Stephen Macquignon is an illustrator of picture books. He has illustrated ten books in the past six years including WHY AM I ME?, FERDINAND FROG’S FLIGHT, and THE MARSHMALLOW MAN. Stephen’s latest project is an eBook written by Chrissi Hart and published by Xist Publishing called TEA WITH THE QUEEN. It will be available for sale on December 4, 2014. He is also a semifinalist in the current SCBWI Tomie dePaola Awards contest.
How do you choose the image(s) for a postcard?
It all depends. If I am going to the SCBWI conference, I like to have an illustration chosen from my portfolio. If I’m doing a mailer, I will do some sketches until I feel one is right and make it into a postcard.
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 prefer just the image on the front and use the back for all the contact information.
Do you create illustrations specifically for your self-promotion pieces?
Sometimes. The one that is being shown here, the “sleeping bear” was made specifically to be used as a postcard.
Some illustrators create a series of postcards and send them out over time. Do you create a series or stand-alone images?
I usually create stand-alone images, but now that you mention it, a series is not a bad idea.
How often do you send out postcards?
Twice per year.
Who do you target with your mailings?
Art Directors, editors, assistant art directors, within children’s publishing are my main focus. Most agents I have been in contact with want samples to be e-mailed.
How do you compile your mailing list? Any tips on keeping a list and sending out?
I use Linkedin and Twitter to find out the names of art directors.
Do you have any tips on the production process?
Photoshop and a high quality scanner/printer are essential.
Do you use any online services? What are your favorite places to get postcards printed?
I like Vistaprint.
Thanks, Stephen!
If you’d like to see more of Stephen’s work, click on the links below.
All of his sites can be accessed here: http://www.jacketflap.com/StephenM
To see the many different stages of his postcard: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.725913617448698.1073741835.109146305792102&type=3
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 
What a gorgeous postcard! Art directors are so lucky – they must get the best mail. 🙂
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I love the movement around the sleeping bear and the colours, incredible. I am off to check out his work.
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