Your Experts Are:
Chris Plantan – Founder and Owner, Russell + Hazel
Ingrid Liss – Creative Director, Demdaco
Margo Tantau – Direct Imports and Product Development Director, Hallmark
Beth Lorentz – Midwest-CBK Vice President Product Development
Your Roundtable Participants Include:
Kelly Rae Roberts – Licensed designer for Calypso Cards, CR Gibson, Creative Co-Op, and Demdaco
Debbie Murray and Shea Fragoso – Licensed designers for Demdaco
Paula Prass – Paula Prass Design, Mimi’s Collection
Presenting Your Pitch:
- All materials must be created in an electronic format and submitted to Brandy Shay – brandy@thecreativeconnectionevent.com – by September 5th. This presentation will then be forwarded to each of the Experts and Roundtable Participants to review and have with them during your presentation.
- You may bring to the Pitch a printed copy of your materials for each Expert and Roundtable Participant to strengthen your presentation.
Pitch Contents:
- An Introduction to “you” that will include a brief and concise biography. As a guideline for your Introduction, you may use Form #1 below.
- Brief and concise overview of your concept. As a guideline, you may use Form #2 below.
- Present a visual illustration of your concept. This could be an illustrated or technical drawing, photograph, or small three-dimensional representation.
REMEMBER: You only have 3 minutes, which equals approximately 400 words. Keep your pitch concise and focused.
Form #1 for Introduction:
Using one page for your written introduction, please include the following information in the order listed:
- Date
- Full name
- Company name, if applicable
- Contact information
- Biography – 150-175 words
Guidelines for Writing Your Biography
Your biography establishes your credibility as a gift designer. What is your professional expertise, education, life experience, or other compelling qualification that makes you the best person to be a company gift designer? And, please let us know if you have a social media presence; for example, are you on Twitter and/or Facebook? If so, how many people follow you on Twitter, and how many fans or friends do you have on Facebook?
Your written biography should be no longer than two paragraphs, or 150-175 words.
In the pitch, your introduction should be no longer than 50-75 words. That equals two to three sentences. Whittle down what’s most important for the pitch and practice reciting it.
Form #2 for Craft Concept Overview:
Using one single-spaced page for your written Overview, include the following information:
- Brief and concise description of your gift concept, which should include specifications such as: size, materials, and technique. (150-175 words)
- Brief and concise explanation of how your gift concept is different from those currently on the market, who your target market is, and why your concept meets an underserved or unmet niche in the marketplace. (150-175 words)
In the pitch, your overview will be 300-350 words. Practice delivering the overview aloud, along with your introduction, to keep within the three-minute time limit. Shorten if necessary.
Winners:
Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!
I would love the opportunity to present my artwork to become a designer for a gift company.
I am the published author of four book by F + W Media. You can view my current line of my prints, pillows, and many other items for my line “in His grace”, at my etsy shop:
http://www.mixedmediamama.etsy.com
Thanks so much!
I would love to take my business to the next level and have a gift line or design a line for an established company.
I am an illustrator, and I have an exciting product I would like to introduce to a panel of experts in hopes of obtaining top-level advice and/or representation! Thank you so much for the opportunity. ~Amy Colburn
Do we just show up or do we schedule appointments ahead of time when submit the electronic images?
Thanks so much,
Linda Hardy
Mixed Media Artist
This is the opportunity I’ve been looking for the past 8 years.
My idea incorporates art and making a difference in someone’s life.
Wow!!!!
WHat an amazing opportunity, count me IN……………thank you so much.-Charla
Juried?, Lottery?, First come first served?
My dream has always been to be a designer and or an inventor of art to be used as communications.
As a young girl I felt I was special and could write and draw to a level of what people understood and could connect to.
What that line would be ,…….. Cards, books.. I am not certain, but I do consider myself well versed in mixed mediums of art.
Thank you for your consideration,
Darlene Pringle of A Dancing Mango
Please disregard my first unedited comment (pushed the button too quick!)
This is just the opportunity I’ve been waiting for! I’ve been a professional artist for many years, and have just started in the gift product area. I love my little glass paintings, and hope you will too. The people on this panel look like the perfect match for me, and I would love to get their feedback.
Thanks for your consideration,
Carmen Patti
carmenpattistudio.com
This sounds like great fun and a great opportunity! I’m in!
Yes! I’m so gonna be there … :)
I’d love to pitch a product idea I have that is swirling in my head. I’ll find a way to come and present, if chosen!
This would be the opportunity of a lifetime! Thanks to PaperPrayers for her direction!
Jennifer
Hi, this is Kass from Australia and I would love to be considered for this Pitch Slam.
Please feel free to contact me at any time.
I hope to meet you in September!
Kass
✮Hello Creative Connections…
This is a great opportunity and I am interested in participating. Do you contact each of us with
information regarding scheduling of appointment times. I will be looking forward to this very much!
pamela
Shona B. here, would love the opportunity to show my creations and how I want to share them with all the creative people out there.
Wow-you did such a great job last year at the Creative Connection of hitting all the areas and topics that the attendees were interested in. This is a fantastic new addition for this year. And, so many categories. You certainly have something for everyone. Please include me in the lottery.
Love this!
Thank you. I would love to pitch my art and product ideas.
Very excited for this opportunity…I have the art just need some advice and direction..thanks
I am excited, nervous and I’m not in control of this…if I get picked, SO GREAT! and if not…it wasn’t meant to be Something that I dream about…and if I don’t put myself out there…how will I ever know?
Please enter me in the pitch slam drawing to design for a gift company. Thank you so much!
Megan Pederson
605-310-1661
megan@bridgetandlucy.com
What a beautiful opportunity…I look forward to presenting my collection of creative gift designs to the industry’s best!
Thankyou!
I have a wonderful idea for a gift line,
I have the dream,
and I have the passion…
All I need now is the opportunity to present it.
Thank you.
I have been designing original jewelry, handbags and accessories for over 15 years. The creative process comes very natural to me and I would love the opportunity to create my designs for an established gift company. My collection and I await your response! …;~) Tamara
Entering for a chance for a pitch!
Kim
Forgot the contact info. Kim@soulfirmations.com Thanks
So excited! Did you announce the winners yet? Can’t wait to share my vision with you all! Kim@soulfirmations.com 612-875-7521
Please enter me in this pitch slam opportunity. Thank you!
I am currently enrolled in Kelly Rae Roberts ‘Flying Lessons’ ecourse, and delivering my pitch would allow me to stretch my wings and fly my line of jubilant botanical characters, created with fresh flowers and watercolors to a gift company! I have a BFA degree, more than ten years experience in specialty retail and now my own line of whimsical, botanical art is ready for pitching!
I have more than 10 years experience in specialy retail, a BFA degree and a line of whimsical botanical art ready to be pitched! I’m currently taking Kelly Rae Robert’s flying lessons ecourse, and I’d love the opportunity to return to St Paul and attend the creative connection.
Yes I want a spot please!