A group that cares about its members gives them birthday wishes with a personalized card
This is the third year in a row that Balloon Team has relied on me to create the birthday cards they send to their members: if the first year I only had to layout it, because the illustration was given, in 2024 I had the honor of taking care of the illustration as well (you can see the 2024 birthday card in detail).
I find it a wonderful initiative, showing care and concern for its members, and one that I am extremely pleased to be a part of.
The right illustration must have a good underlying idea
For this card I wanted to find the right idea, the one that makes you smile a little bit, that winks at you. The biggest difficulty was the fact that I had already designed the card for them last year: in my head, the right illustration was the one I had already done. How to come up with another idea?
So I started making rough sketches, one after another, with all the ideas I could think of. Even the most outlandish ones.
To increase the range, I also asked my community on Instagram to give me some ideas, or association of ideas, to be able to come up with something original.
Eventually I came up with two sketches that inspired me: one with lots of hot air balloons flying all at once, and the other with a cake instead of a basket, and a candle instead of a burner.
The patron chose this second variant: the original idea won.
The realization of the design: in digital
I did both a traditional technique version and a digital version, which I personally preferred. Working digitally also allowed me to ensure beautiful bright colors without having to expend too much energy on scanning and calibration in post-production. I did, however, strive to give that sense of authenticity and materiality that distinguishes my style.
I spent some time adding those imperfections that make watercolor drawings so beautiful: those spots and smudges that make the illustration look authentic and delightful.
I especially love the bright blue of the sky, which makes the card cheerful and fun.
The production of personalized cards: unique to the brand
The illustration was typeset (I added references to the company and an inscription inside) and printed in 100 pieces. There are no other cards in the world like it, which makes the greetings even more special.
I decided to print, as in previous years, on pearl paper: this allows the colors to be perceived much brighter and the card looks even more precious. I think it is an elegant intervention and not at all kitschy.
Why have a personalized greeting card made?
Having personalized greeting cards, which are not otherwise found in the marketplace, allows them to reinforce the identity of the brand sending the greetings. The company shows that they have care and attention to detail, and thus give more value to the fantastic gesture they are making by sending the greetings. It is one more way to express a sentiment.
In an increasingly digital, and sometimes superficial, age, sending a paper greeting card makes greetings even more valuable. It seems like a simple gesture, but the value perceived by the recipient is far above the mere cost of the action.
The process of creating the personalized illustration also allows you to include messages in the design, to intervene at the level of shape or color choices. One moves away from the standard, and gives more character. One's own character.
Do you too want a unique greeting card for your company or association? Write to me to tell me your idea and turn it into a customized illustration!
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