How did you come up with the idea of producing instant-style postcards?
Like many others, I have repeatedly found that, with a few exceptions from creative independent photographers and designers, the standards of design and quality in postcards and picture postcards are often completely neglected. A few large, established publishers divide the market between themselves and focus primarily on quantity rather than quality. But if you take a closer look, the market is very exciting. In times of constant flexibility and digitalization, people long for simple, beautiful and durable things. We can meet precisely these wishes with lovingly photographed or designed postcards.
Two key events ultimately led to the launch of PICKMOTION. Firstly, on a trip to Spain I became aware of postcards in instant photo style, which were completely new at the time. Secondly, through my job in the internet and mobile sector, I was constantly confronted with high-quality digital content that attracts the attention of many thousands, sometimes even millions, for a few moments, but then often disappears unused into digital nirvana!
These observations were exciting enough for me to gradually think through and plan the PICKMOTION company alongside my job and then implement it with a lot of fun.
› Did you expect the cards to be so successful?
To be honest: Yes! I just didn't expect that I would be able to attract such great employees, photographers and partners to make the idea bigger and stronger so quickly. At first we were regionally limited and focused on showing the alternative Berlin, but soon the impulse came from outside to think bigger about the postcard series. In addition to Berlin photos, we now also show unique moments and atmospheres; other cities in Germany have also come into focus. From day one, we have built up intensive personal contact with both Instagrammers and retailers. This has created the perfect basis for talking to great people, sharing in their success and building an alternative to impersonal stock photography. I think people feel that too.
› How does PICKMOTION want to assert itself on the market?
By not doing everything new, but following the rules of the market. For example, we don't chase the "mass customization" trend, but instead position ourselves in the areas of sales and logistics in a similar way to the competition. Why should we do something differently here when it has already proven itself? We are turning other screws and want to convince people with personal, authentic and beautiful products that speak for themselves. Partners and customers should feel that Pickmotion ticks differently. We don't just want sales to be good, we also want to leave a good feeling in our personal dealings with our photographers, partners and customers and represent shared values.
