My wife loves to watch “deals” websites that specialize in children’s and moms’ stuff. Zulily is one of those sites that she recently ordered some items from. Now, I know, I know. It’s not magic related, but I couldn’t get over the thank you card they sent along with her order and I think there’s something we can learn from it. Here, have a look at it:

First of all, here’s a short comment on the design: all of the design elements work well to portray a store that specializes in baby and motherly products. It’s simple yet elegant and is soft and calming. The thing I really liked about it, though, is the copy around the edge of the card which reads:

A simple card isn’t quite enough to thank you properly. You deserve something extra. Please consider yourself high-fived and confetti-showered. We also did a happy dance in your honor. With spins! Still, we want to give you more. That’s why we put a Very Fun Thing on the back of this card.

Of course on the back they put a fun, short activity that you may or may not take part in.

That short bit of copy around the edge adds a fun, light-hearted human element to what would normally have been a bland, yet well-designed thank you card. Personally, I think it takes it up a notch to being remarkable and all it cost them was a little time and creativity.

Consider how we can add that human touch to our own materials. Sometimes all it takes is interjecting a little conversational humor.

As you may have heard, it was announced today that Steve Jobs passed away. He truly was a great creative man who had a knack for being able to tell what people wanted before they wanted it. If only some of us magicians could master that!

Of course he’s responsible for more than a few things, like creating computers and hand-held devices that are as beautiful as they are easy to use, or changing the way people buy and consume media.

I’d like to direct your attention to an article, One thing we owe to Steve Jobs, published on CNN, that credits Jobs for the fact that you have the choice of a multitude of fonts on your computer. It’s a very interesting story and offers a small look into Jobs’ life you may not have known existed.

For a little more inspiration, here is A Collection of 60 Inspirational Steve Jobs Quotes About Life, Design and Apple.

Mr. Jobs, thank you for being a great example of creative thinking, leadership and good old hard work. Take a load off, sir…you deserve it.

One thing that it’s easy to do when you’re ready to design something is to jump right on the computer and start “designing.” While it may seem like the right thing to do, it’s the most common way to stifle creativity. Instead of turning to the computer immediately, try taking out your good old pen and paper. You’ll be surprised at how much creativity you’ll find when your unhindered by the restraints of your computer program. It’s much easier to brainstorm ideas for content, concept and layout on paper in this way. Trust me and try it. Sketch out some quick ideas. You’ll see.

Magicians are creative people that take their art seriously. It’s important
for our promotional materials we put out to look good and professional
in order for us to be taken seriously. Unfortunately, we’re not all branding
experts or graphic designers.

Just as in our familiar books on magic, The Method: is here to help you
achieve the effect of good branding and design. I will provide you with tips,
tricks and case studies that will help you on your way to this effect.

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