Posted by:
Larry Owen
July 8, 2008
Issue #454
Subject of the autopsy: Digest-size bookalog; 48-pages, full-color
Client category: Vitamins and Health Supplements
Writer: Carline Anglade-Cole
Designer: Larry Owen
“The Shocking Truth About Chlorella”
(download the bookalog here)
I chose this direct-mail Bookalog to examine because:
a. It is a very recent 2008 package
b. Carline Anglade-Cole was the copywriter
c. Carline’s copy strategy is clever and unique
d. It posed interesting graphic design challenges
e. I think I was able to overcome these design challenges
f. It’s a WINNER!
The covers of this bookalog get attention. “The Shocking Truth About Chlorella” … reader, take WARNING! … Suggesting there’s something inherently WRONG with this popular health remedy — even though it outlines on the same cover the many health benefits of the supplement. Tricky.
The back cover even suggests this nutrient might be ILLEGAL! Ban it!?
The copy actually promotes a product by seemingly putting it down. It’s a clever bait-and-switch that reveals itself inside, where we want the reader to go.
The curious reader, stimulated, reads on. Only after many pages of selling the health benefits of the remedy is the secret warning revealed: the client’s chlorella is the ONE chlorella that’s any good.
This strategy is the brainchild of Carline Anglade-Cole, a diversely talented health writer with contagious enthusiasm. I delight in the fact I designed her first blockbuster winning health magalog in 1999, “The Forbidden Secrets of SEX and HEALING.”
First, I’ll frame my thoughts about the mechanics of this “Shocking Truth” bookalog design, then I’ll outline the 8 identifiable inherent challenges I had to satisfy. This should be helpful to both copywriters and artists.
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Posted by:
Clayton Makepeace
August 22, 2005
Issue #5
- The 3 Types of Graphic Designers – And The ONLY One You Ever Want to Hire …
- How to Become A GREAT Designer In 3 Easy Steps …
- The 2 Simple Things A Designer Must Do To Create Bigger Winners, More Often …
- 4 Graphics Secrets for Generating Maximum Attention-Getting Power …
- 10 Design Strategies for Getting Your Promotions READ and responded to …
- And More!
Dear Business-Builder,
This issue of THE TOTAL PACKAGE will make everybody money – including you!
If you’re a business owner, marketing pro or copywriter, good graphic design is absolutely essential to producing peak response to your sales promotions. I’ve seen poor design cut sales by half or even more. Conversely, I’ve seen stronger graphic design bump response by 20% or even more.
If you’re a designer, reading this may be the most important fifteen minutes of your career. Because I’m going to tell you what’s what. If you can follow some simple guidelines, you’ll be booked solid. I’ll probably be the first in line to hire you!
First, a quick disclaimer …
I am NOT an “anti-artite!”
Please forgive me if anything I’m about to say offends you. Despite what you may think, I really like most of the graphics people I’ve worked with.
I helped put two kids through art school.
Some of my best friends – Ed Elliott, Rob Davis, Larry Owen and Brian Wilson, for example – are designers.
I even gave my blessing when my daughter married an artist.
But we’ve got to talk. Because sometimes, you guys drive me nuts. Much of what I see in first draft art – and a LOT of what I see on the Internet and in the mail – is abysmal.
And the fact is, if I get one more graphics draft with the same old blunders in it, my head’s going to explode.
So please – have a seat … you’re about to get your advanced degree – from The Makepeace School of Art and Design …
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