Most Unusual Valentines Cards

Greeting Card Designer Blog's

MOST UNUSUAL VALENTINE CARDS

HOW CARDS WERE SELECTED

Over 300 Valentine cards submitted for the "Most Unusual Valentine" according to guidelines. One winner and three finalists were chosen by Kathy Krassner based on: something that's not typical for a Valentine card, yet gets the message across in a unique way by design and verse. Also considered was unique artwork, unexpected juxtapositions between design and verse, something very funny or very touching, and designs that evoke an emotional response. Kate Harper chose additional "honorable mentions" she felt had interesting design concepts and messages.



JUDGE: Kathy Krassner

Kathy Krassner is the owner of Krassner Communications, a longtime stationery-industry veteran who currently serves as Director of Communications for the Greeting Card Association, Editor-at-Large of Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine, and Communications Consultant for the National Stationery Show.

WINNER!

Some of Me Cards
http://www.someofmecards.com/about.html

Kathy Krassner Comments:
I appreciated the simple yet imaginative design of this card, which effectively combines white space, clever embellishments and heartfelt versing to create an unusual Valentine's Day card that can be purchased by either a man or woman for February 14th and beyond.

Front Message Reads: "You Make My Heart Race"

~ 3 RUNNERS UP ~

Runner Up!
True Emotions

Kathy Krassner Comments:

This card's flirty cover image featuring bright touches of color perfectly complements its handwritten-looking, upbeat message: "Valentine's Day... let's make it an everyday affair."

Runner Up!
M Design Studio, Inc.

Kathy Krassner Comments:

"This card conveys a hip, urban feel with its bright-red, graffiti-like "love rocks" message that pops against an ink-splattered background, and is likely to appeal to a broad demographic of consumers."

Runner Up!
Scarlett Greetings, Karen Coombes

Kathy Krassner Comments:

This "unvalentine" offers a humorous "happy singles awareness day" greeting paired with a cute, paper-collage skunk that's sure to bring a smile to many faces on Valentine's Day.

~ HONORABLE MENTIONS ~


Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Unique Colors and Textures

Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
It is from pets who appear to run the household.





Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
The hearts spill over the edges and simple line drawn character expresses much emotion.






Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Humor is edgy and from the pet's point of view about the challenges of relationships.






Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Elegant and witty design. Eco-friendly feeling.





Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Witty visual concept of shooting an arrow into a maze to reach a heart.






Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Playful concept of nudity. Brilliant colors go beyond the traditional Valentine colors.







Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Techie humor and it could be for a man or woman.






Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Uses contemporary graphics to make a heart tree. Tree limb designs are interesting.






Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Front of card appears to be a "what's going on here?" puzzle, until you open and read the inside message.





Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
It's very difficult to design a emotional card with just the color black and one tiny dot of red.
This artist has succeeded at doing that.
Nice warm words and wonderful image of birds at dinner.






Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Visually stunning. Words express image clearly.






Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
A new twist on a greeting card. Sender could include a real key in envelope or possibly a gift.





Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Brilliant colors reflect jungle romance. Monkeys tails hint at an incomplete heart.







Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Strong immediate feeling of happiness and love. No words needed.






Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
The use of children images for an adult card.
Inspiring for people who want to be reminded of their own childhood playfulness.





Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Panda is symbolic of affection.
This artist brings their own humor into the concept, using Valentine's Day as a historical event.







Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Design goes beyond the traditional Valentine's day card
by using key elements of a strong color cutting through the top and bottom half of the card.
Simply drawn cat evokes a warm emotion. This is a challenge to do in line drawing.
Whimsy is also added by painting a blue head on the cat.






Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Contemporary theme timely to environmental issues of global warming.






Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Pushing the envelope of humor.







Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Uses contradiction with affection.
Who would ever think of hugging a cactus? This critter is expressing true love.





Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Victorian elements in this card are mixed with textures and shadows of words in the background.
Even though there is very little color on the card, the message is still strong.





Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
For the most part it is a traditional valentine, but having it come from a pet makes it fun and playful.






Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Strong design using positive and negative space.







Kate's Comment on why it is unusual:
Minimalist contemporary.
Nice mix of an innocent background pattern meeting with a bold animal.
It feels like it is in motion, entering and invading the card space.