Lisa Charlton, Design Challenge Winner February 2026

One of the many perks of being a GCU Design Challenge winner is an interview.  These mini-interviews are fun reads and a peek into the makings of the winning card.  

Congratulations to Lisa Charlton of Cards from the heART! 

https://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/holidays/national-and-international-days/national-tea-day-april21st/national-tea-day-fun-pun-1968198

What was your inspiration for your winning card? Please walk us through the process of how this card went from an idea to a greeting card and how you chose your stock image. 

The theme for this Design Challenge was to use a Big Stock image, in any card category with a pun. In the cards wanted forum, GCU was seeking cards for International and National Tea Days so I started with choosing this category as my first step, then a search for tea related stock images that complement my own art style. The pun popped into my head after viewing a ‘steeping’ tea. 

What advice would you give to other artists who are hesitant to enter the Design Challenges?  

Take the first step. Pick one criterion in the challenge to begin with and then let the dominoes fall in your creative process. It is fun to challenge yourself and then smile when you surprise yourself. 

You’ve been a member of GCU’s artist community since 2007.  How have you seen your card designs evolve or change since the early days? 

My card art still features pets, animals and nature. My painting subjects and belief that a paper card is meaningful haven’t changed, but category choice, text wording and more have strengthened. Gratitude and credit to GCU’s fabulous card review team, forum and community blog for every insight and helpful tip that has helped my card designs improve over the years. 

There are many rewards for the Design Challenge Winner.  Which is your favorite and why? 

Free card credits and social media promotions leading to increased store card sales are all YAYs but my favorite part, winning or not, is seeing the beautiful and varied interpretations of the challenge from card design participants.  

We’re closing in on spring. Is there anything about the change of seasons that inspires your creation process? 

YES! Everything! Evolving with the seasons and embracing the new fuels creative wellness.  

Ok, now for the fast five, fun questions …   

How did your childhood prepare you for your job today? 

Crayola crayon box in every Christmas stocking! Still a favorite stocking gift. 

Pick up pennies or walk past them? 

Heads up, pick up for good luck. Tails up, flip for next person to pick up.  

Who is your celebrity look-a-like? 

Marcie, Peppermint Patty’s best friend in Peanuts comic strip.  

If you could choose your own name, what would it be? 

I would choose to keep the one I have.  

If your clothes had to be one color forever, what color would you pick? 

Pantone 17-4021 TCC Faded Denim Blue