These are my fabric business cards. I use small bits of fabric and batting to create these small 3″ x 4″ (8 x 10cm) business cards. Surely, the materials would be normally tossed in the trash. Of course, making these cards is more time consuming. In spite of that, it is a lovely way to use the fabric and reduce waste while creating these unique business cards.
As my business grew,the info on the card changed.At first my studio was in my house. Later I rented a spot at the local arts center. Now I include the address of my studio. Because my cards are hand written, changes can be made easily. Yet, in the beginning my main motivation was to find a practical use for all of the little bits of fabric and batting quilters generate.
Reactions to my Unique Business Cards
In reality, the first time I handed out a card to a work colleague, she actually screamed. It was a scream of joy and excitement. That gave me a clue that I was on to something.
More recently,I often get a positive response when I offer the cards to people. If someone seems interested in my art, I say, “Would you like one of my business cards?” I can tell that they are about to say no thank you until they see the small art quilts with the info written on it. Pointing to the small pieces of fabric,”These are your business cards?” Most do not pass on choosing one. People choose seriously the one they really like the best.
Sometimes people don’t want to take one thinking that it took me so much time to make it. I have to convince them that that is what I made them for. Some do choose to take a digital photo instead. Each card is a unique little piece of colorful art.
A New Art Medium
Art quilting is a new art medium that many are not familiar with. Each business card is a small example of an art quilt. By sharing these examples, I feel that I am educating the public to what an art quilt is. Hopefully, they will show their friendsand share what they have learned.
An Increase in Sales?
Have my unique business cards caused an increase in sales? That is hard to answer. My business has increased over the years. However, I am not sure that I can attribute it only to my cards. I can say that I have been remembered by others because of my cards. That is a definite win. I hope that the cards might spark a conversation or two.
A Community Connection
Art connects a community. Open Studios and First Friday Art Walks are about more than selling art. Even though a sale is always a wonderful result. These events offer the community to have a conversation about our lives and our passions. In these Post-COVID times, feeling seen and heard becomes more important. My unique business cards help to connect community. They give people a little bit of art to take away with them. Furthermore, this small token is greatly appreciated.
My Central Coast California Community
My Central Coast California community has suffered real losses in the past several years through major forest fires, floods, and of course, the pandemic. When someone visits my Santa Cruz Art Center studio, I have no idea what they have been through. A recent visitor commented that he enjoyed seeing the unique fabric art quilts that I created. He especially liked my use of reflective sheer fabric for a pop and imaginative color combinations. He totally got what I was doing.
Moreover,there was something about the way he appreciated my unique business card. When he left and said, “Thank you for this lovely gift.” He inspired me to write this post.
I love my unique business cards for all they do. They are a simple yet powerful act of kindness, a sharing of art. They are an attempt to reduce and reuse materials while creating a step towards making my community a warmer, kinder place to be.
http://www.saqa.com/ Studio Art Quilt Associates
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/04/what-most-people-dont-know-about-art-quilting/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/12/artful-fabric-business-cards/