🎨 Understanding GCU’s AI Art Submission Policy: What’s Allowed and What’s Not
As AI tools become increasingly popular among artists and designers, Greeting Card Universe (GCU) has updated its submission policy to clarify how AI-generated artwork can be used. The key? AI-assisted collaboration — not one-click, unmodified images.
GCU is committed to protecting original content and intellectual property rights, whether work is made by hand, digitally, or with the help of AI. So, what does that mean for artists using generative AI?
✅ What You Must Do When Submitting AI-Assisted Artwork
To have your AI-assisted designs approved on GCU, make sure your submission meets all of the following:
- List the AI tool you used (e.g. Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, Creative Fabrica) in the “Note to Reviewers.”
- Use a paid version of the AI program — free versions are allowed only if your own editing and enhancements are significant.
- Add real artistic value. Your own pre- or post-processing must be visible — no raw, untouched AI images.
- Ensure commercial usage rights are granted by the AI tool (check licensing/Terms of Use).
- Include a direct link to the original AI image before your enhancements.
- Explain your artistic contribution. Detail what you changed or added to the image in the Note to Reviewers.
Remember: GCU is not accepting “as-is” AI art. The final design must reflect your creative input.
🚫 What’s Not Allowed
GCU strictly prohibits any generative AI artwork that mimics or references living or copyrighted artists whose work is not in the public domain.
That means:
- Do NOT use prompts like “in the style of [modern artist name]”
- Do NOT create art that closely resembles the work of artists who are still under copyright
- Do NOT upload unedited or lightly edited AI-generated images from free platforms with no added artistic value
This mirrors GCU’s long-standing policy: If it wouldn’t be legal to paint or trace, it’s not legal to prompt.
Example by Doreen Erhardt©
🆗 Prompt Examples: What You Can & Can’t Say
Here are a few examples to help clarify acceptable prompts:
| ✅ Allowed Prompt | 🚫 Not Allowed Prompt |
|---|---|
| “Vintage botanical illustration with warm tones and detailed linework” | “In the style of William Morris” |
| “Fantasy forest scene with glowing mushrooms, soft lighting, painterly brushstrokes” | “Painted like Studio Ghibli background art” |
| “Cute cartoon animals in a flat, colorful vector style” | “Drawn like Mary Blair’s work” |
| “Art deco style pattern with geometric gold elements” | “Like Erté’s fashion illustrations” |
Tip: Focus on descriptive elements — color, composition, era, technique — rather than specific names.
Here are two links to prior guest posts from Stephanie Laird and me about our use of AI when designing cards:
🖌️ Final Thoughts
If you treat AI like a collaborator rather than a shortcut, you’re already on the right track. GCU celebrates creativity, but it must be yours — even when using advanced tools.
Happy creating — and keep those notes to reviewers clear and detailed!
Corrie
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Wanted Cards – Father to Be Father’s Day Relationship Specific
Too late for this year but we’ll be ready for next year! Consider creating new relationship specific cards for an expectant dad or father to be on Father’s Day. Consider custom front text designs allowing the shopper to customize the relationship.
These cards will go here in this category as a catch-all until we decide to breakout by relation:
Holidays >> Father’s Day >> Father to be cid#1069
Note: cid# is the speed entry method of adding a category to your card via category id number (cid#) vs using search terms or click and hunt. See here on the blog:
To expedite the review of these cards, please check Fast Track Review on the card image details page when you create your card and add a Note for Reviewers like “for BLOG– Wanted Cards”.
Also consider using Stock Card Creations to create new cards quickly. These cards are automatically set for expedited review so no need to Fast Track. Remember, when you’re submitting your new stock card, add a little note about the intended category in your Notes to Reviewers.
Be inventive, be clever, be creative. Go for it!
Mindy Rosso
GCU Community Manager
mindy@gcuniverse.com
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Wanted Cards – Master of Science in Software Engineering and Data Analytics
In the past couple of years, we have certainly had to find the humor of the countless “you can’t make this stuff up” circumstances. One current head scratching phenomenon is the soaring price of eggs.
Please consider creating humorous Easter cards regarding the high price of eggs. They should go here:
Occasions >> Congratulations >> Graduation >> Grad / Graduate >> Master of Science – Software Engineering cid#39200
as well as another new subcategory in need of cards:
Occasions >> Congratulations >> Graduation >> Grad / Graduate >> Master of Science – Data Analytics / Data Science cid#39202
Note: cid# is the speed entry method of adding a category to your card via category id number (cid#) vs using search terms or click and hunt. See here on the blog:
To expedite the review of these cards, please check Fast Track Review on the card image details page when you create your card and add a Note for Reviewers like “for BLOG– Wanted Cards”.
Consider using Stock Card Creations to create new cards quickly. These cards are automatically set for expedited review so no need to Fast Track. Remember, when you’re submitting your new stock card, add a little note about the intended category in your Notes to Reviewers.
Be inventive, be clever, be creative. Go for it!
Mindy Rosso
GCU Community Manager
mindy@gcuniverse.com
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Design Challenge Extra
🎨 Monthly Design Challenge: Pun Fun 🧠💥
Calling all wordplay wizards and clever card crafters—this month, it’s time to Pun and Done!
The June design challenge theme is all about punny perfection. Whether your cards bring groans, giggles, or guffaws, this is your time to shine with text ideas that twist words and tickle funny bones.
Pun cards are evergreen sellers—perfect for birthdays, love, holidays, pets, food, and even sympathy (yes, punthapy is a thing). The key is a strong visual hook and a line that makes people say, “Oh no… I love it.”
(let’s avocuddle)
🛠️ Card Text Ideas by Theme:
🎂 Birthdays
- Front: “Have a GOUDA birthday!”
Inside: “You’re really aging to perfection.” - Front: “You’re one in a MELON.”
Inside: “Hope your birthday is JUICY with fun!” - Front: “Turtley awesome!”
Inside: “Slow down and enjoy your special day!”
❤️ Love & Romance
- Front: “I lava you.” (with a cute volcano couple)
Inside: “You make my heart erupt.” - Front: “You’ve stolen a pizza my heart.”
Inside: “Extra cheese, extra love.” - Front: “Let’s avocuddle.”
Inside: “We’re the perfect pear.”
🐾 Animals & Pets
- Front: “Pawsitively the best!”
Inside: “I’m not kitten—you’re awesome.” - Front: “Whale you be mine?”
Inside: “Sea-riously.” - Front: “You’re claw-some.”
Inside: “Sending purrs and high fives.”
🎄 Holidays
- Front: “Fleece Navidad!” (with a festive sheep)
Inside: “Hope your holidays are woolly wonderful!” - Front: “Frankincense and puns.”
Inside: “It’s how I roll at Christmas.” - Front: “Hey ghoulfriend!”
Inside: “Have a fang-tastic Halloween!”
😢 Sympathy / Encouragement
- Front: “This totally STINKS.” (skunk with tissues)
Inside: “But I’m here for you. No ifs, ands, or butts.” - Front: “Lettuce be sad together.”
Inside: “I’ll bring the snacks.”
🖼️ Tips to Win with Puns:
- Pair the pun with strong visuals – The sillier, the better.
- Use universal humor – Keep jokes family-friendly and widely understandable.
- Think cross-category – Puns work for birthdays and congratulations, Valentine’s and get well.
- Keep it short – A snappy punchline makes it memorable (and easier to design around).
(this totally stinks)
Ready, set… pun! 🧀🐢🍕👻
Note: remember this challenge is being Stock Card Creations (bigstock) only.
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Let’s have some PUN fun creating a stock card this month!
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Theme: Food Puns
Requirements:
- Create a new stock card, judges will weigh heavily on how well your pun, wording and image fit the category choice along with great typography choices and added value.
- ONLY Big Stock cards will be accepted in this challenge.
- The judges will be looking for professional quality text layout, typography placement and font combinations.
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Entry Deadline: Monday, June 30th
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How to Enter: Post the PID (card number) and the URL (public storefront link – please WAIT for the card to be available in the public marketplace, please DO NOT post a link to your Manage Cards area) as a post in the challenge blog. We’ll forward your entry to the jury.
NOTE: Submissions will appear immediately in your Private gallery as they await review. If approved, the reviewer will move them to the public gallery – they will then become ‘live’ in the marketplace within 24-hours or so just like regular submissions. Be patient and wait.
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Category:
Any category.
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Rules:
- Submission must meet GCU’s Submission Guidelines and be Approved through the usual Review Cycle. Big Stock creations are automatically identified as Fast Track – please add in the Notes to Reviewer: June Stock Challenge Submission here is the link to the blog post: (include THIS blog post URL)
- Only ONE card per artist per challenge.
- Submissions must be NEW, no existing designs.
- Your entry must meet the Challenge Requirements and Theme or it will not be included in the challenge.
- Big Stock Card Creations ONLY will be accepted.
- Your designs should differ from those already offered in the categories above to offer shoppers a variety of choices, not more of the same.
- No BLANK cards will be accepted.
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BLIND Judging: We hope each of you enters every month. Entries are submitted anonymously for judging by the GCU Challenge Jury which means that before and during the challenge, judges do not have any way of knowing what artist is behind each entry. This eliminates any and all concerns with ‘favoritism’. Results will post on the Community Blog. The jury will judge the entries on the following criteria:
- How well the card meets the Challenge Requirements and Theme.
- How well the card speaks to the Category the artist chooses for the card submission.
- Creativity, Execution and Marketability. Your overall ‘added value’ determines this.
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Winners: 1st Place:
- The winning designer’s card and store will be featured on the GCU Public Blog – the blog which customers view and follow.
- As well as featured on the GCU Public Facebook Page – nearly 58,000 followers, now THAT’S exposure!
- The winning card will be Design of the Day following the announcement of the winners (within 48-hours).
EXCEPTION: Horizontal (landscape) cards may not be featured as DOD due to GCU Home Page space restrictions. In these cases, GCU will choose a different vertically oriented card from your store to feature as DOD. Thank you for your understanding and apologies for this limitation.
- The winning card will be added to the Greeting Card Universe Design Challenge Winners Pinterest Board – currently GCU’s Pinterest Page followers: 12.9K!
- The winning card, should the artist choose, may be referenced in a new series by the winning artist and he/she may Fast Track all cards in the new series (being sure to give the Challenge URL and winning card PID in your Notes to Reviewer for each card in this series).
- Winning card will be included in a marketing email to over 100,000 customers!
- GCU will create a Meet the Team board for the winning artist under the Pinterest GCU account where the winning artist will be able to pin and promote her own storefront and all that makes them a unique card designer and one of GCU’s artistic community team member.
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Winning card will be posted on GCU’s Instagram with 2,000 followers and counting!
- GCU will create a Meet the Team board for the winning artist under the Pinterest GCU account where the winning artist will be able to pin and promote her own storefront and all that makes them a unique card designer and one of GCU’s artistic community team member.
- 10 free greeting card credits added to your GCU account. Apply them at checkout and they never expire.
- A Design Challenge GCU digital award for 2025!
2nd Place:
- Your submission will be Design of the Day the following week of announcing the Challenge winners (within 7-days).
EXCEPTION: Horizontal (landscape) cards may not be featured as DOD due to GCU Home Page space restrictions. In these cases, GCU will choose a different vertically oriented card from your store to feature as DOD. Thank you for your understanding and apologies for this limitation.
- Your card will be added to the Greeting Card Universe Design Challenge Winners Pinterest Board.
- Winning card will be included in a marketing email to over 100,000 customers!
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Winning card will be posted on GCU’s Instagram with 10.8k followers and counting!
- 5 free greeting card credits added to your GCU account. Apply them at checkout and they never expire.
- A Design Challenge GCU digital award for 2025!
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Tips:
- Visit all the available tips, tricks and guidelines offered on the Big Stock Creation blog page!
- 200 Tasty Food Puns That’ll Make You Laugh by Samantha Lee
Doreen Erhardt – Exclusive Creations
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Nuts & Bolts – Reminder May 2025 Design Challenge
Nuts & Bolts – Reminder May 2025 Design Challenge
Saturday, May 31st is the last day to submit your entries for May’s Design Challenge.
See https://gcucommunity.com/2025/05/01/dash-of-inspiration-may-design-challenge-2/
Theme: Dog Breed or Cat Breed Specific Birthday
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
mindy@gcuniverse.co
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🎓 College-Bound Love: Card Ideas for Grandkids Heading to Campus
With caps flying and tassels turning, graduation season is in full swing—and that means a fresh wave of proud grandparents watching their grandkids take a big step into college life. Whether they’re packing dorm supplies, road-tripping to their new campus, or just anxiously checking their class schedule, it’s the perfect moment for cards that connect.
Greeting Card Universe is looking for heartfelt, funny, and meaningful messages in these often-overlooked categories:
- Occasions >> School Days >> Off to College >> Relationship Specific
- Occasions >> Thinking of You >> Away at College >> For Grandson / Granddaughter
So how can you make your designs stand out? Let’s dive into some text ideas and theme inspo that speak to that special grandparent-grandchild bond.
🎒 Off to College: Say It with Heart
Tone: Encouraging, proud, emotional, sometimes funny!
Front of Card Ideas (For Granddaughter):
- “To our future world-changer… You’ve got this!”
- “Dorm sweet dorm — you’re gonna shine!”
- “Off you go, darling girl! The world is lucky to have you.”
Front of Card Ideas (For Grandson):
- “Pack your bags, chase your dreams — and don’t forget to call Grandma!”
- “Adventure awaits, and so does laundry… Good luck, kiddo!”
- “Brains, courage, and snacks. You’re college-ready!”
Inside Text Ideas:
- We are beyond proud of you as you start this exciting journey. College will bring challenges and changes — but also lifelong friends, unforgettable experiences, and a million reasons to smile. We love you!
- Just a note to say how proud we are of the incredible person you’ve become. Keep following your dreams, one class at a time.
- The road ahead is yours — and we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.
💌 Away at College: Thinking of You
Tone: Supportive, sentimental, uplifting — or even humorous relief from homesickness.
Front of Card Ideas (For Granddaughter):
- “Thinking of you between classes, coffee, and campus chaos.”
- “Sending hugs, love, and maybe a care package soon…”
- “No matter where you are, you’re always in our hearts.”
Front of Card Ideas (For Grandson):
- “Even hundreds of miles away, you still make us proud every day.”
- “Thinking of you (and hoping you’ve figured out laundry).”
- “Dorm room or not, you’ll always be our star.”
Inside Text Ideas:
- Hope college is treating you well! Just wanted to remind you how loved you are — and how often we think of you.
- Miss you lots, proud of you always, and can’t wait to hear all about your adventures.
- Sending a little love from home — because sometimes even future geniuses need a boost.
✨ Quick Prompts for Card Designers
Need a spark of inspiration? Try these ideas:
- First care package humor cards (“This card is gluten-free. The snacks coming next week… not so much.”)
- Roommate survival kits from grandma’s perspective.
- Long-distance hugs in card form (“Fold open for a grandma-sized hug.”)
- College weather warnings (“Pack warm socks — love, Grandpa.”)
- Notes with mini wisdoms (“Remember: Ramen is not a food group.”)
Final Tips for Artists:
- Think relationship-first: Grandparents want their love to be clear and personal.
- Balance humor and heart: Funny is great — but sincerity sells just as well.
- Design for different vibes: Some want vintage and sentimental, others bright and modern.
- Leave room to grow: Think ahead to midterms, finals, homesickness, and visits home!
This college journey is a big deal, not just for the students — but for the proud grandparents cheering them on from afar. Your cards can help bridge that distance in the most meaningful way.
Now grab your digital pens and start sketching — the next great college card is waiting!
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Wanted Cards – Off to College Granddaughter / Grandson
With high school graduations upon us, it won’t be long until college bound students are on their way to campus. Grandparents relish to opportunities to connect with their grandkids and celebrate the big and little milestones like this.
Please consider creating cards for these categories:
Occasions >> School Days >> Off to College >> Relationship Specific cid#9658
As well as thinking of you cards throughout the college school year:
Occasions >> Thinking of You >> Away at College >> For Grandson cid#29998
Occasions >> Thinking of You >> Away at College >> For Granddaughter cid#30000
Note: cid# is the speed entry method of adding a category to your card via category id number (cid#) vs using search terms or click and hunt. See here on the blog:
To expedite the review of these cards, please check Fast Track Review on the card image details page when you create your card and add a Note for Reviewers like “for BLOG– Wanted Cards”.
Consider using Stock Card Creations to create new cards quickly. These cards are automatically set for expedited review so no need to Fast Track. Remember, when you’re submitting your new stock card, add a little note about the intended category in your Notes to Reviewers.
Be inventive, be clever, be creative. Go for it!
Mindy Rosso
GCU Community Manager
mindy@gcuniverse.com
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Wanted Cards – Year Specific Anniversary Son & Son in Law
Year specific anniversary cards are special particularly for a hard to find, non-milestone year. Also cherished for couples that may have faced obstacles or controversy to their nuptials like a gay or lesbian couple where every year is celebrated as a milestone year.
Please consider creating year specific cards for any or all years for a son and son in law. They will go here:
Occasions >> Anniversary – Wedding Cards >> For Son & Son in Law / Partner >> Year Specific cid#14062
Consider creating a custom front design allowing shoppers to change the year to their needs.
Note: cid# is the speed entry method of adding a category to your card via category id number (cid#) vs using search terms or click and hunt. See here on the blog:
NOTE: be sure to follow the guidelines for Superscript Ordinal Indicators in your cover design (11th, etc.).
To expedite the review of these cards, please check Fast Track Review on the card image details page when you create your card and add a Note for Reviewers like “for BLOG– Wanted Cards”.
Consider using Stock Card Creations to create new cards quickly. These cards are automatically set for expedited review so no need to Fast Track. Remember, when you’re submitting your new stock card, add a little note about the intended category in your Notes to Reviewers.
Be inventive, be clever, be creative. Go for it!
Mindy Rosso
GCU Community Manager
mindy@gcuniverse.com
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Nuts and Bolts – Artist Interviews
Nuts & Bolts – Artist Interviews
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.
Be sure to read and learn more about …
April’s Winner, Shoaff Ballanger Studios
Congratulations to Jay and Susan on their fun and slightly groovy Design Challenge win!
Time to show some love for your favorite dog or cat breed by enter May’s Design Challenge. Submit your entries by Saturday, May 31st.
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
mindy@gcuniverse.com
GCU Community 