These were some images found on google and pinterest, I am using them to kickstart my research and analysis process for this and to try and spark some ideas.
1. I really like the overall handmade aesthetic, it still looks clean and professional but you can pick up on what sort of style she works in. I think the idea of a portrait is good, although it might need something more distinctive. I personally don't feel I have a distinctive appearance and I don't have a trademark style so I think this would be hard for me. I could always test it out with a few sketches.
2. This example of a creative cv is very clear and to the point. These are qualities that need to be reflected in my own cv, but I feel it needs to be done in a more creative and less structured way in order to be aligned with my practice. I also think it is really important for all the information to fit on one page as it makes the cv itself look like a piece of work rather than just a document. I also think it will cause less people to lose interest.
3, 4, 5, 6. I thought these business cards showed a bit of innovation, they challenge conventional layout, media, function and shapes. I think that using a business card that is not a standard size is a good idea as it will stand out if put in a stack of other cards. It will also feel different when someone picks it up and might retain their attention for a bit longer.
7. Again, returning to the portrait idea. It's good if you have something iconic about your appearance that isn't changing anytime soon, but otherwise it might just become a bit of a lost concept.
8. I included this because it is a good example of merging text and image. It would be nice for the text on the business card to work as part of the image itself and not sit too separate. It shows your skill as an illustrator to make the business card look like a complete image.
9. These were some designs I didn't really like. I have nothing against simplicity, it can often be really effective. However, these designs look a bit bland and I don't feel that the imagery has much personality.
Leah Goren
I can relate to her practice a lot and I have had a keen interest in her work over the last couple of years. I can see myself with a website and promotional strategy very similar to hers. Her website consists of an online portfolio of personal work and commissions, it also has an about section and a link to her blog and shop. I think a blog is something I am really interested in maintaining after I finish my degree. During my studies I am finding the process useful but when I finish, I will have more freedom with what I choose to blog about. I can see this being something I do for myself that people are welcome to read and take an interest in. However, I think a website and social media accounts will probably receive the most attention.
Leah has a Tumblr, Instagram and twitter account. She also sells her work on Etsy. I am most familiar with her Instagram account and I find it interesting that she shares aspects of her personal life as well as her professional work. She will share pictures of where she is from and her friends which I think is a nice touch, although I don't think I would be willing to do the same to that extent. I think it is important to get your personality across through social media, I think it is important to come across as relatable and approachable but also maintain the professionalism that is required to be successful and respected in the industry. I am planning to create a new Instagram because although my current account does feature a lot of my work, it also has a lot of content about my private life.
Looking at how Leah Goren promotes herself is helping me to draw parallels between mine and other illustrator's practices. This has been a more useful exercise than just looking at business card designs. I am going to analyse the creative strategy of three other practitioners I align myself to see if I can glean any more inspiration or pointers.
MOO Research
I looked on the moo website which is a company that makes business cards, I just wanted to see what kind of basic designs were already out there. I like the idea of having one side just as a pattern but I think the back of it, just black text on a white background is quite plain. The ones with type on them, especially the blue one on the far right say a lot more about the person because it gives a description. I don't think this is necessarily appropriate to me though. I would prefer for my imagery to speak for itself. I can see my business cards being a combination of pattern and spot images combined with text. I will need to decide on a typeface or a style of handwriting for this because it will need to be carried across all platforms. I tried writing my name in numerous ways, I think the more natural handwriting styles are working best. Nothing too fancy but they definitely have more personality than a standard typeface. I have roughed up some business card designs too, I am planning on using existing imagery to make a set of cards which follow the same theme but have differing designs.
What do I want me self promotion to be and why?
Handmade quality - I prefer analogue processes and most of my work has an overall handmade aesthetic. I want it to be personal and reflect me.
Versatile design - It needs to be able to work alcove print and on screen formats. It also should be adaptable enough to fit within varying borders and print onto various materials.
Show variety - I don’t feel like I have a clearly defined way of working although others have said they can always recognise my work. I want to show the range of what I do, for example my looser ink work but also my more detailed imagery.
Professional - My overall creative presence needs to be professionally executed to show I have a place in the professional industry.
Something useable? Bull dog clip, paperclip, buttons, pens, pencils, post-it note
Something unusual? Train ticket, luggage label, pebble,
Something shareable? Gift tag, quote, message,
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