Direct Smile

[Danny Kochevar]

We just bought Direct Smile and I need to learn it real quick. Does anybody know what a reasonable learning curve is for this software. It seems to be somewhat involved. We are using it for image personalization and using HP Smart Stream Designer for the variable data part. Thanks!

Danny

[Creative311]

If you have some folks there who are good with Photoshop it should be very quick. Most of the work with DirectSmile is creating motifs with image backgrounds and then using layering actions similar to Photoshop. Once the motif is set - then it's on to the VDP software. They also have an on-line store where you can buy hundreds of pre made motifs. Some are great - some are horrible. Just like anything else, the motif has to tie into the offer and make sense - you've got to have very good creative with this because the gimmick of a personalized image alone won't do what you want. Good luck - it can be very cool and a great way to get your message noticed.

[Edward Tsui]

If you have some folks there who are good with Photoshop it should be very quick. Most of the work with DirectSmile is creating motifs with image backgrounds and then using layering actions similar to Photoshop. Once the motif is set - then it's on to the VDP software. They also have an on-line store where you can buy hundreds of pre made motifs. Some are great - some are horrible. Just like anything else, the motif has to tie into the offer and make sense - you've got to have very good creative with this because the gimmick of a personalized image alone won't do what you want. Good luck - it can be very cool and a great way to get your message noticed.

Agree with Creative311. Same situation here. I once recommend one our customer to buy DirectSmile, but they are failure to use finally. The operator has got to have very good creative with it indeed. So now we will let the customer to write Script to create some special effect in PhotoShop when the personlaized image is not very complicated. then import image file into variable software to add variabel text, barcode design and output.