the final direct mailers

So, direct mailers are completed, and I can officially say that I am starting to, slowly, become more comfortable with Photoshop.

 

I admit, I was not thrilled to be going back to Photoshop after finally getting acclimated to InDesign, but I now realize the different services each adobe software offers.

I have learned simply by trial and error.I was asked to design two direct mailers for different audiences. I chose to tailor my messaging toward potential Texas high school graduates and also the parents of those high school graduates. What makes a student want to venture away from home to another state for college? What makes parents let their child attend a university in another state?

I decided that potential out-of-state high school students want a university that offers that feeling of  community and family. Being from Texas, I can testify to that. I knew that at OU I would get a great education but it was more so the environment that “sold” me. I designed the first direct mailer to encourage an out-of-state student that OU can be their second family and a place for growth and experiences.

Here is the front and back of the first direct mailer (target audience: Texas high school seniors admitted to OU)

 

The second direct mailer was targeted toward the parents of Texas high school seniors who have been admitted to OU. Tuition is an obvious barrier to allowing ones child to attend OU. Knowing this, I attempted to design my direct mailers in a way that “distracts” parents about costs and in turn makes them focus on the bigger picture. Parents influence their children’s decisions. At the university we want parents to build Sooners and make a difference. Choosing to attend OU is bigger than finances, but the opportunities and experiences that await are priceless.

I am proud of my final product. Yes, there is room for improvement but overall I am satisfied. I do think both direct mailers are plain but in some ways I think this carries the message better. Cluttering the direct mailer with information and pictures does not always get the message across.

I like designs that are modern and neat, so that is kind of the “though process” behind every design.

I am definitely becoming more confident with the tools I am being asked to use. I can now go to InDesign and Photoshop with the skill set to create anything really. I prefer InDesign simply because it is easier to navigate your work. I like how I do not have to manipulate certain layers. Photoshop offers so much and it can be difficult to narrow the applications to fit your needs (if that makes sense).

If I were to start over, I think I would try to sketch out my designs on paper. I am a visual person and cannot start designing something from scratch. Yes, we made Pinterest boards and other outlines to generate ideas, but I never put pencil to paper.

Overall, I am excited about the skills I have learned and eager to apply them in the “real-world”!