Hey, First name / friends!

For the past couple weeks, our #CreateWithCatCoq challenges have been centered around a central theme - summer fruits! The idea behind this is that you can use these prompts to create a mini-collection around a central theme. We started with strawberries and cherries, and today, I’m sharing the final prompt to round out your mini-collection! 

 

I wrote an entire blog post on mini collections including the strategy behind my own minis and my best tips for designing them. PLUS, it includes a free tear sheet template so you can pitch your mini collection with confidence!

When you design in collections, you can license an entire set together rather than just a single design. 

 

For example, in my recent collaboration with The Happy Planner, my agents pitched a collection of my retro-inspired vacation artwork along with a collection of retro sunset art. Now, instead of having one design on a single product, I have over 20 unique designs on 11+ products (loads more if you count each individual sticker in the sticker sheets 😅).

The point of the story is… collections are important! But, creating them doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Even small collections can have a big impact when you’re pitching your work. 

 

This is exactly why I wanted to focus on a fun mini-collection in our recent #CreateWithCatCoq challenges. I hope this will help reduce your overwhelm so you can get excited about creating trend-forward collections.  

 

Here are just a few of the incredible submissions from last week’s cherry challenge!

We’re wrapping up our three-part summer fruit series this week with a watermelon challenge! 🍉

 

Together with the strawberries and cherries from our past challenges, this week’s watermelon challenge will round out your mini collection of juicy summer fruits. 

Here's an example of how my watermelon illustration above turned into a mini collection! Check out this blog post for more mini collection examples and learn how to turn your strawberry, cherry, and watermelon illustrations into a cohesive mini collection.

Share your watermelon illustration on Instagram with the hashtag #CreateWithCatCoq, and don’t forget to tag me (@catcoq) in your post as well! 

 

Instagram has changed the way we view hashtags, so it’s harder for me to find your artwork with the hashtag alone. Tagging me ensures that I will see your work so I can like, comment, and share your beautiful creation!

When you’re pitching collections, it’s important to showcase them in the best possible light. Even if they’re mini! I put together some free design templates to help you whip up mini-collection designs quickly and easily.

 

There are four templates total - two horizontal and two vertical. These templates include both InDesign files and Canva files so they’re as accessible as possible.

 

The horizontal version is great for email pitching to art directors who will likely be viewing your work from their computer. The vertical aspect ratio is great for sharing on social media! 

 

Click the button below and you'll be redirected to a Dropbox folder where you can access the templates - my gift to you! : ) 

Pro tip: Add blender patterns to your summer fruit mini-collection to tie the whole thing together. You can see examples of my own blender patterns in this blog post!

 

I would LOVE to share your full mini collection, so be sure to use the vertical template and share your full collection on Instagram!

 

Whether you're sharing your full collection or just your watermelon illustration, don’t forget to use the hashtag #CreateWithCatCoq on Instagram and tag me @catcoq so I can like, comment, and share your work!

 

Have a fabulous week, First name / friend!