Happy first full week in May, SCT friends!
Things are heating up for our summer 2019 issue, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you next month! Today, I’d like to give you an inside look into what goes into each issue about this time of year from the editor-in-chief’s point of view.
When you think of the production of a magazine, you might think something along the lines of The Devil Wears Prada or The September Issue, but that couldn’t be further from the reality of Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine (though we certainly are that cute!).
While SCT is headquartered in the Toronto area where Publisher Catherine Tachdjian lives, Creative Editor Jennifer S. Gallacher and I live in Utah, and Art Director Cathy Zielske lives in Minnesota. Through the power of technology, we are able to pull it off beautifully!
I work from home, which is pretty awesome (and I actually get dressed in go-to-work clothes every day). Last fall, I set up a pretty great place in a corner of my living room to keep everything together, and of course, I wanted it to look chic, too. Here’s a look at where the magic happens:
I have a pretty view off my balcony, and everything that I need is close at hand, including my copies of the magazine. You wouldn’t believe the amount of emails that fly from my fingers sitting in that black and white striped chair. And the funny thing? I never took a typing or keyboarding class. I’m totally self-taught, and I do OK!
I’m a list maker and to-do list checker-offer to the extreme as well. You can see my Carpe Diem planner is at the ready to the right of my computer. I find it so satisfying to check things off my list! And highlighters are always at hand to keep things orderly.
For each issue, I print up a checklist of everything that I need to write. I like the tactile feel of checking the boxes. The highlighted columns and articles indicate that I have everything I need to complete the article from start to finish! I always feel a little triumphant, and I’m not going to lie, I write DONE in all caps on the sheet once everything has been written.
Another part of each issue is creating a project to accompany my Editor’s Note. I always want my card to fit the theme and scope of the issue, and I take a lot of time to decide what I want to use and how to make it great! I just finished my card for the summer issue, and here’s a look at the craftermath that ensued:
In addition, there’s image naming, document saving, editing, spreadsheets, and all manner of preparation to bring you another amazing issue of SCT magazine!
I hope you enjoyed this little behind the scenes peek at what I do!
Here’s to a fun and fabulous May!
Susan R. Opel, Editor-in-Chief
I love how organized you are, I too am a list maker. Your little corner of creativity is beautiful, I love the little round flower pot. Thanks for these magazines I enjoy them from cover to cover and get inspired from everyone’s creation. I just finished reading the last 2 issues while on vacation, my head is filled with ideas and projects for when I get home. ☺️
Thanks so much for your inside view. You have such a neat and chic spot to work and create. I too, get much more accomplished if I can make a list and check it off when done. I truly enjoy being able to hold a copy of SCT in my hands and being inspired by all of the beautiful pages of color, projects, and ideas. Please keep publishing it.❤️
I’m glad you shared this little behind the scenes peek! Love your cards! Keep up the good work!
Susan, I love your little organized space. It looks so modern and elegant. Thanks for all you do for SCT and the fans, Susan ❤️
I loved you giving the little peek behind the curtain! Grateful for ALL you do!
It’s fun to hear a bit about the process of creating the magazine. Love your workspace. Very chic and orderly.
I am inspired by your organization and how lovely your work space looks. I work from home part of the time and end up in my workout clothes–especially if I don’t need to go out anywhere. I am committed to a workout each day and figure if I got the gear on, I’m going to do it eventually! Thanks for sharing your wonderful process. I’m guessing you have a craft room or space somewhere?
Love the planner. Thanks for sharing the process you use.
Super cute space!! I am definitely a list maker too! Plus the creative time embellishing my planner and lists is fun too! ????
THank you for sharing your cute little creative corner! Love it! and of course the work you do as well!
Thanks for sharing that. It’s really neat to see how things really get done in a world so far removed from my own. Love your little corner office!
Thanks Susan for the insight as to where magic happens ! I am so looking forward to Summer issue!