Friday, July 11, 2008
I have recently been concerned about marketing my freelance business and leaving a good impression on the potential client or collaborator. I have done simple thank you cards and leave behinds in the past, but I have always felt that they weren't something that would be held onto for very long and I would soon become a distant memory. My wife thinks I over analyze these things to the nth degree and have a somewhat pessimistic streak when it comes to my abilities as a graphic designer. I tend to agree with her, but I really do want to leave an impression with a client that will stick outside of the normal compliments on my work samples.
While brainstorming with my wife one evening on the way home from work, we both toyed around with the word "thanks" for a thank you package I could give to potential business partners. My wife is an idea mill and I am amazed at the things she can churn out with spontaneity. Then she said to me using a rough and fake New England accent, "Tanks!" "Tank You!" We laughed and I quickly said that it was funny and I would probably go in another direction. But after some thought, I realized she was brilliant and I would take that idea to the next level.
I did some research and discovered a toy distributer that sold tiny wind-up toy tanks made from tin. I was thrilled to find a miniature sample of the retro tin toys that I love so much. The ideas started churning in my head. Below are the results of my wifes idea with my refinement of the concept.
Here we see dog tag like hang tags that hang from foot locker. On one dog tag, the word "TANK" is what stands out. I edited it with a black pen by adding an "h" and an "s" so it reads "ThANKs" The other dog tag has my identity and tag line printed on it. I also painted the little wooden foot lockers to look like the typical government issue using OD Green and flat black stenciled letters and logo.
Here you can see the dog tags and the card inserted into the foot locker. The insert card takes the concept a little further. The "TANK YOU" stands out.
Once the packing material and insert card are removed, a tiny tin wind-up tank is discovered to galvanize the message. The insert card is blank on the inside so I can hand write a personalized message. The reverse side of the card has all of my contact info printed on it. A mini business card of sorts.
Those who have received this fun "Tank You" have given me some very positive feedback. I'm sure it will stick around a lot longer than a thank you card and hopefully leave a solid impression with a potential client or collaborator.
"Tanks," for checking out this fun concept.
While brainstorming with my wife one evening on the way home from work, we both toyed around with the word "thanks" for a thank you package I could give to potential business partners. My wife is an idea mill and I am amazed at the things she can churn out with spontaneity. Then she said to me using a rough and fake New England accent, "Tanks!" "Tank You!" We laughed and I quickly said that it was funny and I would probably go in another direction. But after some thought, I realized she was brilliant and I would take that idea to the next level.
I did some research and discovered a toy distributer that sold tiny wind-up toy tanks made from tin. I was thrilled to find a miniature sample of the retro tin toys that I love so much. The ideas started churning in my head. Below are the results of my wifes idea with my refinement of the concept.
Here we see dog tag like hang tags that hang from foot locker. On one dog tag, the word "TANK" is what stands out. I edited it with a black pen by adding an "h" and an "s" so it reads "ThANKs" The other dog tag has my identity and tag line printed on it. I also painted the little wooden foot lockers to look like the typical government issue using OD Green and flat black stenciled letters and logo.
Here you can see the dog tags and the card inserted into the foot locker. The insert card takes the concept a little further. The "TANK YOU" stands out.
Once the packing material and insert card are removed, a tiny tin wind-up tank is discovered to galvanize the message. The insert card is blank on the inside so I can hand write a personalized message. The reverse side of the card has all of my contact info printed on it. A mini business card of sorts.
Those who have received this fun "Tank You" have given me some very positive feedback. I'm sure it will stick around a lot longer than a thank you card and hopefully leave a solid impression with a potential client or collaborator.
"Tanks," for checking out this fun concept.
Labels: graphic design, self promotion
