We've all heard the "We listen, and we don't judge..." trend, right? Because I feel like today's post is my embarrassing admission. I've been working on a new design collection, and running into some hiccups with it has forced me to admit that my anxiety has been sabotaging me, and ultimately, not being willing to admit I don't know something is costing me, and my customers, valuable time.

One of the most unique aspects of running a laser-based business is the chance to create personalized products that delight customers. Because of how hands-on you have to be when running the laser, you can provide a service that most other traditional retailers cannot, and truly tailor the end-product to your buyer's specifications. This level of customization is the heart of many of our businesses; buyers want personalized items, and we can make it happen with the push of a button!

This month's file club offerings are an awesome opportunity for laser makers looking to tap into the small business market. I've got ready-made file templates that will help you market to other businessowners. From eye-catching signage to stylish menus using the latest technology, we've got you covered with products you can present that help your clients stand out in a sea of generic designs.

Are you new to Illustrator and need some help learning the different functions? I've got you covered! Here's my little cheat sheet (tried to fit it all on one page so excuse the chaos) that I tried to color code and simplify terms as much as I could. Hope it helps you!!

As someone who has blogged on and off for years, the Podia blogging platform is the most intuitive one I have used yet. It's also got some really exciting features that make me want to prioritize creating content to share - and that's saying something, because we all know that as small business owners, we don't always have a ton of time. I've never been consistent with blogging, but I'm hoping that will change now that I can do so with ease.

Ever wished you could whip up hand-painted signs in a flash? Say goodbye to tedious detail work and hello to quick, gradient painting magic! This tutorial will guide you through speedy techniques that give your projects a touch of whimsy and a pop of color. No artistic experience or fancy supplies needed! We'll be using simple craft paints, inexpensive foam brushes, and a two-tone painting method to bring laser-cut character sets (think playful pets, fun forest animals, and even fantastical beasts!) to life with easy-to-master techniques.

Are you new to the laser world or looking for some vetted and trusted suppliers? Here's the list I've compiled over the last few years.

While saving the environment is important, that's not the point of today's post. Today's post is about making the most of your time as a laser businessowner by reusing designs in different ways, reducing time spent on new creations, and recycling old elements where they will fit. 

If you frequent maker spaces or online forums, I'm sure you've heard plenty of people recommending to "niche down" and offer products as part of a specific target audience. I decided to compile a list of laser products that you can use for a variety of niches as a resource for if you're feeling stuck!

Follow along with Samantha as she teaches you how to use Lightburn to create a double layered name keychain using acrylic and your laser cutter. This is perfect for beginners and will help you get your feet wet in the world of designing SVG files!