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Wanted New Cards: Easter for Dog

February 23, 2023

 

Wanted Cards – Easter for Dog


Easter is not just for the Easter Bunny, but for pets too!  Please consider creating Easter cards for the family pet, especially this request for the dog.

easter dogs

These cards will go here:

Holidays >> Easter >> For Pet  cid#37430

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:
https://gcucommunity.com/2022/06/10/nuts-and-bolts-new-artist-enhancements    

Be sure to fortify your meta-data for breed with tips here.


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”. (stock cards are automatically fast tracked).


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!

 

 

 

Freebie Wednesday: Mystical Boho Watercolors

February 22, 2023

Freebie of the week is the Mystical Boho Watercolor collection.

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Only available on the Hungry Jpeg site for another 6 days, so don’t miss out.

Comes with complete License.

Nuts & Bolts: Las Vegas Market 2023

February 17, 2023

Nuts & Bolts – Las Vegas Market 2023
 

I’d like to share my trip report from the Las Vegas Market show on 1/28-1/29.
 
First, if you have never been to Las Vegas let me tell you, it’s over the top, dramatic and so extra! I have been many times and it’s always a feast for the eyes.I enjoyed the bonus of being there while the Chinese New Year decor was still in full force. There is no expense spared on decor in this town.     
 
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This image of Liberace really caught my eye, featured at the Conrad Hotel at Resorts World.  I found it wonderfully coincidental that it was red and gold complimenting the rich colors of the Chinese New Year.  
 
It has been a while since I’ve attended a tradeshow. It was energizing to be in the middle of the buzz and among so many inspiring creators and hopeful entrepreneurs. I forgot how exhausting trade shows are but so worth the effort.

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Although the LVMarket is primarily a home goods and decor show, there was a small contingency representing the Stationery category.  Here are a few card designers that I met that would be right at home at GCU. Perhaps we’ll be welcome them to our community!
 
– 2MyHero – Hannah Hurley – niche cards licensed for all of the US military branches
Sun Day – Alan Kellman – hundred of everyday humor cards
– Near Modern Disaster – Sam Kramer – fun fonts and LOLs
– Just Art – Lis Gerber – simple expressions and puns
 
My takeaways of noteworthy trends at the show:
 
COLORS:
– natural color palette, southwestern tones
– high contrast with very dark / black backgrounds
– pop of bold neon (fits with Viva Magenta) magenta, orange, mustard yellow
 
STYLES:
– predictable patterns but in fresh color combos – plaid
– stacked books, stamps & postage indicias
– Matisse inspired – doodles, squiggles, colorful shapes
– gnomes, woodland creatures, mushrooms and botanicals 
– clean minimalist with focus on typography 
– reclaimed, vintage, apothecary
 
TRENDS & MESSAGES:
– beauty for men or gender neutral
– positivity, empowering and encouraging vs snarky
– humorous observations on everyday life
– organic, natural fibers, artisanal, naturally & responsibly sourced
– pet parents is an emerging category
 
Looking forward to the spring I am excited to walk the SF NOTED show in April 2023, right in GCU’s backyard! Let me know if you plan on exhibiting or attending NOTED so we can plan a meet up!  Drop me an email at Mindy@GCUniverse.com
 
See here on the blog about this show visit and a possible new award for the Founders’ Choice Awards.
 


The difference is made in the details!


Mindy

GCU Community Manager

 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Wanted New Cards: Persian New Year

February 16, 2023

Wanted Cards – Persian New Year


The protests and human rights issues in Iran currently, Persian New Year cards this year may carry a different message then usual years.  Consider creating new cards that have a message of support, solidarity and hope for the first day of Spring celebration, Persian New Year. 

Please consider creating new cards for the appropriate sub-category under:

Holidays >> Persian New Year

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!

 
 
 
 

 

 

Freebie Wednesday: Vibrant Watercolor Florals

February 15, 2023

Vibrant Watercolor Florals

Here’s a wonderful collection filled with Watercolor Florals all with a Vibrant theme to it (jpeg only)!

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Only available on the Hungry Jpeg site for another 6 days, so don’t miss out.

Comes with complete License.

Nuts & Bolts: Announcing In-Store Pickup is BACK!

February 10, 2023

Nuts & Bolts – Announcing In-Store Pickup is BACK!
 

We are very excited to announce that GCU’s same day in-store pickup option is back and it’s better than ever!  We are even more excited to announce our new partner …

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FedEx Office brings not only expansive nationwide coverage but also the ultimate in printing services and customer service expertise. GCU is currently offering this service at 900 U.S. FedEx Office locations. Let me tell you the print quality is excellent!
 
A few things to note about this offering for shoppers:
– order size minimum is 5 cards and maximum is 99
– cardstock is 100 lb vs 110 lb
– card finish is semi-gloss only (in between our matte and glossy) 
– promotion codes are not eligible 
– purchase is charged online at GCU not paid upon pickup
 
 
Our two teams have worked diligently since 2020! Finally all the pieces have come together. In-store pickup is now live on the site. We are monitoring it closely and if there are any hiccups we can take it offline for adjustments. If you noticed anything strange with the site that may have started today, please let us know. 
 
We are elated to offer this again for shoppers who need their cards asap. It increases our sales opportunities for cards right up to the holiday or occasion date. What does this mean for GCU artists?  Business as usual with the bonus of more card sales!
 
Please see these other related posts on In-store Pickup.
 
 
The difference is made in the details!
 

Mindy

GCU Community Manager

 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Wanted New Cards: International Day of Women Judges

February 9, 2023

Wanted Cards – International Day of Women Judges


International Day of Women Judges is celebrated on March 10 each year to promote equal and complete participation of women at different levels of the judiciary.

Please consider creating new cards here:

Holidays >> National & International Days >> International Day of Women Judges  cid#37420

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:
https://gcucommunity.com/2022/06/10/nuts-and-bolts-new-artist-enhancements/

 
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!

 

 

 
 
 

 

 

Freebie Wednesday: Gladiolus Watercolor Floral Clipart

February 8, 2023

Gladiolus Watercolor Floral Clipart

Delicate and tender Field Wildflowers Watercolor Clipart

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This set is ideal for creating card template designs, for your logo, on your blog, invitations, digital projects, sites, scrapbooking, wedding invitation, albums, greeting cards, stickers, mood boards, social networking and promotions, packaging, covers, etc.! Each element was painted on watercolor paper. Sizes can be manipulated in editing software such as Photoshop or an online

  • 22 PNG with original watercolor floral elements, all with transparent
  • 2 PNG with original bouquets size: from 3000 px x 3000 px
  • 4 PNG with original borders size 12 inches* 6 inches

All images are 300 dpi, colored and ready to use. You can follow the artist on Instagram: @LABFcreations

 

Only available on the Hungry Jpeg site for another 6 days, so don’t miss out.

Comes with complete License.

Nuts & Bolts: Artist Interview Trudy Wilkerson

February 3, 2023

Nuts & Bolts – Artist Interview Trudy Wilkerson
 

One of the many perks of being a GCU Design Challenge winner is an interview.  These mini-interviews are fun reads and a peek into the makings of the winning card.

Here is September 2022 Design Challenge winner, Trudy Wilkerson, interview.

Congratulations to Trudy on her winning design.

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See 2023’s first Design Challenge, Viva Magenta! Submit your entries by Tuesday, February 28th.  As well as the long awaited Founders’ Choice Awards soon to be announced. 
 

The difference is made in the details!
 

Mindy

GCU Community Manager

 
 
 
 
 

 

 


Wanted New Cards: Baby Dedication African American

February 2, 2023

Wanted Cards – Baby Dedication African American


Serving a variety of audiences, ethnicity shown via skin and hair color is one way to help shoppers find the perfect card.  


Please consider creating new cards here:

Occasions >> Congratulations >> Baby Dedication >> General  cid#5698

Occasions >> Congratulations >> Baby Dedication >> Boy cid#5696

Occasions >> Congratulations >> Baby Dedication >> Girl  cid#5697


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:

https://gcucommunity.com/2022/06/10/nuts-and-bolts-new-artist-enhancements/ 

Be sure to fortify your meta-data for Ethnicity Variations

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”. (stock cards are automatically fast tracked).

 

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!