  1. All my design has been done by me because it wasnt in my budget. I'd love to work with a true desinger, and I'd be honored it it was you. :) and prophoto gives me a headache. Lol

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  2. Lauren Lewallen PhotographyJanuary 1, 2013 at 2:16 PM

    Such a great opportunity to grow my business! I've been needing to get a website up, but the design was not in my budget. I would live to win this design package and rebranding myself would help my business do much! I have enjoyed seeing your design work and hope to work with you!!

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  3. I have a prophoto blog at the moment and I love it but it doesn't really suit my "brand" at all - my website does (I'm head over heels for my website) and I'd love to have a prophoto blog designed to match the site but I just haven't had any extra money in our budget with 3 kids and starting up a business (investing in props and courses and the like) Thanks so much for this opportunity, and happy new year!

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  4. Well I was going to pay you to fix me up anyways because I love your work, so I dont know if I still can qualify to win or not, but that would be like super awesome!

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  5. Well this would just be amazing!! This is right where I am in growing my brand. I've been doing portfolio building and am really ready to start a "real" blog. I have a blogspot blog, but they jst told me I'm out of space- so I decided its time to move on and get a real blog. I love seeing your logo examples and would love to work with you!!

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  6. you are a.w.e.s.o.m.e. ;) in love with all your work. i would love to win this to simplify my life. I get pulled in so many directions, working full time, my photography, and most important my three daughters that I don't have time to even think about my blog and website. i just had my webpage done, but I really think you could take it to a different level!

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  7. This would make my year! I desperately need a new brand. My goal for 2013 is to follow my dream and leave corporate world for my wonderful world of photography; for me and my son. To accomplish the goals, I definitely need a new brand!! Thank you for the opportunity to win!

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  8. To win this would be incredible! I've been trying to build my business for years and have not been very successful in generating a consistent client base. I really need a new branding - - something that makes me stand out from the crowd. I've seen your work and know you know how to help me grow. Seriously, with my blog and facebook pages as my only outreach, I need help. Hoping this blessing of a giveaway comes my way (10kWords Photography).

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  9. I would LOVE to win this #1 because I LOVE your work #2 because I changed my business name starting today & need a new logo & #3 because I am about to have a new baby & all my money is going to that right now :)

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  10. As a mom just starting out my business any help I could get would be great. Plus your work is wonderful.

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  11. I just started out doing photography for friends and family, and my passion for photography has grown. If i am the lucky winner, i hope your design for me will kick start my hobby into a profession. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  12. I am the owner of Paisley Ann Photography and have contacted you in the past to do work for me but at that time you weren't taking any new projects. I adore your work and would be thrilled to win this. Thank you!

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  13. I am the owner of Paisley Ann Photography and have contacted you in the past to do work for me but at that time you weren't taking any new projects. I adore your work and would be thrilled to win this. Thank you!

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  14. I started my business a year ago. I've tried a few different people with making my logo. And I feel like I just threw away a ton of money because I wasn't in love with them and they didn't represent me and my business so they don't get used. I eventually just threw one together on my own and it still doesn't represent me. I use my blog as my website because it's overwhelming to me on where to begin and how to do it and get the look perfect. My goal for 2013 is to completely rebrand. I've seen your work it's gorgeous and I feel that you would be a perfect fit. I would be honored to win this and would love to have that chance to work with you.

    Thanks so much for doing this giveaway! I know the lucky winner will be so incredibly thankful for your help. I know I would!

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  15. I just purchased my domain a couple of weeks ago!! This is the year I had planned to rebrand and rebuild. I have utilized smugmug as my only website for the past year, and it's just so unprofessional looking - a developer, I am not. I am going to purchase Prophoto once I figure out what logo/branding I want to use. I need to start blogging and I need a new look to take my business to the next level. I'm just so lost at where to begin. So, working with someone as talented as you on this would be perfect! I feel like I can't move forward until I know for sure I have the branding and logo that is perfect for me - and I just don't think I'm there. I have invested in my photography by purchasing new equipment, taking classes, etc., and I really need to take the next step to move my business ahead in 2013. I had to go back to work this year, as my business just hasn't quite made it to the point of paying the bills. So, my dream is to be able to focus solely on photography and my family at some point in 2013. It's my resolution...and working with you could truly make that happen. Thanks for this opportunity!

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  16. I would LOVE to win this! What an awesome giveaway. I just started my business, so a new look and website would be FABULOUS! Thanks again and love your work!

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  17. I'm really excited that fixing my blog/branding is at the top of my list to do this year. As you probably know, I would really love for you to design it and am crossing my fingers that will happen!! What a great opportunity, thanks for a chance to win with this giveaway!! Love all of your beautiful work!

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  18. Like many I have started in this hobby and have LOVED every aspect of it!And like many, am on a budget with this hobby. I'm currently saving up for the purchase of a professional grade camera as I have found my entry level DSLR, though I love it, has become 'outgrown'. I began working with friends and family members capturing their special moments over the past year and have now begun getting contacted by strangers to capture their special moments. My theme for my photography for 2013 is 'plant the seed and let it grow.' I would love to move my photography from a part time and weekend hobby to a more full time occupation, and hopefully allow me move from being a full time teacher and part time photographer to a full time photographer, allowing me to stay home with my children as they grow. Having one of your beautiful and professional logos, will allow me to move my photography into a more professional level and reach more individuals as I expand and 'grow' in 2013. Thank you for your consideration in this giveaway.

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  19. While I don't know that I "deserve" it more than anyone else, I do know that it is time to upgrade to ProPhoto 4 (think I'm still using 2). I purchased a new blu site 6+ months ago but haven't finished it, this will give me the push I need to tie a newly branded blog, website and fresh logo all together, just in time for the the season to get underway in early spring. I am making some drastic changes to my business this year, after 10 years of basically the same business model, with the economy and crazy amount of new photographers it is time to make the change, while I'm not thrilled about it, I'm hoping it will keep me competitive enough to keep my previous clients coming back and new clients realizing that while I am more expensive I'm worth it. Having a brand that flows cohesively throughout my blog and website, plus an updated facebook page and logo will hopefully help (it doesn't hurt that my photography is pretty good too, if I do say so :) ) Thank you so much for offering such a great giveaway.

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  20. OMG! Great Giveaway! My fingers and toes are crossed. I've slowly been growing my business and now after two kids, a move across country, I'm really ready to make this happen. A new brand would. be. amazing! Thank you so much for offering such an AMAZING.EXCITING.AWSOME. gift!

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  21. Absolutely love seeing all of your posts but just don't have the funds right now to do a complete design myself. Still consider myself a ginormous newbie and would LOVE to win this fabulous package!

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  22. It was my hoping to have my website and blog up and going on January 1st, but I didn't realize how hard it was! I desperately need your help!! This would be such an amazing blessing!

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  23. I am due to work with you on a new logo so winning this would just be amazing and a dream come true for my business! I wouldn't want anyone else doing my rebranding!

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  24. I've been doing my own design for quite sometime now and just don't have all the skills needed to make an awesome blog/website like you do! I'm taking this spring semester off of school to focus on growing my business and this would help me take it to the next level! Your work is great and I would love to work with you! and P.S. even if I don't win I'm still totally hiring you! :)

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  25. I'd love a new logo. Made my own and would love a fresh idea!!!!

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  26. What an amazing giveaway. It's funny and kind of the perfect timing. I bought Prophoto 4 some weeks ago and kind of struggle building it up. I have ideas and visions but it's hard to bring them to life, haha. All that you are offering here sounds SO amazing and I have never seen such a giveaway before. WOW. I would love love love to win! Thank you for giving us the opportunity! :)

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  27. Awesome giveaway! I would love a custom ProPhoto4 blog. I purchased it earlier this fall and have been trying to find my ideal look but I don't think it's achievable on my own. I love your designs and would be so excited if I won!!

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  28. I'm just starting my business this year! I admire your work! I need tons of help on branding. Its all new to me! ;)

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  29. While I don't think I am more deserving of this huge gift than anyone else, I'd certainly LOVE it. I really need to some direction on my branding and design. Between working full time and being a Mommy to hands down most precious little boy in the universe, I don't have a lot of time to devote to my branding. I do have Prophoto 4 and love it! I also love your work and would love the opportunity to work with you.

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  30. I do have a ProPhotoBlog 4 and know Showit is where I want to be for a website someday. So far I've done my own logo and branding with the very limited knowledge I have, its very bland and not expressive which makes me very sad. I would absolutely LOVE to finally have something that's both beautiful and represents me and I know Ashley is the one to do this. I really hope I can win this giveaway otherwise I'll still save up my pennies and find a way to make it happen :)

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  31. I definitely need a whole new blog design!!

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  32. I definitely need a whole new blog design!!

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  33. Hi Ashley! I just LOVE you and have recently became even more in love after seeing Julies post! I have been struggling with my show it site and cannot seem to figure it out! I am not in love with their already made designs and being lucky enough to have YOU design it for me would be AMAZING!!!!! :)

    Thank you for this opportunity!

    <3 Summer
    Summer Michelle Photography

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  34. I have been dreaming of having a professionally designed blog or website--but I had no idea who to go to, until I saw the design you recently created for Julie Paisley Photography! It is seriously amazing, jaw dropping. It includes all of the unique and artistic design elements that I was looking for. Your designs are innovative and so dreamy. Love them! You are exactly what I am looking for in a designer. But--there is a catch to this story! I am a stay at home momma to a two and a half year old little boy, and I am a newbie in the photography world. I have had my business for a little over a year, but the first 9 months or so was a period of trial and error pretty much, not many sessions, a lot of time with education, and a lot of time investigating new and improved equipment and software. Now, I am on the road to success! I just got a new camera (that broke my bank!) and new software and action sets (that broke it even further!) and I now am desperately wanting (and needing) a professionally designed blog/website that fits Daisy Lane Photography! I'll be hoping (and praying and wishing and dreaming) that I win this giveaway!! And till then, I will be adding all of my extra money into a "Laynie and Belle Design" jar ;) It's going to happen! My business needs you! <3

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  35. What a wonderful giveaway! I actually just found you through Julie Paisley, and I'm pretty much obsessed with your design work! You're so talented. I finally feel like I'm finding my niche with my photography style and now I need more consistent branding across the board! I'd love to have a professionally designed blog and website. (And am also interested in a new logo from you :) To have you design my site for me would be amazing! Thanks

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  36. I would LOVE to win this because 1) I need branding help from YOU!! 2) LOVE & admire your work, you are amazing! 3) You seem like such an awesome gal !! ;)
    ~Monica Caughlin Photography

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  37. I would LOVE to win!!! You have an amazing talent!!! I would love to work with you!!
    I am at the point in my business where i want a huge change in my branding and I want my website and blog to all match!! I would love this so much!

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  38. I have ProPhoto and am feeling so blah about my current design! I love your work, it is so unique and fresh, and I could really use the help with my business of just over 2 years!! Thanks so much for having a giveaway to share your talents! :)

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  39. Deserve not sure, would I love and do I really need, absolutely. I am starting my photography business over after having to leave my RN profession, I am caring for my stepdad as he has cancer and other health issues right now. I have went from married, with a home and being an RN to divorced, homeless and jobless in less than a year. This has been a very hard year and a half for me and I am determined to fight it through. I have been doing my own branding and my own website and blog but they definitely are not a reflection of my heart.soul.passion. I work with The Gold Hope Project as a way for me to give back in the face of everything else, I always want to give of myself where I can. This would be an amazing opportunity as I just was blessed with a Julie Paisley workshop, this would just set me completely over the moon! Thank you for doing this for whoever wins ♥.

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  40. I'm SOOOO excited to get started on my branding with you in just 7days! OMG seriously so stoked! If I won this it would be even more spectacular, since I could use the money toward a 50mm 1.2 i soooooo desperately need. This giveaway is so awesome & you're so wonderful to be giving someone a chance to rebrand and save $$.

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  41. I'm SOOOO excited to get started on my branding with you in just 7days! OMG seriously so stoked! If I won this it would be even more spectacular, since I could use the money toward a 50mm 1.2 i soooooo desperately need. This giveaway is so awesome & you're so wonderful to be giving someone a chance to rebrand and save $$. (Tracy Kaichi)

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  42. How fun! Thanks for the opportunity.

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