Promo Process - June Mailer.

I know I had shared this piece on an earlier post, but now that I can openly share that this was OnceUponaSketch's first mailer as a group, I can also tell you a bit more about the process.

As a group we decided on the theme of mythical creatures and I wanted to focus on a Unicorn. The design of the postcards was pre-selected and we all had to work within a specific format.
Below are a few images that highlight my process.




I start with a sketch (not shown), which I then clean up, and use as my final art line once I scan it (first image). I then add color, shadows, and all other details (image 2). I wanted to use a soft palette that would complement the light colors of the Unicorn, but wanted to balance it out with some splash of color shown on the flowers and fairy dresses. I also wanted to give the right shading to the Unicorn to balance the dark eye, but without taking away from the movement of the piece. This last part was a bit more challenging and I used the “call a friend” card. I asked my peers and they were able to help me get the right balance.


Tip: Another tool that I use constantly as I’m working is the saturation tool, and I usually have it as a separate layer. It allows me to see that I have a good tonal value throughout the composition (image 3).

ILLUSTRATION PROMOTIONAL PACKAGE

I am so pleased to share my latest promotional package. If you've been following my blog, you've read about the amounts of time it took me to put this together. Time will only tell if all my efforts will pay off, but I have faith that they will.

I paid attention to every little detail. I re-designed my logo and stationary to make it more illustration focused. I designed the labels and had a few extra postcards printed to show a variety of work other than the Three Billy Goats Gruff. I also included a SAS post card for feedback, and a short letter introducing myself. All of these materials were put into a pochette envelope which then went into a manila envelope. I chose a bright lemon-yellow color to make sure the envelope stood out from the bunch. Let's hope it works!

My goal was to make a promotional package that was original without being gimmicky and that showcased both my illustration and graphic design talents. I really enjoyed putting this together.

I realized that I can not do this on a regular basis, but perhaps once a year.

What about you, how do you promote yourself? I would love to hear your thoughts...

My first self-promotion postcard! & IF: Contained

I am getting all my promotional pieces ready for the SCBWI Florida conference and this week I thought I would write about the postcard I created.
I used vistaprint for my printing. They were having a promotion and I just paid shipping. It was a great deal!
Since these are to pass out at the conference, I did not worry about a printing service that offered direct mailing. I may send some of these out to publishers and editors, but I still have to build a mailing list. (That may be a task for next month).
If you would like a postcard, send me an email with your info, and I’ll get one out in the mail.
I created the postcard in Photoshop with all the printer’s specifications (size, bleeds, resolution, etc) and saved the files as .jpg. 

Here’s the front of it:

The first thing I came up with was a ‘theme’ for the card and tied in the words, front illustration and back illustration to them. (I guess my advertising background comes in handy). I picked an image that had great energy and was vibrant and colorful so it would stand out but wasn’t too busy. I thought it also fit IF's theme because the boy is well contained in his  go-kart.
I also added my contact information on the front, as with my business card, I think contact information should be on the front to make it easy for Art Directors to contact you.

On the back I included all of my contact information, as well as company name, name and title, and I also used a black and white spot illustration that tied in with the theme. The right half is left untouched on purpose, this is where the address label and stamp would go. If you are making your own and want to use some of the space on the right, check with the post office to find out how big of a blank area you need to leave.

SELF PROMOTION and IF:RESOLVE

The SCBWI Florida Chapter is having a conference the middle of this month. I am so excited about this conference. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow illustrators and get a first look at the industry. In addition to attending a few workshops, I signed up for a portfolio critique and I am also exhibiting my portfolio. I was apprehensive about signing up for the exhibit without having the critique, but without exposure, there’s no way to know how good I am. So I will take my chances and have my work out for everyone to see!

The next two weeks are all about getting ready for the conference. It is my resolve to spend this first half of the month on fine tuning my portfolio and working on some self-promotion pieces. I have made some progress and the first piece of self-promotion I worked on is my business card. 

A few months ago I printed my first set of cards with Psprint.com, and I was very pleased with their quality, price and turn around time. I received great feedback on the cards and now I am running low and decided it was a good time to revamp what I already had.

New Front

I changed the spot illustration on the front for an image that was more dynamic and full of energy and representative of the style I wanted to be working with.I left my name on the front and what I do so that anyone looking at the front understands it.

I also think the boy shows determination and resolve to have fun on his scooter which fits IF's theme perfectly!

I left the back of the card untouched. I listed all of my contact information and repeated my name and what I do to make it simpler for people reading the card. Otherwise, they’d have to flip the card to be able to read my name (yes, I’m funny about things like that).

TIP: If you are designing your own business card, my recommendation is to keep it simple but include key information such as who you are (name/company/title), what you do and how to contact you. If you are an illustrator, definitely include an image of your work! This image needs to be simple since it will be rather small and it needs to have great impact. A character or a spot illustration would be a great start. A two-sided card would make it easier to fit all information and have your spot illustration stand out more. On the back list all contact information. Don’t forget your website and your e-commerce site if you have one!

I’ll be writing about post cards next week...

MY CARDS ARE IN!!!

My cards are here, and they look great! They are printed in a really thick matte stock, which I've always liked better. Psprint.com really delivered! The colors are great, the quality fantastic, and the price very reasonable. I am very happy with their product, now I just need to start handing them out!

OFF TO PRESS!!

FRONT

BACK

My business cards are off to the printers! I am so excited and can't wait to get them back! Overall, I am happy with how they turned out. It's a very clean design and I was able to fit all the right information on the card. I still hesitate about the illustration. I like the colors and how well it stands out on the front, but the characters may be too passive. Oh well, I could go on forever. 

Oh, I am using psprint.com for the printing. I will let you know what I think of their service and product when I get the cards.

Have a great weekend everyone! and thanks for visiting and for your input! 

MOTHER, BABY and ANOTHER LITTLE GUY!

I have been thinking about a spot illustration for my business cards. OH, It's so difficult to create a 'brand' for yourself! To create that perfect image that captures your style...an image that is simple, yet makes a lasting impact and leaves people wanting to see more. 

Well, I don't know that this image really does it all, but people keep asking me for business cards, and I feel so unprofessional without one!  So I am just saying this one will have to do!

When I was painting the spot illustration, I had a strong urge to dabble (or doodle) with some paint and this little guy came out...Don't know where he came from, but he sure looks like he's ready for trouble!

SUMMER IN COLOR

I have one season left to finish. I hope to post it in the next week or so. I am really enjoying these cards. 

I just became an aunt last week! so I will be busy with family this week and won't be posting as much.  Thanks for your input.

FALL IN COLOR

I completed this one today! I am pleased with the outcome. I am looking forward to finishing the last two seasons! 

MY NEW WEB SITE IS UP!

http://www.tenengo.com/