illustrators

The Art Of Promotion by Post…

It’s been a long time since I last posted, well, all I can say I nearly never posted again after my run in with Little Miss Covid last year.

Today I thought I would turn my attention to much brighter topics. I believe that many people’s value systems have changed over the last two years. Health, wellbeing, friends, family, small acts of kindness and thoughtfulness have been the mood board of the early 2020s…well until this terrible and frightening war has broken out in Europe. I am sure some us now secretly yearn for those hedonistic dizzy hazy days at the height of the pandemic…but I digress.

I was going to write a blog about returning to a more personal approach with marketing, back to phone or zoom calls and posting beautiful creative paper art through to post to capture the attention of potential clients, and remain connected to and thanking current ones. People are returning back to studios and offices, though Covid is still very much with us. However, many are still only partially returned to workplaces and now with the new fuel crisis it is likely once again drivers will be asked to reduce journeys due to the spiralling of petrol and diesel, but also the financial squeeze of rocketing gas and electric costs.

Marketing material sent as an introduction or a thank you, must have impact, be memorable, delightful, and impressive. Designed and made by artist/designer Cintia Bertaccini

However, as they say…nothing ventured nothing gained…sending promotional materials by post is slow, its not like social media at all, but you can link it to your social media activity and content. A good example of this is Nikki Groom, known as Miss Magpie Fashion Spy on Twitter and Instagram. She often posts photographs of her beautiful creative promotional materials on Twitter. The thing about being a bit more creative, not simply dispatching postcards or packs of your work, is more importantly it demonstrates your imagination. Whether, creatively designed stationery, (Papergang) beautiful books of your work, (Blurb) or paper art, paper engineering and origami are all options. Equally, once you have checked with the art director, business, or media concerned if they would like to receive some materials, is then the opportunity to follow up. So if you don’t hear anything back after a week, you could send them an email or better still pick the phone up and call them. (Avoid Mondays and Fridays) Have some rapport building positive vibe comments ready and see if they would be willing to consider you for future projects.

Yes I know social media, films, videos, reels, podcasts, gifs are great, but perhaps it is time for that personal touch once again…take great care with your presentation and packaging. Neatly handwrite the name of the person and their role/job title. Commission a gifted calligrapher or someone with friendly handwriting, especially if your handwriting looks like anything like mine. Illustrate or decorate the envelop or box. Printed ink stamps are also popular visit Blade Rubber Stamps or Craft You can have your own images, drawings or designs made into ink stamps. Never send anything precious or expensive through the post if you are not sure if they will be there to pick it up. I have heard that some publishers have simply binned promo packs as most of their staff work form home, and there is no one to look at it on site.

I thought of writing lots of words…but instead…I think it is better for you see for yourself. So I have included links to various creative specialists in this field, people who know how to paper engineer or create original origami. I’ve include some sources of inspiration, and if you are looking for a complete list of printers, photographers, etc. then take a browse through Artquest Equally in my book The Essential Guide to Business for Artists and Designers in chapters 7 and 8 I have included a range of marketing resources and creative printers you can contact for sample packs and quotes.

Cintia Bertaccini (Super Star) is also on Instagram

The Paper Artist Collective (Constellation of Stars) are also on Instagram

Rob Ryan (A Supernova) Fantastic paper artist and produces beautiful screen prints and cards and is also on Instagram

Paul Jackson, is a bit social media shy, though the genius is on Facebook

Paul Jackson has produced over 40 books inspirational books with Laurence King.

http://www.origami-artist.com

https://www.laurenc eking.com/product/superstars/

Alison Branagan (A twinkly star) is also on Instagram

Always delighted to be invited to write for this very famous publication.

Please read my contribution – How to Make a Living: Money Matters, pages 488s – 491 Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook 2022

Available from local libraries if a bit skint. You can also download this as an eBook or subscribe to the material online

AOI Business Vision and Growth Webiner

Hi there everyone, a couple of days ago I gave a webinar for The AOI about business planning, vision and growth. We covered a lot of ground in forty-five minutes or so, and I hope the content will help illustrators seeking to scale up their enterprise some ideas.

There is an awful lot to know about new and growing markets in illustration, beyond the traditional markets of editorial, publishing and advertising. In print media and publishing is declining and its very difficult to grow in shrinking markets. We covered eight new expanding areas of trade and talked about some brilliant trailblazers in these genres. I also mentioned the importance of trends, and its possible to find some information on trends for free if you know where to look, but much has to paid for. Getting this type of insight can be vital to help you think more commercially and make more informed decisions.

Its also important to understand such matters as money management, viability, profitability. The size of your game can change quite suddenly when you are an illustrator or other creator, e.g. winning a large cash prize, big advertising licensing deal, commissions from luxury brands, etc. These unexpected opportunities can have tax implications, so to understanding how companies work can be advantageous for higher earners.

If you are a member of the AOI one-to-one consultancy is available with me for £35 per one hour session via Skype.

Equally I am available for one-to-ones directly, but its much better value to to talk to me once you have joined as you gain over 70% discount. My full rates to non-AOI members are here one-on-one or via Skye.

Header image kindly supplied by Mike Lee-Graham Mike Lee-Graham on Twitter Mike Lee-Graham on Instagram

In article image also kindly supplied by Josephine Dellow Josephine Dellow on Twitter Josephine Dellow on Instagram

You may be interested in my book The Essential Guide to Business for Creatives

Business Start-up for Creatives Weekend Course at Central Saint Martins

Entrepreneurship for Creatives Term Time Evening Course at Central Saint Martins

How to make a living: Money Matters

If you happen across the forthcoming Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook 2018 you may per chance discover my commissioned piece about money matters under Art and Illustration starting on page 484.

Musing about how on earth I managed to establish myself as an author we have to take a trip back to more than a decade ago when I started looking for a publisher. Its difficult for non-fiction writers to gain representation such as a literary agent but its not impossible. However, I’m still unrepresented so open to offers!

This valuable guide for authors, wordsmiths, as well as professonal illustrators for 2018 is in its 111th edition. As you can see from my highlighting below on the 100th Anniversary Edition in 2007, I like many artists and writers before me started out on my search.

If you are currently in my shoes, last worn over ten years ago, presently there are many more avenues open to publishing your literary or graphic novels today. Though it’s still tricky to gain the attention of an established publisher.

My key pieces of advice are don’t write the whole manuscript before you start approaching reputable publishers as they may wish only to see some sample chapters, and for you to fill in a rather lengthy document called an ‘Author’s Questionnaire’ often available from the publisher’s website on download. Equally you might need to open to feedback and be willing to adapt your ideas slightly, which can be enormously frustrating.

Its also worth knowing that many publishers desire for at least half the sales to be either in America or overseas…also be prepared to wait, it can be very slow process even getting your proposals looked at. If this isn’t very appealing then there are other options, but be wary about self-publishing deals, always read the terms and conditions very carefully before investing your own money or embarking on a crowdfunding campaign.

More useful blogs and advice can be found via the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook website. The Society of Authors is also a very useful organisation to join if you find you have been commissioned to write your first book. If you are an author and struggling to finished a research project or a commissioned manuscript for either financial reasons or ill heath, then if you are currently or become a member you might be able eligible for a grant.

I’ve also been commissioned to write a couple of blogs for the Writers & Artists’ Yearbook website this year, here are the links: Protecting Your Work Online Effective Self-Promotion for Artists & Designers and Making A Living

Occasional Newsletterette:

The Essential Guide to Business for Artists & Designers will be translated into Latvian next year in 2018, I’ll post an update and link when I receive some complementary copies. Interestingly the book will be printed in black and white, I should think the front cover will change also.

I very much look forward to seeing it. Equally the first print run of the UK second edition has nearly sold out this year. It’s not too late to purchase a copy for yourself or a friend for Christmas. It may be some time until there is a third edition as this version took eighteen months to write.

Have a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!