From time to time I like to create promotional direct mailers designed to (or intended to) hold the reader's attention for longer than a standard postcard promo.
I've been interested in the important messages offered on Yogi tea bag labels (drink a lot of it) and the wisdom from fortune cookie fortunes, and thought they might make interesting concepts to illustrate. At the same time, I have been having some fun working up some new and varied creations in my digital style. At first, I thought a small booklet would do the trick - but I thought these as illustrated bookmarks might be better.
I am using eight pieces - stapled together, and hole punched to facilitate a possible hang up. Of sorts. Final size: 2.75 X 8"....
The process to assemble something like this is time consuming - especially at first. But if it works well and there seems to be interest, I will consult my list of college or High School students (2?) interested in learning the fine art of illustrated-bookmark-making to help out. (Or I could just get the thing printed at a......uh, printer).
Projects such as this usually lead to some interesting assignments. The hope is that Art Directors might spend a bit of time going through this sort of thing - and remember it. Better yet - help prompt a concept / solution for a project - and in a way, 'creating' an assignment.
This is a re-composition of a recent piece I did for Harvard magazine. (will post later) ...
Most of these are created with some mixture of ink drawing, cut paper, collage - but all digitally brought together.
This is one I did a while ago - but I wanted to include it for overall balance. I wanted a piece with some sort of repeat / pattern......
The raw fury of the cutting room is something every prospective intern clamors for. Designed 3 per page, planet saved, trim kept to a min.
The bindery - whilst dangerous - smokes with excitement. Most of the action is found near the red arrow.
The hole-punchery - not for the timid or faint of heart. Please see red arrow for action.
I need assistance with putting together more of these. So I am on the lookout for an intern manager: applicants must have prior executive experience, extra time on their hands, big hair.
Some sketches....
Some cut paper figures. Never made it off the cutting room floor to the scanner.
Here are a few details that might be hard to read on the others....
So if a black envelope arrives at your doorstep, do not despair.... Sip some hot tea, eat a fortune cookie, and read a good book... but don't loose your place.
8 comments
Jim PaillotJanuary 13, 2009
John- I am inspired. Not only by your fortune cookie wisdom but by your really neat idea and how you put it in motion. It also helps that the artwork is truly nice!
J.D. KingJanuary 14, 2009
It is imperative that you give two sets each to every Drawger, and deliver them in person, with a smile.
Why two sets? One for us to squirrel away for investment purposes, the other for daily use.
Why "in person with a smile"? 'Cause it'd be cool!
Thanks, buddy!
Rob DunlaveyJanuary 14, 2009
There's something for everyone here. Good luck with it. I like the black envelope.
Harry CampbellJanuary 14, 2009
John,
That should be a memorable mailer for a lucky a d to receive, not a throw away. I kind of miss doing my own promotions, maybe you've inspired me to do one on my own, rep handles most.
Your assembly line pics remind me of a week I worked for a small mag in Crested Butte CO, manually stapling magazines, it was actually a pretty cool machine.
John DykesJanuary 14, 2009
Thanks - and Harry, maybe that is it - not a throw away (hopefully)... Many times jobs do come in a year or two from the mailing. Planting seeds!
Christoph HitzJanuary 14, 2009
Great promotion. If I had to pick a favorite, I'll pick the yellow skater.
Hal MayforthJanuary 15, 2009
Cool promotion, John. The tall vertical format poses interesting problems and I like what you've done with them. I wish scotch bottles had words of wisdom on them.
Charlita DativoMay 18, 2009
Thank you for a very informative and inspiring wisdom bookmarks. Indeed they are very useful for everybody especially for an educator. More blessings for sharing the talents God has given you.
