Nuts & Bolts – Estate Planning for Artists Rerun
Nuts & Bolts – Estate Planning for Artists Rerun
It is a difficult topic to approach but having a plan in advance will prevent family members or friends additional grief. Unfortunately GCU, as of late, has received notices of a handful of artists in our community having passed away.
Without any plan, GCU has no one to pay outstanding earnings to and has no other choice but to close the storefront.
Please see this prior posting for the suggested process at GCU to transfer your account after your passing.
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
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Wanted New Cards: First Day at a New School
Wanted Cards – First Day at a New School
At any age, heading back to school is full of excitement and nerves especially when you’re the new kid on campus or the new kid in class.
Please consider creating new cards for any of these sub-categories in need of cards. They should go here:
Occasions >> School Days << 1st / First Day of School >> 1st / First Day at a New School …
General First Day at a New School cid#24592
Name Specific cid#24598
Other First Day at a New School cid#24594
Relationship Specific cid#24596
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
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Card Sharp: Your Weekly Cut of Greeting Card Creativity – Embrace the Autumn Spirit: Key Autumn Colors and Their Meanings
Embrace the Autumn Spirit: Tips for Designing Stunning Greeting Cards
Autumn is a season that captivates with its vibrant colors and cozy gatherings, making it the perfect inspiration for greeting card designs. This month, as part of the Greeting Card Universe design challenge, let’s explore how to create beautiful printed cards that capture the essence of fall. Here are some fun and informative tips to help you design cards that are both visually appealing and meaningful.
Incorporate Autumn’s Color Palette
Autumn, also known as fall, is a season characterized by its rich tapestry of colors that transform the landscape into a vibrant canvas. These colors are not only visually stunning but also carry deep psychological and cultural significance. Here’s a closer look at the real colors of autumn and what they represent:
Key Autumn Colors and Their Meanings
- Red: This color is often associated with warmth and coziness during autumn. It evokes feelings of motivation and comfort, making it less intense than its usual connotations of danger or passion.
- Orange: Known for its joyful and fun associations, orange is a positive color that can enhance mental activity. It is a staple in autumn, symbolizing the joy and energy of the season.
- Yellow: Widely recognized as the color of happiness, yellow is prevalent in autumn landscapes. It is the most visible color to the human eye and is known to radiate energy and hope, fostering optimism.
- Brown: This color is synonymous with stability, health, and comfort. It is prevalent in nature during autumn, representing the earth and providing a sense of safety and honesty.
- Green: Although less dominant in autumn, green symbolizes growth, health, and balance. It represents inner peace and wellbeing, adding a touch of freshness to the autumn palette.
The Science Behind Autumn Colors
The phenomenon of autumn colors, also known as fall foliage, occurs when the green chlorophyll in leaves breaks down, revealing the underlying pigments. Carotenoids produce yellow, orange, and brown colors, while anthocyanins contribute to red and purple hues. This transformation is triggered by the shortening daylight hours and cooler temperatures, leading to the breathtaking display of colors we associate with autumn.
Cultural and Artistic Significance
Autumn colors have long inspired artists and writers, symbolizing themes of transition, harvest, and celebration. The season is marked by various cultural festivals and rites, such as Halloween, which embrace the vibrant autumn palette. These colors not only enhance artistic expressions but also play a significant role in branding and design, influencing consumer preferences and emotional responses.
In summary, the real colors of autumn are a blend of warm, earthy tones that evoke feelings of comfort, joy, and stability. They are deeply rooted in both natural processes and cultural traditions, making autumn a uniquely inspiring season for artists, designers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Citations:
https://hypnotherapyandhealth.co.uk/autumn-colours-the-effect-on-the-human-psychology/
https://blog.bridgemanimages.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-fall-colors
https://morettiinteriordesign.com/blog/psychology/colour-personalities-wellbeing-and-the-home/
https://www.thebrandnewstudio.com/post/colour-psychology-an-autumn-colour-palette
https://www.kettlewellcolours.co.uk/blog/autumn-explaining-the-different-types
https://gabriellearruda.com/true-autumn-ultimate-guide/
https://www.luminarypersonalstyling.com/style-colour-analysis-uk-blog/luminary-autumn-colours-the-four-autumn-sub-seasons-types
Autumn Imagery Ideas for Greeting Cards
- Falling Leaves: Use illustrations or vector graphics of colorful fall leaves in shades of red, orange, and yellow. These can be arranged in a cascading pattern to symbolize the beauty of falling leaves during autumn.
- Pumpkins and Gourds: Incorporate images of pumpkins, gourds, and other harvest vegetables. These symbols of abundance and harvest are quintessential autumn motifs that evoke a sense of warmth and festivity.
- Cozy Patterns: Flannel and plaid patterns can add a cozy, rustic touch to your card designs. These patterns are reminiscent of warm blankets and flannel shirts, perfect for conveying the coziness of the season.
- Autumn Landscapes: Consider using scenic images of autumn landscapes, such as forests with trees in vibrant fall colors or a serene countryside with a setting sun. These images can create a peaceful and reflective mood.
- Seasonal Animals: Include illustrations of animals commonly associated with autumn, such as foxes, deer, or owls. These can add a whimsical and natural element to your cards.
- Thanksgiving Themes: For cards focusing on gratitude and Thanksgiving, use imagery like cornucopias, turkeys, or a festive dinner table setting. These elements can highlight the themes of togetherness and thankfulness.
- Abstract and Geometric Designs: For a modern twist, use abstract or geometric shapes that mimic the colors and patterns of fall leaves. This approach can create a unique and contemporary look.
- Seasonal Flowers: Sunflowers and chrysanthemums are popular autumn flowers that can be used to add a touch of elegance and color to your cards.
As the vibrant colors of autumn envelop us, there’s no better time to express warmth and gratitude through beautifully designed greeting cards. By incorporating the rich hues of the season, along with captivating imagery such as falling leaves, pumpkins, and cozy patterns, you can create cards that resonate with the spirit of fall. Whether you choose to evoke feelings of nostalgia with traditional themes or embrace a modern aesthetic with abstract designs, your autumn cards can serve as heartfelt tokens of connection during this special time of year. Let your creativity flourish and celebrate the essence of autumn in every card you create!
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Dash of Inspiration: SEPT 2024 Design Challenge
This month let’s be inspired by the gorgeous color palette of the Autumn season and all the upcoming gatherings and fun to be had this time of year.
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Theme: Autumn Colors
Requirements:
- Create a new design for ANY autumn themed category. Be unique and different. Since many of us work months in advance of the upcoming holiday season, ANY approved PID in the past 90-days will be allowed.
- Write your own verse/message, be creative and write a message that clearly speaks to your imagery, occasion and recipient.
- No Stock card creations will be accepted.
- Blank verse will not be considered for entry in this challenge.
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Entry Deadline: Monday, September 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 approved and 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.
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Category:
ANY Halloween or Thanksgiving category – AND/OR – ANY Autumn themed category:
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Rules:
- Submission must meet GCU’s Submission Guidelines and be Approved through the usual Review Cycle– Fast Track your submission with this in the Notes to Reviewer: September Design Challenge Submission and include the link to this blog post.
- Only ONE card per artist per challenge.
- Submissions must be NEW, no existing designs.
- Your entry must meet the Challenge Requirements or it will not be included in the challenge.
- Stock Card Creations entries will not 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 make over appeals to the marketplace.
- Creativity, Execution, Professionalism and Marketability.
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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 – over 55,000 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: 13.34k!
- 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 10.6k 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!
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Winning card will be posted on GCU’s Instagram with 10.6k 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:
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Be inspired to create and learn something new!
Doreen Erhardt©
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Nuts & Bolts – Update Winter Holiday YEAR specific cards
Nuts & Bolts – Update Winter Holiday YEAR specific cards
Get a head start on updating holiday cards! Do you offer Year Specific designs? Be sure not to miss out on sales or worse, have your card taken offline because you’ve neglected to update it for the new year.
Not only should images be updated but also card titles, keywords and artist notes. This even applies to custom front designs to make them more marketable and avoid shopper errors.
Please add this to your to do list and begin to update cards while you have time well before the holiday season.
Christmas cards should reflect the current year (2024) and New Year cards should reflect the coming or new year (2025). Please take the time now to update your designs before 9/15. After 9/15, GCU will take any outdated cards offline.
TIP: A quick way to pinpoint the bulk of your related cards is to search your storefront by entering in the search box “<holiday name year>” ie: “christmas 2023”, “new year 2024”.
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
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Wanted New Cards: Vasectomy Reversal Cards
Wanted Cards – Vasectomy Reversal Cards
GCU offers plenty of surgery and medical procedure get well cards including those for a vasectomy. There is also a niche market for the opposite; a vasectomy reversal. The first procedure being fairly straightforward and the reversal, not so much.
Please consider creating Get Well, Good Luck and Congratulations on Vasectomy Reversal cards. They should go here accordingly:
Occasions >> Congratulations >> Surgery / Medical >> Vasectomy Reversal cid#38280
Occasions >> Get Well / Feel Better >> Vasectomy Reversal cid#38278
Occasions >> Good Luck >> Surgery / Surgical Procedure >> Vasectomy Reversal cid#38282
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
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It’s Halloween season soon, and whether you’re done designing cards already or want to squeeze in a few more, choosing the right font is crucial to evoke suspense and horror. While you might not want to invest in an expensive typeface for a single occasion, there are quality free Google Fonts available that fit the Halloween theme. Google Fonts offers a selection of high-quality, open-source typefaces that are free for both personal and commercial use, allowing for easy downloads without any strings attached. This makes it simple to find fonts that will enhance your spooky designs. Explore our curated list of horror-themed Google Fonts, featuring everything from eerie serifs to quirky sans-serifs, ensuring your projects leave a haunting impression!
Here are 6 free fonts that might tickle your fancy!
Disclaimer:
Always remember to check the specific licensing terms to ensure they meet your commercial use requirements.
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Nuts & Bolts – Reminder August 2024 Design Challenge
Nuts & Bolts – Reminder August 2024 Design Challenge
Saturday, August 31st is the last day to submit your entries for August’s Stock Card Design Challenge. It’s a weekend, the Labor Day weekend, 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 August’s Stock Card 2024 Design Challenge here.
Theme: Thinking of You
TIPS: Visit all the available tips, tricks and guidelines offered on the Stock Card Creation blog page! And pore over these tips for Thinking of You Week.Can’t wait to see what you all have been thinking about!
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
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Wanted New Cards Extra – Rosh Hashanah
Celebrating Rosh Hashanah: A Joyful and Reflective Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a time of reflection, renewal, and celebration. Unlike the secular New Year, which is often marked by parties and resolutions, Rosh Hashanah is a deeply spiritual holiday that invites individuals to contemplate their actions over the past year and seek improvement for the year ahead. This holiday is rich with traditions and customs that symbolize new beginnings and the hope for a sweet and prosperous year.
Understanding Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah, which means “Head of the Year” in Hebrew, is celebrated on the first two days of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on October 2 and continues through nightfall on October 4, 2024. It is considered the birthday of the universe, marking the creation of Adam and Eve, and is a time when Jews believe that God reviews and judges the deeds of each person over the past year.
Traditions and Customs
Rosh Hashanah is celebrated with a variety of meaningful customs:
- The Shofar: One of the most significant traditions is the blowing of the shofar, a ram’s horn, which is sounded in synagogues on both mornings of Rosh Hashanah. The shofar’s blasts are a call to repentance and a reminder of the holiday’s solemnity.
- Festive Meals: Families gather for festive meals that include symbolic foods. Apples dipped in honey are perhaps the most well-known, symbolizing the hope for a sweet new year. Other traditional foods include round challah bread, which signifies the cycle of the year, and pomegranates, which are said to have 613 seeds corresponding to the 613 commandments in the Torah.
- Tashlich: On the first afternoon of Rosh Hashanah, many Jews participate in the Tashlich ceremony, where they go to a body of water and symbolically cast off their sins by throwing pieces of bread into the water.
- Prayer and Reflection: The holiday is also a time for prayer and self-reflection. Special services are held in synagogues, where prayers focus on themes of repentance and renewal. It is a time to ask for forgiveness and to make amends with others.
The Significance of Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah is not only a time for personal reflection but also a communal experience. It marks the beginning of the Yamim Nora’im or “Days of Awe,” a ten-day period that culminates with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This period is an opportunity for Jews to strengthen their relationship with God and with each other, emphasizing themes of repentance, forgiveness, and renewal.
A Sweet New Year
As Rosh Hashanah approaches, Jews around the world prepare to welcome the new year with joy and introspection. The holiday’s customs and traditions serve as powerful reminders of the potential for personal growth and the importance of community. Whether through the sound of the shofar, the taste of honey-dipped apples, or the quiet moments of prayer, Rosh Hashanah offers a chance to start anew and to hope for a year filled with peace, prosperity, and sweetness.
Greeting Card Ideas
Use images of apples, honey, pomegranates, and shofars, which are all traditional symbols of Rosh Hashanah.
Traditional Messages
“Shana Tova!”: This simple yet heartfelt greeting means “Have a good year!” and is a staple in Rosh Hashanah cards.
“Shana Tova U’Metuka!”: Add a touch of sweetness with this phrase, meaning “Have a good and sweet year!”.
“Shana Tova Tikateivu!”: Wish someone a spiritually fulfilling year with “May you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a good year!”.
More lighthearted Rosh Hashanah greetings:
“Hope your Rosh Hashanah has been great sho-far!”: A pun on the shofar, the ram’s horn blown during the holiday.
“Wishing you a year that is a head above the rest!”: A fun nod to the tradition of eating the head of a fish or cabbage to symbolize leadership and new beginnings.
“Hope to see you around this challah-day!”: A playful twist on the word “holiday,” referencing the round challah bread traditionally eaten during Rosh Hashanah.
“Here’s to a year as sweet as honey cake.”: A sweet wish that ties into the custom of eating honey cake for a sweet new year.
“Wishing you a year that’s all heads, no tails.”: Another reference to the symbolic foods of Rosh Hashanah, emphasizing a year of leadership and success.
“Have no fear, the time for apples and honey is here!”: A cheerful reminder of the custom of dipping apples in honey for a sweet year.
Citations:
https://www.hebrewpod101.com/blog/2019/08/16/rosh-hashanah/
https://reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/rosh-hashanah
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4762/jewish/What-Is-Rosh-Hashanah.htm
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3743979/jewish/17-Rosh-Hashanah-Facts-Every-Jew-Should-Know.htm
https://bibleproject.com/articles/rosh-hashanah/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosh_Hashanah
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Wanted New Cards: Rosh Hashanah from our home to yours
Wanted Cards – Rosh Hashanah from our home to yours
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, will be here beginning October 2nd. Overall the category could use some new designs and the sub-category From our house / home to yours specifically.
Please consider creating new cards that should go here:
Holidays >> Rosh Hashanah >> From our House / Home to Yours cid#28044
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
GCU Community 