Drawing of the Month: Bonsai

I just added a new illustration to my website: Bonsai. This is one of my favorite illustrations that I've made so far! I have always admired bonsais yet never owned one in fear that I might not be the best care taker. So, instead of owning a bonsai, I will illustration them! You can also look for this illustration soon at Paper Loop greeting cards. I will be selling blanks and blank sets of this design.

10 % off custom pet portraits, greeting cards, fine art prints and more!

Introducing Custom Pet Portraits!

This month I am so excited to announce one of my long awaited ideas that has finally come to fruition: custom pet portraits! Is your cat a cupcake connoisseur? Is your dog a sunset gazer or butterfly chaser? Whatever your pet's personality, I've got a background that will warm your heart and tickle your little pal's fancy. The idea here is stylish pet art that takes the guesswork out of the final art. Unlike traditional oil paintings or commissioned pet portraits, you will know exactly what you're getting right when you order. Log onto astronautcat.com and go to custom pet portraits, choose your background, choose your pet color scheme, send me a picture of your pet, and voile!–Fluffy will be instantly transformed into the art of your choice. You will receive one fine art archival print for framing. Perfect to surprise a loved one, frame for your desk or hang on the mantel!

Tell your friends!

Enter TENCATS to receive 10% off your first order! Offer expires 6.11.08.

What makes the perfect greeting card?

Since I've moved to New Mexico, the one thing I really miss is the plethora of boutique card shops I would browse in LA. The selection there was endless, with everything from silkscreened cards, handmade cards, letterpressed, and many other charming designs using trusty cymk. Although the selection here is slimmer, I've still been able to find a few good stores. That being said, I now find myself going to Hallmark to find the perfect greeting card. This brings me to my question:

What makes the perfect greeting card?

Greeting cards are a very personal thing, for the sender and receiver. The card must deliver it's message in an interesting and unique way. it must fulfill what the sender wants to say and also warm the heart of the receiver. When you are browsing a card shop, the first thing a card should do is lure you in with it's graphics. The person should want to pick it up immediately to see what it says. The message should complete the thought of the graphic.

Why do people buy cards?

If people knew what they wanted to say, they'd just say it. Buying a card for someone indicates thoughtfulness. It makes the person receiving it feel special and acknowledges the occasion in an individual way. Cards are great because they can be given with a gift, a gift card or they can stand alone. Cards are the basis of the gift giving process and with or without a gift, are a cheap yet thoughtful way to celebrate an occasion. Also, everyone loves getting cards in the mail!

Do people like cards without messages?

This is a controversial point in the greeting card world. Some say that a card should always have a message, so the buyer can simply sign their name. On the other side, some buyers prefer a blank card so that they can write their own message. The buyer may not like any of the messages on any of the cards. When that happens, the buyer will resort to the blank card section.

With that in mind, I have been working on a variety of birthday cards, some blanks that say 'Happy Birthday' on the outside, and some with birthday messages on the inside. I am really curious to see which designs will be our best sellers. This is something I will have more insight on in 6 months or so.

Here is one of my latest birthday cards that is blank on the inside.