The Southampton Press, November 17, 2005

A Greeting With Personality

By Cheryl Machat Dorskind

A friend sent me a greeting card which included a picture from our recent girls-night-out dinner. The photograph, elegantly matted in a half inch cream white paper border, enclosed a hand written message, "Great to see you again after all these years." I liked the card so much, that it's posted on my fridge.

We often buy or create greeting cards and send the same card to all our family, friends, and acquaintances. Although well intentioned, this strategy doesn't always work. While our relatives might be interested in a family picture, our friends might prefer a candid summer party photo, and a Hampton's landscape is perhaps better choice for a business associate.

This photograph, originally commissioned as cover art for an Anne Beattie novel, “Chilly Scenes of Winter” (Random House) will be used on my holiday cards this year.

The purpose of a greeting card is to connect with someone in a meaningful way. Greeting cards are like small gifts. When you purchase a gift, you buy an item you think the recipient will enjoy. This same philosophy applies to greeting cards.

Creating the "right" holiday card (s) is a time-consuming labor of love. If your goal is to mail them by mid-December, it's time to get started now. The following checklist will help organize the holiday card creation process.

1. Who am I sending my card to?
   a) Business
   b) Family
   c) Friends
2. Should I send one card or a few different cards?
3. Which picture should I choose for each card?
4. Should I print (duplicate) photographs and place them into a photo (insert) card or should I print the picture directly onto card stock?
5. What type of paper should I print the card on?
6. What size card do I want?
7. Should I add borders or graphics?
8. Do I want to print or handwrite a message, or both?

First create a mailing list(s). Consider the different groups that comprise your world and decide if one card is appropriate or should you create two. Then select the photograph(s). Although your family in California looks forward to receiving a photo of your children, your single girlfriend might not. Be considerate of the roles people play in your life, and acknowledge them accordingly.

Select a beach portrait (from this past summer) for a hint of nostalgia, or choose a close-up portrait to establish intimacy. While a group portrait clearly reflects details, a story telling image describes nuances.

Finally, reconsider a portrait altogether. A holiday card doesn't have to include a portrait. Instead, consider a photograph of your favorite place, or select a photograph that symbolizes peace and good cheer.

For photographs, consider the sharpness of a glossy print, in contrast to the silky feel of a semi-matte surface. Standard sizes are best for greeting cards. A 4 by 6-inch photograph perfectly fits most standard photo insert cards. Additionally, with a standard size card, you won't have to worry about additional postage.

Since a greeting card is a touchy-feely-thing, consider its tactile qualities. Do you like the richness of a watermarked Strathmore paper, or do you prefer a clean crisp, glossy finish. Does the surface show fingerprints? Can you write on the surface without the ink smearing? Visiting a card store allows you to touch the paper, but the internet offers more choices.

There are a variety of card stocks and countless places to purchase them. Internet online sources include: katespaperie.com, exposures.com, and hallmark.com. Google "greeting card papers" to expand this list. Inkjet manufacturers, such as Canon and Epson, also sell card stocks for greeting cards which can be purchased over the internet or at the local office supply store.

Photo editing software programs including, Photoshop Elements 4, Corel Photo Album 6, and Roxio Easy Media Creator 8, feature easy to follow wizards which walk you through the card creation process. Many include borders and graphic options to personalize your theme.

I suggest including a thoughtful and/or fun preprinted message and augmenting it with a written note. A printed message to friends could say, "I am so glad we reconnected," but then each individual card could include an added personal note, such as, "I really hope you stay with us again next summer."

Greeting cards provide the opportunity to reach out and touch those we care about. This year create a holiday greeting card and share your love and have a very special holiday.

This article originally appeared in the Southampton Press (Eastern & Western edition), November17, 2005. For permission to reproduce this article or any portion of its content, contact: Cheryl@cherylmachatdorskind.com.