Sub It Club is very happy to pre-celebrate the launch of author/illustrator Elizabeth O. Dulemba’s first novel: A BIRD ON WATER STREET on May 7th. Elizabeth kindly took the time during this busy moment to answer our questions about postcards and show us her latest.
Elizabeth O. Dulemba is an award-winning children’s book author/illustrator with two dozen titles to her credit. She is Illustrator Coordinator for the SCBWI Southern region, a Board Member for the Georgia Center for the Book, and Visiting Associate Professor at Hollins University in the MFA in Children’s Book Writing and Illustrating program. A BIRD ON WATER STREET is her first novel (Spring 2014, Little Pickle Press).
How do you choose the image(s) for a postcard?
I have to really like it. I don’t like everything I do.* It has to feel especially strong and make a good composition on the postcard size.
*A true artist!
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?
I like to include very simple contact info on the front – name, phone, email, website – so that somebody wandering into an office might see it on a bulletin board (I hope), or they can reach me without pulling it off their board. I’ve paired down the text on the back of my next postcard even more to leave space to write a quick note to people I have met in person.
Do you create illustrations specifically for your self-promotion pieces?
Sometimes, it really depends on how much time I have. (Lately, not much.) But I do like to experiment and come up with challenges for myself. Much of my art comes from dummies in progress.*
*Author/illustrators: take note!
Some illustrators create a series of postcards and send them out over time. Do you create a series or stand-alone images?
Mine have usually been stand-alone images, although several images might come from a particular book dummy.
How often do you send out postcards?
On average about two to three times per year. But I also send out a monthly email art sample.*
*Excellent complement to the postcard mailings.
Who do you target with your mailings?
I send to publishers, editors, art directors, designers, and magazine folks. My mailing list includes about 300 names right now (which I actually think is too big).
How do you compile your mailing list? Any tips on keeping a list and sending out?
I tell people my mailing list is one of the most valuable tools I have. I’ve been gathering names for YEARS from trade magazines, the SCBWI Bulletin, Harold Underdown’s “Who’s Moving Where,” Publishers Weekly, Publishers Lunch, Shelf Awareness, etc. I really do try to keep track of people with my mac address book – it’s a work horse! I have two folders “Postcard Mailing List” and “Email postcard mailing list” where I keep everybody listed by name.
Do you have any tips on the production process?
When in doubt, keep it simple.* Don’t clutter your art by using too-fancy fonts, gradients and bizarre Photoshop effects. It’s distracting and steals the focus from your artwork. Remember that postcards will be printed, so 300 dpi is standard. And allow room for trim!
*Wise words!
Do you use any online services? What are your favorite places to get postcards printed?
I’ve been using OvernightPrints.com for years. I’m now a preferred customer and I wait for their sales* (they have a lot) before I order anything. They sometimes mess up on color or trimming, but they’ve always rectified any issues and I’ve been pretty happy with them overall.
*Sales! Yes, best way to buy!
Thanks so much for sharing your tips and beautiful work with us, Elizabeth. And have a great book launch!
Visit Elizabeth’s website. It’s chock full of great stuff and has a fabulous “advice” page with tons of links to helpful information. You can find out more about Elizabeth and her work at these links:
Website: http://dulemba.com
Portfolio: http://dulemba.com/portfolio.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethDulemba
twitter: @dulemba
If you’re joining us for the first time at the Monthly Postcard Post, you can catch up with a general article on postcard mailings for illustrators and previous featured illustrators in the archive (there’s a tab above too). See you next month.
Sub It Club 
Great post! Even though I’m not an illustrator, I love reading these and looking at the beautiful images. Thanks!
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Thanks, Carrie! You’re right– they aren’t just for illustrators! 🙂
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Love that image, E!! And can’t wait to get an autographed copy of A Bird on Water Street. Once again, Dana, a great choice in illustrators! (I was lucky enough to have Elizabeth as a prof at Hollins.)
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Wonderful post! I cannot wait to read the book. I DREAM about being an illustrator. It has to be so much fun! Thank you!
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Thank you Carrie and Laurie and Robyn!! You made my DAY! Hugs, e
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