Over the last two years I have sent out hundreds of postcards and promotional pieces to a few dozen hand-selected publications and art buyers. I have really enjoyed the ongoing project since it requires extremely-tight editing of images, utilizing my graphic design skills to create the print pieces, and directing my focus toward publications and agencies that I’m truly interested in working for. For me, this sort of project keeps my creative vision on track, as I continue to chip away at shooting the kind of work I love to do.

Overnightprints.com prints all of my self-promotional pieces. They specialize in 4-color printing on heavy stock in large and short-runs. The quality is excellent and color is very consistent. They offer fantastic email deals from time-to-time and I recommend them to friends often. Tip: download one of their templates to ensure that print size and crop marks are accurate. Design in 8-bit, CMYK color mode and use the GRACoL 2006 color profile (always check first to be sure this is the most current profile in use).

I hand-write individual notes to each potential client and occasionally send the 5.5″x8.5″ color postcards in transparent vellum envelopes (which substantially adds to my expense). Addressing and writing out all the mailers generally takes several days and I try to send them out quarterly. Researching my recipients is extremely important in the process. I always want to be sure I have the proper name and address of the art director or photo editor as well as an understanding of the style of photography they typically use.