design critique

[alwoodruff]

I've created a promo card for a workshop I'm offering this early summer. Any thoughts or critiques?

[toverman]

First thought is that there aren't any photos of children. I like the uncluttered design, but to me there should be at least a few images for would-be attendees to make an emotional connection. Show examples that depict why you are an expert at children's photography.

Other thoughts:
• As a former newspaper copy editor, "Fort Worth" is preferable to "Ft Worth."
• There is no phone number; some people prefer to call for information.
• You have "May 20" but then "May 23rd" under it. I'd leave off the "rd" but it should be consistent either way.
• I'd say "seating is limited" rather than "available seating is limited," which is kind of awkward and doesn't say anything more than the first phrase. You might also set a deadline for registering if there is one.

[VincentHerrera]

If you want a response, you need an offer and a deadline.

[d2creative]

I like the overall design.
It's consistent, not too many fonts, pleasing colors.

I do agree with some of the other comments.
I think you could use some example photos on one side of the card. It will give people a reason to attend. They need to know that you can take better pictures than they can. They need to think they can learn something.

As far as further design comments. I would kern the big H closer to the OW.
And get your "available seating" line further from the edge... you run the risk of the printer cutting it off.

[texkam]

Slide the H in How a bit to the right to tighten up the kerning and I'm diggin it.

[CaptainTom]

I would like phone number on the card.
I had to search your site for an address, which never showed up.
If I want to mail you something, I have to call first, or send an email first ?

just a personal bug I have about contact information.

[alwoodruff]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

I would like phone number on the card.
I had to search your site for an address, which never showed up.
If I want to mail you something, I have to call first, or send an email first ?

just a personal bug I have about contact information.

Since the workshop will be in my home and I'll be placing these all around town, I prefer to omit my address from the card. I think I'd prefer they go to my website first to read more about the workshop (that way they can see my work and hopefully be impressed) and then call if they're still interested. What could the pitfalls of that strategy be?

I do agree I should put my ph# on there. Any suggestions on where?

alwoodruff added 2 Minutes and 27 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Originally Posted by VincentHerrera

If you want a response, you need an offer and a deadline.

I'm not sure I follow. The offer is the workshop for $35 (or whatever I end up deciding) and the deadline is until the seats are all full. My thinking was to keep it open. If I put a deadline on it and it's passed, someone who might actually be interested won't call b/c the dd has passed. But there still could be room. And I should explain one of my main motivations to this is to get exposure to my "brand" and get more people checking out my website.

alwoodruff added 4 Minutes and 1 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Originally Posted by toverman

First thought is that there aren't any photos of children. I like the uncluttered design, but to me there should be at least a few images for would-be attendees to make an emotional connection. Show examples that depict why you are an expert at children's photography.

Where do you think an image would best be placed and how might you recommend I re-layout the card to make room for it. I thought about an image, but there doesn't seem to be much room for it. I was hoping to keep the front clean and uncluttered to hopefully grab their eye rather than confuse them.

Also, I hesitated to have an image on the card b/c i didn't know which image to choose. It's so hard to pick the right one to best represent my style. If anyone has nothing better to do than browse my website for suggestions, I'm all ears. www.amandalynnphoto.com

[toverman]

Originally Posted by alwoodruff

I think I'd prefer they go to my website first to read more about the workshop (that way they can see my work and hopefully be impressed) and then call if they're still interested. What could the pitfalls of that strategy be?

Well, nobody could show up, and that would be a bummer! But you also might pack your house, and that would be awesome.

Placing the cards may or may not reach the audience you want. First, they have to see them. Second, it has to grab their attention enough to pick one up, take it home and remember it when they jump on the computer. From there, they've really got to want to register and pay, and then show up. I don't know what the answer is, but that's putting a lot of hope on an invitation for photography lessons without photos.

For a phone number, I'd put it in the same sentence as your Web address.

[TexasPhotoBooth]

I LOVE the design! And, after reading the replies, I don't have much else to offer!

Where it says, "Join us on either...." shouldn't there be an "or" maybe before "Wednesday"? Either, or..

Only .02 I have!

[Tom]

I would rather see a design with an eye catching picture of the subject being taught.

When I see a PDF of a workshop from guys like Joe McNally, David Hobby or whoever else, it ALWAYS has a pic that is an example of the type of work that will be done at the workshop. And those are guys who are among the best in the world at what they do.

I think Joe was ranked the number 27 photographer by American Photo in the world. yet he still shows an example of what you will learn - despite his portfolio and experience speaking for itself.

Who are you and why should we take a workshop from you?

If I caught a glance at that, I would think it is a cool graphic, but probably wouldn't read it, because graphics arent something I am interested in. If you had a striking picture of a kid, I may give it a second glance - especially if I am interested in kid photography.

[VincentHerrera]

If you really want to be believed, include a few photos from parents you've helped get better with a camera. Then, include a glowing comment from them about how much you helped, etc. Use the comment as a caption for their own image.

Let someone else tell them how great you are, and how you'll help the reader. It would be more effective than gorgeous graphic design...which you've got loads of.

[alwoodruff]

Okay, so I'm taking the advice and putting an image of my work on the front of the card (not sure yet exactly how or where). I would like to put a close up though. These are few I like but not sure. What do you guys think?

btw- the adorable little boy is my little one- I think all of him are the best, most adorable. So, I'm needing some unbiased opinions:)

[alwoodruff]

I thought of a few more after I went to bed last night.

[toverman]

I like both of the ones with two kids in them, especially the last one with the brother and sister. If it were me, I'd pick that one and then a single of another kid. They don't have to be spectacularly big, but I think incorporating them will make a positive difference (I hope so anyway!).

[texkam]

Yes, I agree. Every Mom and Dad wishes they could take pictures of their children like those 2 shots.