Saturday, December 20, 2008

Marketing my Artwork

I think most artists are constantly looking for new ways to market their art and get their name "out there". I'm no exception. And if I'm honest with myself (and you), I'm not very good at the marketing piece. Improving my marketing plan will again be on my list of goals next year.

So with marketing on my mind as the perfect excuse, I treated myself to a little end-of-year present. I ordered custom postage stamps with my artwork from Zazzle! I love the idea of having my art on the outside of my art related mailings. It's an easy and relatively inexpensive way to expose the receipient to an additional image.

I ordered three sheets of stamps. One of the great things about Zazzle is that their discounts apply even if each sheet is made from a different image. I choose relatively simple images feeling that they would have a better impact. I also added my web address to each stamp, so if the postman sees my art and likes it, he'll know where to find it. Okay, so may be I'm dreamin' there, but it didn't cost extra, so why not?

Zazzle stamps come in three sizes - small, medium and large. All three sizes are offered with both a horizontal and vertical orientation. However, the image aspect ratio changes based on the stamp size, so look at the product details before choosing. I ordered the medium size stamp, because I felt the large size might overwhelm a thank you note envelope.

I found the custom stamp interface very easy to use. It didn't take long at all to complete my three design. And since you are not committed to ordering what you design, you can play to your heart's content.

But I have to say the best part was receiving the stamps in the mail. They arrived a few days after I placed the order and look so much better than I ever imagined. The picture below absolutely does not do them justice! I think the color quality and crispness of the image is excellent and I like the glossy finish.

(I smeared the bar codes in my photo editing software. They don't really look like that.)

So if you are looking for some low cost, no pressure marketing, why not give Zazzle postage stamps a try?

(In case you are wondering, I am not getting paid for this endorsement. I just want to share news of a product I am happy with. Also I did look at another custom postage supplier before ordering from Zazzle, but found Zazzle's prices and delivery to be better.)

9 comments:

Rose Welty said...

Stacy, thanks for sharing this idea - it's a good one. I'm with you on the marketing...what about social networking? have you tried it?

M J Muir said...

What a great idea Stacy. Thanks for sharing this info. From here they look quite spiffy.

Anita said...

Interesting idea, Stacy!

Jeanette Jobson said...

Nice idea Stacy. They are eyecatching indeed.

Indirect marketing something that I do at work in my regular job. Not the stamps, even though we did have national stamps this year, but the envelopes that I use have a message printed on the reverse.

You've reminded me to get cracking on my own marketing!

Anonymous said...

Stacy, sounds good, can not wait to see them.
Love Dad

Jennifer Rose said...

Good idea putting your art on stamps for your packages. I opened a Zazzle account the other day and its always great to read reviews of products.

Robyn Sinclair said...

Great idea, Stacy. I think your pomegranate stamp is particularly stunning.

Stacy said...

Rose, I haven't tried social networking. Over Christmas a friend was trying to convince me to start a Facebook account, but I fear it is just one more time drain. I have to be sooo careful not to let the computer eat all my art time.

You're welcome Blue. I was quite pleased with how they turned out.

And fun too, Anita!

Thanks Jeanette! It's hard to guess if this indirect marketing will be effective at all, but at least it's a non-threatening start to marketing.

I hope you liked them Dad.

Jennifer, does Zazzle also have non-US stamps? I didn't look around much when I was there, since it was a few days before Christmas and I was in a hurry.

Thanks Robyn! The pomegranate ended up being my favorite!

Billie Crain said...

Stacy, a belated Merry Xmas to you! i thought i posted a comment already but i guess not.