Greeting Card Designer: Stationery Show Tips: Preparation

Here's a nice blog article by the blog Ink and wit, about preparing for the stationery show:

Excerpt:

So, how do I stay on top of the game? I have tried to keep my designs as original as possible but no matter what someone has done it or will... originality will only go so far. I think the key is to keep your style fresh and evolve your imagery. If you start to see a style becoming trendy it can be a curse of death sometimes and may be time to look for new angle to capture the audience. Customer service and integrity also goes a long way. And, in the end, visualization of your goals. Where do you see yourself? What do you really want out of the business? It cannot all be about money or press. And, when it is the road ahead is often dark even if you end up rich. Happiness, for me anyway, must come first. In preparation for NSS 2010, my intention has been to create a fun line that makes people smile and inspires them to stick with written correspondence and sentimental gifts. And, to put love into all of it with the best intentions realizing that every action has a reaction.

First, accept that everything has changed. Americans are spending less and saving more. They are going to the cobbler instead of buying new shoes. This recession is not the end of the world, but it is the end of a long boom, and it requires us to re-think everything about our business.

Second, ask yourself some hard questions about what is working, and what is not. The danger is in underestimating how much change is necessary. Under-responding could be fatal to your company.

Third, accept responsibility for making the change. No one else is going to do this for you. You didn’t make the mess, but no one else is going to bail you out or make everything alright. Not the government, not your customers, not your mom.

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