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I was searching for successful marketing campaigns online to get inspiration for what I wanted to do to reinvent myself. I came across this ingenious article by Andrew Kelsall discussing how he came up with his marketing campaign to garner attention using SPAM. In today’s society, it is my conviction that in order to survive you have to get creative. Regardless of you work 9-5 or you are seeking employment it is vital to utilize your imagination. You must adapt to change. Hopefully, this article will inspire you as it did me . . .
This article is dedicated to the Blog Action Day Poverty Fund as part of the Jacob Cass Group Writing Project, together with a PayPal donation. The proceeds go directly to the fund to help stamp out World-wide Poverty. You can visit the official Blog Action Day site here.
Now, for the article…
Image copyright here
A few years ago, when I left the Coventry University School of Art and Design, England, I landed a freelancing contract just a few days after returning home. How? I quite literally spammed some design companies!
The first stage of this marketing campaign was very simple. I posted out empty tins/cans of SPAM meat in the post. After eating the SPAM (it tastes OK on a sandwich — there’s millions of staving people out there, I wasn’t going to waste it), I targeted a few design companies that I would like to work for and stuck a stamp directly onto the cans with their addresses and posted them. Yes, that was it. Just an address with no explanation on the tins.
I repeated this process over several days, until each company I targeted received about 5 tins through the post. Here in the UK, if you post something with a stamp on it, and it’s not hazardous, the ‘posty’ has to deliver it, so the SPAM got through okay.
My hope was for staff at the targeted design companies to ponder the meaning of the SPAM tins. I hoped it would create discussion between team members, with bemusement with each and every can posted to them. I anticipated reactions like this:
What the heck is this? Another tin of SPAM…this is the third one this week! What’s it all about?
Hay you guys, does anyone know who posting this SPAM? If someones playing a joke on me, which one of you is it?
Well, I found out later than I did promote discussions like this…read on…
After I had finished posting of the SPAM cans, I waited a day or two, then sent out a folder showing a tin of SPAM on the cover stating “You’ve Been Spammed” (shown in the image below).
The folder was about A5 in size and opened up like a four-page brochure.
When opened, my covering letter and CV (printed on A4 paper) were folded in half and tucked inside the mock-up SPAM can, as shown in the three images below.
This folder was designed to put to rest all discussions and curiosities surrounding my “Spamming Campaign”. My covering letter contained this text:
Title in Spam-Shaped box at top simply said: What?
Dear Sir/Maddam
I am a recent graduate from the Coventry University School of Art and Design seeking employment. As a former student, I’m hard-up and living off SPAM — so your Post-Box has been Spammed rather than your In-box to let you know who I am!
Ok, I’m not really living off SPAM, but I am looking for a job in a company such as yours in this region. I believe that I could be a benefit to you and your clients…[and so on].
Well, those curious reactions I was banking on to land me a job was a reality. I was invited to do various free-lancing work at Wobble Design Ltd in Leeds, UK. When I went to work there on the first day, the design team told me the reason I got the job was for my ingenious marketing campaign. They said they were curious to the reasons they was receiving my little empty cans of tin meat, and it promoted many discussions between them and the architecture firm next door!
So, if you’re wanting to stand out from the crowd, be different and do something unusual. If you want a Graphic Design or any other job, just be creative, be different and set yourself apart from the crowd. You never know where it will lead you.
But if you’re fed-up with hearing about SPAM, heres a lovely photo for you instead. Enjoy!
Image copyright here
Have you marketed yourself in an outreagous manner? If so, did it get you anywhere? I’d like to hear your stories…
The themes from ThemeForest posted this week are, as the previous set, classy and well cropped. The simple but fancy line is still present, with quaint variations from now on, or designated attributes which outline the line of focus: either a corporate, personal, elaborate or a minimal design; all of them fitted approaches for blog or web pages themes which are desired to be easy to maneuver as well as to admire by visitors. Pages load easily and are pleasant to the eye without exposing it to an exaggerated amount of visual stimulus.
Moreover, the theme presented speaks not only for the user, but also for the designer, as an appanage or symbol of its personal brand. Here after, a series of such themes have been selected, starting from the smooth and elegant views drawn in pastel or just “simply” minimal to the more laborious or a bit extravagant ones.
Enjoy the collection and feel free to use any inspirational ideas you might encounter, either as a support to your own vision, either as a ready for usage material.
Tesigner2 – Beautiful HTML – Download
Breeze – Professional Corporate and Portfolio WP – Download
Optimus Theme – Download
Design Lovers – Download
Corporate Works – Download
Duotive ONE General Purpose WordPress – Download
Innovative Shop – Download
Pang – Business, Portfolio and Corporate Template – Download
Quad Template NewsBlog and Product Catalogue – Download
Rockfolio One Page Portfolio Template – Download
Sliding Content jQuery Portfolio (5pg) – Download
Watecolor WordPress – Download
Zeguma Professional – Advanced Theme – Download
Simplicius Simplicissimus Universal WP3 – Download
Enfolio – Premium One Page HTML – Download
Orange Theme – Download
Cars Dealer WP3 Edition – Download
Toronto – HTML-CSS – Download
Softshell – Unlimited colors. Great video support – Download
PixelCreative – Clean Corporate Template – Download
Melani Sub Rosa – Download
Loopback – 9 in 1 – Portfolio-Business Template – Download
Olive Business & Portfolio WP CMS Theme 15 – 1 – Download
OPAtheme – Download
Retro Mail – Download
Well along in a successful career as a designer and illustrator, German artist Sebastian Krüger began focusing on painting highly exaggerated caricature portraits of pop and music stars, particularly the Rolling Stones who he had met early in his career.
Since 2005 he has abandoned commercial work and devoted himself to gallery painting. As he has restlessly explored the boundaries of exaggeration possible in a recognizable face, he also began to work at large scale and in increasing degree of detail.
His large canvasses are now often highly realistic even when wildly exaggerated. Someare more straightforward, though often rendered with an intensity that makes them seem more exaggerated than they are.
I thought it was interesting that his portrayal of Jimi Hendrix, who went to lengths to present himself as an outlandish individual, is completely straightforward (and wonderfully realized).
I’m not familiar enough with his career to know if Kruger is moving more toward realism, but many of his recent pieces seem to be in that direction.
Krüger’s website is still in progress, but he has a current blog, and two additional blogs devoted to exhibitions and publications.
The artist occasionally leads workshops, and conducted his first in the U.S. early this year. Krüger works in acrylic on panels, at a scale you can see in the workshop image above.
There is a gallery site here that I think is unofficial, but it gives a nice range of his work and a fascinating tour through the degrees of exaggeration and intensity Krüger has brought to his “personality portraits” over time.
There is an article on Empty Kingdom that gives a good quick overview of his recent work.
I’m not sure if many of you have heard of Drew Struzan. Does the name sound familiar? You may not know the name, but if you are at least 25-30 you will definitely recognize his work. He has done illustrations for some of the most epic movies within the last century which include, but are not limited to Indiana Jones & The Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Star Wars, Coming To America & Back To The Future . . . to name a few. These are some of the most phenomenal illustrations that I have seen. This is the true definition of an artist. This is a once in a lifetime talent. We have come to the age where most people have come to utilize technology to the point where it is almost required to do any type of design or illustration work. It all begins with natural talent. The programs, albeit amazing should be second hand to the pencil and pad. I would encourage you to visit Mr. Drew Struzan’s portfolio for a great quantity of marvelous works, with the prospect to buy his original pieces. Our legacy will live on through our art. If you haven’t seen these movies then you should probably watch them as soon as possible.
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Coming To America
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Batteries Not Included
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Cutthroat Island
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
The Goonies
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Back to the Future Trilogy
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Back To The Future III
(variation of the original poster)
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan Big Trouble in Little China
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Blade Runner
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
First Blood
(Rambo)
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Hellboy
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Hellboy II the Golden Army
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Hook
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Lonely Guy
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Masters of the Universe
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Meatballs III: Summer Job
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
The Name of the Rose
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Pan’s Labyrinth
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Police Academy 3: Back in Training
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
“Revenge of the Jedi”
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Star Wars Trilogy
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
The Thing
One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Three O’Clock High
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I hope all is well and I hope everyone is having a wonderful day. Today, I have decided to share this phenomenal tutorial from VTC.com You can read further info at their website. Without further ado, I bring to you . . .
The Virtual Training Company (VTC) started in California’s Silicon Valley in 1996.
VTC grew quickly over the next three years and relocated first in 1999 to the beautiful town of Winchester, Virginia. In 2005, the company migrated to Stephens City, Virginia.
The company was founded by British born Mark Vernon who started producing CD-based training for Apple software. The format on the CDs – narrated QuickTime movies that take a user through the steps of learning complex software applications was very well received. Soon after, VTC began producing training for Windows software.
The VTC Online University went live in 1999.
In the last few years, VTC has opened offices in UK, Australia, France, South Africa, and India.
The company continues to expand by consistently producing affordable training materials for computer software.
VTC has also developed a fully fledged Learning Content Management System (LCMS) for improved content delivery, delivered as either a hosted system or as Open Source (eduslide.com).
VTC is truly a company made up of individuals who are here because we choose to be here. We are all having the time of our lives and we are glad that you are with us.
VTC.com – Ad0be Illustrator CS5 | 443 MB
Genre: eLearning
Adobe Illustrator CS5 is the latest version of the industry standard vector drawing application. Now with new features such as the Perspective Tool, the Bristle Brush, Beautiful Strokes and new drawing modes, there are more tools than ever for the creation of stunning art. Professional illustrator, television animation art director and writer Dwayne Ferguson takes you on an in-depth look at Illustrator CS5, taking you through the tools you’ll need to master it quickly. The end of the course includes three fun yet practical hands-on projects. Work Files are included.
To whom it may concern: Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jeremy Darko. As far back as I can remember I always wanted to make a difference utilizing my talents & creativity. After arduous struggles, I came to the conclusion that I would like to begin my own creative endeavors.
I am self-employed as a graphic designer, specializing in the fields of corporate identity (logo) design, web design, print design and branding with the majority of my time spent offering creative tips & inspiration of how we can “Creativity Takes Courage” which is focused on how individuals can accomplish their ideals by overcoming their fear of adversity and embracing their creativity.
In order to assist with initiating my enterprise I need your help! We will be rapidly expanding and look forward to making progress. I am looking for bloggers/journalists as well as musicians, artists, dancers & anyone that is applying their creativity to make a difference in society. I want to ideally bring about a revolution amongst society. The main focus of this campaign is to raise awareness to show how we can accomplish anything that we set our mind to by utilizing our creativity.
I am also accepting small donations to assist in our endeavors. I’m asking you to believe, not just in my conviction to bring about metamorphosis. I’m asking you to believe in yours. We’re launching a major effort to build a new multi-media studio one which can act as a hub of activity for anyone with an independent disposition and a beacon for those who seek a chance to build great things alongside other creative individuals.
It will be open to all, where designers, freelancers, students, artists and those who with creative passion can gather to collaborate, socialize, teach, learn, play and work.
Together we’re building an affordable place where people can work happier, be more successful and thrive in San Fransico, CA. We can accomplish our ideals by overcoming our fears and embracing our creativity. You don’t have to be a hero to feel invincible. Creativity Takes Courage.
You can donate directly via PayPal via the button I have posted below of Courage the Cowardly Dog. Click the picture and it will take you directly to the form. We’re launching a major effort to build a new multi-media studio one which can act as a hub of activity for anyone with an independent disposition and a beacon for those who seek a chance to build great things alongside other creative individuals.
It will be open to all, where designers, freelancers, students, artists and those who with creative passion can gather to collaborate, socialize, teach, learn, play and work.
Together we’re building an affordable place where people can work happier, be more successful and thrive in San Fransico, CA. We can accomplish our ideals by overcoming our fears and embracing our creativity. You don’t have to be a hero to feel invincible. Creativity Takes Courage.
Font Shop News has just introduced their new education page. Some of you may know Font Shop some of you may not. They provide amazing fonts for designers. I will also be providing you with 100 of the best commercial fonts provided by Font Shop News.
FontShop.com is more than a site that sells fonts — we want to help you do great work too. That’s why we created our new Education page. Enhance your design skills, whether you’re a student in Type 101 or a seasoned professional.
The Education page premieres with four docs filled with typography tips and tutorials from our team of experts. The PDFs are formatted for easy downloading and printing, perfect for the classroom or studio.
A Field Guide to Typography
Why settle for casual flirtation when looking for a long-lasting relationship? Finding the perfect match is easy if you know the rules. “Meet Your Type” will help you overcome common obstacles, and keep your heart thumping for your one true love: typography.
Created in collaboration with students at Brigham Young University, this fully illustrated booklet is written in a casual, light-hearted tone that’s easy to read, and hard to put down. Packed with useful textbook info — without the boring textbook text.
Download Meet Your Type on the Education page »
100 best Commercial Fonts Ever Made from Font Shop News » Download
This post is part of our ongoing series of posts highlighting the most inspiring images selected by not only myself but all of you. If you want to participate and share your graphic design inspiration, just send us, via email, the image with the link from where you found it, also use “Creativity Takes Courage” in the subject; or via Twitter sending to http://twitter.com/jdarko82
Send your suggestions via Twitter to http://twitter.com/jdarko82 using #dmo in the end of the tweet.
