Catalog Design Software?

by Lara
(Washington State)

I'm in the position of needing to produce a product catalog for a jewelry line I've designed for bridal and special occasion stores.

I've got photos, I've got an inventory system for keeping track of the various "models," and the components that go into each piece (that one is just for me, not my customers), including available variations on each piece.

What I DON'T have is a way, or the know-how, to put it all together into a hard-copy, bindable catalog to provide to my customers for use in their shops.

If I could find a template to use in a word processor, or even find some affordable software that includes catalog design/layout, that would be a huge help.

I'm fairly computer-savvy, but I don't want something so complicated that I'd need to buy a "Catalog Publishing For Dummies" book (assuming one existed, and who knows, there might be!) just to learn how to do the layout.

I read the article awhile back about the usefulness of producing a catalog. What it didn't include with the article that I wish it had was a recommendation for software to use to achieve the end product.

My computer operating system is Windows 7. Anybody who can help me out will have my undying gratitude!

Thank you!
Lara

Comments for
Catalog Design Software?

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Creating a Printable Jewelry Catalog
by: Rena

Hi Lara,

The jewelry inventory software Jewelry Designer Manager has an automatic catalog-creation feature for the finished pieces you've entered into the program.

For what it sounds like you're looking to do, I think it might be a good solution!

Blurb.com
by: Stef Florie

I dont' know about the cost effectiveness of using them, but for my own purposes, I've used blurb.com to make photo books.

Catalog design software
by: Lara

Rena, as it turns out, I actually have the software recommended--I simply hadn't started exploring and utilizing it. I will certainly do that now, and thanks for the heads-up. I'll definitely check out blurb.com, as well. Thanks SO much for the tips.

good old powerpoint
by: nupur arora

Hi,
I read about your dilemma and can totally relate to your perspective. By the time we are actually done thinking and executing our pieces we realize that it was just a small part of the whole process of making it into a marketable product! phew!
I have done some inexpensive things with my images and used them in email blasts etc. SImply created a blogspot page with lots of pictures, also put a slide show on CD and included a price list with it to include in goodie bags etc.

Once i spent many hours and dollars on doing "professional line sheets" but soon realized that my good old power point could do so much more than what the printer in the fashion district of NY had done for me.

So i was able to bring in those images and add my text box within the image to mention prices, possible colors and variations etc. I think I used the "menu" or "newsletter" layout.
Dragging and dropping images was a breeze, also cropping and adding borders made it look well finished.

I printed it on nice semi gloss paper and the results were fantabulous. i was even able to use them for my press kit to give an idea of my design esthetic.

If you already know power point, you can exploit its many features and even include your headshot and make it look very personal so that clients buying your pieces feel the sense of connection with the artist.
I wish you much luck and success in your venture!

Good luck!
Nupur Arora
www.mymantraforbeauty.com
www.mantracatalog.blogspot.com
what is 'your' mantra?

Catalogues
by: Anonymous

I'm using BeadManager Pro but its catalog feature needs a LOT of work. I'm doing a lot of cut and paste via Publisher 2010 which have catalog templates. The rest of BeadManager is fine, just not their catalog feature.

Rena knows best!
by: Dianne Culbertson

I use the one Rena suggested, Jewelry Designer Manager Pro and I love it! Not only does it create catalogs but it handles my inventory, invoices and so much more. Can't say enough about this one!

Catalog Design Software
by: Beverly Holman

I, too, use Jewelry Design Manager for my catalog. I also made a powerpoint presentation for those who prefer electronic over paper. It works great at craft shows and for special order customers.

Try Etsy.com!
by: Sonia

There's also a line sheet template on etsy for sale and very economical as well. Best of luck to you!

Design Software
by: Linda Coppolino

A word of advice when deciding on which software to use. If you think you will have the catalog professionally printed, the software must be able to produce high resolution files. Most printers also need the file to be paginated, include bleed, and photos must be 300dpi and CMYK. Graphic design is my business, so I'm used to dealing with this issue. Usually photos that you have on your website are too low resolution and will not be accepted by the printer. While they may print okay on your ink jet, you will be disappointed with the results from a commercial printer.

Good luck!

Snapfish
by: Anonymous

I am playing with using Snapfish to produce a photo book catalog of my jewelry designs. It's pretty easy, you upload your photos, you can pick the page design, add text. Watch for coupons, I seem to get them all the time.

I am a catalog designer
by: Denise Smith

Hi! I've designed and printed over 3000 catalogs for almost every industry and am a jewelry artist myself. I can provide a template for your catalog specially designed for you. Visit my site: www.MainStreet-Missouri.com and click on the OptiMax Design streetsign.
I am self employed and have gone to great lengths to make my services very affordable and can do the work for you if you like, but many of my clients prefer to have me just make them a special template that is formatted to their own applications. That service is very affordable and easy to use.
Suggestion to those who are considering catalogs: be earth friendly and put them on CD. Your customers will greatly appreciate the ease of use and the effort to protect the environment!!

Try "Publisher"
by: Lisa W.

Your computer probably already has Microsoft Publisher. I have used that for catalogs for years. It has a perfectly good and adaptable template, or you can just create a booklet, and format it all yourself., I find publisher easy to use, nothing much new to learn.

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