Question: How effective are collaborative portfolios? Two things come to mind with collaborative portfolios – the art exercise “exquisite corpse” and illustration studios that are made up of two or more artists. Before we discuss how collaborative portfolios can be…

Q: How do postcards perform (compared to specialty pieces) with editors and art buyers? How postcards perform compared to more specialty pieces of direct mail is the $64 million question. As agents, we guide the talent we represent to do…
Question: How do you create a direct mail/email campaign with a low budget without coming off looking cheap or like you’re broke? Concept reigns! Creating an email campaign that rocks means creating a campaign that’s connected conceptually and stylistically. Make…
Question: How do I grow my business with limited time and still be creative? Business is great, but I feel like I’m not personally growing and I’m stuck in a “commercial” rut. Perhaps the problem is a lack of creativity…
Question: With today’s busy schedules, are creative directors and art buyers taking time to read blogs? Yes, everyone is busy and multitasking, but I do believe that art directors and creative directors are taking the time to read certain photographers’…

Q: I hear most creatives toss marketing materials. How do I make a lasting impression and distinguish my direct mail piece from the competition? Backstage With a Promo Card at a Magazine The time for me to check my direct…
July 30, 2012 @ 12 p.m. in The Marketing Lab by Dialogues Podcast View Comments Question: How do I get the attention of creatives with an email marketing campaign? Email marketing is one of the best ways to reach potential…

Q: What are some less-expensive options for getting my portfolio out there? Good news! Nowadays, it really has become much more affordable to get your portfolio out there, both online and as coffee table books, which can be self-published. Here…
July 5, 2012 @ 11 a.m. in The Creative Lab by Brian Taylor | BTillustration.com View Comments Question: How important is direct mail in the editorial field? Is it better to keep the direct mail piece simple yet creative and…
July 2, 2012 @ 10 a.m. in The Creative Lab by Ian Summers | Heartstorming View Comments Question: How can I make my direct mail promotions feel more personal? You can only personalize a direct mail piece when you know…