As I travel and teach for Paper Crafts magazine, the most common question I hear is “how can I get your job?” I thought I’d take this last opportunity to answer with the long version, basically a synopsis of my time here at Paper Crafts… let’s go back in time!
In 2001 I started a relationship with Creating Keepsakes magazine. I had entered a few contests, one of which I won, and the other which led me to doing some design work, including this first cover:
In conversation with the CK editors, they discovered I was a designer/painter. They quickly got me in contact with the managing editor (Jennafer Martin, who is now the editor-in-chief of CK) of their new sister publication Crafts magazine. Literally, within a few days I had design assignments. I spent the next few years designing and painting for Crafts, but my heart was turning to paper. I was done with wood!
Fortunately, Crafts magazine and Valerie Pingree (the founding editor of Paper Crafts) also made such a change and in February of 2004 Paper Crafts magazine was launched and I was along for the ride. And what a ride it’s been!
At the time I had just sold a paper crafting retail store/web site I had started in 2002. I suddenly had two very important things necessary to contributing to Paper Crafts magazine in a big way: time and plenty of paper crafting supplies.
In short order I was asked to fill the role of Paper Crafts Pro for the magazine. It was very much a job that evolved over time, and one that was exciting and creative and really, just fun. We (the PC Pros) became contributors not only in design, but at editorial boards meetings; we helped to critique past issues and plan for new ones. We researched trends, brainstormed and got super creative.
Early on, I conceived a special issue idea that turned into Card Fashion; using fashion to inspire card design. I got to concept, write, assign, organize and I loved every moment of it. I have to thank Jennafer M. and Stacy C. for giving me that opportunity.
It was such a joy to work for Paper Crafts that I don’t think I’ve ever said no to any request in all the years I’ve worked there. I’m sure I’ll hear about it if I did!
We soon got opportunities to teach; which has been one of my most beloved responsibilities and one that I’ve carried through to a new business I started last fall, Q’s Creative Card Classes. I love to travel, meet new people and share in our mutual paper crafting passion. I was just in Valley Forge a few weeks ago and will be in Tulsa again this weekend – hopefully I’ll see some of you there!
We travelled to CHA and other industry conventions, representing the magazine, doing research and creating relationships with manufacturers. Many great memories are associated with these trips and I dearly miss them.
In 2006 I was asked to represent Paper Crafts on a local morning show KSL Studio 5. I clearly remember the butterflies that first day, but oddly enough they quickly disappeared and I left the show that day thinking, “I think I can do this.” I’m sure a large part of this was the ease of interaction with the hostess of the show, Brooke Walker.
Surprisingly, the most intimidating thing I’ve been asked to do is video tape instructional videos. I know this sounds very similar to live TV, but actually, it’s much, much harder, as you have nothing but a camera (or two) to relate to. No cute hostess to play off of or fill in your blanks – just you and the camera. Fortunately, I was very prepared and despite my nervousness, was able to create some successful teaching segments. The second time I did this was much easier, which just goes to show you that some things just have to be done to be learned.
It has been my absolute joy being an ambassador and cheerleader for Paper Crafts Magazine and one I don’t plan on stopping. I continue to devour each issue and share that love with anyone I come in contact with. As a founding PC Pro, I’m hoping you’ll still see me on occasion.
Working for Paper Crafts has given me a whole new set of skills that I want to use. Q’s Creative Card Classes has become a huge part of my life. I’ve also continued my relationship with Studio 5 and am now a regular cooking and paper crafting contributor for them. I still freelance design and consult in large part because of the treasured friendships and valuable relationships I’ve gathered over the years.
I’m sure it’s easy to see the opportunity part of this equation. I want to thank every one of you who gave me those moments… you know who you are!
I prepared for those opportunities by working. Really, it’s that simple. I love this hobby so much that work for me was a joy, but it was still work. Lots and lots and lots of design, educating myself on techniques and even creating some along the way. And of course, staying on top of trends and reading Paper Crafts magazine! The editors at Paper Crafts are so good at communicating just what they need, so read closely and don’t give up! Keep submitting and persevere. I’ll be looking for your name soon!
Your Founding PC Pro,
Sue Neal
P.S. If you’re intrigued by the concept of Card Fashion, I just happen to have three copies from the secret Paper Crafts vault. Leave me a comment and I’ll pick three random winners to receive their very own copy! All comments must be received by midnight on Thursday, August 20.
116 comments
Comments feed for this article
August 19, 2009 at 4:53 am
SueB
Thanx for the interesting stroll down Memory Lane … AND the chance at t’riffic blog candy!
August 19, 2009 at 5:14 am
StampinCathy
Thanks for sharing this inspiring story. Sounds like the perfect job. Wow this is one awesome giveaway. I would love to be one of the lucky winners. Thanks for a chance.
August 19, 2009 at 6:01 am
marycstamps
Best of luck with your new endeavors Susan. Sounds like this has been quite a fun ride for you. I’m a more recent devotee of all things Paper Crafts so would enjoy having the opportunity to see this blast from the past.
August 19, 2009 at 6:22 am
Alison Yarrish
Great job! Thanks for the inspiration to keep submitting!
August 19, 2009 at 6:38 am
Wendy
Thank you. I love card making.
August 19, 2009 at 6:46 am
Janet B
Thanks for the chance to win.I’d love this.
August 19, 2009 at 6:56 am
June Houck
That Feb 2004 issue was the issue that made me drop all other card making mags and subscribe!!! It was exactly what I was looking for. I was ready to move in the direction creatively…THANK YOU for being in the right place at the right time 🙂
August 19, 2009 at 7:08 am
Samantha T.
Wow! Very cool journey. Thanks for sharing.
August 19, 2009 at 7:13 am
Marty
Congrats on all your hard work!
August 19, 2009 at 7:19 am
Leigh Ann Baird
Papercrafts is my favorite magazine! Thank you!
August 19, 2009 at 7:33 am
mloukirby
When I got my first issue of PaperCrafts you were in “Ask the Pros” and I followed you from that point on. Thanks for your insights. What a great career path!! Keep on doing what you do, Sue! I love your work.
August 19, 2009 at 7:35 am
Laurel S
I love PaperCrafts, have bought it for many years now!
August 19, 2009 at 7:36 am
Betty
What an exciting career you have and so much talent. Thanks for sharing.
August 19, 2009 at 7:41 am
Nicki
Thanks for your story at Paper Crafts. It sounds like you have been blessed with some great opportunities. I’m excited to be a part of the drawing, thanks for all that you do!
August 19, 2009 at 7:42 am
Kristin
I love PaperCrafts- thanks for all you hard work!
August 19, 2009 at 7:55 am
Lindzie H
i would love to see a copy of the “card fashion”…consider me intrigued!
August 19, 2009 at 8:01 am
Megan
hey I was in one of your classes at ckc! had a great time!
August 19, 2009 at 8:06 am
Jessica K
I’m so glad you came to work at CK and now PC; I love my Paper Crafts issues and your hands on the magazine are a big reason why.
August 19, 2009 at 8:07 am
Tanya Rudd
Thank you for sharing.
August 19, 2009 at 8:10 am
Kay
It’s so neat to see how everything fell into place for you! Thank you for letting us in on your journey!
August 19, 2009 at 8:12 am
Carol (ScrapMomOf2)
What a journey! Very cool to read about it!!
August 19, 2009 at 8:26 am
Jamie Greene
Thank you for sharing!
August 19, 2009 at 8:32 am
Stephanie Smith
Congrats on all you have accomplished in the crafting magazine world. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Card Fashion.
August 19, 2009 at 8:38 am
Veronica
thanks for sharing! i often look in my closet and think, wow those colors would look great on a card!
August 19, 2009 at 8:51 am
Dayna Johnson
Thanks for sharing. I still would love to have your job!
Dayna
August 19, 2009 at 9:12 am
joannp
Thanks for the opportunity to win!
August 19, 2009 at 9:13 am
Sarah Martina
Wow… thank you for sharing your story with us. I suppose when you’ve got “it,” people will notice and will want you on their team. 🙂 Do y’all ever travel to Louisiana?
August 19, 2009 at 9:13 am
jpscraps
Thanks for sharing. I’m really intrigued by card fashion.
August 19, 2009 at 9:21 am
Jingle
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us! This is truly inspiring to me and it gives me hope that someday I may be able to do some of the things I’ve been dreaming of doing. I really appreciate what you had to say today.
August 19, 2009 at 9:22 am
Darlene L
What a wonderful story. I admire your work ethics. Thanks for the opp to win some very interesting blog candy.
August 19, 2009 at 9:27 am
Angela
I can’t wait to see what Card Fashion has to show.
August 19, 2009 at 9:28 am
Carol Metully
You should be proud of yourself for all you’ve accomplished. Thank you for sharing your story. I’d love to have a copy of this issue for my collection. Even though trends have changed, I always see something to learn from the past.
August 19, 2009 at 9:39 am
itskrista
Thanks for sharing. It’s always interesting to see how people got to be where they are.
August 19, 2009 at 9:48 am
Tricia Goff
I love fasion and love cards…never thought the two would be related! cant wait to see what is in this issue!!
August 19, 2009 at 9:56 am
Heather Ippolito
Thank you for sharing with us– it is so interesting to me to hear how you gals came to be in the amazing jobs you are in! I have recently become a card maker so a “vintage” card making magazine would hit the spot.
August 19, 2009 at 10:02 am
Shari
My goodness what a story!
We have benefittede from your talents.
Thanks for sharing it.
~Shari R.
August 19, 2009 at 10:12 am
carol H
Thanks for sharing–what a perfect story for a talented lady. I would love to get a copy of the fashion cards–you never know where you will get inspiration.
August 19, 2009 at 10:16 am
Christina
I love Papercrafts! 🙂
August 19, 2009 at 10:37 am
Cheryl
Thanks for sharing your talents with all of us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 19, 2009 at 10:37 am
bck
I’m sorry that this will be your last blog (at least as an official PC Pro) for the Paper Crafts Connection blog and your story is really inspirational. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Card Fashion!!
August 19, 2009 at 10:53 am
Cheryl
very interesting story – thanks for sharing.
Cheryl
August 19, 2009 at 10:54 am
Eloisa
Sue, I love your card classes!! I started making cards just to express some of my creativity, but then my sister intorduced me to your Q’s Creative Card Classes. Your class has created a special time for my sister and I to come together and talk cards! We both look forward to learning new techniques and discussing ways we can modify them and make them our unique cards.
I am glad you had a great time with Paper Crafts and even more glad you will still be sharing your unique and creative design techniques to the rest of us!!
August 19, 2009 at 11:05 am
Edys Gonçalves
So interesting!! Love the cards!! The classes.
Hugs
August 19, 2009 at 11:06 am
CresoDA
Love the magazine!!!!!!!!!
August 19, 2009 at 11:07 am
Scrapycandy
Sue, I was just on another blog where they showed both the dress and the card that was inspired by it. Such a great idea! And the gorgeous papers out there make anything possible! For papercrafters I think we are at the top of some mountain. Thanks for helping us out over the years!
August 19, 2009 at 11:09 am
Karrie
Thank you for sharing your journey with crafting with us. You have been blessed with great opportunities. I hope to some day get a project submitted. Have a SWEET day!!
August 19, 2009 at 11:12 am
jan farnworth
what an wonderful story.
August 19, 2009 at 11:19 am
Linda Vincent
I am currently taking the great card classes and have learned so much and relearned many skills that I have not used for a long time. Thanks Sue and to all of you that keep all your great magazines that keep me sane. I actually still have the Issue of Creating Keepsakes that was featured at the first. It only took me one minute to find it. I say that papercrafting is great theraphy for me. I would love to see more special issues for cards.I would like to subscribe so I don’t miss any. Keep up all the good work,and remember a stranger is only a person who you haven’t met before.
August 19, 2009 at 11:20 am
Toni Storie
I am interested in Card Fashion, as I find quite a bit of inspiration for my own card making in the adorable clothing that my little girl wears. Thanks for taking the time to let us know how you “got your job” and for providing encouragement to us all!
August 19, 2009 at 11:20 am
Carla G.
Thanks for the inspiration…I would love to look at that magazine!
August 19, 2009 at 11:21 am
Diana
What a great story! Seems that you are uber talented and your hard work has paid off again and again. Kudos to you! My dream job would be working for a craft magazine or to do any type of crafting job. I can dream, can’t I? Thanks for the cool gift. Hope I’m a winner!!
August 19, 2009 at 11:21 am
connie
Thanks for sharing your journey with us! Very interesting story. I need to check out your card classes since I am new to card making.
August 19, 2009 at 11:31 am
Ruth Findlay
You are very talented, and I have enjoyed the classes I have taken from you. Thanks for sharing.
August 19, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Ellie Augustin
Well OF course I would be interested! Thank you for sharing a part of you!! 🙂
August 19, 2009 at 12:06 pm
cjs
What an exciting journey – thank you for sharing!
August 19, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Anne B.
Pick me! 🙂
August 19, 2009 at 12:16 pm
LisaC
Card Fashion sounds awesome – I can’t wait to check it out! THANKS!
August 19, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Christine
I’m intrigued by all the magazines mentioned and would love to have a copy of Card Fashion.
Blessings,
Christine
August 19, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Cyndi
Congratulations for following your passion, working hard, and bringing so much fun to PC readers!
August 19, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Heather Garl
It’s amazing to hear a tidbit of our story on how you got the job. I find it so amazing how crafters gain there positions and they were not really looking for it. That’s very encouraging to me and I had a similar experience. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!
August 19, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Rachel B
Thanks for all the info about your journey. And the encouragement to continue on our own journeys! I would love to take that blog candy into my home where it would get some great TLC!
August 19, 2009 at 12:40 pm
kimberlee
Very cool reading about your journey, especially about taping videos.
August 19, 2009 at 2:27 pm
sandi holt
Sure glad I will still be able to enjoy your work through your card classes.
August 19, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Lisa
Wow everyone has a story!
that is what I learn over and over every day. I just subscribed to Paper Craft Magazine because of your talent and creativity! Sorry it is your last.
Keep inspiring all of us!!! I will keep my fingers crossed hoping to win!!! Lisa
August 19, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Emily Lurker
I have always wanted to get into the business but never knew exactly how to do it. Your story was very cool. I love when you are on Studio 5 you always to such fun things.
August 19, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Kim
I really enjoyed reading about how you got started in all this wonderful craftiness. I love coming to your card classes and creating wonderful new things!
August 19, 2009 at 3:55 pm
scrappingranny
I LOVE your classes – because of the tips I have learned there, and the chance to create something beautiful, I now have confidence that even a ‘granny’ can make lovely cards. I’ve subscribed to Paper Crafts for years but haven’t been able to make things look as good in reality as in the magazine as I now know I can. Thanks so much!
August 19, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Jessica B.
Intrigued???? Of course, I am intrigued. Thank you for the trip down your memory lane. Isn’t it wonderful and amazing how God guides our footsteps with out us even realizing it sometimes???
August 19, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Naz
What an amazing story. You definitely earned your position. I’ve been subscribing to PaperCrafts for a long time now. At some point I started a subscription to Cards. Although the books look cute, the content is no where near the caliber of PaperCrafts. My PaperCraft magazines are all tattered from use, while my Cards magazines just look nice on the shelf. Thanks for sharing. Would love a copy of the Card Fashion magazine.
August 19, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Erika M
What an awesome journey that you are on – thanks for sharing your story with us!
August 19, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Marla
What a great story! I’ve enjoyed all your designs and hard work!
August 19, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Janet L.
Isn’t it great to love your job! Thanks for the story and a great magazine. I’ve been a long time subscriber of Paper Crafts and always look forward to getting a new one! Thanks for the chance to win.
August 19, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Emily Wilson
Love it all! Such a GREAT magazine! Thanks!
August 19, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Kelly
Thanks, Susan, for an informative article! My first reaction was “How lucky is she?!” but after reading, I realize “luck” doesn’t have a whole lot to do with it! It’s kinda like those in the music business who take a number of years to be an “overnight success”! ~k
August 19, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Debbie
It’s so great when you can do what you love!
August 19, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Robbie Rubala
Loved hearing how you got into the business. Thanks for the chance to win a great resource!
Robbie
August 19, 2009 at 7:48 pm
sadie
congrats on your retirement??? I has been great fun in your classes
August 19, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Karen
Loved reading about how your career developed; all that work certainly paid off! Would love to own a copy of that magazine.
August 19, 2009 at 8:14 pm
ivy
congrats on all your hard work! sure paid off!
August 19, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Jackie
Congratulations – you must be so excited! So happy for you! Thanks for the chance to win!
August 19, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Heidi Stock
Wow, thanks for sharing your journey with us! I’m so glad to have benefited from it! You’re amazingly talented and I appreciate you sharing it with all of us!
August 19, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Elaine
Before I even finished your post, I was thinking that I need to get my hands on a copy of Card Fashion…oh please let me be one of the three lucky ones! 🙂
August 19, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Monica
Sue,
You amaze your fans again and again. Oh the PANIC we felt when we heard you were “retiring” – we thought that meant no more Q’s classes!!! I’m so glad that this career has brought you success and happiness. Most of all, I’m glad that it gave you an opportunity to inspire us all.
Congrats and best of luck in your next adventure!
~ Monica
August 19, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Jen Madsen
You have the dream job of a lot of women out there. I love your style and your creativity. Thanks!
August 19, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Joanie
I posted on your blog page also, but would love to receive this special magazine if I am lucky enough.
Have enjoyed reading your ‘history’, didn’t know all this about you. Just knew what wonderful classes you do, though I have had to miss the last couple and really hope to be in town for the next one. You are such a talented gal!
August 19, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Kathy F
WOW, Sue! 🙂 You are awesome and have done it all in our hobby! 😉 I loved reading about you and loved how you let us know that you love your job because you love the craft so much, but you also let us know that it is work! 🙂 Thanks so much! 🙂
August 19, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Brenda
Thank you very much for your story. It was inspiring to me. Paper Craft’s magazine is the best!
August 19, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Charlene Austin
What a great read. Thank you so much for sharing. Oh please please let me win one of the mags. I treasure my mag collection like you cannot believe. It would have a happy home with me!!!
August 20, 2009 at 1:14 am
Char- D
Thanks for sharing. This magazine would be such a treasure to have.
August 20, 2009 at 3:53 am
Marie-Hélène à Madrid
Hope I win !!! Yes .. I want to know more …
Kiss
August 20, 2009 at 6:52 am
S. Davis
What an interesting journey! Your creativity along with a strong work ethic have helped many of us. Good luck in the next step of your journey!
August 20, 2009 at 7:10 am
Rachel S
Thanks for sharing your story! I love PaperCrafts!
August 20, 2009 at 7:19 am
Valerie Durham
Thanks for sharing your story. I always love the special editions of Papercrafts magazine more than any other! Keep them coming!
August 20, 2009 at 7:30 am
Sue Neal
Thanks ladies for all your warm & wonderful comments.
August 20, 2009 at 8:14 am
Susan B
I love to hear how women get started on something they love and it turns into a big adventure! Thanks for inspiring me!
August 20, 2009 at 9:58 am
Becky
Thanks for sharing your story. I love all things PaperCrafts – there are always new, dynamic ideas.
August 20, 2009 at 10:38 am
cards4ever
You have had such a fun journey with PC.
August 20, 2009 at 10:42 am
Tammy
I’m so amazed at everything you’re able to accomplish! You’re awesome!
August 20, 2009 at 10:46 am
Brooks Wynn
Hi Susan, what a fun blog. I learned even more great things about you! I love contests. So I’m in for the Card Fashion drawing! Brooks
August 20, 2009 at 10:52 am
Margaret
What a fantistic story. Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work.
August 20, 2009 at 11:18 am
Tricia Dee
Thanks for telling your story and for all your hard work!
August 20, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Claude
That would be a great issue to win!
August 20, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Janet Olsen
Awesome! Congrats on all your accomplishments Susan and for sharing your story with all of us! I am in for the magazine!
August 20, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Janet Sisk
Oooo!Ahhhhh! Would LOVE to win a copy of Card Fashion! Thanks for the chance!
August 20, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Gayle
I see that you’re teaching a class at the Clinton Robert’s store – I love that you’re a local gal gone BIG TIME! I’d love to win your drawing.
August 20, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Barbara
What an inspiring story you have just shared. Your journey has certainly been an interesting one and I thank you for sharing it with us. I would love to be able to do something similar to what you do one day – just work with my cardmaking passion and turn it into something more than a late night hobby if you will…….
August 20, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Denise L.
Congratulations on your long and inspiring Paper/Crafting journey!
August 20, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Kelly Marie
It was so fun to read your story. Thank you so much for sharing!
August 20, 2009 at 10:27 pm
jen
It was great to read about your journey! Sounds like through all the hard work it is still fun! That’s an awesome kind of job to have!
August 21, 2009 at 4:03 am
Freebie Friday – Holiday Cards and More Week! « Paper Crafts Connection
[…] It’s time to announce the three winners from Sue’s Prepartion Meets Opportunity post! Here they are in no particular […]
August 21, 2009 at 10:11 am
Jennifer Scull
what a fun trip down memory lane! isn’t it amazing how fashion truly trickles down and influences so much of papercrafting?! I am always looking at the different color combos that I see in ads and stores to use on my creations. 🙂
August 21, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Linda Vincent
Sue the card classes are so great. I come to the clinton store for a fun evening and to learn some new techniques. I enjoy your talent for sharing the things that you know. Linda V.
August 25, 2009 at 11:37 am
Linda Beeson
It was fun to read that Susan had the concept for the Card Fashion issue. I truly think that that issue and the Gourmet issues have been the ones that I have enjoyed contributing to the most. I remember how excited I was for those issues to appear. Thanks for that great idea!
September 3, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Shari Rohde
Susan,
Just to let you know you were one of my favorite teachers on those instructional videos. I have been a subscriber of those videos since they first came out, and you have always been one of my favorites. I love your style and your stamping and unique card making abilities. I will miss you and hope that your new career allows for more segments in these videos, or better yet, a whole Susan Neal video, all about you and your career in paper crafting. Even a tour of your home studio! It would be great to see all of your stamp storage options.
Best of luck in your new adventure and blessings to you!
Shari
September 16, 2009 at 4:27 pm
So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu « Paper Crafts Connection
[…] in three different blog posts here on Paper Crafts Connection. You can read Alisa’s here, Susan’s here, and Wendy’s […]
June 2, 2020 at 10:42 am
Lynn Brown
What a great story and stroll down memory lane! You are an amazing designer and I love all you do! Lynn