Today is the first installment of a new feature for Sub It Club that I’m very excited about. Each month we’ll spotlight an illustrator and her/his postcards. Get ready to sample some great artwork and to get the scoop on its creation. This month, Sub It Club is thrilled to welcome illustrator, Nina Victor Crittenden.
Nina is a proud Minnesotan, a mother of two, and is terrible at writing bios*. Her first book, Cedric and the Dragon, was published in 2010. She is currently illustrating a series of piano music books for kids and working on a picture book dummy of her own.
*I didn’t say that!
How do you choose the image(s) for a postcard?
Most of the time, I’ll just have an idea and run with it. My last mailer started when “The Humpback of Notre Dame” popped into my head. It ended up turning into a large illustration of punny sea creatures, an old-timey nautical map for the back of the postcard, and a set of Go Fish cards.
Do you prefer text on the front of the postcard with the image or do you prefer all text on the back of the postcard?
The back of my postcard has all of my info on it, but I make sure to put my name and web address on the front of the card, too, because I read it somewhere and it sounded like a solid idea.
Do you create illustrations specifically for your self-promotion pieces?
Good question, never thought about it… but I think that I usually do. 🙂
Some illustrators do a series of postcards and send them out over time. Do you create a series or stand-alone images? So far, my postcards have all been stand-alone images. My next idea for a card involves some sequential art, so that will be a fun one to make.
How often do you send out postcards?
Last year I sent out three postcards, I need to get cracking on a new one. Can’t believe it is already mid-March*!
*Me neither! Eek!
Who do you target with your mailings?
I send my postcards primarily to art directors at children’s publishing houses and magazines where I feel that (and hope that) my style might be a good fit.
Do you have any tips on the production process?
I work traditionally in ink and watercolor, scan my work in at home, and clean it up in Photoshop (for larger pieces of work, I scan them in pieces and then use Automate -> Photomerge to stitch them together), and make sure the image fits the specs required for printing. I have two favorite fonts and use them on everything, so I am always presenting myself in a consistent manner.
Do you use any online services? What are your favorite places to get postcards printed?
I have had really great luck with GotPrint.com. Their prices are outstanding and the print quality is excellent.
Thanks so much, Nina, for taking the time to show us your beautiful postcard (and Go Fish! Cards) and for sharing your experience.
You may already know Nina online but if you don’t, I highly recommend that you follow the links and get to know Nina and her work. She’s talented and fun!
http://ninacrittenden.blogspot.com
twitter: @NVCrittenden
Check out Nina’s book here: Cedric and the Dragon (ISBN: 978-1-934617-05-2)
Sub It Club 
Great interview, Nina! I’m happy that one of my favorite mailers of yours is getting the spotlight! 🙂
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The very thought of illustrated piano music makes me happy!
Love this new feature – Nina’s work is delightful and brilliant all at once! 🙂
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Love this postcard – what a great idea and design. Love all the fishy puns too.
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Beautiful postcard Nina! And it’s so interesting to hear about scanning larger pieces then sticking them together. I’ve wondered how that was done. Thanks so much for sharing!
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Thank you so much Diandra, Cathy, Diana, and Heather!
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Gad, this is beautiful work.
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