Card Sharp: Your Weekly Cut of Greeting Card Creativity – 100 Essential FREE Resources for Graphic Designers
I came across this treasure trove – and yes, it dates from 2022 – but most (if not all) of the resources will still be very relevant in 2024. From stock photos, music and video, to fonts, there is bound to be something useful for you here.
Here is your link.
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Wanted New Cards: 1st Day / Starting Preschool Granddaughter
Wanted Cards – 1st Day / Starting Preschool Granddaughter
With summer coming to a close and the school year beginning, some of the youngest of students may be starting their first educational experience at preschool.
Please consider creating cards for a Granddaughter starting preschool. They should go here:
Also consider designs for niece, nephew, son and daughter.
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”.
See here on guidelines on when to capitalize the first letter of a relationship.
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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The greeting card industry is diverse, with several categories consistently showing strong sales. Among these, birthday cards are the most popular, accounting for the largest share of sales. More than 7 billion birthday cards are sold annually, making them a staple in the industry.
In terms of seasonal cards, Christmas cards lead the market, with approximately 1.3 billion cards sold each year. Following Christmas, Valentine’s Day cards are also highly popular, with around 145 million units sold annually.
Other significant categories include Mother’s Day and Father’s Day cards, which are among the top-selling seasonal cards. Mother’s Day cards, in particular, are noted for their high sales, with about 113 million units sold each year.
Additionally, personalized and customizable cards have gained traction, especially in regions like North America, where consumers appreciate unique and tailor-made options. This trend is supported by the rise of e-commerce platforms, which facilitate the creation and distribution of such personalized greeting cards.
Overall, while birthday and Christmas cards dominate the market, other categories like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and personalized cards also contribute significantly to the industry’s success.
Citations:
https://www.graphicfactory.co.uk/collections/best-selling-cards
https://printify.com/blog/greeting-card-ideas-that-sell/
https://huuray.com/inspiration/gifts/greeting-card-market/
https://worldmetrics.org/greeting-card-industry-statistics/
https://northerncards.com/blogs/nc/greeting-card-facts-and-figures
https://www.kbvresearch.com/greeting-cards-market/
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/greeting-cards-market-report
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Weekly Font Fix – Krico Font
Hello, fellow font enthusiasts (isn’t every card designer one?)!
Welcome to Weekly Font Fix, your go-to source for discovering the latest and greatest in free commercial fonts! Each week, we’ll dive into a curated selection of stunning typefaces to pick a font that will inspire your artistic journey and enhance your projects—whether it’s greeting cards, branding, or digital art.
Like this one.
KRICO
- Type: Retro Bubble Font
- Description: Fun and attractive bubble style, perfect for retro and children’s themes.
- Source: Muzliblog
Where to find the font:
https://muz.li/blog/30-great-free-fonts-for-2024
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: NEW Design Challenge Judges’ Notes
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
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Wanted New Cards: Remembrance Anniversary Year Specific
Wanted Cards – Remembrance Anniversary Year Specific
These year specific and customize for any year subcategories are in need of cards. Please consider creating some.
They should go here:
Occasions >> Anniversary – Death / Remembrance >> Year Specific … >> XYZ year as appropriate
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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Thinking of You Week: Send a Card, Deliver a Smile
Thinking of You Week: Send a Card, Deliver a Smile
Thinking of You Week, celebrated from September 16-22, 2024, is a heartwarming event that encourages people to send handwritten greeting cards to spread love, care, and happiness. This special week, initiated by the Greeting Card Association (GCA) in 2014, has grown in popularity worldwide, including in the USA, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Power of Greeting Cards
Greeting cards have a unique emotional power. In an age dominated by digital communication, receiving a handwritten card can create a profound sense of connection and well-being. Scientists have even observed that receiving personal mail can light up pleasure centers in the brain, underscoring the joy that such simple gestures can bring.
History of Thinking of You Week
Thinking of You Week was established by the GCA in the United Kingdom and has since spread globally. By 2018, the event had reached the United States, where it partnered with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to promote the joy of sending handwritten cards. The idea is to take a week to send cards to friends, family, and acquaintances just to let them know they are being thought of, creating a wave of love and happiness around the world.
How to Celebrate Thinking of You Week
Send a Greeting Card
The central theme of Thinking of You Week is simple: Send a Card, Deliver a Smile. In a world where digital messages are the norm, a handwritten card can be a delightful surprise. It’s not tied to any specific occasion like a birthday or anniversary; it’s just a way to show someone that they are in your thoughts.
Make Handcrafted Cards
For those who enjoy crafting, Thinking of You Week is a perfect time to get creative. Whether you prefer painting, drawing, or using digital tools, making your own cards adds a personal touch that recipients will cherish. You can use watercolors, digital illustrations, or mixed media to design unique and heartfelt cards.
Host a Thinking of You Week Event
If you’re passionate about spreading joy, consider hosting a Thinking of You Week event. This can be a community gathering where people come together to write and send cards. The GCA provides a toolkit with resources such as flyers, tip sheets, logos, and downloadable graphics to help you organize and promote your event.
Get Involved
Thinking of You Week is supported by various retailers, publishers, and schools who join in to promote the event. The GCA offers a toolkit packed with materials to help businesses and individuals get involved. You can also feature your card designs and stories on the official Thinking of You Week website and social media channels to inspire others to participate.
Conclusion
Thinking of You Week is a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and spread joy through the simple act of sending a greeting card. Whether you create your own designs or choose from existing ones, the heartfelt messages you send can significantly impact the recipient’s day. So, take some time between September 16-22, 2024, to send a card and deliver a smile. Let’s create a wave of happiness together!
For more information and resources, visit the official Thinking of You Week website and join the movement to spread love and happiness through greeting cards.
Citations:
https://www.thinkingofyouweek.cards
https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/thinking-of-you-week/
https://www.gca.cards/feature-in-our-thinking-of-you-week-gallery/
https://www.thinkingofyouweekusa.com
https://thinkingofyouweek.com.au
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Card Sharp: Your Weekly Cut of Greeting Card Creativity – Leading Trends in Greeting Card Design for 2024
Leading Trends in Greeting Card Design for 2024
The greeting card industry is witnessing several transformative trends in 2024, driven by personalization, sustainability, technological integration, and pop culture influences. Here are the key trends shaping the market:
1. Personalization
Personalization remains a dominant trend in greeting card design. Consumers are increasingly seeking cards that reflect their unique relationships and sentiments. This trend includes:
- Customizable Designs: Personalized cards, including those with custom illustrations, monograms, and initials, are highly popular.
- Technological Integration: AI and AR are being used to create personalized experiences, such as cards with QR codes linking to personalized video messages or animations.
2. Sustainability
Eco-conscious designs are gaining traction as consumers become more environmentally aware. Key aspects include:
- Eco-friendly Materials: Use of recycled paper, plant-based inks, and sustainable packaging.
- Themes Reflecting Nature: Botanical prints and animal motifs are popular, emphasizing a connection to nature and sustainability.
3. Pop Culture Influence
Pop culture continues to have a significant impact on greeting card designs. Cards featuring popular movies, music artists, and social media influencers are in high demand. Notable examples include:
- Barbie and Taylor Swift Cards: Following the popularity of the “Barbie” movie and Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, these themes saw a significant increase in search trends.
- Other Popular Themes: Super Mario, Warhammer, and Stitch-themed cards also experienced notable popularity.
4. Digital and Analog Integration
The blending of digital and physical elements in greeting cards is a growing trend. This includes:
- Augmented Reality (AR): Cards with AR features that provide interactive experiences.
- QR Codes: Cards incorporating QR codes for personalized digital messages.
5. Artisanal and Handcrafted Designs
There is a resurgence in demand for artisanal and handcrafted greeting cards. Consumers appreciate the authenticity and craftsmanship of these designs. Key elements include:
- Hand-painted Details: Cards with intricate, hand-painted designs.
- Embossed and Embellished Designs: Use of embossing and other embellishments to create unique, tactile experiences.
6. Bold and Vibrant Colors
A shift towards bold and vibrant color schemes is evident in 2024. This trend reflects a desire for self-expression and confidence through design. Key features include:
- Bright and Dynamic Colors: Electric blues, fiery reds, and other vibrant hues are popular.
- Retro Revival: Nostalgic color palettes and vintage designs are making a comeback, blending past aesthetics with modern trends.
7. Seasonal and Niche Cards
Seasonal cards continue to be a staple, but there is also a growing market for niche cards that cater to specific occasions and sentiments. This trend includes:
- Holiday Cards: Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day cards remain top sellers.
- Niche Occasions: Cards for specific sentiments like “thinking of you” or “just because” are becoming more popular, reflecting a trend towards more frequent and spontaneous card-giving.
Conclusion
The greeting card industry in 2024 is characterized by a blend of personalization, sustainability, technological innovation, and artistic expression. By staying abreast of these trends, greeting card designers and retailers can create products that resonate with contemporary consumer preferences and stand out in a competitive market.
Citations:
https://www.giftsanddec.com/trending-gifts/stationery/whats-trending-for-2024-greeting-cards-a-look-at-what-google-pinterest-data-says/
https://reads.alibaba.com/greeting-card-industry-trends-personalization-sustainability-and-innovation-reign-supreme/
https://artificialink.co.uk/2024s-top-trends-in-greeting-card-industry-retailers-need-to-know/
https://makingmeadows.co.uk/blogs/news/unveiling-the-future-top-stationery-trends-for-2024
https://nikkiannelouise.com/86-2/
https://www.cardsmosaic.com/2024/08/what-is-the-trend-in-greeting-cards-in-2024.html?m=1
https://www.giftsanddec.com/trending-gifts/product-trends/these-are-the-greeting-card-trends-you-need-to-lookout-for-in-2024/
https://www.happytreecards.com/blog/2024_greeting_card_trends
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Nuts & Bolts: Card Title Punctuation Rerun
Worth a look back and refresher on the basics of a good card title.
See post here Card Title – No Punctuation and the referenced links in it.
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
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Dash of Inspiration: AUGUST 2024 STOCK Design Challenge
Between September 16-22, 2024 help us create a wave of happiness across the globe by letting people know that we’re “Thinking of You”. Create a thinking of you card (general and/or any specific reason ie: during your chemo treatments, away at college, etc.) Thinking of You Week is an international week promoting Thinking of You greeting cards. GCU will be promoting it in a few ways (emails, homepage, instagram).
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Theme: Thinking of You
Requirements:
- Create a new stock card for any category within the Thinking of You main grouping. As alwasy, judges will weigh heavily on how well your words/category fit the image, 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 in addition to a unique and captivating message that tells the story of the stock image you choose. Your added value needs to wow the judges!
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Entry Deadline: Saturday, August 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:
Choose any Thinking of You 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: August 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 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 10.8k 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!
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Be inspired to create and learn something new!
Doreen Erhardt/Exclusive Creations
GCU Community 