Dash of Inspiration: The Image Speaks Volumes
A Dash of Inspiration, A Cup of Creativity by Doreen
The Image Speaks Volumes
I’ve been a photographer for more than 30 years, it’s in my blood; my mother was a photographer and I’ve had a camera in my hands since I could stand up. I used to follow my mom around when I was only 4-years-old taking imaginary photographs with an old twin-lens-reflex that no longer worked . . . just so I could be like Mom.
For many of those years, I took photographs of anything and everything, but somewhere along my journey I found that when I put the camera to my eye, regardless of the beauty before me, if what I was going to photograph did not immediately speak to me, there was no point in taking the photograph. There are a few exceptions of course, recording your personal life and family or grabbing a shot of an object, or texture to use in a digital composition. Often images of autumn colors and snow don’t necessarily need to say anything more, if they are exceptional examples of the seasons.
Assuming the quality of your imagery and typography is professional in appearance and layout; greeting card success comes to those who have learned how to relate an image to a verse and a category. Those who illustrate and paint typically don’t have this issue, because when the idea came to them to create, the inspiration came with a message (a feeling) for which they can apply to greeting card categories.
However, photographers have to learn how to ‘listen’ to their photographs. If you don’t immediately get a message when you look at a photograph, then it’s not a good choice for a greeting card. Taking a lovely scenic photograph and putting Happy Birthday on the front, inside or both, is not likely to be a big seller for you; UNLESS you tie that scenic into the message such as, ‘May the serenity of nature surround you on your special day’ which might work for a nature-lover’s birthday.
Think of how you look for greeting cards when you are in the card isle at a store. You are drawn in by the imagery first. How the text on the front relates to the image and occasion is the next ‘grab point’, and finally how the verse on the inside of the card relates then closes the deal. If all you wish to do is put the photographs you take on blank cards, there is a market for that, but if you wish to put those photographic cards into the Occasion Specific Market; you must learn to tie the image to the category through your text.
Here are some delightful GCU card examples where the photographers have let the image inspire the message and the category, therefore creating a truly marketable greeting card.
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Critique Clinic – August 17-19, 2012
How does it work? For three days a week (Friday-Sunday midnight), I will open the clinic to any artist who wants an honest peer review and critique of a card which gets plenty of clicks but no sales, so something’s probably not quite right, or you’ve got a new design you want to test drive, or you’re unsure about the marketability of a card. Or perhaps you’re a newbie who isn’t sure if a recently submitted card is up to a marketable standard. Anyone is welcome to participate. In fact, I encourage everyone to at least look at the cards in question and read the critique comments – you may learn something. The purpose of the clinic is to help artists improve the commercial appeal and marketability of their cards.
THE RULES
- ONE card per artist only.
- Card must be for sale at Greeting Card Universe.
- We will take an unlimited number of artists, including those who have submitted recently, HOWEVER I reserve the right to close a clinic for the day if the submissions become overwhelming. If the clinic has been closed, and you submit a card, your comment will be deleted.
- To submit a card for critique, post a link to the card at GCU in the comments section of this clinic post. Allowances will be made if you’ve had a card declined, or made a new design you’d like advice on. Give us the link where we can see the card, such as your private gallery, Flickr, etc.
- Any artist is free to comment and/or give a critique of a submitted card. HOWEVER, post-and-run comments like “great card” or “you suck” will not be tolerated, nor will abuse. Criticism should be constructive, not destructive. Play nice or you will be banned.
- I also won’t tolerate temper tantrums if you decide your “artistic integrity” is being stepped on because you asked for a critique, and someone told you the photo you’re using isn’t in focus. If you can’t take honest criticism, don’t submit. Once gets you a warning; twice and you’re banned from submitting in the future.
- Artists who critique may do so by giving their opinion, posting an example of another card, or pointing the submitter to a video, on-line article, or other helpful suggestion.
- Don’t forget that artists who are giving you tips and helpful advice are volunteering their time and trouble. Be nice. A link back to their store on your website or blog is appreciated (but not mandatory).
- You are free not to take any advice offered. There’s no guarantee any card will be a bestseller, so don’t come into the clinic with unrealistic expectations.
- Rules may change as we go along and we see how things turn out, okay?
So without any further ado, I declare this week’s Critique Clinic open!
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Rainbow Connection: Neutrals
Neutrals are just as important as hot, sizzling colors in greeting cards. They can bring emphasis to an element, serve as the backdrop for more colorful and/or busy design elements, or just serve to create a quiet, thoughtful, or elegant look for those occasions where a more vivid palette is undesirable. We all need neutrals in our color box, so here’s a lovely palette of cream, off white, eggshell, and a couple of other understated hues.
Want more neutrals? Check out Neutral Color Schemes.
As always, these are RGB colors. I’ve given you the hex numbers to make it easy to use these colors in your favorite graphics editing program. Have fun!
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Custom Corner – I Dream of Genies
From the files of Greeting Card Universe comes a new Custom Corner story featuring a 50th birthday, a genie, and a very satisfied customer.
Here’s the original card created by Karen at Illustriddler LLC :
Customer’s request: “Hi, I was wondering if you could change the title to “Sandra’s Enchanted Dream” instead of the bachelorette party and change the eyes from brown to blue. I am having a 50th birthday party for myself and the theme is Arabian nights and this would be perfect. Thank you.”
And here’s the result:
What did the customer have to say? “I am beyond pleased with my order. I am having a 50th birthday party with a Arabian night theme. I ran across this card, it was exactly what I was looking for. Originally the card was for a bachelorette party, I was able to send a request to the artist if she could change the title to accommodate my theme and change the eye color to blue. Wow, such a fast response with a yes and she wrote such a wonderful jingle if you will. I will always come back for any invitations I need. Thank you, Sandra”
Another satisfied customer!
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Design Contest: All or Nothing
Now that summer’s on its way out, vacation time is over, and the kids are going back to school, I thought it was time for a new Design Contest: All or Nothing.
What’s it about? Nominate ANY one of your cards – any card for any occasion – to enter the contest. Do that by leaving a link to the card on GCU in the comments of this post. Deadline is August 20. On August 21, I will post all the nominees and the voting will begin.
Sounds simple, huh? Well, there are ways you can get bonus votes that may give you an edge in the contest.
15+ BONUS VOTES UP FOR GRABS!
1) In addition to your own card, nominate a second card belonging to another artist by giving us a link to that card in the comments section of this post. You’ll be awarded +5 votes. If either your or the nominated artist’s card receives the most votes, you’ll both win a prize.
2) Make a post about the contest, about your nominated card, or about another artist’s card on your blog. This will earn you +5 votes. Leave a link in the comments section of this post to claim your bonus votes.
3) Make a PINTEREST board with at least 5 of the nominees. Leave a link to your board in the comments section of this post to earn +5 votes.
4) Watch out for a post on the GCU Artists’ Group which will be made once voting opens. Additional votes will be awarded – details to come.
Have fun!
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Dash of Inspiration: 10 Reasons Why Your Photos Might Not Meet Submission Guidelines
A Dash of Inspiration, A Cup of Creativity by Doreen
10 Reasons Why Your Photos Might Not Meet Submission Guidelines
1) Poor Lighting
Lighting can make or break a photograph, after all a photograph IS a collection of light. Harsh lighting causes washed out detail in the highlights (whites) and lens flare. Low lighting can cause color shifts, muddy blacks without detail, color noise and blurry edges due to camera shake. On camera flash often causes the a flattening of the image and can create deep unpleasing shadows. Good photographs need to look natural, lighting a photograph is understanding light sources and using them to create mood and depth. Washed out images, those which are dark or lacking in contrast (flat) or those with deep unnatural shadows are most likely not going to meet GCU’s submission guidelines.
To further explore Lighting and Contrast:
Dash of Inspiration: “Highlights & Shadows” – October 24th, 2011
“Blown Highlights” – Photography tip article by DErhardt July 2009
Dash of Inspiration: “Introduction to Contrast in Monochromatic Digital Photos” by SunAtNight
2) Poor Color
Having poor White Balance causes photographs to have ugly and unnatural color casts. In photography, whites need to be white and blacks need to be black. These color shifts can occur when taking the photograph and when scanning artwork, photos, negatives or transparencies. Correcting white balance is simple and can be done any of three ways; a) adjust white balance settings on the camera for the conditions you’re shooting under, b) adjust the color balance in post-processing software, or 3) use external filters on your camera lens prior to shooting.
To further explore Color Balance & Correction Filters:
Dash of Inspiration: “The Color of Light” posted on November 1st, 2011
“Traditional Camera Filter Recommendations” – Photography tip article by DErhardt May 2010
3) Poor Depth of Field
Understand how to use and when to manipulate Depth of Field. Shallow DOF has it’s place, but it certainly is not for every photo. Most SLR cameras have a depth of field preview, easy to use and can be quite the learning tool. Learn how and when to adjust your aperture to gain focal length. Be sure your entire subject falls within the DOF range and make conscious decisions on where the DOF begins to drop off. DOF drop that begins and ends in the wrong place within your composition and your photograph is no longer a winner.
To further explore Depth of Field and Creative Focus Techniques
“Focus on Depth of Field” – Photography tip article by DErhardt August 2009
“the Fundamentals of Focusing Techniques” – photography tip article by DErhardt October 2011
4) Not Getting the BEST shot
Learn to observe your subject before you grab the shot. The BEST shot means you choose the best subject – this is really important when shooting floral photography to name one area. Browning petals and those eaten by bugs for example are not good subjects. Position yourself to the subject and light source so that you get the best angle and best lighting on your subject. Take the time to choose the right lens for the job and to add a fill flash if necessary. Challenge yourself to show your subject at it’s BEST!
To further explore Getting the Best Shot:
“Guide to a Winning Photograph” – Photography tip article by DErhardt May 2011
“Flower Photography 101” – photography tip article by DErhardt April 2011
Dash of Inspiration: Floral Photography 101 and Beyond – posted on August 1, 2011
5) Distractions
There is an old saying in photography; “That which does not add to the photograph, detracts from photograph”. Sticks and branches, messy living rooms, poles sticking out of peoples heads – all of these are found in snapshots and take away from an otherwise well-composed photo. When composing look at every element the camera is going to capture and position yourself so that those distractions do not ruin your photograph.
6) Poor Composition
Learn the basic rule of thirds. Until you understand and can successfully apply composition rules, you are not qualified to know how to break the rules! Be aware of your horizon line when composing; if there is a body of water, buildings, street or anything which adds horizontal or vertical lines to your photograph, make sure they are straight. When looking though the viewfinder, either fill the frame with your subject or use basic composition rules to place your subject in a pleasing composition.
To further explore Composition:
Dash of Inspiration: “Better Designs = More Approvals = More Sales” – September 19th, 2011
7) Poor Motion Capture and Camera Shake
Taking photos of moving objects and/or while you are moving is a well-practiced skill. As many of you, when I’m on vacation I might grab a couple of shots out the car window, but only my scrapbook will see those images. In low light condition, use a tripod. You may think you are holding the camera still, but unless your shutter speed is well above the focal length of your lens you’ll have camera shake. Motion capture means that you are showing the motion of a moving subject, so one of three situations are considered successful capture; a) the image shows the moving subject in sharp focus (motion stopped) and the background shows indication of movement, b) the moving subject has motion blur and the background is in sharp focus, or c) stopping motion entirely so both the subject and the surroundings are in focus.
To further explore Capturing Motion:
“Motion Capture Photography” – photography tip article by DErhardt July 2010
8) Poor Flash Techniques
Using a flash is not just turning it on and allowing it to run on whatever power output the default setting of your camera, it’s knowing how to set it for the lighting conditions. Flash causes deep shadows, washed out colors and of course that horrible ‘flash eye’ effect. Learn techniques for adding ‘fill light’ or ‘bounce light’ to your images when necessary; and if you get flash eye, regardless of whether it’s red, yellow or green; learn to fix it in post-processing.
To further explore Flash Techniques:
On-Camera Flash Tips – by Digital-Photography-School
“Get the Red Out” – photography tip article by DErhardt May 2009
9) Resolution Issues
It’s important to understand the resolution your camera is recording at and/or what resolution to scan a negative or photo at in order to produce a quality 1500 x 2100 pixels image at 300 dots per inch (DPI) to meet GCU’s sizing standards. Simply resizing a photo which was recorded at 72dpi and changing it to 300dpi without modifying the pixels dimensions will cause serious resolution issues and your images will have jpg artifacts. Do your homework and don’t size images up! Remember jpgs are a compressed file type, so every time you save that image over itself, you are degrading the quality of the image! Work in an uncompressed format.
To further explore Resolution:
Dash of Inspiration: “Artifacts … The Facts” posted March 19, 2012
“Digital File Types” – photography tip article by DErhardt January 2010
10) Excessive Post-Processing
As a general rule of thumb, post-processing photographs should be that which makes minor adjustments to color, tonal values, saturation, spotting, cropping and sharpness. A heavy hand during any of these adjustments can cause a degradation in quality resulting in color noise, color banding and loss of detail to name a few. In addition, excessive use of digital filters are a sign of ‘an amateur at the wheel’. Learn how to combine ‘effects’ with a light hand and choose your subjects carefully when applying digital filtering.
To further explore Post-processing:
Dash of Inspiration: “Post-Processing Do’s and Don’ts” – posted March 5th, 2012
“From Bland to Grand” – photography tip article by Doreen Erhardt published November 2010
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Critique Clinic – August 10-12, 2012
How does it work? For three days a week (Friday-Sunday midnight), I will open the clinic to any artist who wants an honest peer review and critique of a card which gets plenty of clicks but no sales, so something’s probably not quite right, or you’ve got a new design you want to test drive, or you’re unsure about the marketability of a card. Or perhaps you’re a newbie who isn’t sure if a recently submitted card is up to a marketable standard. Anyone is welcome to participate. In fact, I encourage everyone to at least look at the cards in question and read the critique comments – you may learn something. The purpose of the clinic is to help artists improve the commercial appeal and marketability of their cards.
THE RULES
- ONE card per artist only.
- Card must be for sale at Greeting Card Universe.
- We will take an unlimited number of artists, including those who have submitted recently, HOWEVER I reserve the right to close a clinic for the day if the submissions become overwhelming. If the clinic has been closed, and you submit a card, your comment will be deleted.
- To submit a card for critique, post a link to the card at GCU in the comments section of this clinic post. Allowances will be made if you’ve had a card declined, or made a new design you’d like advice on. Give us the link where we can see the card, such as your private gallery, Flickr, etc.
- Any artist is free to comment and/or give a critique of a submitted card. HOWEVER, post-and-run comments like “great card” or “you suck” will not be tolerated, nor will abuse. Criticism should be constructive, not destructive. Play nice or you will be banned.
- I also won’t tolerate temper tantrums if you decide your “artistic integrity” is being stepped on because you asked for a critique, and someone told you the photo you’re using isn’t in focus. If you can’t take honest criticism, don’t submit. Once gets you a warning; twice and you’re banned from submitting in the future.
- Artists who critique may do so by giving their opinion, posting an example of another card, or pointing the submitter to a video, on-line article, or other helpful suggestion.
- Don’t forget that artists who are giving you tips and helpful advice are volunteering their time and trouble. Be nice. A link back to their store on your website or blog is appreciated (but not mandatory).
- You are free not to take any advice offered. There’s no guarantee any card will be a bestseller, so don’t come into the clinic with unrealistic expectations.
- Rules may change as we go along and we see how things turn out, okay?
So without any further ado, I declare this week’s Critique Clinic open!
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Inspiration Station: Finding New Colors
As designers and artists, colors are important. Color can convey mood, create a backdrop for an amazing graphic, or draw a shopper’s attention. Color can make or break a card. So today I’ll let you in on where to find new colors and choose new palettes to work with. The surprising solution? Think interior decorating!
Paint manufacturers have to keep up with the latest trends in interior and exterior colors. These online sites often have resources that allow customers to view colors either singly or in combination. You can take advantage of these features to pick up new colors and new color palettes for your greeting card designs.
Sherwin Williams Color Palettes
Gorgeous colors you can save individually that will give you many possible combinations. The colors are organized by theme, so while each theme offers many different colors, they all go together.
Certa Pro Paints
Beautiful palettes that come in very handy, indeed. This site’s one of my favorites. They add new palettes every “season” containing trendy color schemes.
Pratt and Lambert Color Collection
Large color palettes – can be up to 40 colors in one palette – which are all coordinated together. Very handy.
True Value Idea Cards
Scroll through collections to find colors and color combinations.
Further search suggestions: historic paint colors, interior paint color schemes, paint color combinations. Have fun!
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Font Frenzy: Janda Stylish Script
I’ve let you in on Kimberly Geswein before – she’s a generous and prolific font designer who presents new fonts just about every week or so. Her unlimited commercial license if only $5. That’s right, you heard me – $5. You have no excuse not to pay such a reasonable licensing fee.
Today, I wanted to let you in on a new font in case you missed it: Janda Stylish Script. I really like the casual, playful font. And the glyphs are complete with many diacritical marks so you can easily make foreign language cards without worrying. For more of her fonts, visit her My Fonts listing linked above.
Here’s a sample of Janda Stylish Script. Have fun!
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Inspiration Station: Identifying Trends
We’ve talked about including trendy elements in your card designs as a way of attracting the attention of shoppers, but how do you identify trends? How do you figure out what’s hot and what’s not? Where can you find cutting edge designs to inspire your own creativity?
You’ll find cutting edge card designs in scrapbook and stamping galleries. It’s true. People who make handmade cards are leading the curve since commercial greeting card companies work 6 months to a year in advance. So if you’re looking for the latest and hottest trends, check out some of the resources below.
Oh, and why should you follow trends? Because shoppers like buying cards that reflect popular design elements. For example, I recently made a series of cards inspired by an up and coming trend I’d identified in card composition and style from studying handmade cards. The same week the cards were approved on GCU, they began selling. Not like hotcakes, not yet, but early sales tell me that I’ve hit the mark.
So go forth and be inspired!
Scrapbook.com Gallery
Over 214,000 examples of handmade greeting cards for you to check out.
Splitcoast Stampers Occasions Gallery
Helpfully divided into categories so you can get straight to what interests you.
Stampin’ Up Gallery
Provides several examples of cards made from stamping sets.
Bridget’s Rubber Stamping
Scroll down a little to get to Items of Interest and the four big galleries of cards linked there.
GCU Community 