GCU Community

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

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

Hello, fellow creatives! 🎨 Are you on the hunt for the perfect typeface to elevate your designs? Look no further! In this weekly blog series, “Font Fix,” I’ll be sharing a curated selection of stunning fonts that are not only free but also licensed for commercial use. Whether you’re crafting greeting cards, branding materials, or digital content, these fonts will add that extra flair to your projects. Join me as we explore unique styles and discover new favorites that will inspire your creativity and enhance your artistic endeavors. Let’s dive into this week’s font treasures!

Nexa Rust Font Family

Oregano Font Family

Griffy

Disclaimer:
Always remember to check the specific licensing terms to ensure they meet your commercial use requirements.

Happy Designing!

Corrie

Nuts & Bolts – Generative AI Clipart Considerations

As the fast pace of AI technology expands in broader usage and markets, we’re starting to see generative AI clipart. Clipart has long been used as elements incorporated into a larger design. This remains the same however just as we see in AI generated images, these same flaws occur in AI generated clipart.

If you are using generative AI clipart (the source may not say AI) or you suspect it’s generative AI clipart, be sure to use extra care; closely and thoroughly inspect the individual elements you are using for unrealistic things like:

– odd or extra appendages (legs, arms, fingers, etc.)

– things in the wrong place (shadows, reflections, random objects, etc.)

We have seen a plethora of 3-legged animals and 6 fingered Santas. See a clipart example here with an oddly placed item (ribbon extending from the pom-pom) and extra appendages (6 fingers) that one of our reviewers keenly spotted.

See GCU’s No As Is Policy here which applies to works using third party elements like clipart. 

See GCU’s AI Policy and related topics here.

So as new technology evolves and is embraced into your work, so too should be more of your due diligence and scrutiny.

The difference is made in the details!

Mindy

GCU Community Manager

‘Tis the season to spread joy and nourish the soul! As a greeting card artist you’re always on the lookout for fresh, niche ideas that spark joy and creativity. Let’s cook up some examples for you, starting with some card design ideas. 

Festive Food Characters 

1. A cheerful broccoli wearing a Santa hat, saying “Have a tree-mendous holiday!” 

2. A group of colorful fruits and vegetables forming a Christmas tree shape, with the text “Wishing you a nutritious and delicious season!” 

Playful Plate Scenes 

3. A balanced plate with holiday foods arranged to look like a snowman, captioned “Building healthy holidays, one plate at a time!” 

4. A heart-shaped plate filled with colorful, healthy foods and a few treats, saying “Nourish your heart this holiday season” 

Whimsical Wellness Landscapes 

5. A winter wonderland made of healthy foods (cauliflower snow, kale trees, carrot sleds), with the message “Sleighing your health goals this holiday!” 

6. A cozy kitchen scene with fruits and veggies preparing a feast, captioned “May your holidays be filled with joyful, nourishing moments” 

Nutrient Superheroes 

7. Anthropomorphized vitamins and minerals dressed as elves, working in “Santa’s Nutrition Workshop” 

8. A protein molecule wearing a cape and holiday lights, with the text “Powering your festive season!” 

Mindful Eating Moments 

9. A serene Buddha bowl with holiday-themed ingredients, saying “Peace, love, and mindful eating this season” 

10. A person meditating on a giant orange slice under twinkling stars, captioned “Reflect, recharge, and reinvigorate this holiday” 

And here are some text ideas:  

 
Healthy Holiday Puns  
 

– “Wishing you a berry merry Christmas and a grape New Year!” 

– “Lettuce celebrate the season together!” 

– “Orange you glad it’s the holidays? Have a zesty New Year!” 

– “May your holidays be filled with joy and your plate with colorful veggies!” 

  
Nutrition-Themed Greetings 
 

– “Sending you a balanced plate of holiday cheer!” 

– “Wishing you a nutrient-rich holiday season and a vitamin-packed New Year!” 

– “May your holidays be as sweet as fruit and as comforting as whole grains!” 

– “Here’s to a holiday season that nourishes your body and soul!” 

Playful Professional Messages 
 

– “Eat, drink, and be merry… in moderation, of course!” 

– “Wishing you a guilt-free holiday season filled with mindful indulgences!” 

– “May your plate be full of joy and your cup overflow with health this holiday season!” 

– “Here’s to finding the perfect balance between holiday treats and nutritious eats!” 

Inspirational Notes 

– “This season, give yourself the gift of listening to your body and enjoying foods that make you feel good!” 

– “Celebrate the flavors of the season with loved ones. Happy Holidays!” 

– “Wishing you a holiday filled with nourishing meals and cherished memories!” 

Remember to pair these messages with festive, food-themed imagery or illustrations to make your greeting cards visually appealing and on-brand for a nutritionist. These fun and lighthearted greetings will surely bring a smile to their clients’ faces while gently reminding them of healthy habits during the holiday season. 

Happy Designing!

Corrie

Hello, fellow creatives! 🎨 Are you on the hunt for the perfect typeface to elevate your designs? Look no further! In this weekly blog series, “Font Fix,” I’ll be sharing a curated selection of stunning fonts that are not only free but also licensed for commercial use. Whether you’re crafting greeting cards, branding materials, or digital content, these fonts will add that extra flair to your projects. Join me as we explore unique styles and discover new favorites that will inspire your creativity and enhance your artistic endeavors. Let’s dive into this week’s font treasures!

Scriptina Font

Violence Thriller Font

Retired Artist

Disclaimer:
Always remember to check the specific licensing terms to ensure they meet your commercial use requirements.

Happy Designing!

Corrie

Nuts & Bolts – Thinking of You Week 2024

It’s here starting on Monday! This coming week is Thinking of You Week – a weeklong observance in September (16th – 22nd this year) that encourages people to send cards or letters to someone, just to let them know, “I’ve been thinking about you.”

See related post Send a Card, Deliver a Smile.

As greeting card artists, how can you participate?  

– send your own or other GCU artists’ cards – Send 7 cards to 7 people in 7 days! – promote your own cards or other GCU artists’ cards on your social media posts, stories and reels- tag any of your social media content with #thinkingofyouweekchallenge and @thinkingofyourweek

– use any of the TOYW toolkit graphics and deliverables to spread the word 

• Social media post and story graphics
• Email banners
• Zoom background

GCU got a head start on the week with August’s Design Challenge which resulted in many new, varied and wonderful thinking of you cards with the winning cards here:

Join in any way that inspires you and spread some spontaneous good energy.

The difference is made in the details!

Mindy

GCU Community Manager

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs), emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, and paramedics play a crucial role in providing life-saving care during emergencies. Here are some ideas for cards and text to express gratitude and appreciation for these heroes:

Card Design Ideas

• An ambulance or emergency vehicle with a heart symbol
• A stethoscope forming a heart shape
• Hands reaching out to help someone
• A superhero cape with an EMS or paramedic symbol
• A lifeline or heartbeat monitor with a thank you message

Text Ideas

General Appreciation Messages:

“Your quick thinking and skilled hands saved a life. Thank you for being there when it mattered most.”
“In our darkest hour, you were the light of hope. Your dedication and compassion make all the difference.”
“Heroes don’t always wear capes – sometimes they wear uniforms and arrive in ambulances. Thank you for your service.”
“Your courage and commitment to helping others is truly inspiring. Thank you for being our community’s guardian angel.”
“Your dedication saves lives every day. Thank you for being our community’s heroes.”
“In emergencies, you’re the calm in the storm. Your skill and compassion make all the difference.” “Answering the call, day or night, you’re always there when we need you most. Thank you for your unwavering service.”
“Your quick thinking and steady hands bring hope in our darkest moments. We’re grateful for your incredible work.”
“From sirens to silence, your presence brings comfort and care. Thank you for your selfless service.”

Personal Thank You Messages:

“Words cannot express how grateful I am for your swift action and care. You gave me a second chance at life.”
“In my moment of crisis, you were calm, professional, and kind. Thank you for being my lifeline.”
“Your expertise and compassion helped me through one of the scariest moments of my life. I’ll never forget your kindness.”
“In my moment of fear, your reassuring voice and expert care gave me strength. I’m forever grateful for your help.”
“You didn’t just save a life – you saved a family. Your quick action and kindness will never be forgotten.” “When every second counted, you were there. Thank you for giving me a second chance at life.”
“Your compassion was as healing as your medical expertise. Thank you for treating me with such care and dignity.”
“In the blur of that terrifying day, your calm presence stood out. Thank you for being my anchor in the chaos.”
“You may not remember me, but I’ll never forget you. Your skill and kindness changed my life forever.” “From the moment you arrived, I knew I was in good hands. Thank you for your professionalism and empathy.”
“In those critical moments, your expertise made all the difference. I’m alive today because of you.”

These messages aim to capture the essence of gratitude for the vital work performed by emergency medical professionals. They highlight the impact of their skills, compassion, and dedication, which can be deeply meaningful to those who perform this challenging and often underappreciated work.

Happy Designing!

Corrie