You've Got (Real) Mail

This week we were set the task to contact a designer, agency or industry practitioner that we are interested in or admire. This process was to be presented in a five slide presentation detailing 

• 1. Name
• 2. Who you’ve sent something to and why.
• 3. What the item is and the concept behind it.
• 4. Proof of posting.
• 5. Any response or reflections on the task.

I chose to contact Dot Studio, a small, independent design and print atelier based in London. The print studio offer the following services:

• Foil Blocking.
• Screen Printing.
• Embossing - Debossing.
• Die Cutting.
• Duplexing  / Multiplexing.
• Colour Edging / Gilding.
• Finishing.

As a designer focusing on print-based design, with a strong affinity for high-end finishing, I thought

Dot Studio would be an ideal candidate to make contact with, that would potentially lead me to utilise their services in the future and also establish them as a contact. 

For the task, I sent a handwritten letter with multi-tone foiling on the front. I hoped this would indicate a commonality between my practice and the services Dot Studio provide, whilst showing my appreciation for the craft of print finishing. The letter read as follows:

'Hello Dot Studio!

I am a graphic designer currently in my final year at Leeds Arts University. My practice is very much driven by a fascination with print and finishing - this having led me to the discovery of your studio.

Although I have been following your socials for some time now, I wanted to take the opportunity to send you something more personal to show my enthusiasm and admiration for what you do at Dot Studio.

While I am only just in the beginning stages of establishing my practice, I look forward to the prospect of potentially working with you in the future as I continue to develop my identity.

I hope this letter find you well and in the middle of some foiling, gilding or embossing.

Best Wishes,

Stephen.'

In addition to the letter, I also included an A6 card bearing my self branding (NOT JUST FOR SHOW), screen-printed in gold on to Gmund Treasury Beauty stock (a duplexed stock that is used throughout my tangible branding collateral, blue on one side and gold on the other). On the back of this card I stuck a business card with my details on so Dot Studio would have details to contact me in response to the mailer.

Following the Not Just For Show custom wax-sealing of the envelope, which includes my crown emblem, I sent this letter to Dot Studio.

Below are images of the mailer, as well as the presentation required for the task (including proof of postage):

While the task was daunting, I believe it was an important exercise to carry out. It forced me to begin making contact with those in industry, which is increasingly important in this final year of study while still considered a student. If we hadn't been set the task, this is something I would have put off, meaning any skills or confidence in making such contact would have remained stagnant. 

I am yet to receive a response from Dot Studio, but remain hopeful that they have received the letter and will provide some form of acknowledgement in the new future.

*UPDATE* 

I never received any acknowledgment from Dot Studio, which is disheartening, although the premise of the task and the experience has still been beneficial to my confidence in making such contact again in the future to other studios/agencies/designers etc.