Designing portfolio postcards with a QR code

It is shameful, the time it has taken for me to get postcards printed for representing my illustrations to publishers, art directors etc. The fact is, that initially I was busy building a strong portfolio I was comfortable presenting, then almost immediately I was blessed with opportunities and began working full-time. I have been busy working on project after another since and haven’t had the chance to put these together.

The SCBWI & PAL writer’s retreat in Maldon this month prompted me to get on with it, however the printer (Vistaprint) was extremely slow delivering. I received them the day before I left 3 weeks after ordering (lesson learned). I didn’t get them in time for the showbags but fortunately I did have opportunity to pass a few on to valuable contacts, so I was glad I had them with me at least.

I ordered in bulk for mailing in the near future. After the initial mail-out, and contact has been made, I’ll most likely use a single image in future. This is a more common approach for postcards.

There is a phone number on this image, but you can’t see it here. I didn’t want attract swag of annoying spam phone calls via the internet. On the back is a small black & white image and my address etc. I didn’t know if I should put my publications or not, so I left it simple.

I have begun to use a QR code for easy phone scanning to my website. For those unfamiliar with QR Codes; they are funny graphics that when scanned (via apps on phones etc) take you directly to a promotional page or website on the Internet. Some people love them. They are cheap to buy (about $8.00), and pretty nifty! I purchased another QR Code for the bookmarks I made for my Adoptive Father picture book recently. The one on my postcards is for my portfolio website address www.kayleenwest.com.au

At the same time I used this arrangement to update my contact sheet. What do you think?