Greeting Card Designer

Most Unusual Valentines Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:06:00 +0000

Greeting Card Designer Blog's

MOST UNUSUAL VALENTINE CARDS

HOW CARDS WERE SELECTED

Over 300 Valentine cards submitted for the "Most Unusual Valentine" according to guidelines. Onw winner and three finalists were chosen by Kathy Krassner based on: something that's not typical for a Valentine card, yet gets the message across in a unique way by design and verse. Also considered was unique artwork, unexpected juxtapositions between design and verse, something very funny or very touching, and designs that evoke an emotion response. Kate Harper chose additional "honorable mentions" she felt had interesting design concepts and messages.

JUDGE: Kathy Krassner

Kathy Krassner is the owner of Krassner Communications, a longtime stationery-industry veteran who currently serves as Director of Communications for the Greeting Card Association, Editor-at-Large of Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine, and Communications Consultant for the National Stationery Show.

WINNER!

Some of Me Cards
http://www.someofmecards.com/about.html

Kathy Krassner Comments:
I appreciated the simple yet imaginative design of this card, which effectively combines white space, clever embellishments and heartfelt versing to create an unusual Valentine's Day card that can be purchased by either a man or woman for February 14th and beyond.

Front Message Reads: "You Make My Heart Race"

~ 3 RUNNERS UP ~

Runner Up!
True Emotions

Kathy Krassner Comments:

This card's flirty cover image featuring bright touches of color perfectly complements its handwritten-looking, upbeat message: "Valentine's Day... let's make it an everyday affair."

Runner Up!
M Design Studio, Inc.

Kathy Krassner Comments:

"This card conveys a hip, urban feel with its bright-red, graffiti-like "love rocks" message that pops against an ink-splattered background, and is likely to appeal to a broad demographic of consumers."

Runner Up!
Scarlett Greetings, Karen Coombes

Kathy Krassner Comments:

This "unvalentine" offers a humorous "happy singles awareness day" greeting paired with a cute, paper-collage skunk that's sure to bring a smile to many faces on Valentine's Day.

~ HONORABLE MENTIONS ~

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Unique Colors and Textures

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
It is from pets who appear to run the household.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
The hearts spill over the edges and simple line drawn character expresses much emotion.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Humor is edgy and from the pet's point of view about the challenges of relationships.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Elegant and witty design. Eco-friendly feeling.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Witty visual concept of shooting an arrow into a maze to reach a heart.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Playful concept of nudity. Brilliant colors go beyond the traditional Valentine colors.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Techie humor and you could be for a man or woman.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Uses contemporary graphics to make a heart tree. Tree limb designs are interesting.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Front of card appears to be a "what's going on here?" puzzle, until you open and read the inside message.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
It's very difficult to design a emotional card with just the color black and one tiny dot of red.
This artist has succeeded at doing that.
Nice warm words and wonderful image of birds at dinner.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Visually stunning. Words express image clearly.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
A new twist on a greeting card. Sender could include a real key in envelope or possibly a gift.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Brilliant colors reflect jungle romance. Monkeys tails hint at an incomplete heart.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Strong immediate feeling of happiness and love. No words needed.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
The use of children images for an adult card.
Inspiring for people who want to be reminded of their own childhood playfulness.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Panda is symbolic of affection.
This artist brings their own humor into the concept, using Valentine's Day as a historical event.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Design goes beyond the traditional Valentine's day card
by using key elements of a strong color cutting through the top and bottom half of the card.
Simply drawn cat evokes a warm emotion. This is a challenge to do in line drawing.
Whimsy is also added by painting a blue head on the cat.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Contemporary theme timely to environmental issues of global warming.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Pushing the envelope of humor.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Uses contradiction with affection.
Who would ever think of hugging a cactus? This critter is expressing true love.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Victorian elements in this card are mixed with textures and shadows of words in the background.
Even though there is very little color on the card, the message is still strong.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
For the most part it is a traditional valentine, but having it come from a pet makes it fun and playful.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Strong design using positive and negative space.

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Minimalist contemporary.
Nice mix of an innocent background pattern meeting with a bold animal.
It feels like it is in motion, entering and invading the card space.

The Art of Photography in Licensing

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:07:00 +0000

Here's a nice interview with Dianne Woods, licensing artist (who also creates some adorable imagery with animals). Here's an excerpt...read entire article here

© Dianne Woods

In your view, what's a key/most important quality to develop as a licensing artist in order to succeed in this design field? Have the emotional wherewithal to hear requests for changes to your art and the technical skill to execute them promptly. If your art is rejected, and it will be, don't take it personally. Rejection is not necessarily a statement about the quality of your work – it's more likely a statement about market trends. Art licensing is a business. Be persistent.

What advice would you give other artists that are considering the art licensing field? A topic frequently explored on artist and licensing blogs is the tendency for artists to become isolated. While solitude can be a great contributor to the creative process, it can also make you a little loopy.

My solution has been to join a group here in the San Francisco Bay Area. We meet once a month to discuss the industry, review portfolios, give and listen to feedback, get inspired, vent frustrations, hear guest speakers, swap technical tips, and just generally be connected and enjoy each other's company. ...read entire article here

Video Greeting Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:39:00 +0000

Check out this interesting article about video greeting cards:

The cards, made by Your Video Card, consist of a 6cm (2in) LCD screen and a discreet USB port that can be used to transfer images from a computer, or recharge the screen's battery.

Users can buy a card, or record their message on the company's website.

...article continued

Last Call for Valentine Submissions: Deadline Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:44:00 +0000

Reminder: This Tuesday (1/31) at midnight is deadline for submitting your valentine card to the "Most Unusual Card Design." -Kate

Here's the info again for how to submit:

Do you have an unusual Valentine Card Design? Submit your card here if you want to be featured on this blog that has over 30,000 visitors, followers and subscribers a month. Readers include card publishers, editors, designers, sales reps and retail stores. (See example of the past feature of unusual Christmas cards here).

JUDGE
Kathy Krassner will select the "Most Unusual Valentine Card."

Kathy Krassner is the owner of Krassner Communications, a longtime stationery-industry veteran who currently serves as Director of Communications for the Greeting Card Association, Editor-at-Large of Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine, and Communications Consultant for the National Stationery Show.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR VALENTINE'S DAY CARD:

1. Send up to 5 Valentine card images jpg's by email to GCDBlog@gmail.com

2. Deadline is January 31st, 2012

3. Please embed your contact info in art (see below)

How to Embed Contact Info:
**Please embed your contact information *inside* of the actual jpg art piece**. (see below). It helps keep artist names and their artwork together. I will only be posting art, and not additional text, so please put your name on the art.

EXAMPLE: Option #1

EXAMPLE: Option #2
Outside plus inside

If you have text inside your card you want seen,
put both the inside and outside of card in one image like this:

**Make sure your contact info is easy to read if it is 4 inches wide.

How to Use Social Media in Art Licensing

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:56:00 +0000

Here is a must-read article by Lance Klass. Here's an excerpt...

I've discovered that each of these five components – main art portfolio site, art business blog, Facebook business page, Twitter, and LinkedIn – tends to support my overall effort to promote the works of my artists and thereby bring in new licenses for their art. One of my approaches to using social media for free publicity is to debut a new art collection on my art portfolio site, put an image or two from that collection with a promotional description on Facebook, send out tweets about the new collection to my followers on Twitter and occasionally I'll even discuss it on my blog or put a notice about it on LinkedIn as well. I do love free publicity. article continued...

#1 Graphic Design Kindle Book

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:55:00 +0000

Last year I wrote a book on How to publish articles on the Kindle. I've been very fortunate that it continues to be a top seller for over a year and still remains the #1 in the graphic design category.

I just updated it with changes in the 2012 Kindle Technology. If you are a writer or any kind of creative person and want to publish your ideas on the kindle, this is a great jump start for publishing.

12 Online Portfolio Sites

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:25:00 +0000

Here are some resources in this article for online portfolio sites. They are places you promote your design skills.

to read entire article at designmodo blog go here...

Creative Portfolio Community Sites

Behance

deviantART

Portfolio's Friend

to read entire article and see all 12, go here...

Wall Decal Sticker Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:57:00 +0000

Check out this great article on wall decals. These are really interesting. To see more go to Smashing hub blog.

Kate Harper | Gift Design with a Sense of Humor

www.kateharperdesigns.com |

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kateharperdesigns

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kateharpercards

Blog for Artists: http://kateharperblog.blogspot.com/

Free Greeting Card Booklet Today: Unusual Ways to Market Your Greeting Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:05:00 +0000

On Monday, January 23, "Unusual Ways To Market Greeting Cards,and 22 places to get your designs featured "will be free. Go here to download.

Booklet also has 22 different places to get free promos for your cards in professional magazines and design blogs.

Unusual Ways To Market Greeting Cards,and 22 places to get your designs featured. How to get your cards noticed in non-traditional ways.

Stamp Prices Increase This Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:32:00 +0000

None of us in the greeting card business are a big fan of stamp price increases -- but like it or not, be aware that

stamp prices will be increased This Sunday, January 22nd. Here's the scoop:

-U.S. postage stamp is about to jump from 44 cents to 45 cents

-Postcards will jump from 3 cents to 32 cents.

-Letters to Canada and Mexico will increase by 5 cents to 85 cents.

-Letters to other foreign countries will go up from $0.98 to $1.05.

To calculate prices for any item see the USPS price calculator.

Big Growth: Chinese New Years Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:57:00 +0000

Check out the article today in the San Francisco Chronicle. Here is an excerpt:

Greeting Card Universe, the world's largest greeting card store, announces robust and growing sales of 66% year over year of Chinese New Year cards for 2012 to herald in the most auspicious of the Chinese zodiac, the year of the Dragon, celebrated this year on January 23rd. Boasting over 520,000 original card designs, Greeting Card Universe has quickly become the online destination for shoppers seeking the perfect card for both traditional and uncommon holidays and events.

Article continued...

7 Sins of Business Card Design

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:32:00 +0000

Here's an excerpt of a good article by Desizn Tech Blog. To read the whole article see Desizn Tech blog.

#6 Difficult To Tell What You Do

Take nothing for granted when you design your business card. Often, people will distribute business cards for "mystery" business, businesses that are difficult to identify. Make sure that your business card is designed to leave no question about what your business does!

Read the rest of the article here.

Technology, Humor and Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:26:00 +0000

If you are not tired of hearing my opinions on the card design business and art licensing...here is an interview I did for the blog "The Moon from my Attic" blog on the topic of Tech, humor and cards. Here is an excerpt. To see entire interview go to blog post...

Question: Please give us your analysis of the market based on your own experience and contacts. I still feel so new to this career, that once I think I know what is happening, then the opposite happens. My personal opinion is to look in the direction of tech. That is where the world is right now. Recently I bought a Kindle Touch for $99, yet the only flimsy skins (rubber cover) I could find started at $20! Interestingly, all of these skins had art on them. Common sense tells me these skins can be made very inexpensively, and yet people are buying them for this steep price. In my mind, that's the future.

To read entire interview, go to blog post...

3d Printers get cheaper and easier to use.

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 02:37:00 +0000

Heard a podcast today on "Buzz Out Loud" talking about how etsy fans would love these new inexpensive, east to use 3D printers. To me, they are really 3D manufacturing machines, rather than printers. This one is $1,299, made by Cubify and will be on the market sometime in the next few months. Sounds like a great way to start a business or make prototypes.

5 Ways for an Artist to Start a Free Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:31:00 +0000

Here's a great article that covers the in's and out's of where you can go to get a free blog. All artists should have a blog...even if you only post once a week or once a month! It's a great way for the public to get to know you and see your art.

Here's an excerpt by Clair at the "Tips and Tricks" blog. To read entire article, go to http://www.namase.com/blogging/choosing-perfect-free-blog-provider.shtml/

The explosion of social networking and micro-blogging has lead to a corresponding explosion in the popularity of blogs and article writing. If you're looking for a free provider to host your blog, you probably want to choose one that you can stick with in the long-term.

Here are five popular services that offer free blogging potential, and some reasons why you might want to choose them as the host for your journal, website or photo blog.

1. Google Sites

You may be quite familiar with Google Docs, but have you tried Google Sites? Sites is a lesser-known addition to the Google Apps family that allows you to pull in data from your Google Docs and some Google Gadgets. You can then sit other elements around it, such as blog posts, RSS feeds, forms and static pages. Layouts are reasonably fixed, though, so if you need to adapt the appearance of your website and tinker with code, you're probably best off looking elsewhere.

Sites aren't the most intuitive service, and many writers still choose to use Google's long-standing platform, Blogger. Blogger is undoubtedly more suited to 'pure' blogging, but anyone who uses Google Docs extensively may find Sites offers them the flexibility they need as they outgrow more basic blogging solutions. It's also great for users to work extensively in the cloud through Google Apps.

2. WordPress.com

WordPress is undoubtedly one of the most popular tool on the web. It comes in two flavours: WordPress.com is a hosted blog site which gives you limited control over your posts, whereas WordPress.org provides you with the necessary tools to install the same software on your own server. If you head to WordPress.org and download the files needed to set up WordPress on your own server, you'll be able to pick up some basic programming knowledge as you tinker with the code, making it a good choice if you're learning PHP.

But even just being familiar with WordPress is useful to know if you plan to get into blogging on a freelance basis. It's so widely used for blogging now that it has almost become a standard, and a huge amount of regular article-writing work is based around some knowledge of the WordPress interface. Having said that, if you just want somewhere to post pictures or a journal, you may find WordPress is overkill for your needs. And if you're planning to install it yourself, you'll need to spend a little time setting it up before you begin.

To see 3., 4., 5., see the rest of article on...To read entire article, go to Tips and Trips Blog http://www.namase.com/blogging/choosing-perfect-free-blog-provider.shtml/

Why Designers Do Volunteer Projects

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:28:00 +0000

Here's an interesting article by Tyler Herman at DesignModo Blog. I've included and excerpt. To read the entire article, go to http://designmodo.com/designers-volunteer-projects/

Build Your Network

Do some design work for a charity event and guess what, you'll probably be a guest at that event. Charity events are great places to rub elbows with business owners in your community. And you don't have to try and sell yourself because you have a mutual interest with the people there. Just talk about the cause and mention that you helped by doing the design.
Client Work With Less Hassle

With volunteer work you can choose the client and most times set the timeline for the project. This gives you flexibility and allows for enough time to be as creative as you want to be. If you are tired of being told by clients what to do even though you are the design expert, you won't have to take it on this project. Finding a charity or non-profit client who will be happy with whatever design you come up with is easier than you think.

Fill Portfolio Gaps

Is there a certain style or type of work missing from your portfolio? Perfect time to do a volunteer project. Find an organization that needs that type of project done or just mention it to one you would like to do work for and see if they agree. Most likely they will.

Source: http://designmodo.com/designers-volunteer-projects/#ixzz1j4rZsNTP

Want to Promote Your Valentine's Card to 30,000 People?

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:12:00 +0000

EXAMPLE: Option #2
Outside plus inside

If you have text inside your card you want seen,
put both the inside and outside of card in one image like this:

**Make sure your contact info is easy to read if it is 4 inches wide.

2 New Art Licensing Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:39:00 +0000

1. The Moon from My Attic is a relatively new art licensing blog that has an interview with Carol Van Zandt today, who has some good tips on licensing.

2. Joan Beiriger also has an article worth checking out on How to make an artist-oriented business plan.

LINKS

The Mood from My Attic http://creativeconceptsdesignstudio.blogspot.com/2012/01/surface-and-textile-design-in-licensing.html

Joan Beiriger's Art Licensing Blog http://joanbeiriger.blogspot.com/2012/01/art-licensing-importance-in-having.html

How to Get Your Cards into Stores: Free Book

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:18:00 +0000

If you are an amazon prime member, today you can get a free copy of my new book I just finished: Get Your Greeting Cards into Stores: How to Find and Work With Sales Reps

You need to access it through the free lending library on your kindle.

I am in the process of making corrections and edits, so I welcome any feedback or errors you see on this free copy.

Product Description

If you already make your own greeting cards, this book explains how to get your cards into stores and them sell nationwide. Included are detailed guidelines on: how to price your cards for a profit, how to get professional feedback, where to find a sales representative and and what industry standards you should follow. All the information is also applicable to gift items, such as magnets, journals, calendars, collectibles, etc. Chapter topics: Getting Professional Feedback, Getting Your First Account, Pricing and Profits, Sales Reps 101, Where to Find Reps, Rep Readiness Checklist, Pitching Your Line to a Rep and Working With Reps. (18,000 words)

10 Most Popular Greeting Card Design Articles in 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 22:33:00 +0000

Here are the top 10 articles on this blog in the last year.

Total page visits for 2011: 412,357
Current email and newsfeed Subscribers 2011: 1,747
Current Twitter Followers: 1,031

1. Artist & Writer Submission Guidelines for Card Companies

2. Art Licensing Directory Project

3. The Greeting Card Business: 101

4. Getting Started in Art Licensing

5. Most Unusual Christmas Cards: Editor Picks

6. How to Make a Good "Art Licensing Website."

7. Technology, Art Licensing and the Stationery Industry

8. Protecting Your Art: Interview with Alyson B. Stanfield

9. List of Trade Shows for Greeting Card & Gift Designers

10. How to Write Greeting Card Sentiments

20 Tshirt Design Tutorials

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:51:00 +0000

Here are 20 Tutorials on how to design different styles of Tshirts:

WSJ: What's In The Cards For American Greetings As Habits Change?

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:42:00 +0000

Interesting article from Wall Street Journal: http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20111218-704822.html

Here's an excerpt:

American Greetings is navigating a multiyear decline in industrywide greeting-card sales as more well-wishers express sentiments in email, Facebook and other means of social interaction.

"You always get the question, will the greeting-card industry hold up with all the electronic stuff coming out?" said Kevin Cassidy, senior credit officer at Moody's Investors Service. "This is a very mature business. You can try to take some share. You come up with some new avenues, some price increases."

American Greetings has made strategic moves in recent years to help it compete with larger rival Hallmark Cards Inc., which is privately held. In 2009, American Greetings exited the retail business and bought Papyrus and Recycled Paper Greetings, honing its focus on its core business making cards. It acquired Watermark Publishing Ltd. earlier this year, boosting its presence in the U.K.

American Greetings also has a small operation selling e-cards and other digital offerings, but its business selling traditional products in North America accounts for the vast bulk of its revenue.

Read the rest of the article here.

Art Licensing Seminar Jan 28

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:23:00 +0000

I just got this info about a licensing seminar. It looks exciting! For more info see: http://www.karenembry.com/The-New-Dynamics-of-Art-Licensing.html

DYNAMICS OF ART LICENSING
Presented by Karen Embry, Phyllis Dobbs and Brenda Pinnick

Karen, Phyllis and Brenda are presenting an art licensing business seminar designed to deliver honest, first- hand knowledge, tips, advice and insight. In this seminar they will share with you how the playing field has drastically changed over the last several years, what you need to do to succeed and the challenges you need to understand before investing your time, energy and money.

As an optional add-on, they are also offering a private, one on one consultation for portfolio viewing. You will get to peek inside their own portfolio "books" to see what their clients see and which art got them the deals! They will look at your art, discuss what categories it might fit and give you honest advice about color, styling, themes, etc. This is a one-time only opportunity at the low, low price they are offering.

The seminar will take place on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, then 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm for private consults. (this is after CHA meet and greet so there is no overlap or conflicts) Where – The Annabella Hotel, Azalea Room, Anaheim, CA It runs concurrent to the CHA Show dates and in close proximity to the convention, but does not conflict with any CHA events. This is an excellent opportunity for those attending CHA to have the option to attend the seminar since they would already be at the convention, but wouldn't have to incur any additional travel expenses. There is also an early bird discount for those that purchase their NEW Dynamics of Art Licensing seminar ticket by January 14, 2012. Portfolio consultation & art review times are scheduled according to the date of ticket purchase.

Photoshop Tutorial: Using Patterns and Stamp to Create Backgrounds

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:39:00 +0000

Check out this new Article on Joan's blog: http://joanbeiriger.blogspot.com/2011/12/photoshop-tutorial-using-pattern.html

If you like patterns and textures, you'll like this-Kate

Are You an Artist? What Do You Want for Christmas?

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Harper) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:18:00 +0000

What do you think would be a great holiday gift for an artist?

The best way to answer that is to tell me what YOU want.

Be specific and I will post the info on this blog.

(leave info in comments below or send an email message.)

-Kate