PET MEMORY BOOK FAQ
I already have photo albums of pictures of my pet. How is a Paws on a Page pet memory book different?
I will be using my design skills to create a professional quality book that not only shows images of your pet, but showcases your pet's personality through the combination of the design elements and text. Is your cat an elegant lady? Is your labrador a playful pup who's always on the move? I will try to capture your pet's unique traits and create a mood and flow for your pet memory book that is not possible in a simple photo album of pictures.
Can't I just create a photo book myself? I saw something about that at the drugstore photo counter.
You can. The technology is plentiful and there are lots of opportunities to create books out of your photos. However, with Paws on a Page you are getting a professional graphic designer who will provide individuality and customization for your specific pet memory book. If you upload your photos to an automated service, you don't have much control over the layout or design and are likely to end up with something that feels sterile or generic. It will be in book form, but won't vary that much from a photo album. Graphics and words are powerful elements that communicate meaning beyond what photos alone can do. Paws on a Page will provide you with a designed bookstore-quality pet memory book that offers a dynamic and personal experience when you look through it.
You don't know Fluffy. How can you really individualize my pet memory book?
Well, you're right. I don't know your pet the way you do, but I will do my best to get as accurate a sense of your pet as possible. Before I begin designing your pet memory book, I will ask you to complete a questionnaire that will allow me to find out about your pet's personality and distinctive characteristics. We can also speak on the phone about your pet.
Are Paws on a Page pet memory books only for pets that have passed away? I'd like to make a book for my pet who's still alive.
I'd love to make a pet memory book for your living pet. While the idea for Paws on a Page originated as a way to memorialize pets, I think it would be wonderful to have a book for a pet that's still alive. Maybe you have family members who are away from the family pet (such as a son or daughter leaving for college, or going to summer camp) - a pet memory book would be a great way for them to metaphorically take the pet with them.
I have several animal friends that I want to celebrate. Can I include them all in one pet memory book?
Absolutely! You can combine several pets into one pet memory book, include both living and deceased pets in one book...I will work with any arrangement of animals that you want.
Why you?
Paws on a Page is, in many ways, the natural culmination of my life and career experiences. I have a BA in Graphic Design from the University of Notre Dame and worked for several years in the design field creating a range of print and web work—from marketing materials, branding and identity, to packaging. I've always had a penchant for book arts and over the years I have designed, and then assembled by hand (back in the day when single book printing/binding didn't exist!) special books for friends and family members. It's this personal design work, where I've been able to mark a special occasion, or celebrate someone's life and tell a unique journey, that I've felt the most gratified by my design work.
Several years ago, fueled by my interest in psychology and a desire to work more directly with people, I went back to school to earn a Masters degree in Art Therapy from NYU. As a Board Certified Registered Art Therapist and Licensed Creative Arts Therapist in NY State, I use visual art and the creative process daily to try and bring about positive change in the lives of my clients. In times of loss and transition, I have seen, and experienced for myself, how the act of creating, and turning oneself over to the process, can be immensely healing.
Lastly, I love animals and deeply value their role in our lives.
Paws on a Page is so much a reflection of who I am, that I cannot help but approach each pet memory book with a passion and dedication for the work. I am happy to do this work and I believe that this comes through in each book that I make.
