If you read anything about Alt Summit, you know there are two things that are a huge deal — business cards and fashion.
I started planning my cards a few months ago, and since I’d asked for a wacom tablet for Christmas, I knew I wanted to try my hand at illustrating the back of my cards. My first idea was to do an illustration about pattern mixing, but when I mentioned it to my sister, Janssen, she suggested I go with something a little more unique and unexpected, like my post about how to layer with dresses. Brilliant.
Once my illustration was done, I teamed up with Minted to create the final card. I looked through their selection of card fronts and chose this simple watercolor card, which was super complimentary, but allowed the back to be real focal point. I also ordered them on the triple thick paper which I ended up absolutely loving (it shocked me a bit at first since I didn’t expect them to be quite as thick as they were, but soon grew to love them, especially once I started handing them out and saw the weight of everyone else’s cards — I loved how substantial and legit it made them feel!).
When we checked in on Day One, everyone received a little Alt notebook. As I collected other people’s cards over the weekend, I used washi tape to stick them in the notebook, and then wrote a little note next to each card to remind me of the person — where I met them, what they were wearing, how they were pregnant with their first baby, or wearing an amazing vintage dress, or waiting for their boyfriend to propose…whatever would help spark a memory of my interaction with them. It was a really helpful system and I got a bunch of other people doing it by the end (although I have to admit it was Miranda’s genius idea — not mine!)
The other thing besides business cards that I brought to Alt was my media kits. I heard from a few people that media kits were discouraged, and that companies would only want to see your business cards, but after talking to a few other people I decided it was worth it to bring them anyway. When companies are receiving over 600 business cards in a weekend, I think it’s nice to have something extra to make you stand apart and give companies a bit more information about you and your blog that the few pieces of info you put on your card.
My media kits were 7″x7″ and were four pages — a cover page, an about page, a statistics page, and a page that covered my advertising options, pricing, and contact info. I got them printed at a local print shop on a thick glossy card stock, and they cut them and punched the holes in them all for under $100.
I brought 30 media kits with me, and ended up giving about half of them out (I gave everyone my card, but only media kits to those companies I really wanted to work with), but I saw a very positive response and the companies immediately opened them up and started browsing through them.
Now that I’ve handed them out and talked to companies about them, I’ve realized that my sewing projects and tutorials are a big part of my blog that is missing from them. They’re mentioned on my about page as something I do, but all of the images I included are style related. Also, I wish I’d included press features as well just to give my blog more credibility when talking to these companies. I’ll definitely be amending both of those items when I print more for future conferences!
A huge thanks to Minted for my gorgeous cards! If you’re in need of business cards, greeting cards, holiday cards, or really anything, they are absolutely the best to work with.
February 05, 2014
ALT SUMMIT ESSENTIALS: BUSINESS CARDS + MEDIA KITS
If you read anything about Alt Summit, you know there are two things that are a huge deal — business cards and fashion.
I started planning my cards a few months ago, and since I’d asked for a wacom tablet for Christmas, I knew I wanted to try my hand at illustrating the back of my cards. My first idea was to do an illustration about pattern mixing, but when I mentioned it to my sister, Janssen, she suggested I go with something a little more unique and unexpected, like my post about how to layer with dresses. Brilliant.
Once my illustration was done, I teamed up with Minted to create the final card. I looked through their selection of card fronts and chose this simple watercolor card, which was super complimentary, but allowed the back to be real focal point. I also ordered them on the triple thick paper which I ended up absolutely loving (it shocked me a bit at first since I didn’t expect them to be quite as thick as they were, but soon grew to love them, especially once I started handing them out and saw the weight of everyone else’s cards — I loved how substantial and legit it made them feel!).
When we checked in on Day One, everyone received a little Alt notebook. As I collected other people’s cards over the weekend, I used washi tape to stick them in the notebook, and then wrote a little note next to each card to remind me of the person — where I met them, what they were wearing, how they were pregnant with their first baby, or wearing an amazing vintage dress, or waiting for their boyfriend to propose…whatever would help spark a memory of my interaction with them. It was a really helpful system and I got a bunch of other people doing it by the end (although I have to admit it was Miranda’s genius idea — not mine!)
The other thing besides business cards that I brought to Alt was my media kits. I heard from a few people that media kits were discouraged, and that companies would only want to see your business cards, but after talking to a few other people I decided it was worth it to bring them anyway. When companies are receiving over 600 business cards in a weekend, I think it’s nice to have something extra to make you stand apart and give companies a bit more information about you and your blog that the few pieces of info you put on your card.
My media kits were 7″x7″ and were four pages — a cover page, an about page, a statistics page, and a page that covered my advertising options, pricing, and contact info. I got them printed at a local print shop on a thick glossy card stock, and they cut them and punched the holes in them all for under $100.
I brought 30 media kits with me, and ended up giving about half of them out (I gave everyone my card, but only media kits to those companies I really wanted to work with), but I saw a very positive response and the companies immediately opened them up and started browsing through them.
Now that I’ve handed them out and talked to companies about them, I’ve realized that my sewing projects and tutorials are a big part of my blog that is missing from them. They’re mentioned on my about page as something I do, but all of the images I included are style related. Also, I wish I’d included press features as well just to give my blog more credibility when talking to these companies. I’ll definitely be amending both of those items when I print more for future conferences!
A huge thanks to Minted for my gorgeous cards! If you’re in need of business cards, greeting cards, holiday cards, or really anything, they are absolutely the best to work with.
WOW….girl…you are just too talented. VERY impressed over here! I feel like I should hire you to make my media kit for me! And your business cards are TOO CUTE. Don't even get me started on the business card notebook idea. LOVE.
Your cards look so sophisticated and fun at the same time. I like that you touched on the things you would've changed in your media kit too. I'm wondering if you'd consider yourself a natural networker, or whether it's something you've had to "learn". Do you have any tips for successful networking?
I love your design! I think your sister gave you a great idea! Did you paint them on paper before transforming them with your tablet or did you do everything with your tablet ? Gorgeous anyway!
I feel like I should hire you to make my media kit for me! And your Business cards are TOO CUTE. Don’t even get me started on the business card notebook idea. LOVE.
I have been looking online for some information as I am looking to create a new business. I have got Brewery Business Plan made for my startup by OGS capital and I really like it as following it has given me some good success and I would recommend everyone to use their services.
Thanks for sharing. A business card plays the role of a sign of respect, trust and deference to a partner in the activity, and its presentation almost always means a desire for long-term cooperation. This is just as important as promoting your product to their followers, read how to do it here – https://mediaonemarketing.com.sg/launch-product-online-marketing-singapore/.
CAN YOU PROVIDE ANY INSIGHTS OR RECOMMENDATIONS ON INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT CAN ENHANCE BUSINESS OPERATIONS? I’M INTERESTED IN LEVERAGING AI TECHNOLOGY TO DRIVE GROWTH AND EFFICIENCY. ANY ASSISTANCE OR GUIDANCE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
In the quest to improve business efficiency, it is worth looking for AI-based solutions developed by proven professionals. An AI and Machine Learning Development company can offer quality AI software tailored to your business needs. Thanks to their experience, you can use the latest technologies to solve various business tasks and increase productivity.
The post offers helpful tips for designing engaging business cards and marketing materials. As AI like ChatGPT progresses, integrating creative tools could assist designers while still empowering human imagination. However, systems must recommend thoughtfully to avoid formulaic outcomes. Leveraged ethically, AI can augment human creativity in the arts rather than replace it. With the human spirit driving innovation, artistic fields like design stand to benefit immensely from advancing technology.
These are awesome, Mer! I love the outfit post on the back… great idea, Janssen =)
LOVE the illustration on the back of your business cards – very creative and definitely makes an impression.
I love the 'business card scrapbook' idea – such a cute idea! Everything looks so cool and professional.
How cute! I can't believe I didn't get one of your cards – they are fabulous! Also, I would love to know your thoughts on the Wacom… 😉
This is AWESOME, Merrick!
Oh my goodness! This is SO cute and creative! I love this.
You are so talented, Merrick. 🙂
WOW, so inspiring. I'm stilll working on all of this and hope to make it to the next Alt Summit!
xo, Nina
afterthe40barfinish.blogspot.com
I love your cards! I really like the thickness, and the illustration is so cute & unique!
Kristina does the Internets
WOW….girl…you are just too talented. VERY impressed over here! I feel like I should hire you to make my media kit for me! And your business cards are TOO CUTE. Don't even get me started on the business card notebook idea. LOVE.
XOXO, Jenn
The Stylish Housewife
Your cards look so sophisticated and fun at the same time. I like that you touched on the things you would've changed in your media kit too.
I'm wondering if you'd consider yourself a natural networker, or whether it's something you've had to "learn". Do you have any tips for successful networking?
Your cards & kit are impeccable. I think you should teach a add at the next conference on networking materials!
Those cards and kits are absolutely amazing! Those are the big deal items that I think a lot of bloggers forget about!
Paige
http://www.thehappyflammily.com
These are darling! I'm in dire need of new business cards and you're inspiring me!
I LOVE the idea of keeping a "scrapbook" of business cards! So cute! And those media kits are genius! I'm bookmarking these tips for the next Alt!
Wow, good for you! Great idea to use the notebook to keep business cards and a reminder about everyone. The washi tape adds a fun touch!
-AJ
OccasionallyAJ.com
What a great design an paper choice, congratulations.
I love your design! I think your sister gave you a great idea! Did you paint them on paper before transforming them with your tablet or did you do everything with your tablet ? Gorgeous anyway!
Love that you drew your styleling tips. Great business card.
your business card really was my favorite! i had no idea it came from minted but i LOVED it! so super thick and beautiful!
Brilliant work and cool metal business cards. Looking so cute. Thanks!!
I feel like I should hire you to make my media kit for me! And your Business cards are TOO CUTE. Don’t even get me started on the business card notebook idea. LOVE.
I have been looking online for some information as I am looking to create a new business. I have got Brewery Business Plan made for my startup by OGS capital and I really like it as following it has given me some good success and I would recommend everyone to use their services.
Thanks for sharing. A business card plays the role of a sign of respect, trust and deference to a partner in the activity, and its presentation almost always means a desire for long-term cooperation. This is just as important as promoting your product to their followers, read how to do it here – https://mediaonemarketing.com.sg/launch-product-online-marketing-singapore/.
CAN YOU PROVIDE ANY INSIGHTS OR RECOMMENDATIONS ON INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT CAN ENHANCE BUSINESS OPERATIONS? I’M INTERESTED IN LEVERAGING AI TECHNOLOGY TO DRIVE GROWTH AND EFFICIENCY. ANY ASSISTANCE OR GUIDANCE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
In the quest to improve business efficiency, it is worth looking for AI-based solutions developed by proven professionals. An AI and Machine Learning Development company can offer quality AI software tailored to your business needs. Thanks to their experience, you can use the latest technologies to solve various business tasks and increase productivity.
The post offers helpful tips for designing engaging business cards and marketing materials. As AI like ChatGPT progresses, integrating creative tools could assist designers while still empowering human imagination. However, systems must recommend thoughtfully to avoid formulaic outcomes. Leveraged ethically, AI can augment human creativity in the arts rather than replace it. With the human spirit driving innovation, artistic fields like design stand to benefit immensely from advancing technology.