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Nuts & Bolts – IP Protection Reminder in AI Policy

October 11, 2024

Nuts & Bolts – IP Protection Reminder in AI Policy

As generative AI evolves, so does the evolution of GCU’s policies.

GCU’s commitment to original content and respecting the IP rights of all creators is long standing. This applies to designs created with generative AI. No use of or drawing upon creative works that have not yet passed into the public domain.

Specifically for AI this means:

GCU will not accept generative AI designs that have been prompted to sample the work of specific artists in subject matter or style that is not yet in the public domain. Prompts should include style design direction that does NOT include specifics like”in the style of xyz artist”.  Any artist’s work or close resemblance of their style of work that is not yet in the public domain will not be permitted just as it would not be allowed in any other type of art submission.  

See GCU’s AI Policy which now includes the above mentioned additive.

This is really nothing new. Creative works not in the public domain are off limits for use in new designs even in a new and transformed composition. 


The difference is made in the details!

Mindy

GCU Community Manager

Wanted New Cards: Diwali for Boss

October 10, 2024

Wanted Cards – Diwali for Boss

Spark joy (and score points) in the workplace with Diwali cards for a boss. 

Please consider creating cards, they should go here:

Holidays >> Diwali / Deepawali >> Boss  cid#23686

as well as

Business >> Holidays >> Diwali / Deepawali >> For Boss  cid#14812

An interesting and related link.

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

 
 

Card Sharp: Your Weekly Cut of Greeting Card Creativity – Election Night Watch Party Invitation

October 9, 2024

How to Create the Perfect Election Night Watch Party Invitation

Election night is a thrilling time that brings people together to witness democracy in action. Whether you’re a political enthusiast or simply enjoy the excitement of a close race, hosting an election night watch party can be a fun and engaging way to spend the evening. The key to a successful event starts with the perfect invitation. Let’s explore how to craft an invitation that appeals to all your guests, regardless of their political interest level.

Striking the Right Tone

The goal is to create an inviting atmosphere that celebrates the democratic process while keeping things light and fun. Your invitation should balance the excitement of the election with the social aspects of the gathering. Here are some ideas for inclusive opening lines:

  • “Join us for a night of friendship, fun, and a dash of democracy!”
  • “Whether you’re a political junkie or just enjoy good company, you’re invited to our Election Night Bash!”
  • “Red or blue, we’re inviting you!”

Highlighting the Entertainment

To appeal to both political and non-political guests, emphasize the variety of activities you’ll have alongside watching the results:

  • “We’ll have election-themed games, trivia, and prizes for everyone to enjoy.”
  • “Come for the politics, stay for the party games and great conversation!”

Focusing on Food and Drinks

Everyone loves a good spread, so be sure to mention any special themed refreshments:

  • “Indulge in our bipartisan buffet featuring ‘Left Wing’ and ‘Right Wing’ appetizers!”
  • “Sip on red and blue cocktails while we watch the red and blue map fill in.”

Creating a Relaxed Atmosphere

Assure your guests that the event will be laid-back and enjoyable for all:

  • “No political expertise required – just bring your curiosity and sense of humor!”
  • “We promise a stress-free zone to watch history unfold together.”

Encouraging Optional Participation

Invite guests to engage in election-related activities without pressure:

  • “Feel free to join our ‘predict the winner’ pool – or just enjoy the snacks and company!”
  • “Dress in your favorite patriotic attire if you’d like, or come as you are.”

Emphasizing Community

Highlight the communal aspect of watching the results together:

  • “Let’s experience this historic moment as friends, regardless of our political leanings.”
  • “Unite with us for an evening of civic engagement and neighborly fun!”

Sample Invitation Text

Here’s an example of how you might put all these elements together:

“Join us as we watch democracy in action!

We cordially invite you to our Election Night Watch Party on [Day, Date] from [Start Time] to [End Time] at [Location]. Whether you’re a political enthusiast or just enjoy good company, we’d love for you to join us as we experience this historic moment together.

We’ll have live coverage on multiple screens, election-themed games, and a ‘predict the winner’ contest for those who want to participate. Don’t worry if politics isn’t your thing – we’ll have plenty of other activities, great conversation, and a bipartisan buffet to keep everyone entertained!

Dress code: Casual patriotic (optional). Break out your stars and stripes if you’d like, or come as you are.

Please RSVP by [Date] so we can ensure we have enough ‘I Voted’ stickers and ballot-shaped cookies for everyone!

Let’s celebrate our civic duty together in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. See you on election night!”

Design Elements to Consider

To make your invitation visually appealing, consider incorporating these elements:

  • Use a red, white, and blue color scheme
  • Include patriotic symbols like stars, stripes, or the American flag
  • Add election-related graphics such as ballot boxes, campaign buttons, or podiums
  • Use a font that resembles official government documents for a touch of authenticity

Remember, the key is to create an invitation that appeals to all your guests, emphasizing both the excitement of the election and the social aspects of the gathering. By striking the right balance, you’ll ensure that everyone feels welcome and looks forward to a fun-filled election night watch party.

Happy Designing!

Corrie

Dash of Inspiration: OCTOBER 2024 STOCK Design Challenge

October 5, 2024

DashInspirationBanner_2015

Hard to believe the holidays are around the corner! My how time flies! Well, let’s get rolling since I’m late on getting this October challenge posted, sorry.

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Theme: Election Night Watch Party Invitations

Requirements:

  • Create a new stock card, judges will weigh heavily on how well your words and image fit this category 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: Thursday, October 31st

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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:

Invitations > Political Campaign Event Invitations >> Election Night Watch Party cid#3776

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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: October 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.
  • 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 2024!

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!
  • 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 2024!

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Tips:

  • Visit all the available tips, tricks and guidelines offered on the Big Stock Creation blog page!

Nuts & Bolts – Founders’ Choice 2023 – 36th Annual LOUIE Awards

October 4, 2024

Nuts & Bolts – Founders’ Choice 2023 – 36th Annual LOUIE Awards

Last year GCU added a new and exciting prize for the four top winners of the Founders’ Choice Awards (FCA). This year we have chosen five of the top FCA winners as well as a few other hand selected submissions. 

GCU will be entering and funding the FCA top winning cards into the Greeting Card Association’s (GCA) 36th Annual Louie Awards which honors the best cards of the year. 

These cards will be in the running and judged by a panel of nationwide industry experts with the opportunity for wonderful exposure and coveted bragging rights.

See the 35th Louie Award finalists, winners and categories submissions here.  See prior GCU posts on the GCA and Louie Awards.

Congratulations to these GCU 2023 FCA winners who have earned an entry into the 36th Annual Louie Awards:

Best New Series Card – Teri Francis of Squirrel Hugger   PID#1765188

Hottest Seller – Christmas – Randi Perez Helm of Something to Say  PID#1798898

Hottest Seller – Chinese New Year – Ramelle Richardson of Eloquence by Ramelle  PID#1810038

Hottest Seller – Birthday – TMS International  PID#1788146

Hottest Seller – Thanksgiving – Teri Nelson Kuster of Che Bella Nota  PID#1797782

We will contact these artists at the end of the year when GCU submits their entries so they can follow along the process. We will also be posting here on how you can follow along too.

The difference is made in the details!

Mindy

GCU Community Manager

Wanted New Cards: 42nd Birthday Grandson / Granddaughter

October 3, 2024


Wanted Cards – 42nd Birthday Grandson / Granddaughter

Let’s get specific. We could use more card choices for a 42nd birthday for the following relationships: Grandson, Granddaughter.

Please consider creating some that should go here accordingly:

Birthday >> For Family Relation Specific >> Grandson >> Age Specific  cid#6466

Birthday >> For Family Relation Specific >> Granddaughter>> Age Specific  cid#8068

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”. 

Be inventive, be clever, be creative. Go for it!

Mindy Rosso

GCU Community Manager

 
 

Card Sharp: Your Weekly Cut of Greeting Card Creativity – What is Pop Culture?

October 2, 2024

Pop Culture Greeting Cards: Celebrating Trends While Respecting Rights

Pop culture is the vibrant, ever-changing tapestry of ideas, attitudes, and phenomena that shape our society. From blockbuster movies to viral memes, pop culture influences every aspect of our lives, including how we express ourselves through greeting cards. Let’s explore how to create fun, trendy cards that tap into the zeitgeist while navigating the important issue of copyright.

What is Pop Culture?

Pop culture encompasses a wide range of elements that are prevalent in society at a given time, including:

  • Entertainment (movies, TV shows, music, books, video games)
  • Sports
  • Fashion
  • Technology
  • Slang and language trends
  • Internet memes and viral content
  • Current events and news

These elements constantly evolve, reflecting the current mood and spreading rapidly through mass media and social networks.

Examples of Pop Culture

To better understand pop culture, consider these examples:

  1. Blockbuster movie franchises
  2. Chart-topping music artists and their hit songs
  3. Viral internet memes
  4. Fashion trends
  5. Catchphrases from popular media
  6. Celebrity culture
  7. Video game phenomena

Creating Pop Culture-Inspired Greeting Cards

Now, let’s explore how to incorporate pop culture into greeting cards while being mindful of copyright issues:

1. Develop Original Artwork

Instead of using existing pop culture imagery, create your own illustrations inspired by popular themes. For example, design a superhero-inspired character for a “You’re my hero” card without copying specific copyrighted heroes.

2. Use Descriptive Language

Rather than quoting directly from movies or TV shows, describe the pop culture reference in your own words. A card could say, “May the force of friendship be with you,” evoking a popular sci-fi franchise without directly copying its phrases.

3. Play with Current Slang and Language Trends

Incorporate trendy expressions in your card text without referencing specific copyrighted works. A friendship card could say, “You’re the GOAT! Thanks for always being there for me.”

4. Leverage Symbolism

Create designs that evoke pop culture references without directly copying them. Use iconic colors, shapes, or styles that hint at popular franchises or characters without reproducing them exactly.

5. Focus on Fan Experiences

Design cards that capture the feeling of being a fan rather than reproducing copyrighted content. A card could say, “To my binge-watching buddy: Thanks for making every season finale feel like a major event!”

6. Use Creative Typography

Employ unique fonts and text layouts to convey pop culture themes. A retro-gaming inspired card could use pixelated text to say “Level Up! Happy Birthday!”

7. Create Fictional Elements

Invent your own characters or scenarios inspired by popular genres or styles. For instance, design a card featuring a friendly alien saying “Greetings, Earthling! Happy Birthday!” without copying any specific extraterrestrial character.

8. Reference Current Events or Trends

Create cards that playfully nod to recent happenings or popular topics without using copyrighted material. A work-from-home themed card could say, “Wishing you strong Wi-Fi and blur-free backgrounds on your special day!”

Navigating Copyright Concerns

While creating pop culture-inspired cards, it’s crucial to respect intellectual property rights:

  1. Avoid direct copying of copyrighted images, logos, or characters.
  2. Be cautious with quotes, especially well-known catchphrases.
  3. Steer clear of song lyrics, which are typically protected by copyright.
  4. Understand fair use and parody, but consult a legal professional if unsure.
  5. Respect publicity rights by avoiding unauthorized use of real people’s names or likenesses.
  6. Be mindful of trademarks and don’t use them without permission.
  7. Consider licensing if you want to use specific pop culture elements.

By following these guidelines, you can create engaging, pop culture-inspired greeting cards that celebrate current trends while respecting copyright laws. Remember, the key is to be original, creative, and respectful of others’ intellectual property rights.

Pop culture greeting cards offer a fun and innovative way to connect with others, sharing a laugh or a moment of recognition through shared cultural experiences. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, offering congratulations, or simply saying hello, a thoughtfully designed pop culture-inspired card can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your message while staying on the right side of copyright law.

Happy Designing! 

Corrie

Nuts & Bolts – Reminder September 2024 Design Challenge

September 27, 2024

Nuts & Bolts – Reminder September 2024 Design Challenge

Monday, September 30th is the last day to submit your entries for September’s DesignChallenge. You have the weekend to finish your entry but don’t wait until the last minute in case your submission requires edits and you may not have time to complete them before the deadline.

See September’s 2024 Design Challenge here.

Theme: Autumn Color

See here for color and message inspiration that may depart from the usual.


The difference is made in the details!

Mindy

GCU Community Manager

Wanted New Cards: Friendsgiving Photo Card

September 26, 2024

Wanted Cards – Friendsgiving Photo Card


A special time with friends typically the weekend before Thanksgiving is Friendsgiving. This celebration or acknowledgement is made even more special with pictures.  

Please consider creating Friendsgiving Photo Cards.  They should go here:

Holidays >> Friendsgiving >> Photo Cards / Your Picture Here  cid#30546

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”. 

Be inventive, be clever, be creative. Go for it!

Mindy Rosso

GCU Community Manager

 
 

Text Ideas for Thinking of You Cards for Shut-In, Housebound, Homebound, Nursing Home Care Patients and their Family

September 25, 2024

Seen Mindy post this request on the GCU forum and want to offer some text ideas for these type of cards.

Warm Greetings

  • “Sending warm thoughts and fond memories your way. You are cherished more than words can express.”
  • “Thinking of you and all the wonderful moments you’ve created for so many. Your legacy of love continues.”
  • “Remembering the joy you’ve brought to our lives. Your spirit shines on in our hearts.”

Family Appreciation

  • “Your family’s love for you knows no bounds. We’re grateful for the memories we share.”
  • “The stories of your life continue to inspire us all. Thank you for the legacy you’ve built.”
  • “Your wisdom and experiences have shaped our family in beautiful ways. We hold you close in our thoughts.”

Timeless Connections

  • “Time and distance may change, but the connection we share remains strong. Sending love your way.”
  • “The lessons you’ve taught and the love you’ve shared will always be a part of us.”
  • “Your influence has touched so many lives. We’re thinking of you with gratitude and affection.”

Seasonal Sentiments

  • “As the seasons change, we’re reminded of the beautiful moments we’ve shared throughout the years.”
  • “The [current season] brings back memories of times spent together. You’re in our thoughts always.”
  • “Wishing you comfort and peace as we remember all the [holidays/special occasions] we’ve celebrated together.”

Words of Comfort

  • “Though circumstances may change, the love and memories we share remain constant. You’re in our hearts.”
  • “Your strength has always been an inspiration. We’re sending you that same strength and love now.”
  • “The bonds of family and friendship transcend all. We’re holding you close in our thoughts.”

These messages aim to evoke a sense of connection and appreciation while being general enough to apply to various situations. They acknowledge the patient’s impact on their family and friends, focusing on shared memories and enduring bonds rather than current circumstances.

Happy Designing!

Corrie