3 posts tagged “selfpromotion”
After giving you the story behind Perch's MiniCards, we thought we should catch up with photographer, Simon Warren. Also featured on our MiniCards page, he's been taking advantage of the latest features and comparing them with the larger Business Cards he's been using (and loving) for a while. Here's what he had to say:
Simon Warren is one of the UK's top location photographers. He's been using MOO's Business Cards to showcase his outstanding graphic images: bold exteriors, sleek interiors, arresting construction shots and more.
Though happy with the size and scope of the Business Cards, he's recently been experimenting with MiniCards, with positive results.
A hardcore Business Card fan, Simon was initially worried by the slimmed-down dimensions of the MiniCards (about half the size of a full-size business card.)
"At first, I was concerned that the cards would be simply too small to showcase my photos effectively", he explains. "But actually, this can work very well. The cards show snippets of images – almost abstract – giving a hint of information, but (quite literally) not the full picture."
Rather than being a hindrance, this fits well with other design aspects of his brand. "My website works in exactly the same way – visitors are shown an interesting or intriguing section of an image, which they click to see in full. It’s a simple but effective way to get people involved and interacting with my work."
He also likes the impact the MiniCards can have when shown together. "Once you have a whole bunch of cards spread out on the table, the viewer is able to get a better impression of your work than a single image can provide, so that's how I like to show them. Then I let the viewer choose whichever one they want. The fact that they've been involved in the choice often helps them remember your work better than if you simply thrust a card into their hand.
"I often refer to my MOO Business Cards as my ‘mini-portfolio’. My MiniCards are now my mini-mini portfolio!" he laughs. "Sometimes when you're carrying a full set of business cards around in a holder, it can be a little clunky. At a very basic level, they're physically easier to carry around with you. As a photographer, you carry so much equipment with you - that's a big plus."
Simon's also pleased with his MiniCard holder. "It swings open sideways and then you push the cards out with your thumb. It's unusual and I think people like that.
"At networking events so many people are handing out conventional business cards in conventional holders. Sometimes that's what you want, but other times it's good to stand out a little. MiniCards can help you do just that."
Thanks for chatting with us Simon!
Find out more about Simon's work, or check out his portfolio.
What do you get if you cross MiniCards with magnets? Moognets! We’re seeing more and more moognets out there, and one of our favourite moognet-makers is illustrator Luisa Vidal, aka Etsy seller Fashion Fuchsia.
Luisa sells her moognets as beautifully packaged themed sets. Bright yellow suns shine next to redheads in sunglasses. Blue boys and purple girls reach for each other’s hands from their respective MiniCards. Or the customer can go random and choose their own – fancy clashing a pink alien robot with a cat-boy in a brown dog costume?
As well as magnets, Luisa makes MiniCard bookmarks and uses Postcards to showcase her illustrations. We caught up with her to talk illustration, Etsy, moognets and more.
Hi Luisa! We love your work. Where do you get your inspiration?
I’ve always loved drawing – one of my earliest memories is of my Dad teaching me how to draw a cup of tea! And the inspiration for my subject matter comes from my two main hobbies: cinema and fashion. I love film: animation, sci-fi, fantasy, action – everything! I enjoy creating characters that are the protagonists of my own little movie-stories in my head. I like to imagine what life would be like for them: what they’d wear and who they’d be friends with. Then I put that into my drawings.
Do you produce your work by hand, on computer, or a combination of both?
It’s a combination. I draw my ideas on paper and then use the computer to finish or colour it. The initial freehand drawing on paper is very important to me – I appreciate it a lot in my creative process.
How long have you been selling on Etsy? Is it a good place for an illustrator to promote herself?
I’ve been selling on Etsy since March 2009. It’s easy to use and you can communicate with many people around the world. There’s a good community of illustrators on there. Managing an Etsy store does require time and patience, but it’s a lot of fun.
What made you decide to use MOO in your work?
I decided to create my own products because I often go to stores and can’t find what I’m after – little gifts with a special touch. I’ve always enjoyed using magnets to stick photographs, drawings, and notes to the fridge or filing cabinet or whatever. It’s such a sweet, personal thing to do. And I was looking at my MiniCards and realised that their measurements and finish make them perfect for making magnets from. I thought they’d make my designs look fun and colourful in people’s bedrooms, offices or kitchens.
How about the bookmarks?
Yes, I also make bookmarks with MiniCards. I like to think of my designs accompanying people as they go about their day-to-day lives. Reading a book is like starting a long journey with someone – the book becomes an inseparable companion. By day, by night, on the bus, the book’s there. I thought it would be fantastic for someone to have one of my bookmarks on the journey with them.
Is paper quality and print finish important to you?
Oh yes…. I admit I’m a bit of a perfectionist! I love good, thick paper and the finish on MOO products. I make all my things with great care, and I like to collaborate with people who take a similar pride in the things they produce. I’ve found a great place to print my designs in MOO.
Thanks for the interview Luisa!
Find out more about Luisa at www.fashionfucsia.blogspot.com or check out her work in her Etsy store
Just when we thought summer was never going to arrive, MOO HQ is slowly melting in the London sunshine. While our brains are frying, here's some inspiration from people with just a bit more energy than we have right now. Some great shots of people using MOO's to their fullest potential...
Mini flyers! And yes, Mini in every sense of the word. Flickr user, dlopez8a has created these with Business Cards to promote a Mini Cooper social, in South Carolina.
oh_gosh has also used Business Cards, but this time for invitations to a private party. She used Wordle to create these - which seems to be more popular by the second! (If you've not tried it, you should give it a go).
These Text MiniCards were spotted in Canada, decorating favours for a baby shower. It's a complicated line of credit, but, praguelondon posted this photo on Flickr - and it was actually taken by her friend Melanie.
Willeke & Bertrand have been busy creating beautiful things, and then wrapping them - each package perfectly sealed with a little MOO Sticker
While another crafter, jek in the box took this beautiful shot of her work, all tagged with MiniCards and ready for sale.
And last but by no means least, look at these cool MiniCards, Postcards and badge sets! designbyclaire made them for an exhibition, and they look fantastic!
