postcardpost

One of the most exciting things for me about changing jobs in the pre-computer era was the prospect of a new business card. It was the only way I ever saw my name in print for years. When I started my own business working from home, one of the first things I did was design a colourful and very uncorporate card.

But these days I find I rarely use business cards, which is a shame because I enjoy any excuse to think about paper weights and colours and surfaces, and inks and typefaces and logos. But recently I've realised I'd like something more solid than a email to give out either in person or send through the post.

So I started looking at the idea of a very simple business card (something like the fabulous letterpress cards they have at Purl in New York), but realised that I'd probably waste about 489 of a print-run of 500 because the details would be bound to change before I'd used them all.

Then a while ago Jane, my agent, said she thought some of my photographs would make nice postcards. I liked this idea but discovered that traditional printers require a minimum run of 500 - and I feel sure I'd get fed up with the same image year in, year out because, let's face it, I'm not exactly Jane Carlyle when it comes to letter-writing.

By putting off sorting out my calling-card problem for too long, I found I was buying far too many postcards and cards from shops because I like to include something colourful and attractive with letters and correspondence. But last week I decided I'd dillied and dallied quite enough. And when I finally got down to being serious about postcards, it turned out that I'd been using the wrong search term when trying to find a good, flexible, quality printer - it wasn't postcards that I was looking for, but notecards.

And once I realised the error of my ways, I found myself on the website of the ne plus ultra of flexible, quality notecard printers: moo. Moo print all sorts of cards and you can choose from a range of colours and typefaces for the words on the back, do a little photo-cropping if you like, and order as many or as few as you like. Absolutely brilliant.   

My notecards arrived today in little wallets with a jolly 'Yay!' sticker, and I am thrilled to bits with them. I chose ten images to see what sort works best, and I think I'd re-order all but two again. I can scribble my current contact details on the back and they can be business cards or I can use them as compliments slips, greetings cards, thank you notes and correspondence cards.

And the best thing about them? I can dispense with the awfulness of deciding on a business title and put whatever I like on the back. So I have.

                               ***

While I am on the subject of using my images, I have recently seen several of my photos used on other people's blogs without my permission (including one of the pictures above, my crochet squares and the Disney doll dress). I don't like to have to repeat this, but please don't use my photographs (or words) without asking me first. Thank you.

Comments

[Novembrance]

Oh, what a FABULOUS idea. I must try it. I hope moo makes piles of money; genius should be rewarded.

[Claudia]

I love moo - one of the best companies in the world, in my opinion.

Shame on picture nickers - there seems to be a rash of it about these days.

Best, c

[Joanna]

That's this evening taken care of. And I'm going to have to freecycle a whole drawer full of bought cards that suddenly no longer appeal ;)

Thanks for sharing
Joanna

[martha]

moo is wonderful isn't it? i love the idea of sending out postcards. i love stationary so much, but very rarely send letters. (i think my favorite is the first picture)

[Gemma]

MOO! Are wonderful! Love them to pieces. I bought a batch of their small finger sized cards a while ago and I'm working up to a couple of batches of notecards. I did print some for the family Easter cards this year. They couldn't believe they weren't bought as the finish on them was so good!

And as others have said. SHAME ON PICTURE PILFERERS!

[Rhian]

I've been trying to justify a Moo order for ages, but seeing this post makes me think I should just go for it! I love their mini-cards, and the prices are very appealing.

Your lovely first postcard is my favourite, but my mouth is watering over the penultimate image, too... yum!

[Hazel]

ooooh, some other people I know use moo, I must look into this.

Of course this means I have to take a decent photo or two first ...

[Amy]

I would buy a box of those notecards in a heartbeat if you made them available for sale.

Just thought you should know. :-)

[Michaela]

I love all of your photos, and log in to see them as much as to read your words. Thank you for sharing your talent with us!

Oh - and me too: should you ever decide you want to sell your notecards, you already have a customer in me!

[leisa]

Again, so enjoy your photos, it is too bad that something so wonderful, i.e. discovering common interest with people miles away, also encourges some to take advantage.
And Moo cards, love them, use the mini's for my handknitted goods, they are great when gifting for you can put care instructions on the back.

[Ruth]

What a spectacular idea. I, too, would buy such lovely cards in a heart-beat.

[leisa]

Again, so enjoy your photos, it is too bad that something so wonderful, i.e. discovering common interest with people miles away, also encourges some to take advantage.
And Moo cards, love them, use the mini's for my handknitted goods, they are great when gifting for you can put care instructions on the back.

[lauren]

Thanks for this post on printing. I have been thinking the same thing about printing lately. Your ideas are truly helpful.

[Sue]

I'm so glad you've posted about notecards. Now I know what I have been looking for but didn't realise what they were!! If that makes sense?

[Ali]

I'm a big Moo fan - it's just the making a decision about which photos to use bit that cripples me.

[Misty the Kneedler]

They are gorgous! I really enjoy your photos so I'm glad you're putting them to another use.

[Gina]

That is a wonderful idea...
an hun I like to click on your blog to read an look at your pictures to brighten my day.....
I have several of TheSmallest that would be would be perfect...hmmmm

[Lizette]

Great idea. Your images are half the reason why I follow your blog :)

[marnie]

Lovely cards, great Idea!! As a graphic designer, I use to find that by the time I got my business cards back from the printer. I was bored with them. Moo sounds great!

Also you have my sympathies on the picture pilfering. I've experienced that too, it's too common in graphic design (god forbid a designer take the time to come up with an original image when they can appropriate someone else's).

[Cornflower]

What a super idea, beautifully executed!

[marie]

Like you, I always want to include a handwritten note when I correspond and even for orders from my website. This is a terrific idea and offers plenty of variety without the commitment of a big order.

Thanks for your e-mail Jane. I am so glad that you liked my review.

Marie x

[Rachel]

Those cards are gorgeous! I too would buy them if they were available. I'd never heard of Moo but will definitely be checking it out, such a great idea - although will need to perfect my photography skills a bit more first!

[Krista]

Thanks for telling us about Moo! I've been looking for a place to print postcards! It's perfect!

[katelnorth]

aren't Moo fabulous? I recently got some of the little mini cards - in a whole variety of images. Superb.

[Martina]

I knew exactly where you were going with that post! I love moo. As you can have stuff printed on the back, I've used them as Valentines and birthday invites for my kids.

[catherine]

"Absolutely brilliant" indeed - your notecards look beautiful.

[Irene]

They are lovely! I think you should copyright them and sell them , too!

[Patricia]

I am ready to make a second order. moo, moo, mooray!
Sorry about the picture nipsters.

[Red]

Here's another vote from one of your photography fans. If you ever did sell these notecards, I'd love to buy them.

Really enjoying your book because I can enjoy your photos again without having to lug around the computer.

[Jennifer]

As I was reading, I kept thinking "oh, Jane should try Moo"! I have the wee little Moo-cards. I love them, but as of today I've only handed out three cards.

[Jen]

Oh I love moo. I have the little moo cards, the only ones they did originally, I think. They are very sweet, but a bit too tiny to write on. Yours are utterly gorgeous! Clever Jane.... (PS, I must say, people ARE naughty using your pics. At the very least I hope they linked back to your blog when they've used them.)

[MaryjoO]

I'm sure many of us would love to purchase some of your postcards!

[mesclun]

Jane, you rascal - once again you have introduced me to something I now realize I can't live without! The moo site is so exciting I hardly know where to start - and even with the (almost) $14 in global shipping, it still looks like a deal.
Like several above, I would jump at a chance to buy your notecards and a Jane Brocket Designer Pack would be just the ticket!

[Wandering Chopsticks]

I'm sorry about the picture stealers. That happens to me too and I hate it.

[SamLaTricoteuse]

Love Moo - just to give away my email address. I had some printed and I put my favourites "own" pictures: when I went in Paris, knitting related, etc. And I got your book: you have lovely pictures in there. Plus I always wanted to quilt but told myself I would do that when I would be older. Looking at your blog convinced me otherwise. I may start sooner !!! I am really happy that I have found your blog: this has also given me the chance to discover Persephone... I meant to thank you for everything I have discovered through your blog.. Thanks!

[eireann]

I like the last one the best. Pear or quince?

And I'm so behind of keeping up with people that at some point I'll have to give up the 'response' email I've been meaning to write for a few months now and just send you a fresh one. Hope you're well.

[yoel]

So beautiful! If only we could all take pictures like that! Thanks for the inspiration.

[Mary]

Thanks for sharing the lovely photos and telling us about Moo. I've just bought my first (own)camera and I'm currently experimenting with taking photos with different lighting. I also love collecting business cards.

[Gramily]

You have solved a problem I have had for years, wondering who on earth would print postcards in lots less than 500. I wasn't as clever as you to figure out NOTEcards. Instead I just harassed Shutterfly from time to time. Also, have just heard of the Gocco machine (hope I have that right) which sounds promising. THANK YOU, JANE!

[di]

Ahh Moo. Yes I must get myself some Moo cards too- I do hate buying note cards all the time, and it's nice to have a little stash of special cards from which to choose.

[Jessica]

Hello! I came over here from Alicia's blog (which I LOVE) and I've found that I love YOU'RE blog quite a bit, too!

This may seem strange, but I wanted to know if I could borrow one of your tulip pictures...as an illustration of what color my hair is now to someone.
It's this one:
http://yarnstorm.blogs.com/knitblog/images/2008/04/25/dscf8483_edited_2.jpg

Thanks very much, either way!
Please continue being inspiring and crafty!

[Jessica]

A "friends only" post on my livejournal.
Is that ok?