Experienced greeting card creative and marketing executive, Bev Cunningham has just launched Creative Card Collective, a private Facebook Group for creatives in the greeting card industry.
Bev, who left Abacus Cards two years ago (where she had been creative and marketing director for over 20 years) to set up Ginger Bee Studios, specialising in photographic imagery and creative solutions felt there was a gap in the market for a “community hub” for those involved in the creative aspects of the card trade.
“The card trade has always been a friendly industry to work in but unlike those in sales, who meet regularly at trade shows, us creatives don’t often have the opportunity to get to know each other. My aim is that this group can be a place to support one another, connect and to share industry news,” explained Bev.
The group, which is free to join, is open to any creatives, be they designers, illustrators, art directors, art editors, artist agents, verse writers etc. and can be freelance, employed or business owners.
Commenting on the new initiative, Bev pointed out that “Having experienced life on both sides of the creative fence, as a buyer of imagery and now a seller of imagery, I am well placed to be an administrator for a group such as this but really need to get people onboard for it to become a thriving place where people want to hang out and not to miss out,”
While she has sent out some personal invites and also posted about the Creative Card Collective on LinkedIn, she is keen for people to get involved.
In addition to general posts from members there will be specific ‘hashtag’ threads on particular days, on which members can contribute on a specific subject or theme.
The only rules of the Group are:-
1) That you are kind and respectful of others in the group, rudeness will not be tolerated.
2) Check that you have permission to share any artwork; especially if it is about to be published but hasn’t yet been launched.
3) If you are a publisher and are interested in someone’s work, please private message the individual concerned.
The hashtag threads are: –
Mondays – #InspirationandMotivation share anything that you have found inspiring, a book, an exhibition etc. or some words of motivation to get us off on the right track for the week.
Wednesdays – #Help ask for assistance on anything you are struggling with e.g. it might be a technical issue or a marketing problem, or simply you are in need of some advice as to where to find the right resources or supplier.
Fridays – #Showcase this is the day you can showcase your work or share something you’ve worked on that you are proud of.
To be part of the Creative Card Collective email Bev on bev@gingerbeestudios.com or call her on 01284 789 001 or 07710 385 531.
Top: Bev Cunningham with her dog Ralph.
