Blog

Free How To: Print with Intention Get it Here

Author Spotlight: Betsy Wiersma, CampExperience™ Network founder

by Vervante •

We're constantly amazed by the clever, unique, brilliant and beautiful books and products our customers create. So much that we're putting them in the spotlight to share the details of their creations and the inspiration behind them.   

About the Passion Planner, Angel Oracle Cards, Inspirational Art Cards & Postcards

I have always loved art and crafts and have used art as a connector in programs for my 5000+ tribe of women called the CampExperience™ Network. Before August of 2017, I would consider myself a casual crafter with some bead jewelry, collage and some sewing.  And then life changed forever.

In August of 2017 I participated in a week-long art retreat and immersed myself in learning some techniques.  My basic skills became faces and mixed-media pieces. The art that was in my soul came forth!  Soon I was diving in to mixed-media as a bliss-filled escape and creating “inspiration art” for fun!

It was the partnership with Vervante that really set my art free to serve the world!  Their team helped me not only produce my original idea of a Daily Insight Card Deck featuring my 36 pieces, but also led me to creating a Daily Planner, greeting cards, postcards and hardcover journals. The response has been fantastic! My CampExperience™ Network tribe has been buying my inspiration art for family and friends, my images are perfect for my marketing, and with Vervante I am on Amazon!  My parents are so proud!

The story behind Betsy’s products

Q: What inspired you to create these products?

A: I have been an event planner since high school and a public speaker, traveling to 20+ countries to uplift and educate my guests. In 2006 we began the CampExperience Network  consisting of 5000+ women gathering for uplifting events and positive messages. In August of 2017 the message just came to my canvas and I wanted to add it to the mix for supporting people to live lives of passion and purpose.

Q: What advice would you give for others creating products like these?

A: I would say just CREATE and see what happens.  I did not set out to create these products.  I let art out of my soul and the products became a natural way to share it!  Take a class and let one of the thousands of experts help you unlock your own inner talent.  And have FUN every day!

Q: What do you love about these products?

A: I actually cannot believe what has come forth when I let go and enjoyed the journey of the art. Mixed media art is messy and you just let go of the outcome, add more texture and color and see what emerges. I just love to see my art and products in the world and hear the feedback of my customers who LOVE the Sisters and friends.

Learn more

For a peek inside Betsy's planner, click HERE. You can also learn more about Betsy’s products here: https://CampExperience.com and https://betsywiersma.com/shop/.

Want your book or product to be featured?

If you liked this and want your Vervante product featured in our newsletter and blog, please email [email protected] with the following information:

  1. 250-word overview of your product
  2. URL link for the landing or sales page for the product
  3. High-res image(s) of the product

Your creativity inspires us and your success deserves to be shared!


Author Spotlight: James Dack & Christopher Dack

by Vervante •

We're constantly amazed by the clever, unique, brilliant and beautiful books and products our customers create. So much that we're starting a spotlight feature to share the details of their creations and the inspiration behind them.   

About “Wings: An Illustrated Celebration of Michigan Wolverine Helmets”

This year, 2018, marks the 80th anniversary of the Michigan winged helmet.

Every university has a logo, some probably more recognizable than the University of Michigan's block 'M.'  Many universities have a mascot, many undoubtedly more well-known than Michigan's.

But the winged Michigan football helmet is undoubtedly the most recognizable in the game.

In a case of form following function, Michigan coach Fritz Crisler painted the padding and straps common on the leather helmets in 1938 to create the iconic design. His intent was to make his receivers more recognizable downfield.

Not only did he succeed, but he created an icon that transcends football, even 80 years later.

In an unusual — and perhaps unique — instance of accidental branding, of grass roots symbology, the wings-and-stripes design can be seen everywhere around Michigan's campus and athletic program.

How strange is it, but yet how compelling, that a design borne of a leather helmet's construction would spread to be seen in baseball, softball, hockey, field hockey, and lacrosse teams?

The entire history of the winged helmet is detailed in this coffee table book: “Wings: An Illustrated Celebration of Michigan Wolverine Helmets.” The 3rd edition of the book was just released and can be viewed HERE.

The book is co-authored by James Dack, an avid helmet collector and historian, and Christopher Dack, Michigan alum, writer, and photographer.

The story behind the product (as told by co-author Christopher Dack, pictured above)

Q: What inspired you to create this product?

A: My brother James (pictured at right) began collecting football helmets long before it become popular. He wanted to share his collection and knowledge with the broad and zealous University of Michigan fan base. As a Michigan alum, it was easy for me to get on board with that idea. Plus, I had wanted to create a coffee table book for a long time and realized this would be the perfect subject.

Q: What advice would you give for others creating a product like this?

A: It's tempting as a self-publishing author to care only about the content and downplay other aspects of the book as a product (trim size, typography, cover design, etc. to say nothing of marketing). But it’s all important. The best content in the world can still fall short of its potential if it’s delivered in an amateurish package.  Finding design help is not that difficult or expensive if you can’t (or don’t want to) do it yourself. Learning marketing is tougher and quite daunting at first. But you don’t have to master it all right away. Just get started with the first step, then keep going.

Q: What do you love about this product?

A: What we love about this book is its potential as a gift. Although there are certainly rabid female football fans in the world, let's be honest: men make up the majority of the fan base. And men can be notoriously difficult to buy for during gift-giving seasons. We like to think that, instead of the usual ties, socks, coffee cups, and other dull gifts that guys often receive, this book would actually be fun for a Michigan fan to open at Christmas, Father's Day, birthdays, etc.

Learn more

Learn more about “Wings” here: http://store.vervante.com/c/v/V4081805254.html

Want your book or product to be featured?

If you liked this and want your Vervante product featured in our newsletter and blog, please email [email protected] with the following information:

  1. 250-word overview of your product
  2. URL link for the landing or sales page for the product
  3. High-res image(s) of the product

Your creativity inspires us and your success deserves to be shared!


Black Friday Bestsellers

by Vervante •

Looking for ideas to give your income a boost this holiday season? We’ve got what you need with plenty of products and tips to get ready for Black Friday through the New Year.

Here are 5 of our bestselling products that can be sold just as they are, or customized to fit your needs:

  • Planners - use ours or design your own
  • Calendars - desktop or wall calendars
  • Greeting Cards - packaged individually or in sets of 10 in a stationary box with a clear lid
  • Card Decks - any size, any number of cards
  • Journals - soft cover and hard cover

Select the products you would like to sell, contact us if you would like to add your logo or customize the design, then add them to your sales pages and shopping carts. Reach out to our publishing experts at [email protected] and we'll help you get everything ready.

Worried about time? No need to stress! Here are a few tips to help you get ready in plenty of time:

TIP #1: If you have the general specs of the product you want to create, we can give you a free quote right away so you can set your retail price and start working on your sales and marketing strategy.
TIP #2: Your product does not have to be complete to offer it for sale.  All you need is the cover design image for display on your site and – voila – you can make your offer and collect pre-orders. Just be clear in the description when your customer can expect to receive their purchase.   
TIP #3: Once we have print files, we can ship within 3-4 days, so you're able to let customers know when pre-ordered products will arrive and can be confident in quick deliveries.

Questions? Let us help you make the most of your holiday sales by dropping us a line at [email protected] or scheduling a phone call with one of our publishing professionals at https://vervante.youcanbook.me/.