Q: Why can’t I preview my photo online before I order? I check each photo for quality, size, and composition. This is a critical and valuable element of my service and a huge value you won’t find on most photo upload sites. Since I enhance the image quality in so many ways, we don’t show your photo in the card design until I have made the adjustments and invite you to see your card. I think that it makes more sense for me to adjust your favorite photo than to have our website attempt to show you an image that will probably change.

Q: Why can’t I preview my content on the card with my color choices before I order?
You will get a chance to verify the information in the “Wrap It!” that you provide to me through the website. That step is important because I will respect your selection of upper case and lower case letters as well as commas that you may want to provide for name separation.

I prefer to show the photo enhancements and final message presentation on your completed card. I may have to make minor layout adjustments which enhance the appeal of the design and I want to present your message and family information in its lasting impression form.

Q: Why can’t I change the card’s font?
The fonts that I use are part of the design. Usually, the layout of the information requires more custom design work than dropping text on an image, just like the value added services that I provide when I enhance your photo. The layout can affect the appeal of the design and I want to present your message and family information the way you want to see it. So, look for my email message inviting you to see your card after I have made all of the necessary adjustments.

Q: How do you pick colors that all work together?
I love color. The great thing about the palette that I have created is that all 12 by 12 combinations produce color schemes that work. My color experience has built over the years, enhanced at ArtCenter College, and has been honed through years of print media production. Printed colors can change on various paper textures and I enjoy finding and pushing for the best solution. The card palette is ‘print safe’ and enhances all of my Basically Cards designs and high quality paper.

My recommendation for you is that you pick colors that you like and that work with the photo as well as the design. Lighter colors that serve as background to white font on the card work but darker colors are usually better. Have fun and go with your instinct. Be bold.

Q: Can I request special photo editing, like sepia tones or black and white treatment?
I try to enhance your photo to work with the design, colors, and message layout that you provide through the site. You should transform your picture to black and white or sepia before uploading to make sure you are ok with the effect. If you upload the picture, I’ll try to make it work.

Q: What do I have to do to order cards on the Site? How does the process work?

Choose -- Choose the right card that reflects your family's spirit and personality. I like to suggest that my clients have a specific photo in mind before selecting a design in order to envision a good match between card and design. To choose your card, simply select the photo from the 'Cards' page or click on the card title link. Colorize -- Pick the perfect color combo that works for your personal design preference. All of the 12 colors look great with each leading to 144 amazing color combinations. You simply select your color swatch from each palette, preview the colors on your card selection, and decide if you like the combination. If you made the right choice, continue to the next step. Greet -- Add your custom greeting to your card. My cards allow you to alter the primary message to fit your needs and provide extra room for a personal message, your family name, kids names, or your address. You decide what you want to appear and how you want it to appear. You'll notice that many of my sample designs feature lowercase fonts. Your message will appear exactly as it is typed, so, only use lower case letters if you want to match the lowercase card example. Font styles are incorporated into the overall design of the card and cannot be changed. Upload -- Upload your photo to bring your card to life and make it pop. Make sure you find a picture that tells your family's story. My general photo tips include selecting a bright photo and not an overly shaded or nighttime shot. Please make sure that the photo is not a small thumbnail size and don't worry about cropping or sharpening the picture prior to uploading it to me. If you received the photo via email, make sure it meets our 1200 X 1600 pixel or 300dpi recommendation since many email programs automatically downsize the size of attached photos, rendering them unsuitable for printing. If you have more questions about how to create quality photos, check out our photo tips page. Wrap it! -- Checkout – You are now one step closer to finishing your holiday todo list! Congratulations! Basically, I want to make sure we gather correct information so that we can provide the best possible service and send your order to you as quickly as possible. You can ship your cards to your billing or any other address, which comes in handy if you have recently moved or you are renovating your home. Don't forget about our return address printing – it saves time and uses the high quality fonts you expect from Basically Cards. After you complete the process on our site, I’ll start working on your proof immediately. If you created an account when you purchased the cards on our website, you will be able to login and see the proof once I have it ready for review. We will auto-approve your card 72 hours after we invite you to review your proof.

Q: How can you deliver my order so quickly?
Some custom card retailers take weeks to produce and deliver cards, usually with low quality designs or standard fonts. I have worked hard to find the right balance between high quality design, personal service, and rapid delivery. We provide an expedited service option that will get your order to you in 5 business days – that is fast! I won’t cut corners and won’t sacrifice quality, but we know that you are waiting and want to create a lasting impression and personal connection with your cards. You can help by watching for my email invitation to review your final card image.

Q: Is Elizabeth really a designer?
Absolutely! I have been a graphic designer for 16 years. If you love my cards and are interested in my design services for print or online projects, send a note to me at info@basicallycards.com.

Q: My information won’t fit in the content space, what should I do?
Sorry about the space limitations, but creating standard formats helps us keep the price of the cards down. I would suggest trying abbreviations or a more creative way of saying the same thing in your space allotted. Usually, the bottom two lines use smaller characters and can fit longer messages. Be creative with your space.

Q: Can I print my return address on the envelopes?
Yes. We use high quality envelopes and print with trademark fonts you would expect from Basically Cards. For 45 cents per envelope you can save time and just focus on making sure you have Aunt Lucy's mailing address.

Q: I’m going out of town and won’t be able to see the proof. What should I do?
We automatically approve your card and send it to the printer 72 hours after it is available for review. If you are going to be traveling and can't get to a computer, please send me an email and let me know when you can review your card.

Q: How do you protect my privacy?
We take several steps to protect your privacy, all covered in our Privacy Policy document. It might put you asleep, but you should read it if you have any questions. Basically Cards does not store credit card information.

Q: Will Basically Cards extend its card selection beyond the selection of holiday cards?
Yes, we are planning to add to our card list after the holidays. If you have any suggestions, let us know. We'll cover the basics (basically) but are interested in what you want to see.

Q: I have a few design ideas, where can I send them?
We would love to hear from you and like to talk about design. It would be great if you send me an email and participate in our blog when we add one to our site.

Q: What does DPI mean and how can I tell if my photo will print well?
DPI stands for dots per inch and is related to PPI or pixels per inch. Dots per inch help us determine the print quality of the image. A higher DPI generally produces a better printed photo. PPI is more of a monitor resolution metric and doesn't have to be as high as the DPI to produce a similar quality image.

Try to match the standards shown on the Upload page. If you can't find the image size, upload it and I’ll take a look. We filter out very small and extremely large images automatically to make choosing the right photograph easier for you.

Q: Do you want me to tell my friends about your cool designs?
Yeaaah. Of course we want your to tell your friends. It isn't fair for you to watch them struggle with their holiday card selection by picking through old world standards. Help them move into our contemporary era. So, work some social networking magic and tell all of your friends.

Q: What do JPG, PNG, and TIF stand for?
These are just the extension names for images and photos, like mypicture.jpg or photograph.png. You probably don't need to worry, just a reminder in case you have a strange image type from planet Pluto. Wait, Pluto isn't really a planet. What format do you have?
If in doubt, just upload and we'll check it for you.

Q: Is it true that square envelopes cost more to mail?
Yes, square cards cost more in postage for you to mail. Check your favorite USPS site or stamp store for more information. Our envelopes are 6" X 6" for the square cards, so price accordingly. It is hip to be square, but hipness comes with higher costs.

Q: Can I order several different cards per order?
Sorry, you can only buy one card style at a time. We are going to add the ability to purchase multiple items in the future which will make it easier for you to put together matching sets for each of your kids. You know, one 'A Few of My Favorite Things' cards for Jacob, one for Fiona, one for Fido. You will have to place separate orders for a 'creative set' order.

One more thing. We don't have the ability to save your shopping request after you leave, so print out your punny prose before you leave so that it will be easier to add your greeting information when you return to purchase.

Q: Can I get on your mailing list to learn about future designs?
Absolutely. We require a secure login to add your name to the mailing list so create an account today and learn about our new high quality design cards tomorrow! Really, I won't send out frequent email. I'm a mother of three, why would I want to spam you to death?

Q: Will you have a blog to talk about design and cool things you find?
I'm definitely going to add a blog to BasicallyCards.com in the future. I really do have an active bookmark list of cool designs or interesting products. It would be fun to share that information and probably helpful to design focused individuals, like Basically Cards customers.