Direct Mailer Reflection

For this assignment in Public Relations Publications we were asked to create 2 direct mailer designs for 2 different but somewhat related stakeholders about the University of Oklahoma. In order to first begin the assignment, we were required to come up with 2 different stakeholders that the direct mailers would target. Though they could not be the same, it was suggested that they be somewhat related. For example my first stakeholder was high school students who had a parent attend the University of Oklahoma. The second stakeholder was alumni of the University of Oklahoma who had children who could possibly attend the university. Before we began the rough drafts, we were required to create a stakeholders matrix to help us better define and explain the stakeholder we chose.

Once it came time to begin designing the direct mailers, I was very nervous and anxious. I think it was because I was not as familiar with Photoshop as I had hoped I would be going into this assignment. With the first project, I was much more familiar with InDesign before beginning the project. Due to my anxiety, before I even began the rough drafts, I went back and watched the Lynda.com videos on Photoshop to help me better understand how to use Photoshop and create the direct mailers.

Once I was able to watch and take notes on the Lynda.com videos, I felt much more comfortable with using Photoshop. Without watching these videos again before starting my rough drafts I think I would’ve been a lot more frustrated and stressed about the direct mailers than I actually was. Once I began the rough drafts, I was pleasantly surprised with how easy it was to figure out how to navigate Photoshop, which I think was partly due to the notes I took on the Lynda.com videos.

I think I was surprised by how well the direct mailers turned out because I am still insecure about my knowledge of InDesign and Photoshop. Coming into this class with no experience with these programs, it still shocks me that I am able to due these assignments and have them look good. Though I am still shocked and surprised, I’m proud with the progress I have made and the work I have done and the effort I have put in.

Front of first stakeholder direct mailer:

Back of first satcheled direct mailer:

Front of second stakeholder direct mailer:

Back of second stakeholder direct mailer: