outsource marketing

Vegetable Bags from Tex & Joe in Masterchef Magazine!

2011-08-04T03:25:00.000-07:00

Check out our stylish, yet practical (plus eco-friendly) cotton/hemp vegetable bags in this month's Masterchef Mag.

Tex & Joe in June "Shop Till You Drop" Magazine!

2011-07-12T23:41:00.000-07:00

The delightfully eco-friendly Tex & Joe Vegetable Bags featured in the June 2011 issue of the Shop Till You Drop mag. The bags are handmade from organic cotton and hemp. They are hand screen printed with water based ink and have 100% hemp twine at top. For more info check them out here
http://www.outsourcemarketing.com.au/shop/Vegetable-Bags/Vegetable-Bags

Last Chance to Order Running with a Sandwich Cards- Closing Down!

2011-05-17T00:15:00.000-07:00

This is your last chance to order from the Running with a Sandwich card range. Check out the full range on the website here

They are on sale at HALF PRICE till Friday 27th May 2011.
100% Made in Australia & Quirky!

pod & pod-New Greeting Card & Magnet Designer

2011-05-17T00:11:00.000-07:00

pod & pod was born in 2008 when artist, and sometime television producer, Julie Hickson finally decided enough was enough.

Since then Julie has produced many limited edition pochoir designs for canvas and paper and exhibits regularly.

The range of cards and magnets are just the beginning of a small but powerful empire built upon the desire to get as much artiness into every single day.....

New Greeting Card Designer- Nic Hohn from QLD

2011-05-17T00:07:00.000-07:00

Nic Hohn is an artsy girl wanting to change the world and make it a better place.

With a background in visual arts, she now enjoys creating in the world of mixed media. Her artworks are created with nostalgic and repurposed materials such as recycled papers, opshop finds and collected treasures.

“Creating has always been part of me. I can't ever remember not making something. And it was always with glue and paint and paper and fabric. It’s innate. I love scrumptious thick paint. I love rich textures. I love finding out what makes us tick and art that has meaning. I love lace and old world charm. I love daring colour and moody muted tones. I love vintage trinkets. I love being inspired. I love hearts. I love the unusual in places of beauty.”

The beautiful images on her card range are from her original artworks and all uniquely Nic!

Apart from being an artistic whiz, Nic is also a nurturing Mum to 2 amazing kids, wife to a loving man who enjoys fishing and companion to her energetic Border collie dog.

Nic lives by the sea in QLD and enjoys being creative daily.

OM Appears in the Jan/Feb Issue of Australian Giftguide Magazine & Giftrap Magazine!

2011-03-07T20:36:00.000-08:00

Our Win last year of the Subiz "Best Home Based Business" Award is featured in both the Australian Giftguide and the Giftrap Magazine Jan/Feb 2011 issues

Formosa Design Pics in Eco Providore Article in Sunday Times

2011-03-07T19:33:00.000-08:00

The Formosa tea towel and cushion were a happy inclusion in an article that appeared in the 6th Feb "Home" section of the Sunday Times paper. The article featured one of our stockists, the lovely Julie Rosario from The Eco Providore.

Bowerbird Bazaar May Stallholder Applications Open!

2011-01-31T00:36:00.000-08:00

To apply then please check out their website www.bowerbirdbazaar.com.au
I have heard from friends who have had stalls that it is fabulous and they had a ball!

Subscribe to the Our Newsletter and Go in a Draw to Win a Near Future Bag!

2011-01-27T23:09:00.000-08:00

Subscribe to our monthly E-Newsletter before the 28th Feb and go into the running to
WIN one Near Future Bag of your choice.
Visit our website to sign up
www.outsourcemarketing.com.au

Ali J Exhibition in the Augusta Margaret River Times

2011-01-23T20:19:00.000-08:00

Outsource Marketing Wins Best Homebased Business Award

2011-01-19T23:54:00.000-08:00

Check us out on the Australian Giftguide Website!

ON SALE! Running with a Sandwich Greeting Cards

2011-01-19T22:19:00.001-08:00

Offer 1: Bulk Buy- 350 cards at a total price of $385 inc gst

Pick and choose which images and quantities you would like

Available for immediate delivery

Cards are blank, come with envelope (but are not cello wrapped)

100% designed and made in Fremantle, WA

RRP is $5.95 per card

Offer 2: 1/2 Price Packs of 12 Cards
Wholesale Pack of 12 cards: $17.82 inc gst (standard w/s price is $35.64)
Available for immediate delivery
Cards are blank, and are cello wrapped with envelope
100% designed and made in Fremantle, WA
RRP is $5.95 per card

Check out the 60 card designs available here

Art 4 Heart Auction Appeal for QLD Flood- Please Support

2011-01-19T22:18:00.000-08:00

Australian artists Beth-Emily and Kelly Smith have organised an Art 4 Heart Art Auction to raise funds for the QLD Flood Relief Appeal.

All proceeds will go to the QLD Premier's Flood Appeal.

Known Aus Artists such a Ali J, Kareena Zerefos, Courtney Brims and Catherine Campbell have all freely donated beautiful artworks to be auctioned.

Bidding closes this Sat so be sure to visit their website to place a bid.

Visit Art 4 Heart Website

Pictured below is a necklace and Art Prints by Beth-Emily that are up for Auction.

Swing By and Check out Ali's Solo Exhibition in Margaret River this Weekend

2011-01-18T01:57:00.000-08:00

http://www.alijart.com/main.html

A Taste of NEW Ali J Designs for 2011

2010-12-26T23:15:00.000-08:00

Ali is busily working on new designs for her product launch in March 2011.
Here are some of her new images- let me know what you think!

Merry Christmas for 2010

2010-12-24T05:51:00.000-08:00

Well it is nearly 10pm on Christmas eve as I write this. Father Christmas will be here soon!

Its been a really interesting year meeting new designers, developing new relationships and generally enjoying what I do.

We are closed over Christmas and my wholesale webshop will be open from the 14th of Jan 2011.

Please note that all the Ali J and Formosa Design products will be unavailable to order until March 2011.

Have a fantastic Christmas everyone and I look forward to sharing 2011 with you.

Lia

2010-11-02T03:27:00.000-07:00

WINNER-Outsource Marketing- 2010 Subiz Awards "Best Home Based Business Award"

At the Awards dinner last week, Outsource Marketing was announced the 2010 category Winner of the Subiaco Business Association, Subiz “Best Home Based Business” award.
This inaugural award recognizes the contribution made by local business to the Subiaco business community. The MC for the evening, Greg Pearce, from Channel 9 News announced the nominees and winners across the 11 categories to the 200 strong crowd.
The category was sponsored by the Small Business Development Corporation, which was rather fitting as I attended some of their courses when I was setting up my business.
A very big thank you to the designers I represent, without your beautiful products my business would not exist.
Plus a big thank you to the lovely shops that buy my products for your ongoing support.
Let's Celebrate!

Beautiful Zilpah Tart Handmade Origami Flower Brooches

2010-11-02T03:19:00.000-07:00

With over 30 different fabric combinations to choose from, these beauties are handmade by Yumi in her Canberra studio. They retail for $33 each.

Please contact me for the wholesale prices or check out the website http://www.outsourcemarketing.com.au/shop/Accessories/Brooches/Zilpah-tart-Brooches

They also have matching origami flower hairpins that can also be viewed on our website too.

SUBIZ AWARDS- OM is an entrant in the BEST HOME BASED BUSINESS CATEGORY!

2010-10-05T23:15:00.000-07:00

Last month I entered my business, Outsource Marketing, under the “Best Home Based Business” category in the Subiz Awards (Subiaco Business Awards).

The awards recognize flourishing business in the Subiaco area.

The category I have entered is sponsored by the government’s Small Business Development Corporation.

I find out later this month if I have won- so everyone please keep your fingers and toes crossed!!

NEW Designer- Zilpah tart from Canberra

2010-10-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

Who
Zilpah tart is a Canberra based label run by designer, Yumi Holder. The label name, Zilpah tart was the name of her late grandmother who left her a 1940's brooch of a penny farthing, which inspired the design of the logo. Yumi completed a Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) in 2007 and regularly visits Japan where she sources all the fabrics used in her products.

What & Where
Zilpah tart handbags and accessories (Hairpins & Brooches) are 100% handcut and handmade with love in Yumi's Canberra studio.

There are 5 different handbag styles with over 35 different fabric combinations to choose from.

She creates limited designs in beautiful fabric combinations that make each handbag and accessory truly unique and individual.

To view the Zilpah tart Wholesale range online click here http://www.outsourcemarketing.com.au/shop/Handbags/Zilpah-tart

Ali in Dwellingup with Solo Exhibition

2010-10-05T00:08:00.000-07:00

Ali launches her solo exhibition, "Close To Me" this coming Sunday 10th October 2010 in Dwellingup, WA. Further details on flyer- GOODLUCK ALI!!

NEW Designer- Formosa Design from Canberra

2010-10-04T23:58:00.000-07:00

formosa , latin for ‘beautiful’, is frequently used in the naming of Australian plants.

Formosa Design is an environmentally aware business creating contemporary designed products that focus exclusively on Australian flora & fauna. The 2010 debut collection is based on 5 unique designs.

The debut product range consists of cushions, purses, t-shirts, tea towels, purses, fabric brooches & fabric magnets.

CONTEMPORARY AUSTRALIANA- designs focus exclusively on Australian flora and fauna
100% HANDMADE- designed, printed & sewn by Jen in her Canberra studio
ECO-FRIENDLY- 100% organic cotton/hemp used with water based inks
DIVERSE RANGE- cushions, t-shirts, tea towels, purses, fabric brooches & magnets
ORIGINAL DESIGNS- created by Jen herself!

Who

Jennifer Berney was born and raised in Perth, WA, where she completed a BA in Design majoring in Illustration. She has worked as a designer on leading brands including the Perth International Arts Festival and Rosendorffs. After moving to Canberra mid 2008 Jen took the opportunity to realise her dream of running her own sustainable business and Formosa Design was born.

Why

Jen is passionate about the importance of our Australian natives, therefore Formosa Design focuses exclusively on Australian flora and fauna. Jen would like her product range to inspire people to plant Australian natives in their gardens thus attracting our local wildlife.

When & Where

The 2010 Formosa Design Debut Wholesale Collection is now available to view and buy online at www.outsourcemarketing.com.au or email lia@outsourcemarketing.com.au for a wholesale catalogue and price list.

New Notebook Arrivals from Little Mo and Friends

2010-08-04T02:01:00.000-07:00

We have two new wholesale notebook designs available in the eco-friendly range from the lovely Helena at Little Mo and Friends.

"Little Birdy in the Woods"

and

"Little Mo and Twigs"

Visit our wholesale website to buy online here www.outsourcemarketing.com.au

NEWS FLASH- Products from Two of Our Talented Designers in JULY/AUG 2010 issue of giftrap magazine!

2010-08-04T01:52:00.000-07:00

Check out the products from Little Mo and Friends and Running with a Sandwich, two of the designers I represent with some of their amazing and unique products in the latest issue of Giftrap Magazine.

Giftrap is the official magazine of the industry body, gift & homewares Australia.

We are Back from Holidays!

2010-08-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

I had a fantastic time in ye olde fayre England during July- lots of castles, pints and cute thatch roof cottages.
I took this pic of this cute sausage dog that was relaxing in the front window of a shop in Rye- it has such soulful eyes- I wanted to put it in my pocket and take it home.

I traveled England with my trusty, zig zag- "the near future" bag which is designed by Sydneysider Nicole Law of the near future. You can buy her bags (RRP) direct from www.thenearfuture.com.au
or if you are a shop from WA or SA and would like to buy some wholesale then please contact me.
Here is another pic of me with my bag below- it was very comfortable and can carry LOADS of stuff.

It was very hot in England and the flowers were in full bloom!

There were also alot of fantastic stores and this store in the Great Dixter gardens was no exception.

Well back to work now and I have some fab new Australian designers to introduce to you!

We Are on a Break!

2010-06-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

We are away on our mid-year break (yay!) so the office will be closed from 10th June and back to business on Monday 5th July.

Any orders received via our website will be cheerfully addressed when we return!!

Franc Essentials- Beautiful Perth Skincare Range

2010-03-08T03:07:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to introduce Chantal Vanderhaeghen from Franc Essentials, a Perth based natural skincare range. I met Chantal at a Women in Business Networking event last year and was impressed with the quality and marketing of her products. If you are interested in purchasing wholesale or retail from Franc Essentials then I encourage you to visit their website.

http://www.franc.com.au/

Please provide a brief description of your business
Chantal Vanderhaeghen has been passionately involved in natural skincare since 1996. Raised in health-conscious Switzerland, it was second nature for Chantal to embrace natural healthcare principles. After completing a double major in language in Australia and a post graduate degree in administration, Chantal's subsequent years of work as a holistic massage and facial practitioner provided the opportunity to intimately study a complete range of skin types and their response to products on the market.

The fact that so many of these products fell short of their promise and often caused reactions to sensitive skin ignited a fire in Chantal. She soon found herself on an impassioned quest to find natural skincare solutions suited, initially, to Australia's unique climate - a climate that encourages outdoor enjoyment, but frequently results in dry, dehydrated-looking skin, accentuated wrinkles and lines, reduced oil gland activity and loss of elasticity. It became clear that carefully combined natural ingredients have the power to nourish and enhance skin the world around, no matter the conditions.

Chantal worked with respected cosmetic scientist Jeanette Kemert to develop the Franc range and also endeavoured to build ecological sustainability into her business with the use of environmentally aware packaging and production methods. Chantal’s product ingredients are safe and, where possible, organic, with no fillers or bulking agents, and just the barest minimum of a chemical preservative to protect the products’ integrity. Chantal has developed labelling that is honest and detailed.
Chantal believes openness and integrity – of product, business operations and marketing – are the cornerstones of successful business and that is why the business is called Franc Essential.

What motivated you to establish your business?
I have been working with clients for years massaging and loved the results that I saw from using essential oils. There was the concern about all the harmful chemicals that are being used in products and how it was not only affecting our health but also our environment. In addition, I wanted to create a skin care range that was elegant, easy to use and to bring the magic of nature into our lives. To me it just seems a logical way to go, particularly when the ingredients are used to their optimum and in the correct manner.

Who is your main target market?
Women who are interested in what they are using, who want a skin care range that delivers on what it promises, who want it to be easy and simple to use. I am now approaching friends and clients to host parties for me so the brand and its values can be spread further through having fun, education, sharing of stories, learning how to use your products correctly in the comfort of your home.

What are your favourite products and why?
That is a difficult question to answer. I must say my favourites are the Franc Vital and Serum combined and the Melt as I love the texture aroma and how good my skin feels afterwards; glowing, fresh, well nurtured, and loved.

What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most?
I love meeting women and connecting with them. We all have so much to share and talk about and the product is the medium to this. I love seeing women enjoying using the products and it enhancing their sense of self and well being. It becomes a part of your life and your own values. It is give and take as this keeps me motivated and positive and nourished.

What is the greatest professional challenge you have faced since starting your business?
Again another difficult question to answer as I had no idea really at the time what I was letting myself in for. There is just so much to learn and take into account. I suppose the greatest challenge is believing in myself and getting it out there.

What do you believe is essential for a successful online retail store?
That it is accessible, easy to use, informative, interesting, approachable and that you respond promptly to any queries or orders.

What one piece of advice would you give to people interested in establishing their own business?
Just do it, because if you think about it too much you may put yourself off. And do not listen to nay sayers as it often says more about them than you. Do some homework first just to get a feel for what you are letting yourself in for and talk to others who have already started their own business. Ask, ask, ask. There is no shame in asking because you do not know. That is something I have had to deal with, even it is so illogical as how can you know everything? I just did not want to look like a failure.

Where do you see your business in 5 years time?
That it is national, ie Australia wide supporting women and the community in all sorts of ways. It is important to keep this in mind as it is more that just the product, it is the brand and its values that I also want to spread.

New Designer- Running with a Sandwich

2010-02-20T01:05:00.001-08:00

100% Made & Designed in Perth!

Jan (Jammie), Ben and Bewley are the Sanger Makers Extraordinaire behind the quirky card collection produced by Running with a Sandwich.

Jammie (1st sandwich layer) loves being surrounded by beautiful objects, quirky pieces, and unloved oddities, which is why she is responsible for the inspiration behind the cards.

Bewley (2nd layer) is the photographer, responsible for making the inanimate come alive through the lens and to express their intent.

Ben, the 3rd and final layer in the sandwich, is responsible for the unique names and the less fun job of bill paying. These three layers fit together beautifully to create the ultimate sandwich and therefore the ultimate in greeting cards!

I really like the quirky nature of this card range and with over 68 different images to choose from there is something to suit everyone from kids through to the difficult "man" card!

The complete range is available to buy online now www.outsourcemarketing.com.au

Ali J at Life In Style Trade Fair

2010-02-20T01:02:00.001-08:00

We are excited to be exhibiting at the First in Style section at Life in Style this Feb 2010.

We will be representing our Perth designer, Ali J at the trade fair. You will find us listed as an exhibitor under the name Ali J at First In Style.

Please drop in to say Hi and check out our range!

New Designer- Little Mo and Friends!

2010-02-20T00:53:00.000-08:00

I am very are excited to introduce you to one of our new designers to join the OM family in 2010- LITTLE MO and FRIENDS!

Little Mo and Friends produce an environmentally friendly range of beautifully packaged products including notebooks, gift tags, tote bags, art prints, greeting cards, postcards and paper dolls.

All the products are made in Australia and as Little Mo and Friends is committed to being a sustainable green business, the majority of paper products are printed on 100% Recyclable paper.

Helena Tay is the talented Perth designer behind the label, working vigorously in her home studio, drawing and developing new products for The Little Mo and Friends range.

The full product range is available to view and buy online at www.outsourcemarketing.com.au

Outsource Marketing Christmas Closing Times

2009-12-10T18:58:00.000-08:00

We will be closed for a month over Christmas from 14th Dec - 14th Jan 2010.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Calling All Craftspeople, Artists & Designers- Bowerbird Bazaar is Back in 2010

2009-12-10T18:54:00.000-08:00

Adelaide Bowerbird Bazaar 2010 Applications Now Open

Jane Barwick and Rebekah Cichero invite interested craftspeople, artists and designers to participate in Bowerbird Bazaar, an exciting event that will market Australian designer/maker art and wares to Adelaide audiences from the 26-28th March 2010.

Bowerbird Bazaar will provide a high-quality and dynamic environment where designers, artists and craftspeople are proud to showcase and promote their work. There is an emphasis on attracting appropriate retailers, businesses and media from SA and interstate to create ongoing relationships, opportunities and sales - in addition to selling to an enthusiastic public!

Bowerbird Bazaar encourages makers and designers from around Australia with a professional approach to their business to apply. The closing date for application is 15th Jan 2010.

Check out their website here www.bowerbirdbazaar.com.au

RETAILER REVIEW: Collection of Cool

2009-12-10T18:37:00.000-08:00

We talk to Anthea and Cass, the sisters behind super fab Australian online retail site, Collection of Cool.

Describe your business, Collection of Cool.

We strive to provide a retail experience not found elsewhere. It is an online store selling products with a design edge, that are unique, interesting and not readily available in mainstream stores. We like to think of our store as 'High Street' shopping, online. Anthea brings ideas, writing and editing while Cass markets the business in creative ways, and of course spreads the news through positive word of mouth.

What inspired you to establish Collection of Cool?

The general need for better choice when it comes to shopping and a love of beautifully designed things.

What is the greatest professional challenge you have faced since starting your business?

Shipping! Not only is it totally dull, it is really hard to figure out the easiest and most cost effective way for our customers - plus then implementing the system into the website.

What do you believe is essential for a successful online retail store?

Be creative, do things differently and try to inspire.

What inspires you when selecting products?

Australian designed and ethically made is one inspiration, along with an impressive aesthetic, quality and hipness.

What are your favourite products and why?

Anthea is a huge fan of eclectic stationery and loves the retro vintage gift tags by Percival Road and the Cavallini & Co range. I love photography too so I need to get a Polariod Po Go. Cass is in love with all the Thomas Paul and Danica Studio melamine dining ware. She thinks the truth.be.told notelet and writing sets are some of the cutest things she's seen. We both love OTTO Espresso - who wouldn't?

Where do you see your business in 5 years time?

Many more new and exciting products, plus we hope to include a vintage category. Many visitors every day, shopping, providing feedback which we may post live and/or a blog, as well as a really comprehensive "Other stuff we like" section to bring people back again and again.

Click here to visit Collection of Cool website

Outsource Marketing at Life in Style Trade Fair in 2010!

2009-12-10T18:24:00.000-08:00

Our latest exciting news is that we have been accepted into the First in Style section at the Life in Style trade fair in Sydney, Feb 2010. We will be representing our Perth designer, Ali J.

The trade fair will run over 4 days from the 25-28th Feb 2010 in the Royal Hall of Industries & Hordern Pavilion, Moore Park, Sydney.

Please come and say hello to us and check out our beautiful wholesale range.

Check out the Life in Style website here www.lifeinstyle.com.au

Outsource Marketing in The Australian Giftguide Magazine Oct/Nov/Dec 2009 Issue

2009-12-10T18:08:00.000-08:00

We are as proud as punch to have a delightful two page interview about us, appear in The Australian Giftguide magazine.

The interview gives a great run down of who I am and what I do at Outsource Marketing. It is also great to be able to gain some exposure for my business in the eastern states as that is where I want the products to be seen next.

The article includes some images from the current wholesale range-they look beautiful.

Thanks again to Marian, the magazine editor for the opportunity to showcase my business.

The Australian Giftguide is an award-winning quarterly publication that is regarded by retailers as ‘the Bible’ of the gift and homewares industry for over 35 years.

To read the full article click here and it will take you to the press page on the website.

Once Upon Exhibition

2009-10-27T23:34:00.001-07:00

Once Upon A Time….

Angela D’Alton, director and founder of Leeloo.com.au, along with creative fine artist and community enthusiast Renee Baker of Sydney’s Art4Friends have put together the "Once Upon" exhibition.

After ploughing through 100 submissions from artists around Australia, 38 of the finest Australian artists were selected to participate in the Once Upon exhibition.

We are proud to announce that both our Outsource Marketing artists, Jess Hyde from truth.be.told and Ali J have both been selected to participate!

Each artist has been allocated their own fairy tale to interpret, and 30 of the artists will create four original and new artworks to exhibit. Also due to the volume of submissions, On The Wall, has been created, where a further 8 artists involved will submit one piece to be included.

Opening night will be Thursday November 19^th 2009 at aMBUSH gallery from 6pm to 9pm, with the exhibition open daily from 10am to 5pm through to Sunday 22^nd November. Artworks will be available for sale, and from Friday to Sunday there will be a Leeloo “pop-up store” for the public to have a hands-on look at the gorgeous online goodies.

2009-10-18T18:47:00.001-07:00

Outsource Marketing in Giftrap Magazine!

We were very excited to have a half page feature about us appear in the Spotlight pages in the latest Sept/Oct 2009 national magazine issue of Giftrap. The article looked brilliant with vibrant Ali J images filling the page!

Giftrap is the bimonthly magazine released by Gift & Homewares Australia (GHA). GHA is the association, which represents the gift & homewares industry in Australia.

A big thank you to their delightful editor, Katherine Beard for the fantastic write up!

Please click here to visit our Press page to read the feature http://www.outsourcemarketing.com.au/Contact-Us/Press

2009-10-18T18:43:00.001-07:00

Letterbox Love

Jess from truth.be.told delights in people receiving her handmade cards as she likes "to bring a touch of whimsy to peoples mailboxes." Magic also enters our letterboxes through other ways that are unseen.

I was out the front of my house a couple of days ago, checking my mailbox. At the same time a young man in his early twenties was delivering the local newspaper. We started talking. He told me how much he enjoyed delivering the papers. He then said, "With every newspaper I put in, I add a blessing for the house".

It is nice to know magic is at work.

Bowerbird Bazaar in Adelaide 9-11th October!

2009-10-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

Style savvy shoppers with a keen eye for beautiful objects to feather their nests will take delight in this exciting event.

Bowerbird bazaar will provide the public with an opportunity to seek out unique art & handmade wares created by Australian designers and makers.

Along with two days open to the public, Bowerbird Bazaar will feature a daylong mini trade fair where retailers and special guests can meet and chat with sellers.

With over 55 local and interstate designers taking part- it will be a fantastic weekend and a great chance to get in early with your Christmas shopping!

For more info- please visit www.bowerbirdbazaar.com.au

Upfront with Jess Hyde: truth.be.told

2009-09-21T00:32:00.000-07:00

What inspired you to establish truth.be.told?

I've loved drawing as long as I can remember. Truth.be.told started after I finished university and I felt really uninspired. I started drawing again for fun (rather than to design a building) and found that it really was what I loved doing. At the end of 2007 I started doing cards, illustrations and custom wedding invitations for friends and the rest is history so to speak.The name "truth.be.told" was inspired by the old movies and musicals of the 40's & 50's. There was always a heartfelt declaration being made following the statement, truth be told.I thought it would fit nicely with the idea that people would use my stationery as a way to share their own truths.

What expertise do you bring to truth.be.told?

I'm a 25 year old Melbourne based designer who graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Architecture (Honors) from Deakin Uni. Since then I have been working my double life - I am afraid I am turning into Clark Kent more everyday - I work as a graphic designer at an architectural office in Melbourne by day and in my 'other life' I create pretty, whimiscal illustrations and other flights of fancy all under the umbrella of my little business that could: truth.be.told.

When do you find the time to create your treasures?

It's hard, I'm not going to lie but I really love what I do and it is actually a pleasure to come home after work and make my own designs. Knowing that people are going to enjoy the things I make and that it is something handmade and unique is a great motivator too.

How would you describe the type of products you create?

I would describe my products as whimsical stationery. The intention I had from the beginning was to create beautiful cards that were also a mini piece of art. Each illustration is unique because of the collage technique I use. The gift cards are also one of a kind because of the handmade and sewn elements. I'm really inspired by images and films from the 40's & 50's, especially fashion illustration and photographs from this time. My favourite are sketches from Givenchy and Dior. The detail in creating these outfits have always fascinated me. I grew up watching old films like "Funny Face" & "High Society" and whenever I am stuck for inspiration I always turn to those. I'm really trying to bring a piece of that to my illustrations and stationery pieces. There is always more than meets the eye with my products.

Where do you work from?

I work from my little home studio in my backyard, which is an amazing little space. I love spending time out in the studio, which as well as sewing and drawing spaces also has my secret treasure in the form of my dark room. I really could spend days out there, as long as I have a warm cup of tea and some lovely music, it is bliss. I actually do a lot of my sketching & illustration on the tram on the way to and from work which is always interesting.

Why stationery?

I like that letters and cards are so personal and thoughtful, and that they are kept for years. It is even more special when you receive something that is a little different or handmade. The whole act of taking the time out and physically writing is just a thoughtful process and I also thought it was a nice way for people to give something lovely and with the added bonus of some affordable art in the form of a giftcard.

Your work is dotted with textured patterns and prints. Where do these come from?

I really like the idea of 'dressing' the illustration, as a lot my work is almost fashion illustration in a sense. I collect vintage prints, magazines, postage stamps and advertising to use. At the moment I'm really interested in using typography to create the texture and pattern in pieces. I have bee using old typewriters and also stamps to generate patterns by hand. I also like to make my own patterns using watercolours and inks which I then use as a palette to digitally render the designs.

Jess recently launched her website and is now working on developing her online shop. Online retailers include Madeit and Leeloo. You can meet Jess in person and buy some of her treasures at her stall at the Rose St Artists Markets in Fitzroy, VIC every Sunday this coming October 2009.

Corporate Christmas Cards by truth.be.told

2009-09-13T17:44:00.001-07:00

Show your clients how much you value them with a "stand out" Christmas card that they will remember!

The inside text can be personalised to your business or left blank- it is up to you

Each card is handmade in Melbourne, dimensions 10x 14 cm & comes with a quality envelope.

Please contact us to discuss text options. Check out our website for wholesale prices www.outsourcemarketing.com.au

Last order date for corporate cards is 1st November 2009

New Handmade Badge Sets from Ali J

2009-09-08T18:11:00.000-07:00

These assorted small badge sets were created in response to a demand from Ali's customers at the local art markets. Only offered in the small badge range, they are available in a 3 or 5 badge set as pictured. The designs are an assorted variety with no minimum order.

The 3 set RRP $9.95 each, 5 set RRP $15.95 each

You can buy these now from our websitewww.outsourcemarketing.com.au

First Outsource Blog

2009-08-04T00:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first ever entry in the Outsource Marketing blog! I will be adding lots of interesting information about what I get up to with Outsource. To kick start us off is an amazing image I captured down in Albany recently on a work trip. I discovered Albany is full of rainbows and this one appeared to be directly diving into the bay. Magnificent!

Also made some great contacts in the deep south of WA- lots of outlets crying out for some very special handmade beauties from Outsource.

I made it to the MADE ON THE LEFT market in Perth a couple of weeks ago. There was some very talented WA artists & designers present. Needless to say I left with a light purse and very full bags.