Blogger Q + A: Indiefixx
Posted by Amy on Friday July 10, 2009
I’m so happy to have Jen of Indiefixx over for our Blogger Q + A this round! She talks about how bloggers get tons (no, gajillions!) of emails a day and how to best approach blogs for a mention. Enjoy!
How would you describe IndieFixx’s blog style?
Hmm, that’s a difficult one for me. It is always easier for me to describe other’s blogs, work, and design rather than my own. It’s just like you can always tell if a pair of jeans looks good on a friend, but it’s impossible to tell if yours make your butt look big!
I guess if pressed, I would have to say that Indie Fixx is fresh, whimsical, playful & sweet. I like to think it is a reflection of the better parts of me. ;)
What catches your eye, and what would make you decide to blog about an artist’s work? (Is there a certain style you’re looking for?)
One thing that catches my eye without a doubt is good photography and photography styling. I cannot stress that good photos are hugely important to getting featured on blogs, in mags and selling your goods.
Who are some of your favourite artists (and is there a particular reason why are they your favorites?
Oh, there are so many to choose from and I can’t really say that I have favorites, since it really depends on my mood, the time in my life, etc. Sticking with print artists, I am drawn to work that is sweetly melancholy and to work that is what I call ‘prettyugly’… meaning that there is something both beautiful and ugly about it. I also like things that are reminiscent of storybooks and I collect portraits of girls and woman.
A few current and past faves are:
Angie Mason – Love her birdhouse collection
Kathleen Lolly
Kate Dolamore – Love her Faery Collection
Eloise Hidden
Catherine Campbell
Fontaine Anderson
And are there specific genres that you think might not be a good fit with your blog?
I don’t generally cover children’s products, so many other blogs can do that better than I can. Other than that, I will take a look at everything!
We know that some bloggers prefer to get submission emails in a certain way — are there any preference to how they should send in submissions to your blog?
I am not all that picky about the format. Email jen@indiefixx.com, my contact form, Twitter, Flickr mail, whatever. I take a look at each and every submission. It is really important that people actually look around my blog before sending a submission though.
I also do like it when people have a story idea or suggestion on how I can feature them as opposed to the ubiquitous; “Check out my site, just because I think it’s fabulous.” Also, make it short and sweet. Don’t send a diatribe and please, please don’t send large images files. Links will do or 1-2 image files under 200k or so. I am also interested in receiving tutorials, images from indie craft shows, free downloads and other fun stuff that can be a fun way to help me introduce someone’s work to my readers.
Are there any other tips you’d like to pass on to Pikaland’s readers about selling/marketing their work?
The best advice I can give is something that it took me many years to figure out… Realize that the worst that someone can say is “no” and then realize that’s really not all that bad and try somewhere else.
Also, realize that bloggers and mag editors receive gajillions of submissions and it’s just about impossible to respond to all submissions, and that not hearing back in no way should be taken as a rejection. Also, just because they don’t use your work or feature you doesn’t mean that they don’t like it. I personally receive so many submissions from super talented people and I just cannot feature everyone. There’s either just not enough time in the day, it’s not the right season, not what I looking for at that moment since I tend to plan my coverage out 2-4 works in advance. I do, and I know lots of bloggers and editors do as well, save submissions for a rainy day though.
{Thanks so much Jen!}
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To read the other bloggers who we have profiled, see here!
Comments [4]
Bloggers Q+A: Jan of Scoutie Girl
Posted by Amy on Wednesday April 29, 2009
After the longest break from the Blogger Q+A series I’m happy to get into gear once again with the lovely Jan of Scoutie Girl (who is also a fabulous textile designer by day)!
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Name: Jan DiCintio
Blogs: Scoutie Girl
Contact: scout{AT}scoutiegirl.com
How would you describe Scoutie Girl’s blog style?
Scoutie Girl’s style is eclectic: simple, sophisticated, contemporary, vintage, chic, (mid-century) modern, bohemian … you name it. I am partial to a lot of different styles in my personal life, and Scoutie Girl is a reflection of my wide-ranging preferences for sure. I also have 7 other incredibly talented women who contribute regular posts & features to Scoutie Girl, and their voices/styles lend both a contrast and continuity to the overall vibe that I couldn’t have achieved on my own! It makes my own blog more interesting to me!
What catches your eye, and what would make you decide to blog about an artist’s work? (Is there a certain style you’re looking for?)
A spectacular photograph catches my eye first & foremost, regardless of the artwork. The lighting, the styling, the detail – it all matters (meanwhile my own product photography stinks – such a hypocrite). Truly though, a well-crafted image speaks volumes about the passion behind the work – and I’m all about the passion!
Once the artist’s photo opens the door, I look for form & function, beauty & duty, economy of materials, stretched convention, positive aura, quality workmanship, excellent execution – any one of these things can move me to the “must feature” stage. And with any luck, I’ll have time to get it done! (My overflowing folder of saved links suggests Father Time is winning this battle however!).
Who are some of your favourite artists (and is there a particular reason why are they are your favorites)?
Oh boy. It’s certainly an evolving and revolving list, which is evidence of the prolific & dynamic nature of the handmade genre at the mo. A good thing for all of us! But, if I had to pin down a few, here are some artists from my birthday wishlist this past December: Swallowfield, Jess Gonacha, print*pattern*paper, Amy Marcella, Printspace, ValeryDesignwrks, Junecraft, Jenean Morrison, Three Sisters Ink,, Good Shape Design, Laura George, Leanne Graeff & Wolfie & the Sneak. I like them b/c their art has a pattern, rhythm and motif that resonates with me. I can look at any of them in passing or as a “museum viewing” and they make me happy every time!
And are there specific genres that you think might not be a good fit with your blog? I try to be as open as possible to various art forms – looking more at the passion behind the work than anything else. However, as far as styles go, things that aren’t a good fit would be crafty-crafts, traditional styles or children’s (unless it has an application beyond that category). I also don’t go down the negative, dark, sad path. I appreciate pieces like these as they document life, time & space just as happier things do (and they force me out of my comfort zone), but I cannot find the words to write about them in a blog post…would bring me down and I can’t go there.
We know that some bloggers prefer to get submission emails in a certain way — are there any preferences to how they should send in submissions to your blog?
An email is great! Tell me why you think your work would be a good fit with Scoutie Girl and send a couple low-res images. I have a guideline for suggestions here.
A hotlinked web address is super-duper-looper helpful – that’s far and away the easiest thing you can do to get a blogger to click-through to your work. Don’t make them copy + paste your URL. We’re not lazy…but seriously, who wants to do that all day? Mass emails are a no-no for me, too, b/c I won’t compete with my blogging friends to get your work up first – and it’s not fair to put us in that position. However, I understand that you need to have your work seen by as many people as possible – just make sure you let us know about other features so we can add some professional courtesy space.
Are there any other tips you’d like to pass on to Pikaland’s readers about selling/marketing their work?
Please, please, please be confident about what you do and let that come through in all the connections and presentations you make. My B.A. is in marketing, and from my first MKTG101 class, I remember this quote: “Nobody will beat a path to your door for a better mousetrap if they don’t know you exist.” Make sure you devote as much time to getting your work “out there” as you do to creating it. Sites like etsy make it easier to be seen, but you can’t rely on that trickle to build your business. A business plan that includes a marketing plan is a must – even if it’s written on the back of your electric bill! Just write something down and put it in action – “if you continue to do what you do, you’ll continue to have what you have.” Good luck!!
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If you’d like to have a look at the other bloggers that we have already profiled, see here!
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Bloggers Q+A: Heart Handmade
Posted by Amy on Wednesday March 25, 2009
Marichelle and I go back quite a bit, ever since I was blogging on my personal blog before Pikaland was conceived! I was in awe of her cooking skills on her blog Lifeflix and in turn she gave me encouragements on my illustrations, and look where she is right now! She started Heart Handmade last year, and is now the blogger of two more new blogs — one about cooking (YAY!), and another about technology — talk about energy!
Name: Marichelle Burdman
Blogs: Heart Handmade, Heart Homecooked, Heart Hi-Tech
Contact: hearthandmade{AT}gmail.com
1. How would you describe Heart Handmade’s blog style?
I think of Heart Handmade as an online magazine rather than a blog of daily musings. I spend a great deal of time thinking about fresh and unique ways to present the different facets of handmade – I like to think that it has more of a grassroots community following, my readers are interested in discovering the people, the process and the stories behind handmade. I’m also kind of obsessed with providing a conversational and accessible editorial tone.
2. What catches your eye, and what would make you decide to blog about an artist’s work? (Is there a certain style you’re looking for?)
My curation process isn’t something that I can easily put into words; it’s instinctive by nature. But what I can tell you is that if one of the following happens when I open your email, then it will get featured on the site…
a. I instantly think/say “awww man, wish I had the skills to do that!”
b. I instantly think/say “Damn it. Why didn’t I think of that???”
c. I instantly yell out to my boyfriend Hillsy “Fuss! come here!! hurry!! look at this! holyshit, it’s fuckin’ awesome”
d. my heart goes pitter patter, you know, when something is soooo cute it hurts
3. Who are some of your favourite artists (and is there a particular reason why are they your favorites?
My favorites are always changing and that’s one thing that I love about my job. I’m constantly introduced to new artists on a daily basis so it’s an ever-growing list. Right now, I’m really really into Joetta Maue, Margie Oomen and Regina Spektor (does she count?). It’s so easy for me to see the passion and the realness of their work. It’s delicate but at the same time there’s a quiet rawness to it – I’m a fan of contradiction. I also find that I’m naturally drawn to pieces made the old-fashion way, not necessarily “crafty” but manual labors of love, the type of work that allows you to feel what the artist might have been feeling the day they finished it.
4. And are there specific genres that you think might not be a good fit with your blog?
I have a broad range of coverage. I’m more concerned about the product itself rather than how or where it’s used. Again, if I get the pitter patter, I’ll feature it.
5. We know that some bloggers prefer to get submission emails in a certain way — are there any preference to how they should send in submissions to your blog?
I’m pretty good with emails. Both Grace (Design*Sponge) and Erin (Design for Mankind) have taught me a thing or two about the importance of answering emails. Even before I started HH, I remember harassing both of them with my “check out my latest handmade pouches” and “check out my new blog…” emails and they ALWAYS responded to my emails. This was something that I truly appreciated and has stuck with me for a long time. It didn’t matter that they didn’t think it was a good fit for their blogs, but acknowledging my email meant the world to me. SO, if anyone out there is still waiting for a response from me and it’s been more than two weeks – DAMN YOU Gmail!! – please re-send. (oh that doesn’t apply for SPAM/mass distribution emails ok?) Oh and please take the time out to find out a blogger’s first name and most importantly be yourself – natural is best.
I’m also pretty active on Twitter so that’s another way to stay in touch with me.
6. Are there any other tips you’d like to pass on to Pikaland’s readers about selling/marketing their work?
Once you’re 100% convinced that you have a killer product…
A wise man once told me that everything comes down to luck. Marketing is sort of like lotto tickets, the more you have the better your chances are. So exhaust your options, take advantage of all social networking channels and put yourself in as many positions to receive good fortune as possible!
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{Thanks so much Marichelle! :) }
If you’d like to read what other bloggers have to say, see here to read up on Ez of Creature Comforts, Erin of Design For Mankind, and also Jena of Modish!
Comments [12]
Bloggers Q+A: Modish
Posted by Amy on Friday February 27, 2009
We’re thrilled to feature another fantastic blogger for our Blogger Q+A series — the ever-inspiring Jena Coray of Modish! Not only is Jena writing about the indie community over at Modish, but she also recently started writing more on her own personal blog called [Bone + Branch] in an effort to dedicate more time to her writing as well.
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Name: Jena Coray
Blog: Modish
Contact: jena{AT}modishblog.com
How would you describe Modish’s blog style?
I think the style is feminine and eclectic, colorful and fun (like me? I don’t know!) It’s kinda hard to define a style for it as it feels like a mish-mosh of my various interests, but the writing tone is casual and lighthearted, the products featured are well-crafted and unique and hopefully the blog itself feels like a little spot of sunshine for the people who I’m so grateful to have stop by.
What catches your eye, and what would make you decide to blog about an artist’s work? (Is there a certain style you’re looking for?)
Well, absolutely everything on Modish is handmade, so that’s the first requirement. Be it clothing, jewelry, art or papergoods, I look for things that are made with intention and originality. Anything that makes me think “oh, I haven’t seen that before” is a definite plus. I want to feature people who seem to stay true to themselves as artists and makers, who really value authenticity in their work. Artists who represent themselves kindly, respectfully and professionally always catch my eye.
Who are some of your favourite artists (and is there a particular reason why are they your favorites?
Oh my gosh, there are so many artists’ work that I admire and respect and would cover my walls with if I had enough money to do so! I’ll choose a few whose work I actually own, to help narrow down the very long list:
Camilla Engman
Lisa Congdon
Heather Smith Jones
Mati McDonough
Renee Garner
Jen Corace
I love to see the world through all of these ladies’ eyes.
And are there specific genres that you think might not be a good fit with your blog?
I cover a pretty wide variety of goods, as long as they fall under the handmade umbrella, except for kid’s/baby specific things or wedding specific things… we’ll cross those bridges when we come to them :)
We know that some bloggers prefer to get submission emails in a certain way — are there any preference to how they should send in submissions to your blog?
I wrote a really detailed info piece about how to approach bloggers and get them to write about you along with a great example of what your introduction email should have, over on Modish, if you’d like to take a gander at those. Basically, make sure you think your item fits Modish’s audience, send me a personal email and make sure your website and photos look great before you even say hi, so that I get an awesome first impression!
Are there any other tips you’d like to pass on to Pikaland’s readers about selling/marketing their work?
I going to have to refer to my own blog again, as I did a big Modish Marketing series last fall called “How to be a Crafty Marketer.” There you can find lots of advice and a boatload of tips on how to establish your niche, build your personal brand and market yourself as an artist or crafter. I hope you guys will check it out!
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{Thank you so much for the tips Jena! }
If you’d like to have a look at the other bloggers that we have already profiled, see here!
And if you’d like to subscribe to our newsletter (not to worry, we only write you when we have something new on the site — oh, say like the next PikaPackage that’s launching in March!) head here.
Comments [5]
Bloggers Q+A: Design For Mankind
Posted by Amy on Saturday February 7, 2009
We’re back again with another installment of Blogger’s Q+A, and this time we have the lovely Erin of Design for Mankind! Erin is a dear friend and is one of the biggest supporters of Pikaland (we’ve known each other when Pikaland was barely a few months old!) We’ve worked together on a couple of projects and I am so thrilled that she is the next one up!
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Name: Erin
Blog: Design for Mankind, Editor of Mankind Mag
Contact: erin{AT}designformankind.com
Who are some of your favourite artists (and is there a particular reason why are they your favorites?)
Hmm. One of my very favorite artists is Sandra Juto, and I think the main reason is because she’s so well-rounded. She truly exudes art in her every day, from the way she styles her photos to her photography, illustrations and everything in between. If I had one ounce of her talent, I would be THRILLED!
How would you describe Design for Mankind’s blog style?
I love perusing artists’ portfolios and if you have unique work, you’ll catch my eye. I tend to shy away from anything too commercial or crafty, and I’ll admit—- if I’ve seen it before, I have a VERY hard time re-posting it. Other than that, I’m a big fan of photography, illustration and graphic design, along with gallery installations and everyday portraits. If there’s a personal story behind your work, even better!
What catches your eye, and what would make you decide to blog about an artist’s work? (Is there a certain style you’re looking for? )
Initially, the concept draws me in. For instance, if I see an illustration that I immediately want to “figure out,” I’m sold. I like meaningful ideas that are well-executed. But at the same time, show me a beautiful photograph of a blank wall and I just may post it. I’d say the biggest deciding factor is whether or not I can see soul in the work.
And are there specific genres that you think might not be a good fit with your blog?
I had mentioned earlier I’m not a big “craft” blog. I think there are so many other venues that would be the perfect place to submit crafts, so I tend to shy away from the over-exposed softies, scrapbooks and crocheted scarves. At the same time, however, if your work is unique enough [think Ed Biglee], the medium isn’t important.
I also don’t post a lot of interior design. Again, I feel this market is totally covered, so I’d rather feature an independent artist or graduate’s portfolio than the new Eames chair. It’s very important to me to be sure that all voices are heard.
We know that some bloggers prefer to get submission emails in a certain way — are there any preference to how they should send in submissions to your blog?
Oh not at all—— any and all submissions are welcome, in whatever way you choose. My email address is erin{AT}designformankind.com, and I’m always available to chat about anything! If you do send a press release, however, it’s always nice to read a few personalized sentences prior to the actual press release. Otherwise, I get a bit bored [I won’t lie!]. ;)
And by the way, if you don’t hear from me, I didn’t get your email. Feel free to re-send; I always respond to my emails, even if it may take a few days. :)
Are there any other tips you’d like to pass on to Pikaland’s readers about selling/marketing their work?
I’m sure this isn’t a new tip, but the biggest thing I look for in a product is good photography. Don’t skimp in this department—- hire a professional if you need to. It’s VERY important.
My other advice is not to saturate the market all at once. I think most bloggers would agree that they enjoy having a unique voice, and if we’re all featuring the same artists, we can’t be very unique, can we?
I’d also like to add that personally, if your work doesn’t fit my aesthetic, I’ll often try to fit you in elsewhere. Tell me what makes you unique and different, and sometimes your story and soul is enough that the aesthetic makes no difference.
And the best advice I can give? Know the first name of the blogger you’re writing. None of this ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ stuff, b/c I’ll think you’re from Lithuania and you want my hand in marriage. ;)
{Thank you Erin! Don’t forget to read Erin’s latest issue of Mankind Mag that’s hot off the press filled with eye candy and loads of art!}
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Interested to know more about what our first guest had to say about the topic? Head on over here to read about Ez of Creature Comforts!
Comments [12]
Bloggers Q+A: Creature Comforts
Posted by Amy on Wednesday January 28, 2009
We’re kicking off a new series on Pikaland, and it’s something I’ve wanted to do for the longest time.
I’m very lucky to have known many bloggers who have helped Pikaland grow, and the more I think about it, it’s because of the common bond and interest that we share that makes our ties special. With the help of my blogger friends, we’re going to let you in on what makes each their blog tick — so that everyone can understand a little more about spreading the news out on their work, and also finding the right niche from where you can build a common ground.
They’re all very, very nice people and for our first guest, I’d like you to welcome Ez of Creature Comforts!
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Name: Ez
Blog: Creature Comforts
Contact: creaturecomfortsblog{AT}gmail.com
Who are some of your favourite artists, and is there a particular reason why are they your favorites?
A few of my favorite artists are:
Audrey Kawasaki
Julie Morstad (her site isn’t working for some reason)
Caitlin Shearer
Eveline Tarunadjaja
Julianna Swaney
I find that I’m attracted to art that has a sad or unsettling undercurrent to it. Something that seems sweet and serene at first glance but that you soon realize has a sightly off-kilter or foreboding quality to it will be right up my alley. I really like to see this executed subtly though. I feel like all of the artists listed above have that as a common theme. I find myself drawn back to their work again and again.
How would you describe CC’s blog style?
Creature Comforts is really a place for me to collect my inspirations and store them all in one place. In a lot of ways that makes it very much like my stream of consciousness… with my taste changing and evolving over time. It’s difficult for me to describe Creature Comforts as fitting a particular “style.” But I hope that it is constantly evolving and changing in good ways.
What catches your eye, and what would make you decide to blog about an artist’s work? Is there a certain style you’re looking for?
I love color… especially when it has been thoughtfully used. I also love works in graphite and other sketchy goodness.
And are there specific genres that you think might not be a good fit with your blog?
I don’t feature a lot of work that is specific to babies and kids because it doesn’t fit with what the majority of my readers like. I also don’t tend to be drawn to sci-fi related pieces. It’s just not my thing.
We know that some bloggers prefer to get submission emails in a certain way — are there any preference to how they should send in submissions to your blog?
Personality is huge. As someone who receives many product submissions a day, it is always really wonderful when I receive an email from an artist or designer who is genuine and truly passionate about what they do. Don’t forget to include a live link (a lot of people forget this) and a smallish sample image of your work is always a great way to pique my interest.
Are there any other tips you’d like to pass on to Pikaland’s readers about selling/marketing their work?
As a blogger I have to say that blogs are a great way to market and present yourself to a global market. Spend some time connecting with blogs that seem to mesh well with your artistic style. Leave genuine comments (not spam) on their posts, link to your work when appropriate, and above all else… always do what you love.
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{Thank you so very much Ez!}
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Comments [27]