Should my postcards be general or specific?

[Griffin McPherson]

I'm starting to put together a mailing list of people to send postcards to but I have some questions.

I'm interested in illustrating children's books ,YA books, and book covers for any variety of books. Should I have a mailing list and postcard for each one of those groups or do I just put together a mailing list with all of those groups combined and send out a postcard that gives a good idea of my style in general?

I've taken the "how to get work as a freelancer" class which was super helpful but still left me with these questions.

[Melissa_Bailey]

@Griffin -- YES, you should have a different, specific postcard for each of those groups instead of generalizing. A generalized postcard or portfolio brings to mind the saying "Jack of all trades, master of none" ... instead of showcasing your versatility, it could actually raise questions in a potential client's mind.

While the prevailing recommendation is to specialize in one genre, there are illustrators whose portfolios cast a wide net of styles and genres. However, they are organized, making it easy for a potential client to find what they're looking for.

A note about postcards: since the pandemic started, art directors and editors started working from home so they weren't getting postcards that were sent to the publishing house/business. Don't know if that has changed or not -- I've been keeping an eye out for hints that they're back in the buildings, but so far it looks like the editors/art directors I follow on social media are still working from home.

[Griffin McPherson]

@Melissa-Bailey-0 that’s very interesting about them working from home. I hadn’t thought of that, definitely good to know.

That aside. If they like my postcard I’d imagine they would go to my website where I will have a portfolio for each of those given areas I’d like to work in so then they would simply go to that portfolio and find what they’re looking for. The only difference in this scenario is that my postcard art might not be totally children’s book style, or YA style or whichever the publisher specializes in. It would still represent my style as a whole so that way when they get to my site it’s all cohesive.

That’s what I have in mind. If you still think that’s definitely a no go, let me know! Thanks for the feedback

Also, it would be helpful to see what other artists do on postcards but I have had zero luck finding examples

[von_Nimmermehr]

Hey Griffin,

like @Melissa-Bailey-0 said, you should go with various designs.
It will not cost a fortune and there are printing Websites out there, who makes it possible to have multiple designs made on the front ans same details on the back. Never go for the easy choice because of lazyness or money. People will not just got to your website. They go to your website because you did your homework and actually send them a postcard with work they will be interested in.

On the other hand they could go to your website, because your work is outstandingly impressive and even better then all the other postcards they recieve.

I buy 100 postcards for 11€ and its good paper and quality.

I hope i don't sound rude. I know i tend to not having the right word in english.

p.s. could you tell me, whats YA books?

[Melissa_Bailey]

@Griffin yep, a generalized postcard is definitely a no-go in my opinion.

Usually, if an art director likes your postcard, they post it somewhere where they will continue to see it, to remind them that they want to work with this person someday. If your postcard contains a lot of generalized images, it's (1) not an easy read and (2) probably not something an AD would post on their board as an image they like by an illustrator they'd like to work with someday.

As far as examples of postcards, there is the hashtag #kidlitpostcard that illustrators have been using to post digital postcards on Twitter and Instagram the first Thursday of every month. You can check out that hashtag for digital examples. I'll also attach an image of my postcard that I printed right before the pandemic started (the stack is still waiting to be mailed out!).

[Griffin McPherson]

@von_Nimmermehr thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it! YA stands for young adult. Young adult novels have some of the most fun covers in my opinion

[Griffin McPherson]

@Melissa-Bailey-0 your postcard looks great! I bet you’re really itching to send it out. Did not know about that hashtag, will definitely have to check that out. Thanks so much!

[Melissa_Bailey]

@Griffin thanks and you're so welcome!

[von_Nimmermehr]

@Griffin ahhh yes, how obvious.

If you print some postcards in the future, please show them

[StudioLooong]

@Griffin Here are some places you can find examples of postcards:

https://subitclub.com/postcard-post-archive/

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23mailersandcoffee&src=typed_query&f=top

Also, next Thursday is the next #kidlitartpostcard social media event, even though you can't print & send at the moment, this event has been getting pretty good traction:

https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/kidlitartpostcard/
http://www.ginaperry.com/blog/2021/5/26/announcing-kidlitartpostcard