Greeting Card designs by Advocate Art illustrators Jenny Wren, Amy Hodkin, Kathryn Selbert, and Nichola Cowdery.
Why Birthday Cards are Best in a GC Folio
Teacher: Deborah Millinship, Illustration agent at Advocate Art Limited
Creating a strong art licensing collection is essential for captivating clients and boosting sales. But, what are the key designs to showcase in your portfolio.

Take a stroll through card shops, department stores, supermarkets, and gift shops, and you’ll notice that a significant portion of their shelves are dedicated to an impressive variety of birthday cards. Why? Because birthdays are a year-round celebration, making birthday cards everlasting favorites. They’re what we call “evergreen” – items that can be sold consistently throughout the year.
Why are birthday cards so significant? Sending one is a clear gesture of honoring a loved one or a friend’s milestone. Receiving a birthday card signifies that someone remembers your special day, forging a meaningful connection between the sender and recipient. It’s a wonderful way to maintain those cherished bonds with loved ones and friends.
In the fiercely competitive world of the greeting card industry, companies are always on the lookout for top-selling collections. To stand out, showcasing your creative prowess in your portfolio is crucial. And what better way to begin than with a strong collection of birthday card designs!

Developing a strong birthday card collection instantly adds commercial appeal to your portfolio. In 2023, it’s a year for boldness and out-of-the-box thinking, and creating birthday designs has never been more enjoyable. Embrace your unique style, stay attuned to trends, incorporate current elements, and experiment with trendy colors for a contemporary twist. Start with a theme to spark your creativity, and let your ideas flow. Working with one trend for multiple birthday designs is a smart strategy for portfolio growth. Aim for at least three designs that consider gender and age, and watch your designs evolve into fresh, compelling collections.
For a quick look at styles and inspiration, check out these best-selling Advocate collections above.
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