Alana Lee Freelance Design

Browse & Shop for Quality Printables!

2008-10-24T16:30:00.000-06:00

Click here to go shopping at AlanaLeeDesigns.blogspot.com.

Thank you.

Browse & Shop Design Galleries

2008-09-05T23:22:00.002-06:00

Writing Tip #2

2008-02-05T11:09:00.001-07:00

Most all of us have used the abbreviation "P.S." before. And I know a lot of people who use "P.S.S." if they want to add an additional thought to their P.S.

P.S. actually stands for postscript. So an additional thought after a postscript makes it a post-postscript, or P.P.S. (My seventh-grade English teacher taught me this.)

Here's the proof. Use it in your next Valentine or love letter. Wow someone.

Writing Tip #1

2008-02-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

Un-learning what they taught you in grade school regarding starting a sentence with a conjunction and ending one with a preposition...

This is taken directly from my editing handbook, The Chicago Manual of Style--it's "The" authority on print media (with over 950 pages).

5.191 (p. 193) There is a widespread belief—one with no historical or grammatical foundation—that it is an error to begin a sentence with a conjunction such as and, but, or so. In fact, a substantial percentage (often as many as 10 percent) of the sentences in first-rate writing begin with conjunctions. It has been so for centuries, and even the most conservative grammarians have followed this practice. Charles Allen Lloyd's 1938 words fairly sum up the situation as it stands even today: "Next to the groundless notion that it is incorrect to end an English sentence with a preposition, perhaps the most wide-spread of the many false beliefs about the use of of our language is the equally groundless notion that it is incorrect to begin one with 'but' or 'and.' As in the case of the superstition about he prepositional ending, no textbook supports it, but apparently about half of our teachers of English go out of their way to handicap their pupils by inculcating it. One cannot help wondering whether those who teach such a monstrous doctrine ever read any English themselves."

Isn't that the greatest news you've ever heard of? And won't it be fun to use?

(**By the way, as an editor, I never "edit" people's speech because spoken/conversational English is considerably different than written. It's causal, colloquial, and personal. Therefore, I don't edit emails either. And I don't like it when people knowingly or unknowingly belittle other grown people by trying to correct another's conversational English. It's not becoming. And it's rude. Don't fall into that trap.)

FAQ & Policies

2008-01-09T16:47:00.011-07:00

Q: What is your design fee?
A: It is the "Add to Cart" price.

Q: For personalized photo products, how big does my picture need to be?

A: I can only use .JPEG or .TIFF photos. It needs to be at least 500 x 500 pixels for best results (for most birthday invitations). 1000 x 100o pixels should be plenty big for any personalized photo product. Your photo needs to have enough space around the person's head to make image placement look nice. Please email me your picture as soon as you complete your purchase along with the personalization information.

Q: The sample image on your web site is too small. How can I enlarge it to see the detail?
A: To enlarge any image, just click on it. Use your browser's back button to navigate back to this page.)

Q: Why don't I see any images?
A: This is a page-loading error. If you see a hollow white-lined rectangle or box, that means an image is missing/failed to load (usually due to your internet connection being interrupted). Just click on the image box to view the actual image.

Q: When do I receive my product files?
A: Once you add your chosen products to your cart and check out, I'll receive a payment confirmation. As soon as I receive payment confirmation (and customization email, if required), the file(s) will be sent to your email box.

Q: How many Custom Photo Invitations (or thank yous) do I receive with my order?
A: As many as you want. Remember, when you buy anything from my web site, you are purchasing the electronic FILE only--the purchase price covers just the design fee. You then print the file yourself or have it printed at a photo center--as many copies as you like for as little as $.15 a copy. For more information on printing files, read through the rest of the FAQs.

(I use Costco.com and they charge $.17 per print and it's done in one hour.)

Q: What are Custom Photo Invitations and what are the instructions?
A: Here's what you need to know if you're planning on purchasing my Custom Invitations, also known as photo invitations:

You will be purchasing an electronic file from me (thus the design fee) for you to upload to your preferred online photo center (like Costco.com, Walmart.com, Walgreens.com, or Samsclub.com). You are free to print as many copies as you'd like (separate printing fees apply). Invitations are 4x6 (usually between $.15 and $.19 each), posters are 11x14 ($4.86 each at Walmart.com), and coloring book favor prints on regular 8.5x11 paper from your home computer.
Once I receive payment confirmation AND all your party information, I will personalize your party supplies within 1-2 business days. You will receive unlimited proofs until you are satisfied—at no extra cost. The more quickly you approve your proof, the more quickly you will have your high-resolution digital invitation e-mailed to you. (I usually respond promptly to my emails, so if you don’t see my response in a considerable time, please check up your spam mailbox.)
Once you approve the proof, I will e-mail you your Final High-Resolution file in a JPEG format (this is the standard picture format), and you can now upload the file to your preferred online photo center (to pick up at a local store or to have mailed to you). This is as easy as printing regular pictures! Just slip invitations in a greeting card-sized envelope (fits 4x6), and they're ready for you to mail!
Because you are purchasing a digital file, you can invite over your family or friends via email also! No extra postage! If you would like to send out email invitations, you will receive a lower resolution JPEG at no extra cost, so everybody can receive your invitation without delay!
All custom birthday items will coordinate in font and color scheme.
If you purchase your invitations from me, then I can customize your matching “Thank You” cards (same theme color and font), too! We’ll use the same process. Most online photo centers offer the option of printing an image on a folded notecard or greeting card, if you wish.

Q: Which online photo center is recommended?
A: I consistently use Costco.com's photo center. The prints are only $.17 each and they are done in one hour. Just use the photo center you normally use. I have tried Walmart.com's photo center before, but I was not pleased with their service. If you use Walmart.com, I recommend that you call them beforehand to ensure their photo machines are operational.

Q: What are the printing policies? Can I share the files I buy with my friends?
A: It depends on the product. See below.
For freebies, feel free to share. Of course, I'd love it if you just referred them to my web site so that they can look around and download the freebies for themselves.

For Educational Products (item #s beginning with ED or PA):
Once you have purchased a file, you may print as many copies as you'd like for use with children in your immediate care (i.e., children you homeschool, children in your daycare, children in your school class). If you'd like to share with a friend, purchase an extra copy please, or direct them to my site so they may purchase it for themselves. My prices low so that they are affordable to everyone, especially teachers. I appreciate your integrity.

For Custom Cards, Invitations, or Party Supplies
Once I customize these products for you, you may print as many copies as you see fit.

Q: What if I find a mistake or am otherwise unhappy with my purchase?
A: Please let me make it right! If you are not happy with a purchase, or find a mistake on your product, please email me immediately so I can fix it. I want you to be happy with your purchase--if you're not happy, I'm not happy.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept? What if I don't have a PayPal account?
A: No worries. I accept personal checks, money orders, and debit/credit card purchases made through PayPal. If you choose to mail me the check or money order, I wait until the money has been cleared before you get your product...so it's a slower process. You do NOT need to have a PayPal account, nor do you have to register with PayPal to check out using my shopping cart--you just need your credit card or debit card handy. Please email me with any questions regarding these issues.

Q: What other services do you offer?
A: For a list of my other services, read here.

If you have a question that is not answered here, please email me and I will
1) email you the answer, and
2) post the answer on this page for others to see.

Thank you!

Tutorial: Adding a Slideshow

2007-12-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

Blogger just got a new widget! If you go to Blogger: "Template" > "Page elements" and click on "add a page element," there is now an option to create a slideshow of pictures on your blog. If you're a stamping blogger, this is for you! No need to use the picasa.google.com gallery now, just create a slideshow--if that's what suits your fancy. If you don't have a slideshow yet, insert yours now. It's so easy. Happy blogging.

Stained Glass Window

2007-12-05T12:08:00.001-07:00

Here is a fun coloring craft to keep your little ones busy this holiday season. Print out a manger or Christmas scene on white printer paper.

Give your children some bright crayons to color their pictures (and make sure they only color on the right side of the paper). Once the picture is all colored, turn it over and place it face down on a paper towel or two. Now pour some baby oil on a cotton ball or wadded-up paper towel and rub over the backside of the picture until evenly saturated (picture 1). Now you have a beautiful Christmas stained glass window picture. Set oiled paper between a layer of paper and paper towels, and set aside for a few days until the oil is all absorbed. Voila! Now hang on a window or the fridge to display (picture 2).

Tutorial: Adding A Watermark to Photos

2007-11-19T22:47:00.000-07:00

If you've been blog-hopping, you have probably seen cool watermarks on photos.

Why would you want to watermark your photos? For two reasons that I can think of. First and foremost, so that others don't steal one of your photos and claim it as their own (you'd be surprised what some people do). Secondly, it helps you create a brand image, if you are looking for one. (I'll post more about creating a brand image later on.)

I use Adobe Photoshop to watermark my images.

First, open a new Photoshop document with the dimensions you'd like your watermark to be. (Ex: 5" wide by 2.25" tall. It might be helpful for you to start with a sketch of what you'd like it to look like.) Use the text tool to create a text box and type as desired. (To expand or shrink text box, use text tool. To move the type around on the canvas, use the selection tool grayed-out in the second picture.)

Using text tool, select text and change fill color to white.

Now go to Layer > Type > Create Work Path.

Now go to Edit > Define Custom Shape. Give it a name and hit OK.

From within Photoshop, go to File > Open and select the photo you would like to watermark. I've selected this black, red, and white star card. Now click on the custom shape tool as shown.

You'll notice that toolbar now shows a dropdown menu called shapes. If you click on it, you will see an assortment of customs shapes. Click on the one you just created. (You never have to re-create your watermark again--it will always be stored in this custom shapes box for your convenience.)

Hold down the shift key, and click and drag your shape on top of your photo until it is the size you want. (Shift helps keep proportions of your watermark.) A new layer was just created for your watermark. Select the top right tool (as in Photo 2) if you want to move the watermark to a different spot. You'll want the watermark to overlap a crucial part of the image (that way no one can crop off your watermark nor paint over it later).

Make sure your watermark layer is selected (if you don't see the layers palette, go to Windows > Layers).

For extra flair, I like to emboss mine. Optional: Go to Filters > Stylize > Emboss. It will ask you if you want to rasterize, click OK. I used the following embossing settings for my text (you'll have to play around with it depending on how thin or thick your lettering is).

Height 7 pixels.
Amount 100%

Now change the opacity of the layer in the layers palette. I changed mine from 100% to 50%. Do whatever looks good to you. Here's what my finished product looks like.

Tip: You can also create a watermark with a different color of text and then make it semi-transparent with opacity settings. Embossing the text changes the color. You can play around with the other items in the stylize menu for a different look.

If any part of this tutorial is confusing to you, please let me know so I can clarify it. Thanks!

Tutorial: Adding Blog Labels

2007-11-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

What are labels and why would you want to add them? Labels create categories (aka keywords) for your posts so that your visitors can easily find the topic they are looking for when browsing your blog. It helps organize your blog for your viewing audience. Therefore, a must-have.

Each time you create a post, you'll see a long, skinny text box on the bottom right that says: "Labels for this post." You can type in your keywords there. Blogger automatically keeps track of all of your labels.

There are three ways to add labels. You'll probably use all three depending upon the circumstance.

You can hand type the label into the long, skinny text box on the "Posting" tab > "Create" page.
You can click on the "show all" to the right of the long, skinny text box (provided you have already created labels beforehand) and just click on the labels you want to apply.
This is the fastest way to add labels to posts that are currently without these handy keywords. First, go to "Posting" tab > "Edit Posts." Select posts you want to add a label to by clicking the little box to the left of it's title. Go to the drop down menu and select the label you want to apply. If you don't have a label that fits yet, you can also go to the drop down menu and select new label (remember to have clicked the boxes next to the post titles that you want to apply a label to).

*Hint: if you have too many labels, it may be confusing. Try to condense it as much as possible. For example, between 10-20 labels.

Now that you have added labels to your posts, you'll want the labels to appear in a sidebar for your guests to be able to click on. Go to "Template" tab > "Page Elements" and click on "Add a page element" in the sidebar area of your blog. Find the element called "Labels" and select it. Select your options and then save it. You may want to drag that side bar element to a different location on your sidebar.

Now you're all set. And your visitors will find it easy to peruse your blog because it's so organized!

Two Free Blog Banners!

2007-11-14T22:14:00.001-07:00

Here are two feminine blog banners/headers to give your blog a face lift. And with such angelic faces, too.

I will confess that the girls pictured in these banners are my two little angels. I couldn't resist using their sweet pictures. And if you'd like a picture of an angel on your blog, feel free to use this banner. I only ask that you leave my blog address embedded in the picture (meaning don't edit it out) because I reserve the copyright. The first banner is 760 x 200 pixels, and the second is 760 x 270 pixels. This will work with a several of the blogger templates. To check if this will fit on your blog, go to your blog and click on template > edit HTML. Scroll down until you see something that looks like this:

#header {
width: 760px;

Look at the width. (Probably ranges between 660px and 960px.) If your width is 760px, you're in luck! Just click on the banner you'd like to use, copy the image URL from your browser, and go to your blog > template >page elements. Click on the "Edit" link in the header element. Paste image URL in the "from the web" space. Save and view. Voila! (Of course, you could always right click, save as, and then upload the banner into your header page element, too.)

If you would like me to create a custom banner for your blog, email me. I'd love to help you. Let me know what you think!

Freelance Revamped!

2007-11-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

I have decided to turn my freelance blog into a fun and happenin' place. A place for a few freebies, tutorials, clip art, blog header images, recipes, as well as a place where you can opt to get more. I can't give away too much for free, because why buy the cow if you can get the milk for free, right?

Check back weekly and I'll try to have something new posted. I'll make your visit worth your while! And if you'd like, sign up for email notifications of new blog posts in my feedblitz box in the corner.

For When You Need a Smarty Pants

2007-09-27T23:57:00.000-06:00

My Editing & Graphic Design Freelance Services will get you the encore in a distinctly memorable way. I've got a variety of experience that translates well for both creative and business needs.

I am an Editor and Graphic Designer with an eye for detail. My purpose is to help you do business and life with style. That means well-designed logos, brochures, training manuals, business cards, banners, books, cookbooks, greeting cards, etc., as well as professional-looking text, entrance essays, resumes, manuscripts, web site copy, and graduate school applications.

I've been doing graphic design professionally since 1999, although it had been a hobby years prior, and I edited my first manuscript in 2003. I have a BS in Sociology and Master's of Organizational Behavior (MOB similar to MBA-OB) from the Marriott School of Management. If you're the type that prefers to read a resume, click here. If you'd like to see my graphic design portfolio, click here.

Remember Alana Lee Freelance for when you need a smarty pants!

I'd love to bid for your upcoming project. I am located in Southwestern Idaho. Please email me with any questions: alanafreelance@clearwire.net.

Design Portfolio

2007-09-02T11:37:00.000-06:00

Freelance Services

2007-04-09T16:28:00.000-06:00

Services
Copy editing (mechanical editing): consistency in capitalization, spelling, hyphenation, abbreviations; correctness of punctuation; consistency between text, tables, and illustrations; citation format; basic grammar, usage, and syntax; and other stylistic elements.

Substantive editing: rewording for clarity, readability, smoothness, impact, etc.; reorganizing or tightening; adjusting/tweaking layout. (Precedes copyediting.)

Developmental editing: content, documentation, outline/structure, thesis, etc. (Precedes substantive editing.)

Graphic Design & Layout: business cards, logos, children's themes, illustrations and graphics, brochures, books, manuals, presentation, cover, table of contents, index, consistent layout, headings and subheadings, headers and footers, etc.

Consulting: General business, training, HR practices, organizational change, qualitative data analysis, etc.

Client provides me with a statement that details the requirements of your project: deadline, preferred services, special notes, publisher’s house style (Chicago, NY Times, MLA, APA, etc.) so that I can do a quality and timely job. Upon completion of project, I will provide client with electronic copies of the final product as well as a style sheet (if applicable).

Freelance Rates & Fees

2007-04-09T16:26:00.002-06:00

Rates & Fees
For all long-term projects and for new clients, I will require a non-refundable retainer fee of 40% of estimated cost, as well as a signed contract. All services will be charged against the retainer at the agreed-upon rate. Any services performed on holidays or on a rush basis will also be charged at an additional rate of $5/hr.

I typically bill by the hour. On occasion, however, I am willing to bid on a project with an established client. Any services performed, including client-initiated changes and revisions, after initial project is completed will be billed by the hour, in addition to the project fee. A retainer fee may apply. If you would like, I can perform a sample edit of 10-20 pages to provide an estimate of a timeline and hours required.

I keep meticulous records of the amount of time I spend working on your project. You will not be billed for time spent on breaks, on phone calls (unless it’s related to your project), or on any other unrelated activities. You will be billed also for any supplies (at cost) and any other costs (e.g., postage, printing, etc.) incurred in the editing of your project.

You are billed only for the hours I work on your project, billed to the nearest quarter hour. Below are my rates as of August 2009.

Copy editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00/hr
Substantive editing . . . . . . . . .$30.00/hr
Developmental editing . . . . . . $35.00/hr

Writing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40.00/hr
Graphic design and layout . . . . $30.00/hr

Qualitative Data Analysis . . . . . $26.00/hr

Consulting . . . . . . . . . . $25.00-35.00/hr

Invoices
I will submit invoices on a monthly basis for long-term projects, or at the end of each completed project. Payments are due within 15 days. Late payments accrue interest at the rate of 1.5% per month, or partial month.

Experience: Quick List

2007-04-09T15:38:00.000-06:00

I have been an editor since 2003, and I've been a graphic designer since 1999. I have created numerous logos, brochures, training manuals, and I have edited manuscripts, business school essays, web sites, and workbooks. Some of my projects have included:

Editing Quick List:
• Flying the Coop manuscript (2003)
• Making A Difference (six-module) online training course (2003)
• Making a Difference at Work manuscript (2004)
• Beyond Job Sastisfaction book cover (2004)
• 6 Conversations for Performance Management training manuals (2005)
• Targeted Learning's web site (2005)
• Personal Development Guide workbook (2007)

Graphic Design Quick List:
• Marriott School's Executive Education Logo (2002)
• Master of Organizational Behavior program logo and graphics (2002)
• Tesoro's Train-the-Trainer & Leader's Notes manuals (2005)
• ACE GMAT Test Prep Notes & Quizzes (2006)
• Fifth-Grade English workbook & flash cards (2006)
• Wride's Guide to Good Home Cookin' Country Kitchen cookbook (2006)
• Ten different toddler learning puzzles and activities (2007)

Qualitative Data Analysis Quick List:
• 360º Feedback Survey for Non-Profit Organization (2002)
• UVSC-HASS Salary Equity Task Force study (2003)
• Performance Management questionnaire for ConocoPhilips (2007)

Free Buttons

2007-04-07T18:41:00.001-06:00

Here are the buttons I use on my site. Feel free to use them also.

Experience

2007-03-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

WORK EXPERIENCE
Freelance Editor, Graphic Designer & Consultant 2002 – Present
• Successfully edited a variety of mediums: manuscripts, web sites, business graduate school essays, GMAT course workbooks, HR training manuals, and e-learning programs
• Edited two manuscripts, Flying the Coop and Making a Difference at Work, for the CEO of a consulting and training firm
• Edited copy and formatted layout of three train-the-trainer modules for Tesoro, and of a career management e-learning course for Targeted Learning
• Wrote, edited copy and designed page layout for the BYU MBA Newsletter for two semesters
• Designed appropriate and colorful workbook page layouts, graphics, engaging learning activities, and interactive screen shots for ELLIS (Pearson) for teaching English to fifth graders in Mexico
• Created and designed logos for: PathWorks Student Consulting Group, BYU's OBSA Student Association, Marriott School’s Intensive Change Management Program, BYU’s 5th Annual MicroEnterprise Conference, UVSC-HASS’ Salary Equity Taskforce, Betsy Lee'z Quitz
• Designed brochures, flyers or marketing materials for: BYU's MOB program and annual conference, Marriott School’s Intensive Change Management Program, BYU’s 5th Annual MicroEnterprise Conference, BYU's PathWorks Student Consulting Group, and Design by Katrina VanWagenen
• Developed and designed: rewards charts for children, picture song books for kids, learning activities for toddlers, graphics for GMAT course workbook, and wall art
• Analyzed and categorized qualitative data of a performance management survey taken by more than 1400 respondents at ConocoPhilips

Project Manager, Targeted Learning, Inc., Orem, UT 2004
• Designed, wrote, and edited a six-module performance management e-learning course for Boeing and SPEEA, which received positive reviews from the client and was subsequently developed into an online training course used by other companies
• Reduced time needed to complete online course from 13 months to four months with the help of my team
• Devised a course framework plan for project completion by deadline, with milestone targets, which in turn ensured full payment by client

Director of Tutoring, Intensive Change Management Program—Marriott School of Management, Provo, UT 2004
• Organized and managed a team of Change Management tutors for select managers from LG Korea to build relationships, to ensure understanding of difficult concepts, and to reduce language barrier
• Managed knowledge and information to ensure future success of program, and synthesized feedback for program improvement, which resulted in valuable recommendations accepted by executive director
• Facilitated participant’s learning through one-on-one communication, through tutoring, and by establishing meaningful relationships
• Created and implemented an integrated, consistent, and professional look and feel for the Marriott School’s Executive Education program

Learning & Development Intern, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, UT 2003
• Worked with specialized team of well-known industry consultants to develop a customized 360-degree feedback survey to gauge performance in key areas and assisted in implementation
• Developed and facilitated a training program to help employees become and remain more engaged in their work, which received high reviews from participants and continued to be taught after I left
• Designed several training manuals and presentations

English 115 Instructor, English Composition Office—Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 2002 – 2003
• Planned and organized in-class lessons and on-line activities to accelerate student learning and assess performance in the areas of personal narrative, textual analysis, research, and negotiation, which received positive reviews at the end of both semesters
• Managed discussions and interaction to build a community of learning that resulted in more effective peer review sessions, critical thinking, and higher quality papers
• Coached each student in one-on-one sessions on developing writing skills, which students rated as the most beneficial portion of the course

INTERNATIONAL/VOLUNTEER
Consultant, School of Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences—Utah Valley State College Orem, UT 2002 – 2003
• Researched causes, effects, and solutions for salary inequities which resulted in valued recommendations to the dean and the Salary Equity Task Force and was scheduled for implementation the following school year
• Designed survey and gathered internal and external data in order to perform a statistical analysis showing general trends, satisfaction levels, and perceptions within the school to write a proposal surrounding salary equity issues

Full-Time Church Representative, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Belgium and the Netherlands 1997 – 1999
• Achieved fluency in Dutch and Flemish to effectively communicate with and teach native speakers, which consequently gave me in-depth instruction in the English language.

EDUCATION
• Master of Organizational Behavior, Marriott Graduate School of Management, 2003
• Bachelor of Science in Sociology, Brigham Young University, 2001