• Do you have a Print Release Sub-Agreement? Have you ever heard of one? Basically, a sub-agreement is something in addition to your main contract (think scope of services, cancellation, print release). I use my sub-agreement as a print release. Once a client has approved their design (and PRIOR to printing or ordering materials), I have them sign off on the Print Release. This step allows me to get final approval for print without the client coming back for changes later. The copy on the print release has everything that the client needs to sign off on and approve prior to print. It also has the client's remaining balance that needs to be paid before we can begin production. This acts as a reminder and final step to collect their payment. I currently offer my Print Release subagreement in my Dubsado Template in our shop, but after many requests, it has now been added as its own stand alone item in the shop for those who are ready to stop letting clients run the show on when you can go into production. This template includes swipe copy for you to design your own print release in 10 minutes flat! Head to my downloads page and you'll find it for just $19. The sale only goes through Friday though, and after that goes up to the regular price of $29, so don't delay! . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative
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    Do you have a Print Release Sub-Agreement? Have you ever heard of one? Basically, a sub-agreement is something in addition to your main contract (think scope of services, cancellation, print release). I use my sub-agreement as a print release. Once a client has approved their design (and PRIOR to printing or ordering materials), I have them sign off on the Print Release. This step allows me to get final approval for print without the client coming back for changes later. The copy on the print release has everything that the client needs to sign off on and approve prior to print. It also has the client's remaining balance that needs to be paid before we can begin production. This acts as a reminder and final step to collect their payment. I currently offer my Print Release subagreement in my Dubsado Template in our shop, but after many requests, it has now been added as its own stand alone item in the shop for those who are ready to stop letting clients run the show on when you can go into production. This template includes swipe copy for you to design your own print release in 10 minutes flat! Head to my downloads page and you'll find it for just $19. The sale only goes through Friday though, and after that goes up to the regular price of $29, so don't delay! . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative
  • Here's your PSA that Friday is the last day to snag a contract from @creativelawshop to protect you, your business, and your clients! With my discount code of heatherobrien10 you'll get a total of 35% off. So run, don't walk! 🏃🏼‍♀️ . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative
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    Here's your PSA that Friday is the last day to snag a contract from @creativelawshop to protect you, your business, and your clients! With my discount code of heatherobrien10 you'll get a total of 35% off. So run, don't walk! 🏃🏼‍♀️ . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative
  • A brand new post hit the blog today and it's an important one! Back when I started my stationery business, I ran it for 3-4 years WITHOUT a contract for my clients. Nothing in writing, and nothing signed to protect me as a business owner, and nothing to protect my clients. WOAH! When I see that, it kind of floors me. But you know what? No one told me I needed one and I had no idea what I was doing as a brand new business owner. So today's post is to save you and your business from legal trouble by putting the proper process in place. Get yourself a contract! It sets the expectations between you and your client (your client will 100% appreciate this), it protects your business should something go wrong, and it allows your client to feel more confident in booking your business (remember they are investing in your work and paper goods when they send over their retainer!). I love my Custom Stationery Agreement from The Creative Law Shop/ @creativelawshop . This is a shop formed by a lawyer and she has pre-written contracts for creative business owners. She has graciously given me a discount code for you guys for 10% off with heatherobrien10 . She also happens to be running a huge sale for 25% off EVERYTHING (giving you a total of 35% off 🤯)! So if you are currently unprotected, I HIGHLY encourage you to go snag a contract to protect your business and yourself! . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative
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    A brand new post hit the blog today and it's an important one! Back when I started my stationery business, I ran it for 3-4 years WITHOUT a contract for my clients. Nothing in writing, and nothing signed to protect me as a business owner, and nothing to protect my clients. WOAH! When I see that, it kind of floors me. But you know what? No one told me I needed one and I had no idea what I was doing as a brand new business owner. So today's post is to save you and your business from legal trouble by putting the proper process in place. Get yourself a contract! It sets the expectations between you and your client (your client will 100% appreciate this), it protects your business should something go wrong, and it allows your client to feel more confident in booking your business (remember they are investing in your work and paper goods when they send over their retainer!). I love my Custom Stationery Agreement from The Creative Law Shop/ @creativelawshop . This is a shop formed by a lawyer and she has pre-written contracts for creative business owners. She has graciously given me a discount code for you guys for 10% off with heatherobrien10 . She also happens to be running a huge sale for 25% off EVERYTHING (giving you a total of 35% off 🤯)! So if you are currently unprotected, I HIGHLY encourage you to go snag a contract to protect your business and yourself! . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative
  • Hey friends! Did you know that we have a wonderful group of stationers on Facebook? Join me and other designers as we empower and support one another through community, education, and resources. We ask questions and share tips, give feedback, and create a safe place to learn and grow together! FB: The Stationery Designers Community . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative
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    Hey friends! Did you know that we have a wonderful group of stationers on Facebook? Join me and other designers as we empower and support one another through community, education, and resources. We ask questions and share tips, give feedback, and create a safe place to learn and grow together! FB: The Stationery Designers Community . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative
  • This week's newsletter closed out our scheduling and routines topic. I wrapped it up with a bigger-picture plan: your quarterly goals. Some may think it's crazy to be talking about quarterly plans at the end of April but now is just as good of a time as any. Some business owners get overwhelmed planning out their yearly goals. And while I DO plan out my goals for the year 12 months in advance, I still come back to my quarterly goals at the beginning of each quarter. I like to review to make sure that now is still a good time to move forward with those goals, and I also like to dive a little deeper into how I will achieve those goals: my plan of action. @trelloapp has been a huge help in laying out my plans and itemizing each step of the way. It doesn't have to be overly complicated. Just get your goals down on digital paper, prioritize them, and then date them so that you hold yourself accountable! Easy peasy but game changing for your business goals! . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative
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    This week's newsletter closed out our scheduling and routines topic. I wrapped it up with a bigger-picture plan: your quarterly goals. Some may think it's crazy to be talking about quarterly plans at the end of April but now is just as good of a time as any. Some business owners get overwhelmed planning out their yearly goals. And while I DO plan out my goals for the year 12 months in advance, I still come back to my quarterly goals at the beginning of each quarter. I like to review to make sure that now is still a good time to move forward with those goals, and I also like to dive a little deeper into how I will achieve those goals: my plan of action. @trelloapp has been a huge help in laying out my plans and itemizing each step of the way. It doesn't have to be overly complicated. Just get your goals down on digital paper, prioritize them, and then date them so that you hold yourself accountable! Easy peasy but game changing for your business goals! . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative
  • This week's newsletter was a gentle reminder to give ourselves grace when it comes to changing schedules and goals. April has been all about scheduling and routines and how to make those work to the best of your personality and your business. However, sometimes we need that quiet little voice inside to say hey, maybe I should put this on the back burner right now or let's pivot to xyz and come back to abc at a reasonable time. Let's be honest, business ebbs and flows, goals change, and our daily lives get interrupted. It's not realistic to hold ourselves to a contract on our schedules or goals, especially at the expense of our business. So give yourself the flexibility to change what needs to be changed and come back to it when the timing is right. ⏰ . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative
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    This week's newsletter was a gentle reminder to give ourselves grace when it comes to changing schedules and goals. April has been all about scheduling and routines and how to make those work to the best of your personality and your business. However, sometimes we need that quiet little voice inside to say "hey, maybe I should put this on the back burner right now" or "let's pivot to xyz and come back to abc at a reasonable time." Let's be honest, business ebbs and flows, goals change, and our daily lives get interrupted. It's not realistic to hold ourselves to a contract on our schedules or goals, especially at the expense of our business. So give yourself the flexibility to change what needs to be changed and come back to it when the timing is right. ⏰ . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative
  • Last year was quite a year for the record books, no matter what industry you worked in. But for those of us in the Wedding industry, well, we got hit pretty hard. And while we are starting to see a little bit of normalcy return, there are still things that may need to be modified (from a business perspective) for the foreseeable future. Over on my blog I discuss a few of these items that I have altered until further notice. Minimums are something that I think will be lowered for quite some time. Many brides are opting for smaller weddings, so you might want to considered changing your minimum quantities. Another adjustment I made was advising brides to not use their wedding date for day of pieces and programs. With so much covid uncertainty, adding a date, puts a living expiration date on those items. There are a few more tweaks that I've made for my post-covid business but you're going to have to read the full blog post to find out! Link in bio to get the rest of the story! 😉 . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative
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    Last year was quite a year for the record books, no matter what industry you worked in. But for those of us in the Wedding industry, well, we got hit pretty hard. And while we are starting to see a little bit of normalcy return, there are still things that may need to be modified (from a business perspective) for the foreseeable future. Over on my blog I discuss a few of these items that I have altered until further notice. Minimums are something that I think will be lowered for quite some time. Many brides are opting for smaller weddings, so you might want to considered changing your minimum quantities. Another adjustment I made was advising brides to not use their wedding date for day of pieces and programs. With so much covid uncertainty, adding a date, puts a living expiration date on those items. There are a few more tweaks that I've made for my post-covid business but you're going to have to read the full blog post to find out! Link in bio to get the rest of the story! 😉 . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative
  • Happy Friday, friends! And hello to some of our new community members! My name is Heather O'Brien and I am the face behind @CultivatedCreative and @heatherobriendesign . I created @CultivatedCreative (TCC) just two years ago when I realized that our industry was lacking something big: education for stationers. As a 10-year veteran, I have found that educating fellow stationers is a HUGE passion of mine! Building you guys up has brought me so much joy, it continues to motivate me come up with new material, courses, classes, etc. So, if you're new here: welcome to the best community on Insta (I know I'm partial), I am so thankful to have each and every one of you!💕
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    Happy Friday, friends! And hello to some of our new community members! My name is Heather O'Brien and I am the face behind @CultivatedCreative and @heatherobriendesign . I created @CultivatedCreative (TCC) just two years ago when I realized that our industry was lacking something big: education for stationers. As a 10-year veteran, I have found that educating fellow stationers is a HUGE passion of mine! Building you guys up has brought me so much joy, it continues to motivate me come up with new material, courses, classes, etc. So, if you're new here: welcome to the best community on Insta (I know I'm partial), I am so thankful to have each and every one of you!💕
  • April's newsletter topic is all about scheduling. And today's letter was right in line with something I think is just as important as scheduling your day, and that is when you schedule your time off. As a business owner it is so easy for us to be consumed both mentally and physically literally all the time. Even when we close down for the day, we are still thinking about our business. Often when we lay our heads down at night, we get bombarded by thoughts of today's tasks or tomorrow goals. When our business consumes our everyday all day, we risk burnout (majorly). Throughout my 10 years, I realized that I have to schedule my time off or I won't take it. Because yes, schedule is life 🙌🏻. So once a month I schedule a Friday off. I even go a step further and schedule my activity for the day (pedicure, shopping, lunch date) so that I'm not tempted to check my email or just log on for a few minutes (yeah right!). I highly recommend that you find what works for you and your schedule and take the time off. It will be so good for your mental health and it's great for your business too! Because a brain reset can lead to big ideas and big breakthroughs! . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative
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    April's newsletter topic is all about scheduling. And today's letter was right in line with something I think is just as important as scheduling your day, and that is when you schedule your time off. As a business owner it is so easy for us to be consumed both mentally and physically literally all the time. Even when we "close down" for the day, we are still thinking about our business. Often when we lay our heads down at night, we get bombarded by thoughts of today's tasks or tomorrow goals. When our business consumes our everyday all day, we risk burnout (majorly). Throughout my 10 years, I realized that I have to schedule my time off or I won't take it. Because yes, schedule is life 🙌🏻. So once a month I schedule a Friday off. I even go a step further and schedule my activity for the day (pedicure, shopping, lunch date) so that I'm not tempted to check my email or "just log on for a few minutes" (yeah right!). I highly recommend that you find what works for you and your schedule and take the time off. It will be so good for your mental health and it's great for your business too! Because a brain reset can lead to big ideas and big breakthroughs! . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative
  • Quick show of hands, is anyone working on something new this week or this month? 🙋🏼‍♀️ If so, I'd love to hear about it, shoot me a DM or share it in the comments below! . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative
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    Quick show of hands, is anyone working on something new this week or this month? 🙋🏼‍♀️ If so, I'd love to hear about it, shoot me a DM or share it in the comments below! . . . . . . . . . #creative #stationerydesign #risingtidesociety #savvybusinessowner #calledtobecreative #ohwowyes #creativityfound #weddingstationery #custominvitations #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #communityovercompetition #lovelysquares #flashesofdelight #weddinginvitations #weddingdesign #herestothecreatives #creativeatheart #stationerydesigner #stationerybusiness #growyourbusiness #thecultivatedcreative