Album Size and Recommendations??

[Erin Kathleen]

Ok, so I have (finally) finished designing my first sample album. I've decided to use Zookbinders and Asukabooks for now and offer more/other options later. I'd like to create a larger couple album sized album as well as something smaller for parent books. I was thinking of doing a 10X10 Zookbook and Asukabook, but should I be thinking about the 12X12 Zookbook? What about for parent albums? Would a 5X5 Asukabook be a nice parent "brag book" type album, or should I go larger? Should I stick with all squares or some rectangles? Anyway, any advice y'all have on sizes and textures, etc. that are popular would be REALLY appreciated. I just want to make sure I'm getting the sized and types of albums that most clients would be looking for. Thanks so much!!!

(BTW - I will be posting my sample album layout soon for critiques, so I'll be asking for lots of help today. Sorry!!!)

EK

[AjP]

12x12 of cause much nicer, as far as parents book I think 5x5 is too small, I personally not going below 8x8 for parents IMHO

[KeepsakeGirl]

I think parent albums all depend on what size THEY want. some people think the 5x5 pocket albums are cool. I mean think about it. its no different than a 4x6 proof book and alot of couples end up giving those to their parents!

I find that the 10x10 is easier to hold, but 12x12 would be great too. Really just depends on how much design you want to do.

[adirty1]

I still get the all custom 8x10 parent albums. you cant beat the deal of a 5x5 for 100 dollars more. square is easier to work around. I personally find the square books to be a little harder to work with. I just find it easier to lay out a rectangular page.

[Erin Kathleen]

Thanks everyone! I agree that 5X5 is small, but I was worried that an 8X8 parent album would look silly with a 10X10 couples album. If I upgrade to the 12X12 couples' album, it would probably work pretty well.

Do parents tend to prefer the more traditional matted albums rather than the flush mount/story book kind? Should I look into a smaller sized matted album for them rather than a smaller flush mount one or Asukabook type?

[adirty1]

lately I havent had many people asking for albums. Most people just want to buy the prints or negs and make a scrap book. Now the parents have asked for an album... i send a pdf of the flush mounted album to the parents and 85 percent of the time i can sell them an album and sell the newly wedds the same album even when they were not going to get one. the key is to get MOM's email both the MOB and MOG... I now ask for as many email address as possible so i can keep everyone informed on the progress of the wedding images.

[brad]

Is Zookbinders a printed book or is that a flush mount album?

[Erin Kathleen]

Zookbinder is more of a flush mount where Asukabooks would be more like a coffee table book. Zookbinders would be my "high grade" type option and then Asukabooks would be my more affordable option since Zookbinders is soooooo much more expensive, but I like them better personally...

[brad]

Flush mounts concern me.. every one I've ever seen that's more than a year old is showing MAJOR wear on the edges.. peeling, discoloration, etc.. it actually looks cheaper to me than the AsukaBooks.

[Erin Kathleen]

I guess it could depend on the album company and the couple, but the ones I've seen have been in great condition. Does anyone know if Zookbinders has this problem or not? I know they have a great reputation (which is why I picked them) but if anyone has any experience with them, could you comment?