Cynthia Kingsley-Smith
Illustration



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A4 Linocut Designs, Self-Promotion


This week: 

Starting with thumbnails and a mindmap, I started work on simple linocut designs related to conteporary protests with imagery that I could work with. 

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In addition, I spent time this week preparing some basic business cards and creative CV ahead of the final show to ensure I could promote myself effectively.

I did not want to spend too much time on this as I am prioritising developments and results for my final artwork, so I decided to use a design that was basic, professional, and utilised work I had already completed. 

I wanted my CV to be simplistic and easy to read - You must be able to tell what it is at a glance. Inspired by my recent work with large font I decided to put my name and initials at the top in an edited forn with large impact. I think this design really sticks in the midn which is ideal for getting my name out there. 


For my personal statement / intoduction letter I wrote.

“I am a printmaker and illustrator who is highly motivated by effectivevisual communication and all things art. I have a background in digitalservices and SEO, which lets me work with modern brands to deliver information in a way that is suited for the digital age whilst maintaing an authentic, human-made touch. I am based in Newcastle, working on my Illustration BA. I am interested in digital media industries such as Social Media and Gaming and have a particular passion for telling stories for social and humanitarian causes. I hope to hear from you!”

I think this statement is very effective for finding clients who would align with my specific passions, goals and capabilities. 

Final: 




For the back side, I used a small scale linocut of a megaphone with punchy sound lines coming out of it - this is to evoke the idea of solutiosn to help you be heard!

The design process was pretty simple, I included all essential information on the front and links to my socials 
 

I made sure that text was spaced legibly and that things like edges of line accents smoothly joined / flowed into other elements.

Finally, I added a combination halftone and organic photo texture overlay - as it represents elements that I work with frequently in my practice and gives a clear idea to the viewer what is unique about my aesthetic and what I can offer them.


FRONT


BACK


Given the chance to do these again, I would definitely include more of a sales pitch with the font choice AND word choice - I’d likely print the whole sentence myself and include words like “human-made, human-feeling design for YOUR business” as I think this aesthetic direction and design solutions are something I can genuinely and effectively offer a business to a professional standard. Additionally, I’d create some beskpoke artwork for the back side. Potentially even linoprinting the entire card would be an effective sales pitch in and of itsself!


READING:
        


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