submission tips

Hello there! And a special "hello" to those hopping over here from Paper Crafts Connection. I'm posting over there today and sharing a few tips on submitting to the magazine.

Here are my top five tips for submitting in general:

1. Be original. I know, easier said than done, but try to mix it up a bit. Don't always use patterned papers from the same collection. And, it's okay to mix different stamp companies on the same card (someone asked me that, once). Be punny, be funny, be YOU (don't copy someone else's style).

2. Don't hoard. I used to be afraid to cut my brand new paper, or even open my fresh pack of Thickers. Just do it. Here's my challenge: use the very last thing you have purchased on your next card. You bought it, you use it. Hee.

3. Try a different size or orientation. Sometimes I get in a rut, so I do a tent fold card; or make a shaped card. It's a great way to get inspired.

4. Take great photos of your card; invest in a light tent or make your own. If you want professional photos, using the right equipment will help tremendously. Do I mean you won't get picked up without a light tent? No. But, it's far less stressful for me knowing I can get good photos after the sun has gone down. 

5. Go easy on yourself. Pick a few of your favorite categories for each call, relax and create. I've found that the cards which are picked up for submission are often my last minute "I'll make one more card for this call" projects. Don't overthink it.

Okay, enough of my blabbering. Here's a shot of my light tent in action.

(Check out my before and after card posted at Paper Crafts Connection today). The light tent you see is linked in tip #4. And no, I'm not being paid to recommend it. Ha.

Here's a close up of my neutral background. If my card base is completely white, I would probably use a Kraft paper for the background.

And, here's a card that was published in Paper Crafts Card A Day. I thought it was quite appropriate since today IS Lucky Penny Day! Awesome.

Please leave a comment or question about submitting and I will answer in Friday's post. Go ahead - ask away!

Later.

Comments

[Jackie R.]

Great post Kim! Thanks so much for sharing this information!

[Cassie]

I wondered about the neutral background thing. I submitted a card with black because my card was white and I thought black was neutral. I guess they mean a light neutral? Anyway, My first published card will be in the sept/oct issue- it was my last one that I put together quickly and didn't over think!

[Sue]

Thanks for the tips, Kim. I've recently thought about submitting a few of my cards.

[laura]

i adore your blog! i just sat here and read for far longer than i should have!!!! why haven't i hung out here more often!? ;) have a great day! thanks for part 2 of your submitting and photo tips!!!! I'm inspired to do a much better job!

[Candy]

Regarding submitting... does one have to have a blog? The winners always seem to....

[Cristina]

These are great tips, Kim. I especially love "go easy on yourself." The cards I make last-minute are often the winners for me, too, the ones I'm making in the rush of the moment. Love your work!

[Shirl L]

Thank you so much for the tips! This certainly gives me a little more confidence to create and submit. :)

[Amanda Coleman]

Thanks for the tips! I have another question: What type of light bulbs do you use? I have a light tent, but always struggle to find bulbs that are both bright AND full spectrum.

[Virginia L.]

Thanks for sharing your awesome tips, Kim! Love your light tent! The cards that I made "the last minute" are usually the one that got picked up, too!

[Renee VanEpps]

Thank you for taking the time to post your insider tips!!! Love that penny card, so original :)

[Linda K]

Thanks so much for all your tips!

[Robin Gibson]

I'm interested in checking out the light tent. I almost always find that I finish my projects at night, and/or when it's rained for 3 days straight, lol. No good lighting then.
So, are the lamps or bulbs special in any way, or can you use any lamp, set up as you have shown here?
THANKS for the tips, and I love your blog too! ALWAYS love your style, you are such an inspiration!

[Robin Gibson]

And I just have to say (not related to submitting though)~ LOVE the pics of your scraproom! I just ooohed and aaaaahed over each one! Such a beautiful place to create!

[Morena]

Great tips!! Thanks!!

[Isha]

Thanks for the superb tips Kim.

[Carolynn Wilson]

Many thanks for sharing the wise tips! (And I love how serious everyone was looking in the judging photo over at PC Connection- it so validates all the stages that go into the submission process..thanks!)

[Fleur de Lo]

I DID IT!! I took your advice and used my brand-spanking new product and had a ball. Thanks for pushing me into uncomfortable territory. :)

Here's a link to the card should you desire a visit:
http://fleurdelo.blogspot.com/2012/05/happy-for-you.html

[Lisa L.]

Thanks so much for all of the advice!!! Really appreciated! I have one major question, when reading my magazine I always see that everyone names their basic white cardstock, I buy mine from a store that sells large quantities of cardstock of all kinds, but they do not have the names of the paper makers... do I list the store name next to white cardstock or do I just not put any name next to it? Thank you for your time!!! I appreciate any information you might have!
lisascreativeniche at gmail.com