Learn the 411 on how to make printables! Check out my resources and tips below.
Back before this blog was born I started a company with a good friend from college for designing invitations and announcements. Both of us loved designing and had no real knowledge of what it took to run a business but thought it was a good idea anyway. With little kids. See where I’m going with this? Our business plan didn’t last long but our love of designing did. I took that love of designing and filled the need to create with my printables section. I wanted to share a little bit what goes into designing those printables.
While I try to answer emails and comments, I don’t get to all of them. So sad! I hope to answer a lot of the general questions that I get asked over and over again.
Here’s the thing- I’m self taught. I didn’t take classes in college, I have taken a few online (more on that below) but most of what I know is because of trial and error. So there are probably lots of better ways to go about doing things but this is what works for me.
How to Make Printables
What I use to design:
Adobe Illustrator
I used to design with Photoshop. I had Illustrator when I was designing invitations but I never fully understood it. I switched computers and it didn’t transfer but I was able to get PS on my new computer. It’s been a few computers since and several years but I finally got Illustrator again. With a new desire to learn I just started playing around on it. While there is a learning curve, it is WAY easier than Photoshop. Things line up better and there are more design tools to use. Photoshop is meant to edit pictures and I was using it to design printables. Since I figured out the basics in Illustrator I have never looked back.
What friends of mine use:
PicMonkey
I know a huge amount of bloggers use PicMonkey. I haven’t ever used it myself but I hear over and over how simple it is to use and it’s FREE. This is a good place to start if you want to jump into printables and/or design but aren’t sure it’s really your thing.
If you are looking for some more info, this post has 17 PicMonkey tutorials!
What kind of paper do I use?
It depends on the project I’m working on. If I’m doing a to do list, I will print on regular paper (I don’t get anything fancy – just the cheap stuff from Target). And sometimes I’ll laminate it. I get asked about laminators a lot too because I love them so much. I got mine for a killer deal at Christmas on Amazon. They can be found at Walmart, Target, any office supply store too.. If it’s a tag, I’ll print on cardstock. I use white regular paper and white cardstock by far the most. I also use labels for all kinds of things. They come in a ton of shapes and sizes which makes it really convenient.
What kind of printer do I use?
I addressed this in the printables FAQ section but I’ve tried all different kinds. I’ve had laser and inkjet. I’ve had all in ones and printing only capabilities. I’ve found that unless you are printing for business, there is no reason to spend the big bucks on a printer. This is the one I currently use that I like. I’d say the biggest thing now is that it’s wireless. I love being able to print from any room.
My favorite fonts:
I have a whole section devoted to this because I’m obsessed with fonts. It’s a key component to printables so I spend a lot of time looking for new ones.
In addition to finding free fonts, there are a few sites that I purchase fonts from –
Creative Market — Creative Market is actually my new favorite place to look for anything. I love love love it. Check it out!
My Fonts
I also love Font Bundles: like this one or this one
Visit my Design & Fonts Pinterest board.
Where do I find color combinations:
I love love love color. Bright colors in particular. You see the same color scheme a lot from me. It’s because I like it. But I also visit a few sites that are super helpful with color combinations.
Design Seeds
Colour Lovers
Check out my I Heart Color Pinterest board too.
Classes I have taken:
I took these classes for 2 reasons: to make sure that I was doing things right and to hopefully learn some new things. Because I’m mainly self taught, I figured that I was making things complicated and that there had to be some easier ways to design. Both of these classes were easy to follow and reaffirmed that I am doing things right (yay!!).
Simplified Graphic Design from Jones Design Co
Cathy says
Hi! I just came across your site thru Pinterest! It’s awesome! I was curious as to whether you are going to offer anything on this as I have been trying to get somewhere with this for a long time! I would definitely be interested!!
leslie nielson says
Yes to both of your questions. I am having trouble printing the back to school ones it always cuts off the bottom few letters off. I am trying to get the first day of school stuff in order any suggestions. thanks love your blog leslie
Jeanette says
i love your website Mique and when I took the survey, I answered both yes but I still hope that the question for members would be free and hope that we can edit the printable without paying the fee