Profession of Greeting Card Writing Tip Sheet

Nice list of tips for greeting card writers on website "Greeting Card Writing" by Sandra Miller-Louden. Here's a sample.

TYPES OF GREETING CARDS:

TRADITIONAL: Traditional cards are those using rhymed, metered verse. The number of lines in the verse is generally divisible by four. Traditional verse is often done by a company’s in-house staff; although freelance work in this area has increased over the past several years.

CONTEMPORARY PROSE: Sometimes called “conversational prose” or “soft social expression,” these cards sound as if someone is talking. The voice is soft, gentle and realistic. Non-rhyming, it can be a phrase, single sentence or as long as 32-40 lines. Freelance work is actively sought for contemporary prose.

STUDIO OR HUMOROUS: These cards reflect current trends, foibles, frustrations and shared experiences. They are either written in a snappy, cutting edge style or in a cute, pun-filled voice. Humor is always needed from today’s freelance writers and it is, by far, the most popular type of greeting card on the racks today. Almost every company includes in its lines some kind of humorous offering.

ALTERNATE: The alternate card uses both contemporary prose and humor to get its message across. These cards carry themes such as coping, single parenting, surviving chemo, job loss, terminal illness, pet-sitting thank you, death of a pet, etc. Alternate cards are very fluid, expanding with the times and events of the nation and world surrounding us. Freelance contributions are actively solicited here as well.
.....more
tips continued


Bing is Better For Image Search

I've been playing around with the new search engine Bing and I find it gives more relevant and faster image results.

Here's a comparison first page result of a search for "greeting Cards."

First screenshot is of the number of images that fit on the browser window pulled up on Google. Second is the number on Bing. Google only brings up 21, Bing brings up 35.

The best part of Bing is that you can scroll down through 1,000 more images on the first page below the fold, without having to click to the next page. In Google, you only get 21 images (unless you preset to show 100 maximum). Google requires you to click forward to the next page often which is time consuming because the browser has to reload each time.


GOOGLE




BING




I also like the option on Bing to hover for bringing up text information. It doesn't crowd the screen with unwanted text until you want to mouse over and see it. (note below, upper left) No clicking required. I'm thinking this is javascript code(?)

Resources on Greeting Cards and Licensing



-Kathy Davis :: kathydavis.com [Click on "Advice"]
-Patience Brewster Advice from Childrens' Book Illustrator
-SARK :: planetsark.com [Click on "Radiant Resources"]
-"Swirly Girl" has great resources and is a great artist.
check out this path:
1. GO TO Swirly

2. Click on "Resources"

3. See left side of page:
Greeting Card FAQ
Licensing Your art FAQ