Direct Mail Fundraising Creative Services

Catholics United for the Poor (CUP)

This Cincinnati non-profit coordinates community projects, provides education, and raises funds for six local non-profit agencies helping people experiencing poverty. I have been honored to work with this organization since 2008 on many different projects supporting their communications strategies. Many direct mail projects include newsletters, fundraising collateral, and holiday and thank you card promotions that are designed as a collection. These collections include an Illustrated greeting card and envelope, remittance envelope, and thank you card with envelope. CUP is a super creative group and their projects are very collaborative. We have also worked on many spot illustrations that anthropomorphize their logo for a variety of uses.

This illustrated graphic represents the different aspects of a person’s life that are improved through people’s generosity. Originally a line illustration, the client asked if I could add color to attract attention and make it the focal point of the mailing. I often opt for a limited color palette, because color harmony appeals to viewers. After making the central image more impactful, I made an additional illustration for the front of the card utilizing the same theme, then carried the concept to the envelope.

Capabilities:

• Direct mail graphic design

• Editorial illustration

• Creative concepting

• Estimating, planning, and pre-press for commercial printing

Client testimonial:

“Karen's art is fun and eye-catching.  She has the ability to portray images of everyday life that tells a story which is very important to appeals we use for our fundraising and education efforts. A great image can tell the story and Karen has a gift for that.  She is extremely creative, listens and understands the message we want to convey and is a joy to work with. We appreciate her talents.”