davidkamerer.com

Tag: portfolios

  • Publish magazines on demand with MagCloud

    magcloudlogo.pngYes, we’re sending more online messages and we’re printing less these days. But print is far from dead. And I’m always looking for ways to leverage existing printed documents using online technology, from Issuu, which lets you display printed documents on screen while preserving layout (it’s great for online presentation of printed portfolios) to Scribd, which includes social media sharing/embedding for formatted documents.

    MagCloud is another print extender. With this service, you upload your formatted document and people can preview it online. You get a custom URL (like DavidKamerer.MagCloud.com), RSS, and a nice looking page that’s indexed by search engines and can be visible to customers or other stakeholders. The game changer is that MagCloud can also deliver a high-resolution printed version of your work via First Class mail. If you want, the company will handle your mailing list and subscriptions. Or, you can print just one. Digital printing makes flat pricing possible, which is great if you’re doing a small run. 

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    You set the price of your magazine; the finished cost is 20 cents a page, plus $1.40 for U.S. shipping. If you allow a profit margin, MagCloud deposits the profit into your PayPal account.
    MagCloud provides detailed instructions for setting up your document (including specifics for Adobe InDesign) and for creating the .pdf files that you upload). You’re pretty much limited to the standard 8.5″ by 11″ vertical format, and the time constraints may challenge you (7-10 days to receive your proof, then another 7-10 days for your final copy to be delivered). But the end result, printed on high quality H/P digital printers, will look much better than the output at your local copy shop. 
    Students might consider MagCloud for printed portfolios and campaign books. This process also would facilitate highly targeted fundraising appeals and other micro-print applications.
    It’s time to start thinking about printed documents in new ways. This is a user- and web- friendly approach to interactive and digital printing.
    MagCloud is a project of H/P Labs, and is currently in Beta.

  • To my graduating students

    graduation.jpgCongratulations! You’re almost out of here. Don’t forget a few tasks before you’re gone for good:

    Thank mom, dad and all the adults who have cheered for you, paid for your car insurance, hired you, and took the time to get to know you as an adult. You can never have enough good people in your corner.
    As you know, public relations is also personal relations. Collect physical addresses, emails and other points of contact. Obtain a permanent email address and share it with everyone. Buy some note cards and send some thank-you notes. Take care of your friends, and someday they’ll be the best thing: old friends.
    Come to play. You’re going to need business cards, a really good resume and a portfolio (you should also have an online portfolio). You should never be without these assets. As you gain experience, update your portfolio. 
    Buy a great suit, all the accessories that you need to make it work (guys, that includes a tie and dress shoes), get it tailored and have it ready. When you get the call, then you just put it on like a uniform. Easy.
    If you anticipate needing a new computer, use your student status to get a discount on hardware and software. It would be a good thing if Santa brought you Adobe Creative Suite 4 (retail price is $1,400; student price is $300). You can order through the university bookstore or a third-party store like JourneyEd.
    As a recent graduate, you can join PRSA at a great rate – just $60 plus local chapter dues. I strongly recommend that you join and turn out at local meetings.
    I’m truly sorry there aren’t more jobs. But even so, opportunities abound. I know you’ll find and seize them.
    You have accomplished a great deal; savor it. And then get to work.
    All the best,
    Dr. K
    photo credit by M00by