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Rainbow Connection: Everyday life and emotions as an inspiration source (Part II)

June 25, 2024

Everyday life and emotions as an inspiration source (Part II) 


At the heart of every greeting card lies a connection – a bridge between the sender and recipient that expresses an emotion, marks a moment, or conveys a meaningful message. As greeting card designers, we have the powerful ability to transform the seemingly ordinary experiences of everyday life into extraordinary visual celebrations.

The richness of the human experience provides an endless well of inspiration to draw from. It’s in those very personal, relatable moments and emotions where some of the most resonant greeting card designs can emerge. Let’s dive deeper into tapping the poignant, the celebratory, the humorous, and more within the cadences of daily life:

Sympathy and Compassion 

  • Condolences for loss of a loved one
  • Support during tough times like illness or divorce
  • Encouragement for someone struggling 

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In times of sorrow, grief, and struggle, greeting cards can serve as profound channels for extending sympathy, compassion and words of solace. Designing for these emotional occasions requires a delicate, thoughtful touch. 

When creating cards to offer condolences for the loss of a loved one, the imagery should emit a sense of gentle serenity and peace. Soft nature scenes like flowing streams, fields of wildflowers, or a solitary tree can symbolize the cycle of life. Muted color palettes with accents of cool blues and greens provide a calming undertone. Incorporate symbolic motifs like doves or butterflies suggesting the departure of the soul. Messages should validate the recipient’s pain while uplifting their spirits with reminders of cherished memories.   

For someone going through a difficult transition like illness, divorce or challenging life circumstances, the designs should radiate warmth, hope and resilience. Consider using powerful metaphors like a Phoenix rising from the ashes or a seedling pushing through the soil to represent strength and perseverance. Sun-filled landscapes, determined animal portraits or purposefully imperfect brush strokes can inspire grit. Messages of empathy and reassurance that brighter days lie ahead are greatly needed. 

No matter the situation requiring sympathy, approach these card designs with thoughtfulness and honesty. Don’t shy away from somber tones, but provide glimpses of optimism as a beacon of light. Use empty space purposefully to allow the composition to breathe. Most importantly, make the messages a compassionate embrace, letting the recipients know their grief, pain and experiences are seen and understood. 

When infused with sincerity and a human-centric perspective, sympathy cards can become treasured artifacts helping people feel supported and uplifted in their darkest moments. As designers, we have a unique chance to craft solace through visuals and words. 

 

Joyful Celebrations 

  • Congratulations on achievements 
  • Celebrations of diversity and inclusivity
  • Party and festive designs for fun gatherings 

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Greeting cards offer the perfect canvas to capture the exuberant, festive spirit of life’s joyful celebrations. When commemorating happy occasions, vibrant and lively designs radiate an infectious positivity.    

For major milestone celebrations like weddings, graduations or retirement parties, aim to create a sense of energy and momentum through dynamic compositions. Intricate details like swirling calligraphic flourishes, bursting colors, or illustrations that seem to dance across the page give a celebratory verve. Incorporate recognizable ceremonial motifs like wedding bells, diplomas, or nautical ship imagery in unique ways. Let jubilant typography and congratulatory messages take center stage. 

When it comes to diversity and inclusivity celebrations, the design approach should embrace a spirit of unity, representation and empowerment. Vibrant rainbow color schemes and patterns inspired by various cultural art styles set an inclusive, welcoming tone. Illustrations showcasing people of all backgrounds joyfully gathering makes a powerful visual statement. Pair with affirmations promoting equality, acceptance and community bridging differences.   

For fun festivities like birthdays, holiday gatherings or winning the big game, playfulness is key! Lively illustrated scenes of people celebrating with party accoutrement like confetti, champagne and whimsical decorations immediately sparks that energetic mood. Inject humor through cute anthropomorphic characters, hilarious puns or irreverent visual gags. Messages can get sassy and funny to match the revelrous spirit. 

No matter the joyous occasion, these designs should make the recipient feel that same unbridled happiness and excitement radiate off the page. Utilize exaggeration through bold color choices, dynamic linework and expressive typography. Most importantly, ensure the overall vibe is lively, festive and undeniably jubilant – cementing the card as a delightful memento of the celebration.  

 

Humor and Wit 

  • Puns and wordplay
  • Cartoons and comic illustrations  
  • Sarcastic or irreverent humor for close friends 

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Injecting a touch of humor and wit into greeting card designs can forge an instant connection with recipients through the universal language of laughter. These whimsical, smile-inducing cards serve as a refreshing departure from the ordinary. 

When it comes to humor, there’s comic gold to be mined in our day-to-day lives and relatable experiences. Clever anthropomorphized animals or objects in zany, unexpected situations channel that amusement effortlessly. A dog donning reading glasses and nestled in an armchair with a newspaper pokes fun at creature comforts. A plucky potted plant dodging water droplets under a “plant sitter” sign brings new meaning to drama queen. Let your inner comedian shine by dreaming up the most hilariously absurd scenarios.  

Sharp wit and well-executed wordplay open the door to puns, quippy one-liners and delightfully cheeky greeting cards. Wry hand-lettered statements with sly twists introduce playful irreverence. Tailoring puns around the recipient’s name or poking fun at inside jokes adds an extra personalized touch they’ll appreciate. When coupled with minimalist line artwork or stylized graphics, the words take on a bold, attention-grabbing quality that commands a chuckle. 

For cheeky cards geared toward loved ones or close friends, don’t hold back on adding a dash of good-natured sarcasm or risqué humor, if appropriate. A bit of self-deprecating humor in moderation can solidify that intimate, familiar bond. Just be mindful that the jokes land as affectionately teasing rather than insensitive or mean-spirited. 

The most side-splitting humorous cards are the ones allowing the comedy to shine through unrestrained. By exploring the hilarious quirks inherent in the human experience and delivering the laughs through either brilliant wordsmithing or sublimely silly imagery, you’ll create greeting cards that become comic gems recipients will undoubtedly treasure.  

 

Everyday Moments 

  • Morning motivations and inspirations
  • Lunchbox notes for kids or partners
  • Encouragement for mundane tasks like chores
  • Celebrations of simple pleasures like a good book

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While major milestones and celebrations are worthy of commemoration, it’s the small, everyday moments that truly compose the rich tapestry of our lives. Greeting cards that spotlight these seemingly ordinary yet precious experiences can have a profound, tender impact. 

For morning motivation or uplifting affirmations, soft nature imagery like gentle sunrises, dewy meadows or a hot cup of coffee evoke a spirit of awakening and new beginnings. Choose an airy, pastel palette and decorative calligraphic words that come across as whispers of encouragement. Messages focused on self-belief, seizing the day, and appreciating life’s simple beauties provide just the right nudge to kickstart someone’s morning on a positive note. 

Lunchbox notes or tiny tokens for loved ones instantly spark joy through their element of surprise and humor. Illustrate a cheery lunchbox scene complete with cheeky commentary from illustrated foods – “We’re going to SMASH this day!” Strategically placed stickers or tiny word bubbles allow for personalized quips. For partners, a flirty hot sauce character with pun-filled compliments is sure to raise a smirk. 

Transform tedious chores into something whimsical by tapping into exaggerated, satirical visuals of anthropomorphized household items bringing tasks to life. A petulant broom leaning against the wall with arms crossed and a “Really??” word bubble channels dread for sweeping. Gamify it by collecting stickers or notching a tally for every accomplished to-do. These purposefully tongue-in-cheek drawings celebrate pushing through the mundane. 

In our fast-paced world, greeting cards reminding us to pause and appreciate life’s simple pleasures provide a welcomed respite. A hygge-inspired scene of cozy socks, a warm beverage and a delightfully-lived in chair speaks volumes. Nature still life illustrations of delicate wildflowers or colorful produce heighten your senses to beauty. Hand-lettered reminders to “take a breath” reinforce mindfulness. 

By turning our eyes to the full spectrum of emotions that color our lives, we can create greeting card designs that truly resonate. A cheerful reminder of self-love during life’s stressors. An embrace of heartfelt gratitude for life’s simple pleasures. A warm acknowledgment of familial bonds and cherished relationships. These are the connections that transform a greeting card from just paper and ink into a treasured keepsake.  

So let us celebrate the extraordinary within the ordinary. Let’s find inspiration in the laughter shared among friends, the pride of personal milestones, and the affirmations that buoy us through challenging times. For it is by authentically reflecting the depths of human experience that our greeting card designs can forge heartfelt bonds and make their recipients feel truly seen and understood. 

 

Next week we’re going to explore Hygge.

 

Happy designing! 

Corrie 

Nuts & Bolts: Reminder June 2024 Design Challenge

June 21, 2024

 
Nuts & Bolts – Reminder June 2024 Design Challenge
 
Sunday, June 30th is the last day to submit your entries for June’s Stock Card Design Challenge. It’s a 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.
 
 
Theme: Blending an Image with a Stock Image

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TIPS: Visit all the available tips, tricks and guidelines offered on the Stock Card Creation blog page!
  
This is a very important element in making any cards using GCU’s Stock Card Creations – without your creative touch to blend the image with your chosen occasion and inside verse it’s just a stock image and will most likely not be approved. 
 

The difference is made in the details!

Mindy

GCU Community Manager


  

 
 

Wanted New Cards: Welcome Back to School Bus Driver / Cafeteria Worker

June 20, 2024

Wanted Cards – Welcome Back to School Bus Driver / Cafeteria Worker

It is not only students that prepare to return back to school.  Many other roles in the schools will too soon see their summer time off in the review view mirror and return back to the classroom, campus, administrative offices, etc. 

Please consider creating Welcome Back to school for the following school professions:

Occasions >> School Days > Back to School >> School Bus Driver  cid#38198

Occasions >> School Days >> Back to School >> School Cafeteria Worker / Lunch Lady  cid#38200

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

 
 

Rainbow Connection: Everyday life and emotions as an inspiration source (Part I)

June 18, 2024

Everyday life and emotions as an inspiration source (Part I) 


At the heart of every greeting card lies a connection – a bridge between the sender and recipient that expresses an emotion, marks a moment, or conveys a meaningful message. As greeting card designers, we have the powerful ability to transform the seemingly ordinary experiences of everyday life into extraordinary visual celebrations.
 

The richness of the human experience provides an endless well of inspiration to draw from. It’s in those very personal, relatable moments and emotions where some of the most resonant greeting card designs can emerge. Let’s dive deeper into tapping the poignant, the celebratory, the humorous, and more within the cadences of daily life: 

Capturing Special Moments 

  • Birthdays and anniversaries
  • Weddings and new babies
  • Graduations and new jobs
  • Farewells and fresh starts
  • Overcoming challenges or illnesses

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Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, graduation or other milestone, greeting cards play a vital role in honoring and commemorating life’s most cherished occasions. These moments deserve to be celebrated in all their joy and significance.  

Birthdays offer a chance to shower loved ones with vibrant designs full of cheerful wishes and reminiscing about shared memories. Whimsical cakes, colorful balloons, and personalized touches can make the card as unique as the birthday person.   

Anniversary cards are the ideal canvas for romantic illustrations and heartfelt sentiments that reaffirm an enduring love story. Vintage-inspired flourishes, elegant calligraphy, and classic motifs like hearts and roses can beautifully capture the aura of devotion. 

Graduations mark major academic achievements and the start of new chapters. Bold, uplifting typography combined with cap and gown imagery conveys pride. Include motivational messages or representing the graduate’s chosen field through symbols or scenes. 

Other milestones worth commemorating include new homes, job promotions, retirements, or overcoming health battles. The design approach depends on the tone – celebratory for achievements, serene for new beginnings, or representing joy after adversity.  

No matter the occasion, these special moment cards should radiate positivity and serve as cherished mementos of important events in the recipients’ lives. The right color palette, imagery, and words elevate the design into a symbolic treasure.  

 

Expressing Love 

  • Romantic love between partners
  • Familial love (parents, siblings, children)
  • Friendship and platonic love
  • Self-love and body positivity

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From romantic partnerships to familial bonds and deep friendships, love takes on many forms – each one deserving to be expressed and celebrated through beautiful, heartfelt greeting card designs. 

For romantic love, the canvas is ripe for portraying an air of enchantment and intimacy. Soft, warm color palettes like dusty roses and rich burgundies set the mood. Illustrating romantic scenes like dancing under the stars, sharing a tender embrace, or cozying up by the fireplace captures the passion and closeness between lovers. Sweet sentiments and poetry can adorn the designs, but minimalist approaches allowing the imagery to speak volumes can be just as impactful. 

Familial love bonds could be reflected through vibrant, joyful scenes of quality family time – baking together, playing in the park, snuggled up reading books. Using portrait-style illustrations of the family members adds a personalized touch. Multi-generational representations project an enduring legacy of love passing between parents, children, and grandchildren. Affirmations of unconditional adoration make ideal message companions. 

The unique love between friends is cause for celebration with lively, cheerful, and fun-spirited designs. Funky, modern color palettes and illustrated friend groups exuding upbeat energy bring a youthful dynamism. Humor through relatable inside jokes or iconic pop culture references can spark smiles. Authentic sentiments of gratitude for being present through life’s ups and downs reinforce an invaluable bond. 

No matter the relationship, a thoughtfully crafted design has the power to make recipients feel the love radiate off the card itself. By connecting with the core emotions unique to each loving connection, greeting cards become cherished reminders of the irreplaceable human bonds that matter most. 

  

Gratitude and Appreciation 

  • Thanking friends, family, coworkers
  • Appreciation for teachers, mentors, service workers
  • Gratitude for nature, life, health

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Recognizing the people, experiences, or simple joys that enrich our lives is an essential practice in cultivating happiness and fulfillment. Greeting cards provide a delightful canvas for conveying sincere gratitude and appreciation in a thoughtful, visually compelling way. 

When expressing thankfulness for friends, family members, mentors or colleagues, the tone should exude warmth and heartfelt admiration. Consider incorporating sentimental photography or illustrated portraits of the recipients themselves. Including shared memories or inside jokes adds a personalized touch they’ll instantly connect with. Messages can highlight how their support, guidance or acts of kindness have positively impacted your life. 

For major life experiences like travel adventures, realizing personal dreams or overcoming challenges, striking landscape imagery or symbolic representations capture the essence of those enriching journeys. Use the design to highlight meaningful souvenirs, memorabilia or milestone markers with handwritten reflections surrounding them. Don’t be afraid to get poetic and philosophical with your phrasing. 

Celebrating and giving thanks for simple joys allows designers to get whimsical and depict life’s sweet pleasures through metaphors and clever visuals. A steaming cup of coffee and a emphatically scripted “Thanks a latte!” conveys gratitude for life’s daily pick-me-ups. Nature-inspired details like flowers, leaf patterns or sketchbook doodles of birds pair beautifully with thankful musings about life’s natural beauty.  

No matter the recipient or occasion, the most effective gratitude-themed designs are those that feel straight from the heart and sincerely representative of the warm appreciation you wish to express. Through compelling visuals and authentically crafted words, your greeting cards will become cherished emblems of life’s heartening moments of gratitude.   

By transforming the everyday ordinary into the extraordinary through clever, heartwarming visuals and messages, your greeting cards will serve as cherished reminders to embrace the magic of life’s seemingly small yet indelible moments.  

Join me for part II next week! 

 

Happy designing! 

Corrie 

Nuts & Bolts: Crafting Heartfelt Cards for an Unexpected Pregnancy

June 14, 2024

 
 

Crafting Heartfelt Cards for an Unexpected Pregnancy   

 

Circling back to yesterday’s Wanted New Cards I want to give a few tips on how to go about designing cards for this subject. 

Finding out you’re expecting a baby can bring about a torrent of emotions, especially if it was an unplanned surprise. A tender card can provide so much comfort and reassurance to those parents-to-be as they navigate this major life change.  

If you’re creating a card for someone experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, there are a few compassionate approaches to consider for your design and messaging: 

 

Validate Mixed Emotions 

An unexpected pregnancy can feel overwhelming, with a rollercoaster of feelings like shock, anxiety, excitement and everything in between. Avoid messaging that assumes pure bliss or joy. Instead, use language that validates the spectrum of perfectly normal emotions they may be feeling like “Though this news may be surprising…” or “As you navigate this unexpected journey…”   

Focus on Unconditional Support 

More than anything, expecting parents need to know they have a solid support system during this transition. Your card’s words and imagery can reassure them that you’ll be there no matter what. Consider including a heartfelt note about being present to listen without judgement or offering any help they may need. 

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Inspire Hope for What’s Ahead   

While being careful not to minimize any apprehensions, your card can also gently instill hope about the beauty and profound love that awaits with a new baby. You could incorporate symbolism of growth, miracles, and new beginnings. Or include a warm message about embracing the journey together and finding strength as a family. 

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Use Humor Cautiously 

For some recipients, humor and playful puns may provide well-needed levity when processing an unexpected pregnancy. But err on the side of sensitivity – sillier tones can easily fall flat or come across as flippant during complex emotional situations. If using humorous elements, balance it with equal amounts of compassion. 

No matter the design approach, the most important thing is crafting your unexpected pregnancy card with authenticity, empathy and love. Taking the time to create a truly heartfelt keepsake can mean the world to those parents-to-be. 

 
 
Happy Designing!
 
Corrie
 

 

Wanted New Cards: Unplanned / Unexpected Pregnancy Encouragement

June 13, 2024

Wanted Cards – Unplanned / Unexpected Pregnancy Encouragement

Finding out there is a baby on the way is not always an expected or planned event. It will take a while for the parents to be to resolve their mixed emotions and probably surprise and disappointment about the new little one on the way.  

Please consider creating new cards for this new category.  Consider cards for both parents to be, as well as for the mom to be and dad to be. They should go here:

Occasions >> Encouragement >> Pregnancy / Expecting >> Unplanned / Unexpected  cid#37904

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.

Mindy Rosso

GCU Community Manager

 
 

Nuts & Bolts: Update Chinese New Year YEAR of the DRAGON

June 7, 2024

Nuts & Bolts – Update Chinese New Year YEAR of the DRAGON
 
 
Chinese New Year in 2025 will be the Year of the Snake (on January 29), so we say farewell to 2024’s Year of the Dragon for 12 more years until 2036.
 
Please update your 2024 Year of the Dragon cards to 2036.  After 8/01/24, GCU will take any outdated cards offline.

Be sure to review the Chinese New Year specific rules on Change or New Submission.

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.

Create new cards for 2025’s year of the Snake:
 
 
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The difference is made in the details!
 

Mindy

GCU Community Manager

Wanted New Cards: P/T Customer Support Representative

June 6, 2024

Wanted – P/T Customer Support Representative

A little bit of a different “wanted” request this week.  
GCU is looking for a part-time customer support representative. Remote / work from home. 

This is an independent contractor position (1099 employee) at $16 – $20 / hr.
Responsibilities:Answer 

customer support phone calls, online live chat, and emails for order status, order details, assistance using the website to place an order, etc.
Required Skills:

Must possess solid computer usage and phone skills, reliable, comfortable answering questions and a clear and effective communicator (spoken and written).

Standard hours:Monday thru Friday – 9am to 11am PST 
Additional optional hours:Non-business hours, weekends and holidays – 1 to 2 hours a day responding to calls and customer support emails that are received during non-business hours. These hours are flexible and can be set by you based on your availability. 

Additional hours available during busy holidays.

Due to the investment in training we’re looking for someone who is committed to the position on a long-term basis.

Interested? Want to learn more?  Please contact us at Jobs@GCUniverse.com

Mindy Rosso

GCU Community Manager

 
 

Rainbow Connection: Dopamine Design Trend

June 4, 2024

 

What is Dopamine Design? 

The dopamine design trend is a recent aesthetic movement in graphic design, fashion, and interior design that emerged in the early 2020s. The trend is characterized by the use of vibrant, saturated colors, bold patterns, and playful, asymmetrical shapes that are intended to evoke feelings of happiness, energy, and optimism. 

Screenshot 2024-06-03 at 20-00-07 dopamine decor trend - Google Search 

Key features of the dopamine design trend include: 

  1. Bold, contrasting color palettes: Think neon pinks, electric blues, sunny yellows, and bright greens, often used in unexpected combinations.
  2. Retro-inspired elements: Drawing from 70s psychedelia, 80s Memphis design, and 90s pop culture.
  3. Irregular shapes and patterns: Squiggles, blobs, abstract forms, and imperfect geometrics.
  4. Maximalist approach: More is more—layers, clashes, and busy compositions.
  5. Nostalgic motifs: Stars, smiley faces, rainbows, and other symbols associated with happiness.

Screenshot 2024-06-03 at 20-00-56 dopamine decor trend - Google Search

The name “dopamine” refers to the neurotransmitter in our brains that plays a key role in pleasure, motivation, and reward. The design trend aims to visually stimulate this “feel-good” chemical, providing a burst of positivity and excitement through bold design choices. This trend emerged partly as a reaction to the minimalist, neutral aesthetics that dominated the 2010s, and partly as a response to global stressors like the COVID-19 pandemic, with people seeking out visually uplifting content. 

The trend spans various fields: 

– Graphic Design: Posters, packaging, branding 

– Fashion: Colorful prints, mismatched patterns 

– Interior Design: Bright furniture, funky wallpapers 

– Digital Design: Websites, apps, social media graphics 

Screenshot 2024-06-03 at 19-59-53 dopamine decor trend - Google Search

Critics argue that the trend can be overwhelming or kitschy, while proponents see it as a much-needed burst of joy in challenging times. Whether it has lasting impact or is a fleeting trend remains to be seen. 

Screenshot 2024-06-03 at 20-01-10 dopamine decor trend - Google Search 

You want more dopamine? I’ve got some interesting links for you: 

Join Sarah from Floella Interiors as she dives into the world of dopamine interiors and dopamine decor! Expected to be one of the biggest interior design trends of 2024, Sarah dives into how you can add lots of colour, pattern and scale into your home to give that dopamine feeling. 

Screenshot 2024-06-03 at 20-04-20 DOPAMINE DECOR! The BIGGEST interior design trend of 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_dNkszWB2o 

Move over Barbiecore! Dopamine Decor is the new playful trend. 

https://www.architecturaldigest.in/story/move-over-barbiecore-dopamine-decor-is-the-new-happiness-trend/ 

Martha Stewart about Dopamine Decor. 

https://www.marthastewart.com/dopamine-decor-ideas-8630791 

Screenshot 2024-06-03 at 20-01-24 dopamine decor trend - Google Search

Homes & Garden: Dopamine decor is the latest feel-good interior trend for 2024 – how to level up your happiness at home 

https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/dopamine-decor-ideas 

Forbes Home: Dopamine Decor: What Is It And How To Incorporate Dopamine Decor At Home 

https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/design/dopamine-decor-ideas/

Adentity: from dopamine colours to artsy fonts 

https://adentity.se/graphic-trends-expression-colours-and-fonts/ 

Screenshot 2024-06-03 at 20-18-21 Creative Graphic Design Ideas to Boost Dopamine Levels

Dopamine Design on Pinterest 

https://nl.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=dopamine%20graphic%20design&rs=typed 

Screenshot 2024-06-03 at 20-23-17 dopamine color Fabric Wallpaper and Home Decor Spoonflower

Spoonflower – Dopamine Color Design in Fabric, Wallpaper, and Home Decor 

https://www.spoonflower.com/en/shop/dopamine-color 

 

That’s it from me for now. 

Happy designing! 

 

Corrie 

Dash of Inspiration: JUNE 2024 STOCK Design Challenge

June 1, 2024

DashInspirationBanner_2015

Time to dazzle us with your creativity this month!

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Theme: Blending a Message with the Stock Image

Requirements:

  • Create a new stock card for any category that has an amazing pairing of the card front text and verse with the image you choose. Judges will weigh heavily on how well your words/category fit the image.  We want that WOW factor from your creativity this month. Added value is KEY here.
  • 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: Sunday, 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:

Choose any category well-suited to show off your message and image pairing.

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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.
  • 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!

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Be inspired to create and learn something new!

Doreen Erhardt Exclusive Creations