Making postcards

Eric Castleman

I've noticed in other posts about postcards, that there seem to be some sort of rules on how to make postcards. What sort of things should be on there, and what are some things that should not be included? Can I have the front of the postcard just an image, and the back have all of my info? Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

DanetteDraws

@eric-castleman Most will do a single colour image on the front (which may or may not include just their URL small in the corner) and then on the back, all their contact info and a spot black and white image.

I follow the Sub it Club blog and they do a feature called the "Postcard Post". Here's the archive of that feature where different artists share the postcards they've sent out and advice on strategy. It should give you all the info you need! https://subitclub.com/postcard-post-archive/

Eric Castleman

@danettedraws thanks!! This is exactly what I was looking for.

NoWayMe

Hi Eric! Actually the last 3rd Thursday (the name is how to get freelance work) discuss postcards in details!

There also a section on postcards in In Illustrating children's book part 2 (video 2, last 20 minutes or so if you want to view it haha!)

Hope this helps!

MOO

I was just watching the Third Tursday for getting Freelance work. @Will-Terry l said something about checking the usps website to make sure you set your cards up right and don't put anything where their labels need to be, etc. I don't have a link or anything but, maybe it will be helpful to look for it.

Miriam

Here's some info from the USPS:

Postcards must be rectangular to qualify for First-Class Mail prices.
Oversized postcards will be charged as a letter or large envelope.

Size Requirements

Height
Minimum: 3 1/2" — Maximum: 4 1/4"
Length
Minimum: 5" — Maximum: 6"
Thickness
Minimum: 0.007" — Maximum: 0.016"
(NOTE: .016" thickness equates to Cardstock Paper Gauge of approximately 33 to 26; a common paper used is 110 pound Cardstock)

Addressing Postcards
The address side of a postcard is the side bearing the destination address and postage. The address side may contain a message area.

Miscellaneous graphics such as symbols, logos, or characters that appear on the address side of cards not containing a message are generally acceptable provided the items are not intended to convey a message.

To receive the postcard price the message area on the address side must be divided vertically or horizontally and meet the following additional standards:

Vertically divided cards
The address side of the card must be divided into a right portion and a left portion, with or without a vertical rule. The left portion is the message area.

The destination address, postage, and any United States Postal Service marking or endorsement must appear in the right portion. The right portion must be at least 2-1/8 inches wide (measured from the right edge of the card, top to bottom inclusive

Horizontally divided cards
The address side of the card must be divided into an upper portion and a lower portion, with or without a horizontal rule. The portion of the address side that does not contain the destination address is the message area.

The address, postage, and any Postal Service marking or endorsement must appear within the portion containing the destination address. As an alternative, when the destination address appears within the lower portion, it is permissible for the postage, return address, and any USPS marking or endorsement to appear in the upper portion. The portion bearing the destination address must be at least 1-1/2 inches high.

https://www.usps.com/ship/preparing-domestic-shipments.htm
http://faq.usps.com/?articleId=219323 (FAQ: What is a Postcard?)
http://faq.usps.com/?articleId=221639 (FAQ: How do I Address a Postcard?)