Pet ownership has soared during the pandemic, as the public has made the most of their extended time at home to welcome four legged ‘babies’ into their families. And so it is not surprising that card publishers finding they are barking up the right tree with their new doggie and moggie ranges.
In the second of a series, PG Buzz takes the ‘lead’ in sharing some of the latest additions to the greeting card menagerie as well as indulging in lapping up the love from some lockdown ‘pawrents’ in the industry…well it is Friday today!
Dog-ged Behaviour
Paper Plane’s Designed By Dog range is made up of 16 cards, designed by the publisher’s co-founders Laura Harvey and Jack Thorpe’s dog (his name really is Dog), from a canine point of view. Designed to be given to humans by dogs (but some also work from humans to dogs) each comes with a bright yellow envelope (one of the only colours dogs can see very well, apparently!).
To keep pussycats onside, Laura and Jack have also created a range, Designed By A Cat. “Dog wasn’t happy about it, but we gave him a biscuit and he forgot all about it,” says Laura. “The designs are a little bit more sharp-tongued and rude, but that’s cats for you!” Laura adds about the 12 designs.
Alicia Barber, product manager of Pigment: “Our world has been put on hold and despite holidays cancelled and our wedding postponed, we’ve had our two loyal best friends (our spaniels Millie and Ted) with us 24/7. I have had two new furry colleagues, two pups, to home school and two travel guides to show us all the beauty spots on our doorstep. We’ve had dance ‘pawtys’, morning snuggles and reasons to do some DIY – hello new skirting boards!”
Paws for Thought
Pawsitivity has bounded onto the market from Pigment. Many of the designs by artist Chris Gaisey have been based on antics, pet parents have shared on social media – including the design above that was inspired by a gorgeous little pup whose waggy tail knocked over a drink on a brand new carpet! The cute character isn’t a specific breed thus broadening its appeal.
Ilona Drew, founder of I Drew This: “We got our kitten, a moggie called Comet in October and he has really made our new home complete. He’s crazy but having extra company at this time has been really appreciated and comforting during a time where we can’t see our friends.”
Purrfectly Put
New from Mint is BOW WOW MEOW, based on a licensing agreement with a sub-brand of Stoopid Factory. There are 20 designs in the inaugural collection – 10 cats and 10 dogs – featuring a mix of breeds. “We had a lot of fun with the captions and really tried – with the cats in particular – to get into their peculiar head space. We may be the first publisher with ‘Enjoy the Dead Bird’ and ‘I’m Plotting Your Demise’ as card captions, but these are really for the many cat-lovers out there who will definitely get the humour,” says Ben Dorney, group creative director of the Mint Group. There are also general/celebratory phrases as well as some off-beat canine fun like ‘I ate your Birthday present!’
Jen Hyder, PG’s subscriptions manager: “We got Lily, our Maine Coon/Persian cross kitten at the end of November. She lifted all of our spirits being so loving, fun, affectionate and sweet. Unfortunately, her adventurous, curious spirit led to her climbing a heavy item that fell and broke her leg at the end of December. After six weeks of mending (and a hefty vet bill later!) she was back to her gorgeous self. The latest twist is that we took her to be spayed this week to discover that Lily is in fact a boy! She/he is now called Phil.”
Caught on Camera
New additions of philosophical pussies and poetic pooches have joined Cath Tate Cards’ PhotoCats&Canines collection. Using original vintage photographs, the range spans some 27 designs which pair a variety of popular breeds with witty and wise captions.
Wendy Jones-Blackett, co-owner of Wendy Jones-Blackett: “We added to our dog family (Whiskey a long-haired German Shepherd) with Flora, a Golden Retriever in August. She was 6kg when we got her at nine weeks and is now a whopping 31kg (and still growing) at seven months old. Having a dog gives structure and purpose to many people’s days, which has been much needed in 2020, especially for those living alone either working from home or furloughed. A bit of exercise, fresh air, nature and a chat to other dog walkers is just fantastic for the soul!”
Jolley Pets
Characterful cats and dogs star in Cinnamon and Ginger, a new card and stationery range from Roger la Borde. Illustrated by Holly Jolley the range features her charming pastel-tinted artwork (with gold-foiled touches) of felines and canines splashed across greeting cards, luxe illustrated journals, A5 softback journals, A6 notebook bundles and magnetic to-do pads.
Tracey Arnaud, advertisement manager of Progressive Greetings and PG Live: “Mabel is a Blue Doberman. It’s SO like having a naughty four-legged toddler in the house. She is in the dog house right now as she has just ripped up my hallway flooring – it’s a good job we love her!”
Top: Pigment’s Alicia Barber with Millie and Ted.
