Design Spotlight: Doreen Erhardt

Today, our Design Spotlight is on Doreen Erhardt of Salon of Art – a hard working and inventive artist who never fails to motivate and inspire, and is always generous with her time and tips. Thanks, Doreen!

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When asked to choose a best seller or favorite card, this one came to mind first.

I usually design for the card category (as stated in Corrie’s Greeting Card Design 101!), but every once in awhile I get inspired by something that I just have to do, even when at the time the art has no specific purpose.  Being someone who cannot draw or paint on an easel, but have been learning to attempt such creations digitally, I try to follow through with inspiration when it hits me.

Such was the case for this digital pencil drawing; “Smug Pug”.  It was my first attempt at a digital charcoal drawing so I simply had to give it a try.  When I was finished, though I was pleased with the result, I had to laugh while asking myself “now what do I do with it?”

Prior to this piece I had yet to find the time to design cards for very many of the obscure categories at GCU, but when I looked at this face I knew I could make it work for several of the Get Well categories.  This Kidney Stones Get Well which on the inside reads “Here’s hoping you recover quickly and are out marking your territory again soon!” , was the first category I chose and from there realized if I stuck with the ‘doggie lingo’ on the inside of the card, several of those categories might just work.

To my surprise ALL have sold regularly!  I’ve had so much fun seeing this grumpy pug on these silly cards being selected to put a smile on so many faces, just when they need it most!