Okay folks, thanks to the endless genius of Mim’s husband Allan, my site seems to have recovered fully from yesterday’s crash. I did enjoy the actual inability to post, because there was no question about whether or not I’d be working. I just couldn’t, so I didn’t! It was a little stressful to have no control over the outcome of the error, since I am completely code-deficient. Allan really saved the day (he does that often for me.)
And now I’m posting from the business center of a Holiday Inn in Kansas City. Random, right? Well, a few weeks ago I got a call about an RN education job, and the details were to perfect to pass up! Did you even know I’m a nurse? I forget sometimes, too. Really, my very favorite thing about nursing is teaching, and I was lucky to work as a diabetes educator until the boys were born, when I decided to stay home with them. This new position is an education position as well, but I will be teaching MS patients how to use an injectable medication in their homes. The hours are all self-managed, and it will be only 2-4 per week. Totally dreamy. I’m excited to keep my toe in the medical field, while still leaving time to spend quality time with my family and create beautiful things.
When I was called about this job, I was asked to send over a resume. Of course, right? Well, the only resume I could find on my computer was the one I used to get my first nursing job in 2008! I had to hurry and update it with new information before emailing it off. Funny enough, if she had wanted to see a media kit, I’d have been able to send one over right away, since I made my first real media kits for Alt Summit. I’d love to share them with you today.
I have Melissa to thank for everything I know about putting together a media kit, and I love the way these turned out!
A “media kit” is basically just a little snapshot of your blog. Mine included information about: who I am, what I write about, who my readers are, and what types of media partnerships I offer. I designed and letterpressed the kits, and also included a fun letterpress print with each one (because I thought companies deserved some fun swag, too!). I had two, letterpressed half-sheets and needed a creative way to present them.
I came up with a way to turn a basic piece of cardstock into a pocket folder, and it fit the sheets perfectly. I also slid a business card in the front to hand them to sponsors.
To make the folders, I cut pieces of Laura Gunn’s Painters Canvas in Mustard (the same I used on my Archer) into 12″x12″ squares. I ironed 1/4″ around all four sides, then sewed the top and bottom edges to finish it. Then I folded it in half around the cardstock, and stitched down the center, then down each edge. This way I ended up with four fabric pockets. I was happy to learn I could use a bit of my letterpress plate to stamp the folders, for an added logo.
I love this song by James Taylor. It had been playing in my head for the month leading up to Alt (probably in preparation for my thirtieth, too) so I decided it fit me perfectly and was something I wanted to share.
My media kits were so well received, it made me happy! Even being a small blog, I recognizde my opportunities to partner with brands to create great content, and I am looking forward to a couple upcoming collaborations resulting from my efforts to connect.
One of my very favorite parts of blogging is forming relationships. With other bloggers, with great companies, and with readers. I love to create something real in all of this virtual reality.