Job Overview: Greeting card designers and writers are persons who use their creative and artistic skills to come up with illustrations, images and texts for cards, mugs, posters and other novelty items usually sold in card and gift shops. They usually compose the quotes and expressions, poems and jokes that come together with the images.
Education, Knowledge and Training Required: To become a successful greeting card designer and writer, one should be creative both in words and in illustrations. There is no educational requirement in order to land on the job, but most companies usually hire persons who have college backgrounds or degrees in English, creative writing, commercial arts or graphics design. Some people who possess the knowledge in graphic design are also welcome for immediate work, while others may prepare by means of taking up computer design programs and short courses in community colleges or vocational schools.
Skills and Abilities: Greeting card designers and writers should have the passion for art and design, and they must also find happiness and fulfillment in their chosen line of work. In order to become successful in this field, one should be self-motivated and inspired, as well as optimistic at all times. They should also have the knack for word-play, marketing and promotions. Aside from these, they should as well be persistent, patient and capable of accepting rejections and criticisms.
Tasks: Greeting card designers and writers take on the task of coming up with illustrations and texts for greeting cards for all occasions. Designers usually think of images to place on the cover of the cards, and these include the use of different art media such as drawing, sketching, painting and graphic designing.
They also select the type of materials to be used on the cards, then they collaborate with writers regarding the text to be placed inside the card and how it should be positioned. They also discuss ideas and concepts with clients or managers, so that they know how to come up with designs which would appeal to target consumers or customers. Aside from designing cards, people in this line of work also work on various novelty items such as mugs, posters, notes and other products offered in gift shops. Others on the other hand concentrate on email greeting cards, thus they need to have the knowledge in graphics design and desktop publishing, which includes the use of Flash images, GIF and animation graphics.
Earnings and Job Outlook: The salaries of greeting card designers and writers vary on the nature of their work, their employers and their experience in the industry. While freelance designers and writers may sell only a few concepts per year, others make a good deal of money, particularly those employed in companies. At present, salaried designers and writers earn an average of $38,390 per year.
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