how do I make a catalog for my business alone?

Question

i am trying to learn how to take the pictures, what background to use etc? and how to make the catalog, can i use Microsoft or need special software

Answer 1

I know for a start that you probably need graphic design software.

Adobe In Design is a the industry standard for layout. You could also use photoshop to touch up photos, make your products fancy.

Try to keep products organized in categories and keep the layout and design within how you want people to view your products.

Dell does a good job in making sure there's a lot of room in their catalogs to focus on certain computers whereas something like Tigerdirect clumps everything together and it's all about quantity and cost over quality.

Answer 2

I have worked in publishing for about 15 years, and I would not recommend doing this yourself. If you absolutely cannot afford to pay someone to do it, though, here are a few tips:

First of all, alot of people will tell you to use a program called Adobe InDesign. This is not advisable for large-scale LAYOUT projects. This software is notorious for causing Postscript errors that will destroy your print job when it hits an imagesetter if you do not know what you are doing. Adobe InDesign vectoring and font embedding is substandard. It is okay for small-scale projects like designing ads, but not major layouts. Use QuarkXPress (About $1000) or Adobe PageMaker (Less than $400).

Your photos should be taken against a contrasting background. Dark products should be against a white background, and light products should be against a dark background. They should be shot with a digital camera at high resolution.

Do not use over 3 fonts on a page spread, and avoid "cool" fonts because they will be hard to read. Stay simple.

You will also need a copy of Adobe Photoshop for photo correction. If you do not have an "eye" for photo correction, or have no experience in this, you do not need to be doing this project yourself. Or, buy a book.

Be sure to use a reputable printing company. Make sure their equipment is up to date and ask to see samples.

Answer 3

You need a Macintosh computer. Adobe Photoshop and InDesign. If you plan to print the catalogs yourself, you will need a laser printer that has Postscript. Take a class on this.

Answer 4

Yes you can use Ms. Publisher but it's suggested to use Macromedia free hand and/or you proably can use both softwares to get maximum result because features in Macromedia free hand emphasizes on design and pictures however Ms. Publisher emphasizes on text. Good luck and GBU

Answer 5

You have to set a style, any style and be constant in its use.

I prefer to shoot outdoors, whether it is for jewelry or consumer electronics items. That method looks natural, takes advantage of sunlight for the best color AND is cheap. It costs nothing to go outside. :)

I have a preference for Adobe photoshop to resize, change contrasts and brightness, etc.

Answer 6

The easiest softwears are Publisher Microsoft and Photoshop Adobe, the first give you the different kind of brochures, the 2nd, the management of photos.