Marion Kadi

Strategic Communications ConsultingWomen LeadersDigital Strategy
Written By Megan Canning

Marion Kadi is a French illustrator, painter, and children’s book author with a whimsical style.

One of Marion’s paintings, depicting a leopard wearing a bright red sweater and plaid pants, lying on a green chaise lounge. He is holding a book titled The Descent of the Leopard.

The Descent of the Leopard, a painting by Marion Kadi. Image © the artist.

Marion reached out to us after seeing a promotion for our Creative Capital workshop on creating Artist Websites. Although she was unable to attend, she hired us for a package of hours to help her address her online communications.

As with many artists, Marion wasn’t sure exactly how to position herself or her work to increase her connections and opportunities. She also felt stuck as to how to branch out from what she does now into newer areas of interest. Our process included focused research and a small number of (for now, video) consultations to provide her with our insights and recommendations.

During our engagement with Marion, we:

  • provided her with a detailed intake questionnaire;

  • reviewed the social media and websites of other illustrators identified by her (and us) as peers;

  • defined the audiences she is trying to reach;

  • provided recommendations on structural and content changes to her website; and

  • created social media recommendations for her to get started with.

Based on our recommendations, Marion updated the organization of her site content, grouping work by subject rather than year. Now, it’s much easier for potential buyers or clients to find her Portraits, Landscapes, or Patterns all in one place. She added brief intro texts to each work section, as seen on the Portraits page.

Marion also added more examples of her editorial work to her site, like her commissioned illustration for an article about the Flushing food scene for Edible Queens magazine. She revised her About page to include more information about the types of illustrations she does, past clients, and how to work with her.

Now she’s focused on increasing the frequency of her Instagram posts, and giving people a bit of a peek into her process. Because of our work together, she’s now bringing more of herself to her online presence.

See Marion’s fanciful illustrations >

A slide from our recommendations deck. “Reorganize your work into thematic category types instead of by year”
Peronsal-project-example.png
A slide from our recommendations outlining what Marion’s key audiences need. Her audiences were defined as brands, publishers, and individuals.
A slide from our recommendations deck showing Maira Kalman’s website, an illustrator who shares a similar style and also writes children’s books. The slide points out that her books are highlighted prominently on the home page.

A few slides from our findings & recommendations deck for Marion.

 
A shot of illustrator Liz Ryan’s instagram. On the left is a loose illustration of the corner restaurant Bar Tabac in Brooklyn’s Boerum Hill, with a red awning and French flags. Her illustrations were made to raise money for businesses struggling du…

An example we shared with Marion of Collective Member Liz Ryan’s instagram, which features personal projects.

“Megan and Rachel encouraged me to completely restructure my website in order to make it easier for potential clients to navigate. I’ve already received lots of positive feedback about the new website! I recommend working with Megan and Rachel if you’re hoping for a stronger online presence.”
— marion kadi
A visual of Marion’s Portrait page on her website. There is a brief intro at the top, followed by a grid of colorful painted portraits commissioned by organizations like Freize and Apartamento.

Marion’s site is now grouped by subject rather than year.

A magazine spread from Edible Queens. On the left is Marian’s illustration, a colorful depiction of buildings covered in awnings and signage with different kinds of food. Hot dogs, pizza, ramen, sushi, tacos, and boba tea are just a few. On the righ…

An example of Marion’s commissioned editorial work.

Marion’s About page, with a painted illustration of herself. She points out her origins in France, and that she is available for commercial commissions.

Marion’s revised About page. 

services:

  • Competitive analysis

  • Communications review

  • Audience definition

  • Social media strategy

  • Digital strategy

  • Strategic communications consulting

Megan Canning
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