Q:

What's all included in a typical memory album package or page?

A:

Typically all packages will include the album, your completed pages enclosed in sheet protectors, titling, spaces for journaling, various number of photos, mats to enhance your photos and embellishments to make your pages unique. The number of pages and photos used will depend on the size of the album chosen.

Single pages will include a completed page enclosed in a sheet protector, titling, spaces for journaling, 3-5 photos on a page (depending on size of photos), mats to enhance the photos and embellishments to make the page unique.

Q:

What's the difference between the traditional and computer enhanced pages?

A:

Traditional Paper Scrapping: This method uses papers and embellishments to complete your pages. Your photos are then incorporated onto the page. Titling can either be hand written or printed from the computer onto a piece of paper. Sometimes titles can be die cuts as well. Depending on the types of embellishments used pages and albums can become very lumpy.

Digital Scrapping: This method gives you the same great result as traditional paper scrapping but without the bulk! All embellishments and papers are very realistic looking, complete with textures. Many elements appear to be 3-D. Photos can be further enhanced by adding drop shadows to the scanned image or to the paper elements themselves. Titling can be much more impressive through the use of computerized word art. Papers and embellishments can be recolored to provide an EXACT match to your photo. Photos can be resized but without the additional print cost because they are resized right in Photoshop as I'm designing your layout. I'm able to design layouts that have more of an artistic look to them through the use of digital scrapping. But most importantly, your original photo is not touched. It does not have to be cropped or altered to fit your layout. Your original photo is scanned in and incorporated into the digital layout. These things are not possible through traditional paper scrapping.

Q:

How much cost is involved?

A:

Prices will vary depending on the size of album you choose. Prices for packages range from $45 all the way up to $325 or higher depending on how elaborate you want your album to be. You may also build your album by a per page price instead of by package. Individual pages range from $8 to $15 depending on size. There are additional services such as photo restoration, photo resizing, archival misting of documents, gift wrapping and others that are optional with varying costs involved. Please see our Pricing page for a complete listing of current prices.

Although cost should be a factor in your decision of purchasing an album or page, it shouldn't be your only reason. Your photos and memories are truly priceless. Once the memories fade all that's left are your photos and documents. Shouldn't you preserve them so they last a lifetime and your memories and stories can be passed down to future generations?

Q:

Will I have to finish it myself or do you complete everything? How long will it take to complete my album?

A:

There are two different options to choose from. If you choose to have a customized album completed I will finish all the work involved except for journaling. I will provide spaces for you to enter your own hand written journaling. I believe a big part of preserving memories is also detailing a person's handwriting. What better way than to include it in your album. If you choose to have your album or pages completed by digital method then I can also provide the journaling for you. But you must write EXACTLY what you want your page to say so I can copy it.

Premade albums and pages are 95% completed for you. All that's left for you to do is add your photos and journaling. Spaces will be provided for you. I will also include an archival safe pen and glue stick or photo corners to help you through the process.

Due to the fact that each album is unique and custom designed please allow me 4-6 weeks to finish your album for you. I can accomodate rush orders for an additional charge. Please contact me to inquire on the extra cost.

Q:

I have so many pictures! How do I decide which ones to include in my album?

A:

Here are a few helpful suggestions: Think about what type of album you want done. Go through your photos and choose the ones fitting that particular theme. Do you want to start on a Christmas album? Then find all your Christmas photos. Now do you want to further break it down by year or Christmas in general? This makes it easier to start sorting through those pictures.

If you are still overwhelmed and up to your knees in photos I will be happy to sort them out and choose the ones that I think would fit your album theme the best. I can also organize all your photos at the same time if you would like. Both of these services are optional and will incur an additional charge of $10 per hour.

Q:

How many pictures can fit in an album? Do you have to cut my photos to make them fit?

A:

This will vary greatly depending on the size of the album or page you choose and if you allow for your photos to be cropped. I will not crop (cut) your photos unless you give me permission. However, sometimes it's in the best interest of your page to crop out unsightly objects from your photo or to add many photos to a page without making it look "busy". If there is a photo that you definitely don't want cropped please specify that to me and I will scan it and use a duplicate copy instead.* (Additional charges may apply.)

Typically you can fit 3-5 photos on a 12x12 page with a 20 page 12x12 album holding approximately 100 photos. An 8.5x11 page can fit about 2-3 photos and hold approximately 60 photos in an album. Smaller albums such as the 8x8 or 6x6 generally fit 1 photo to a page. A 20 page album would hold approximately 20 photos.

Q:

I have lots of memorabilia. Can I incorporate that into my pages?

A:

Certainly! I would encourage it. This is what makes your album unique and a piece of art. I can incorporate almost any type of memorabilia into your album however very bulky items might not work or may take away from the beauty of your album. In these circumstances I would recommend letting me scan an image of the item or take a digital photo of the album and incorporate this flattened image into your album.

Also please be aware that newspaper clippings, paper documents or other types of memorabilia may not be acid free. You can still use these in your album or page by having me either scan the document and printing a copy on archival quality paper or by misting with an archival safe spray which will prevent them from damaging other photos on your page. Misting also stops the aging process but cannot repair the damage that's already been done to the document.

Q:

Can I choose my album style and color?

A:

Yes you can! This is your album and I want it to reflect your own personal style. I have several styles and colors of albums in stock for you to choose from. All albums are high quality and come from name brand manufacturers. However, if there is a specific album you had in mind and I don't offer please let me know.  I will try my best to accommodate your specific needs. Please note there will be an additional charge if it costs more than my usual album allowance which is included in your package.

Q:

Do you offer a discount if I order many albums or pages at one time?

A:

Yes! If you become a repeat customer and order additional albums after your first initial one I will give you a 5% discount on each additional package you order after that. If you are ordering single pages I will give you 1 free page for every 10 pages you purchase. You can also earn additional pages or discounts by referring people to Studio J Designs. Have your friend, coworker, etc. sign your name on the bottom of their contract and you will earn 1 free page or $5 to be used towards something in our gift gallery.

Q:

Do you require a deposit? How do I pay you?

A:

Yes, I require a 50% deposit down payment at the time you mail me your signed contract. This enables me to start purchasing supplies that will be needed to start designing your album pages. The remainder is due upon completion of your album or page. I accept Mastercard, Visa or Paypal at this time. You may pay by money order or personal check however please note your items will be held until payment has cleared my bank. Items will not be mailed until my services are paid in full.

Q:

Is shipping included? If not, how much is shipping?

A:

Shipping is not included in the quoted price. I ship either by USPS Priority Mail or by UPS. Prices will vary according to the distance you are located from me and the weight of your box. After your album is completed I can give you an estimate on shipping costs.

Q:

What if I want to add more pages at a later time?

A:

No problem! Most albums will accommodate beyond the standard 20 pages however it may be necessary to buy post extenders for your album. If you are slowly building your album by purchasing just a few pages at a time just let me know when you feel you have enough pages to assemble into an album. At that time you can either ship your pages back to me and I will assemble them into a album or you can purchase an album from me or purchase one on your own and assemble your own pages.