
The Card Designer Spotlight is a series featuring independent makers whose greeting cards you can find in Paper Source stores. Meet and be inspired by a new designer every month on our blog!
2024 was a year filled with beautiful stationery! We learned how 12 uniquely creative card designers make their art come to life through different processes and inspiration. Something that each of these designers have in common is that their cards have been intentionally created whether that’s for specific moments or evoking emotion in their recipients.
As we enter a new year, let’s remind ourselves how to be more intentional in our day to day life from the expertise of our featured cards designers and their cards that make us feel more connected!
1. Quilling Card Co. reminds us that the process is worth the outcome.
Each design is carefully created and crafted with love and care by our extraordinary team of designers, illustrators, and artisans. The development of each design is truly unique in where the inspiration originated, the creative execution, and its rounds of improvements leading to the final design. When you give a Quilling Card, you are not just giving a greeting card, you are gifting a handmade work of art.
2. Heartland Cards reminds us that putting yourself out there can be rewarding.
I found myself making greeting cards at my desk for co-workers, and eventually for their friends. I designed a tiny line of cards and showed them to a paper store around the corner from my apartment in Brooklyn. The shop owner purchased some cards! In good fortune, a customer that purchased a card from the store contacted me on etsy to make a baby shower invite… and the invite was for a buyer from Anthropologie. I sent the buyer samples, she purchased a couple cards, and my line and business grew and grew. Soon after, Paper Source found my work through a post on Design Sponge. I have been so lucky and I love what I do, and I hope it shows.
3. Shorthand Press reminds us that sometimes curiosity can lead us to our next adventure.
Many years ago, I found myself drawn to this little store in Seattle. I would go in and just look at the greeting cards, feel the paper, read the words, look at the back to see who made them, and then try to find out more about the company and person who had made the cards. I learned that the printing method that I saw on these cards that I was so drawn to was called letterpress printing. I found a class and learned how to print on a letterpress, bought my own press and started printing business cards and wedding invitations.
4. 2021Co reminds us that we can always be learning from the people and the beauty around us.
(Nicole) For me, inspiration comes from the human experience. How are people feeling? What messages are most in need and how can we make them beautiful and accessible. (Emily) I find inspiration all over the place, and I’m constantly snapping pictures and taking screenshots. Things you can find in my camera roll: unique color combos, lettering, pattern and foliage! That said, words are critically important in every card we create.
5. Gotamago reminds us that sometimes the most special moments can come from the smallest gestures.
Over the years, I’ve come to understand that cards are an extremely democratic way to share art. While original paintings may not be affordable for everyone, a greeting card makes for an accessible and versatile piece of decor. When our customers share their photos of cards framed on their walls, I’m heartened to know that my art is a part of their everyday lives.
6. Paper Baristas reminds us to support causes that are important to us.
In a world filled with digital communications, the art of handwritten notes and personalized stationery holds a unique charm. We draw inspiration from diverse sources, but at the heart of it all are the stories of our employees and the causes we support. From promoting mental health awareness to advocating for environmental sustainability, our products serve as a canvas to amplify these important messages.
7. Brittany Paige reminds us to make time for our passions.
Born out of an obsession with pop culture and while navigating early adulthood in New York City, I started my business with just six greeting cards (all centered around break-ups). During the nights and weekends of my corporate design job in the fashion industry, I started illustrating cards that reflected my personal interests and social trends. Side hustle eventually turned full-time gig, those six OG cards have grown into the stationery and gift business that you see today — a brand that creates gifts for the girls that get it.
8. Ramona & Ruth reminds us to enjoy our own journey.
I’m proud of how I’ve built my business steadily and slowly. Sometimes it’s hard to look around and see other’s successes and how they are growing at a quicker rate than you, but looking back, I’m happy I took it slow. This has allowed me to build a strong business foundation while also allowing me to be present with my family. I’m really proud to think of how far I’ve come!
9. Amy Heitman reminds us to spread joy whenever we can.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be able to create and see my ideas come to life, and to create something others can use to spread a bit of love and joy in the world. My favorite thing is hearing someone received one of my cards and I love that people choose to send them to those they love filled with thoughtful words.
10. Little May Papery reminds us to leave room for daily fun and playful moments.
I find my inspiration for Little May Papery in the sweet and simple moments. I love using puns and word play, as well as giving little personalities to inanimate objects – like a smiley cup of coffee or a pizza slice with arms and legs. I love to weave that silliness into my designs. There’s something so lovely about a card that makes you smile, cry or laugh out loud. I like to blend those playful touches into my designs, creating cards that allow for connection and add a touch of whimsy to everyday moments.
11. Verrier Handcrafted reminds us to turn something sour into something sweet.
At that time, I thought I was on my way to be a fashion designer with the blessing of my garments being placed next to Marc Jacobs. Without getting too gloom-ridden, there was the sting of the financial crisis in 2008 that hit the fashion world hard. That presented a dilemma, as a young fashion designer, to get creative with reinventing myself. Curiously enough, this challenge found me revisiting the part of fashion design that I enjoyed the most – drawing fashion….I refashioned some of these paper fashion gals into cards I would send to my grandmother. She actually told me to consider a greeting card business.
12. Grey Street Paper reminds us to look for comfort when we need it to move forward.
I love knowing that my art and ideas bring comfort, joy, and happiness to people’s lives. One of my favorite card designs is a sympathy/support card inspired by a saying from my grandma. Whenever I said “goodbye,” she would always reply, “It’s not goodbye, it’s so long for now!” This card will be available in Paper Source stores in 2025. It means so much to me that her words will bring comfort to others.