Impact
June 29, 2009 
With summer here, and a sea of illustration students fresh out of school, portfolios in hand, trying to figure out how to land that first job, I thought I'd post the cover of the second mailer I sent out, many moons ago. The first one, which I'll post if I can find a copy lying about, was a pretty small run. About ten units, all told. Still, it was enough to land me a few sweet jobs. This one did a little better. Ten pages, one colour (with coloured stock for a back cover), I think I printed 250 copies. Some high profile work followed. I really don't know if these type of mailers work any more. They're not as cost effective as an email promotion, that's for certain, but I would hope that, in tandem with an on-line presence, they'd make quite an impact (get it?) when they land on a potential clients desk. Stand out from the sea of postcard promos, as it were. I'd like to receive one if I was an Art Director. But then again, I've always liked getting stuff in the mail.
Reader Comments (2)
Hey Scott. Great advice.
There is certainly a place for a robust online presence and email marketing. I still swear by mail promotions though, postcards, multiple page booklets like you reference here, business card sized accordian folded promos, small boxes, beer coasters, and on and on and on.
These have always worked for me, I know that I see a spike in inquiries and actual assignments when I spend the time, money and effort to drop and AD or designer something in the mail.
I have also heard numerous times from people that never hired me for whatever reason that my promos hang in prominent spots in their cubicles. That may come in handy someday when a project is right for you.
Only advice I would add is to make sure you spend as much time and creative energy in designing your promotions as you would an illustration assignment.
Cheers.
I couldn't agree more, Mark.