Dec
17
Because Your IttyBiz Deserves A Christmas, Too
When we posted the IttyBiz Gift Guide, I added a note at the top about the IttyBiz Illustration Party Martin Whitmore was planning — not only because I am co-hosting, but also because there is very little out there quite as cool as custom illustration for a small business site. It makes you interesting, it makes you friendly, and it makes you real.
And since I’ve spent my fair share of dough getting original Marty artwork for the SpeakEasy and various other endeavors, I have more than enough evidence to recommend him. He’s a seriously cool dude. And he wears a kilt. In the winter. (Also, I’m pretty sure there’s video evidence out there of him and I singing the Bloodhound Gang’s The Bad Touch at an outdoor karaoke bar in Vegas in a very provocative fashion while he was wearing the aforementioned kilt. And you were wondering if BlogWorld was worth it. Jesus.)
So this is the post where I remind you to mark your calendars:
Day: Friday, December 18th 2009
Time: 2 PM to 4 PM, EST
Marty’s doing two things on Friday: avatars and headers. He charges way more for these usually, and he’s been admonished already to raise his prices, so this is as good a chance as you’re likely to get. (I don’t get any money from this, by the way. I’m doing it to be cool and festive and also because it sure as hell beats working on a Friday afternoon.)
Marty will spend about twenty minutes putting down the ink design for each illustration, you’ll get my 2 cents, and we’ll answer marketing questions. Once we’re off the air, Marty (brave soul that he is) will clean them up, finish them in full color, and turn them into gorgeous avatar and header art that shows everyone what your business is all about. You’ll get the final product by email before Christmas — and your web presence will be that much spiffier for the New Year.
If you have a question you want me to answer, leave it in the comments of this post. I will mine the comments section for topics whenever there’s a spot in the broadcast. You can do this now, or you can do it while we’re live — your choice.
Important note for procrastinators: When we say 2-4 pm, what we really mean is that I’ll stay until 4 PM, and Marty will keep drawing until he passes out. But since I’m going to be handing out marketing advice and providing general feedback on illustration requests, only the first two hours of reservation-holders will have the Naomi option. If you don’t get your reservation in early, Marty might not get to your illustration until after I’m gone (and then where would we be?). So if you really need some Naomi time, make sure to get your order in ASAP so you have a spot early in the queue.
Here are all the details — and if you want to skip straight to the reservation to make sure you get an early spot in the queue (time is short, yo), the order form is here.
Seriously. $70 for a header? $40 for an avatar? I can’t believe you’re still reading this blog post.
Go forth and RSVP!
Thanks for reminder, I’ve signed up!
As for questions – Is there a magic do’s & don’ts formula for website tag lines?
I’m struggling with mine. I don’t think the average person immediately thinks of learning design when it comes trying to make their garden nice.
I need to get across this is something anyone can do with the right tuition. Something along the lines of ‘learn how to create your dream garden’ but less naff!
Thanks
Rachel
Rachel – Naomi can probably give you better specific advice, but I really like Chip & Dan Heath’s “Made to Stick” book. You can get it cheap on Amazon. And you are correct, your tag line is almost like an elevator pitch, it helps to get it right.
Hey there, did I hear you needed a tagline? Dree here, crack copywriter and small business Padawan. Could I take a swing at it?
Then, you know, if you like what I jot down for you, maybe you could say so. In a writtenish sort of way, such that I could put it up on my website.
What a cool offer! I wish I could join you but I’m swamped (all new biz, so can’t complain) but I’ll keep Marty on my radar for a little work next year!
Rachel – there’s a site called http://www.TagLineGuru.com you might find helpful. Interesting articles & tips for the tag-line stumped.
Thanks Lissa, that looks like an excellent resource, I will check it out! ;o)
I’m with Lissa, next year.
However, what you’re doing has prompted me into similar action.
I just redesigned my site a few weeks ago and need a new header. The problem is, the designer I have working on it has produced only one creative and it was terrible. He’s also late on his second creative.
So, I’m going to give it a few more days and see. Otherwise, I might have to reach out to Marty.
Great headline, Naomi. Gave me just enough of a rationalization to go for the purchase!
Unfortunately Livestream didn’t like me and I feel like I missed the party, with my nose pressed to a fogged up window. Couldn’t hear or see, just had the text chat stream with enough tantalizing bits to realize I was missing out on the fun. I mean, I just read “this is like a hot guy emporium :D ” I’m deprived… waaah!
I was also hoping to pick your brain a bit on the new site’s tagline. I know 12 words is too much but brevity isn’t my strong suit.
Megan very kindly supported me via email, however, so I’m sure Marty and I can connect in the next few days and get my site header done. Thanks for motivating me, I know anything I drew would look like, well, something I drew.
Hey Naomi, just wanted to say a big thank you for setting this up. If I’m honest, I would never have thought to get a hand drawn avatar done. It was your first paragraph that sold me on it.
Really pleased with what he’s come up (huge grin on face) so thanks again! http://www.livestream.com/martinwhitmore/video?clipId=pla_a8e2c420-ab3c-4522-8c4e-88679cc53a5b
And if anyone is dithering – employ Marty already!
Hi First time jumped here on your site, founde on ASK I am delighted to find your wonderful website online. I look for Honor a Grandmother on Mother’s Day. How to Honor a Grandmother on Mother’s Day. With a ready ear and a warm hug, your grandmother has likely supported you through all your ups and downs over?