Why Birthday Cards are Best for Greeting Card Portfolios

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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