I just returned from Imaging 2012 which was held in New Orleans, LA and what a trip it was! Not only did I have a chance to meet up with some wonderfully talented photographer friends, but I also had the opportunity to speak at the Miller's/MpixPRO booth. As nerve wracking as public speaking is for me, it is always so neat to meet with people afterwards and hear what they took away from the presentation. A huge thank you to all of you who stopped by and a very special thank you to Miller's and MpixPRO for selecting some of my products to display in their booths!

Now I'm back at the studio gearing up for WPPI 2012: Las Vegas! If any of you are planning to attend you can pre-board for my platform presentation HERE. This year I'll be talking about how limiting distractions and the simple act of giving transformed my portrait business. I'll provide some concrete solutions for photographers who feel overwhelmed and are struggling to find balance in their everyday lives.

Valentine's Day is such a fun holiday for kids! Since I know a lot of my readers are mom's and photographers I thought it would be fun to show you how you could use my Valentine's Day templates not only for your clients, but for your own kids as well! Whether it's a simple 5x7 card, a wallet print used as a gift tag, a sticker placed on a treat bag, or a circle card adhered to a treat box using some fun Japanese tape...these are all fun and simple ways for your clients and/or kids to send Valentine's Day wishes to friends and family!

In the image shown at the top of this post I simply lined a 5 in. diameter cd tin with jelly beans and placed the circle card on top of the jelly beans. You could also adhere the card to the top of the cd tin using Japanese tape to seal the tin! The card featured in that photo is from the Circle Valentine's collection.

Another card from the Circle Valentine's collection is shown below is adhered to a box with some Japanese tape. Fill the box with chocolates, conversation hearts, stickers, a gift card, etc... This would be a sweet gift Valentine's Day gift for a neighbor, grandparent or teacher!

If your child takes Valentine's treats to school use a fun, personalized circle sticker to seal the candy bag! This design is also from the Circle Valentine's collection.

Another idea is to attach a bag of candy to one of the designs from the Critterkins Valentine's Card set!

If candy isn't your thing...simply attach a fun pen or pencil to a card from the Critterkins Valentine's Day card set.

As we welcome in the new year, what better time to give your business a new look Whether its business forms, business cards, blog headers or thank you noteseach touchpoint is an opportunity to endear clients to your brand. Consistent imagery is an essential component to any successful business.

The pre-designed marketing kits available at Jamie Schultz Designs allow you the opportunity to present your materials in a way that is sure to impress your potential and existing clients. Keeping with my signature style the kits are clean and simple with a splash of defining detail and include everything youll need to develop your brand. All text is included, but can be changed to suit your business model. Colors can be changed with a click of the mouse.

To celebrate the start of 2012 EVERYTHING in the "business" section of Jamie Schultz Designs is 20% off through Friday, January 6th, 2012. That includes all marketing kits, blog collages, calling cards, rep cards, digital kits and the presentation box!

Below are just a few of many marketing kits available at Jamie Schultz Designs:

Perfectly Panache Business Kit-

Fancy That Business Kit-

Simply Organic Business Kit-

Vintage Chic Business Kit-

Retro Mode Business Kit-

Modern Flair Business Kit-

This charming Chalkboard Valentine's Day template set features fun lettering and your client's favorite image on a chalkboard background. A perfect personalized design for your clients to send to friends and family. The templates are sized to print as 5x7 press print cards but can also be used to create wallet sized prints to pass out to classmates!

Other fun ideas:

-Use Japanese masking tape to stick a sucker or other sweet treat to the back of the 5x7 card or wallet print.

- Punch a hole in the wallet prints and use as gift tags on treat bags.

- Change the text and use the designs as birthday invitations or other announcements.

I'd like to take a moment and wish all of you a very merry Christmas and happy holiday season. For the next few days I'll be enjoying time with my family as we celebrate the season. Be sure to check back as we have some very fun things planned to kick off the new year. Safe travels and may your holiday be blessed.

Happy holidays from my family to yours!