Hello all! I hope the past couple of weeks have found you well and enjoying fall! I had to take a brief hiatus so that we could get our new website up and running and our servers all spit-spot. I also had to pop over to Montana to visit our new warehouse and give a little kissy to the 7000 pounds of Curly Girl product that we just shipped there this month. I will fill you in on all of that a little later.
Right now I need your help!
I am getting us ready for 2013 and have a new little line that I am going to introduce called “Just Our Type”. It focuses on the quotes and my love for typography and graphic design and I think it is really going to be fun! My thoughts are that even though we all love the illustrations, there are times when you just need to get the words across. One of my favorite parts about my job is the writing part, and I wanted to celebrate the original quotes in a special way. There will be a couple applications of type in this line (this is one, I will post the other a little later). We will start with greeting cards and potentially some wall art based on feedback.
As with any stray from a well-plodded path, I am meeting some resistance. I did a gut check and know where I stand, but I wanted to throw it out there to y'all, as my first-line feedbackers and see what you thought. Am I spitting into the wind here? Do you see what I see?
PLEASE feel free to be honest with your feedback (be nice, of course) and also know that this is NOT in lieu of a new release of traditional Curly Girl cards, merely an addition. Another way to say it. Something that is 'just our type'.
Thanks in advance!
xoxo
I hate them ALL. TRY AGAIN. They seem to do nothing that is Curly Girl. Hate them.
Hi Leigh!
I really think you need to do what feels right to you. If getting feedback is part of that process, then great. But if you feel strongly about this idea (and it sounds like you do) then I would say you must step through that door. It is the right decision even if the line is a total flop. YOU created this whole enchilada. Your vision and talent and wisdom. Stay with the same forces that have brought you this far. If it doesn’t take off, then my guess is you will learn something valuable about your decision-making process or about what was driving you or where you went “wrong.” So you take that with you and know how to avoid that mistake again.
These cards don’t appeal to me. But that is because what I love about your cards (and mugs and plaques etc.) is everything that makes them unique—and that, for me, is both the words and the visuals. That said, I would NOT recommend that you follow my gut. Why? Because chances are that the final product will surprise me. More important, I am not the one who gave birth to all of this.
All the best,
Kelly
: )
I was drawn to Curly Girl by both the artwork and the words – they’re incredible. The line addition of words alone will work for me as well – as someone else commented, for those I’d not send “girlie” art to. That you ask for the thoughts of those of us who follow you here makes me proud and happy.
As Kelly said (above), your gut led you to some amazing work—let that gut keep leading your journey!
Best,
Karen
You are a trailblazer, not a follower….
When I first read them, I bristled because I could picture the artwork that went with them in my head. But I paused, and reread the blog. I do like the words
, and in fact use a Leigh Standley quote for my signature on my emails. Obviously, the words speak to me with or without artwork. I support it as an addition to your line. 🙂
I love them! Sometimes the words need to speak for themselves (or for me!), and without illustrations, they can be used more flexibly (sent to male friends, for example, without the cute girly stuff!).
I love this idea, and I would definitely buy some of these cards! My only critique is to make the background design more fun and whimsical, to match the beautiful quotes and look like they were made for each other. 🙂
I love Curly Girl products so I certainly support this initiative. But I must admit that none of the potential designs you have on the blog above are really working for me. I think it’s because the existing cards work so well. Also, your cards are unusual in that they have a lot of text on them but you manage to get away with it probably because of your great designs. But thinking about most cards on the market that focus on text (on the front of the card), they tend to work on a “less is more” principle. These are just some random thoughts from someone who is not an expert in design or typography but does buy a lot of cards.
I like the concept but it might be fun to try some really different lettering than is out there right now on some of them…just a thought. The ones with the bigger background graphics, like the Paris one, are great, love that pattern. Also maybe some more unusual color combinations.
I LOVE these cards!! I agree with the comment that the backgrounds could introduce a little more whimsy in them…but love the whole idea! You have a wonderful blog here!!
xo
Jeanne
I love the concept. I agree that the backgrounds might need some tweaking but all in all great idea! Would definitely buy both types of cards. Hope this helps!
Anna
Yep, always great thoughts and sometimes they get a bit lost on the fancier cards. These would be twice as swell if you could get a box of them for the price of 1 or 2 of the regular fancy ones…even if they were smaller for those times when you didn’t ( or couldn’t) be quite as fancy but had the best things to say.
My comment is going to be from a retail business perspective (as that is my background).
First, let me say I love your work (curly girl), both art work and quotes… as it unique and appropriate to lifeand I’m willing to pay a premium for your products. You will get my personal OTB (open to buy ) $.
That being said…As I tell people in retail…numbers ($) do not lie… they are your “report card” without emotion and personal vestment. If the above work is the same price as C.G. … lets say $3.95/card I would NOT pull out my wallet 9 out of 10 times… It is not unique enough to draw me away from other offerings in the market place or your original work. If the retail offering is significantly lower perhaps it would move me to buy (laws of economics).
What I would suggest… give a couple of people (not close to you) monopoly money of $20…. have them “play” shop @ Marmalade and spend it on cards. See what they buy… that will tell you how your customer will evaluate your product in the market place.
Hope I’ve helped…
I love this concept and would absolutely support (buy!) them. I have always loved your quotes and this would allow me to send cards to my male friends and family. (So maybe do a variety of font/colors?)
LOVE THEM!!
Considering your quotes and writing are what I love most about your cards (if I exclude your awesome, fun, fanciful, cut-paper, mixed-media artwork), this is a smart idea and a natural addition to grow your product line from a marketing standpoint. Plus, typography based cards, canvases and product are HOT. As a lover/hoarder of typography, I am anxious to see how you push this since I have loved seeing the progression and change in your artwork over the years. Please just fill the borders, edges, hollow lettering on key words (maybe?) with your own beautiful doodles, artwork, illustrations, collages and artwork… Then they will just be a new incarnation of your existing line. Good luck!!
Yup. Always go with the gut. As a visual person, I love the illustrations on the CG cards. (Which I am happy to say I am seeing more of up here in Canada, YAY!) Your original quotes also make them very unique & to the point. Typography is a powerful tool & is till very visual in a different way. I love the idea of the gender neutral use & I would explore different typefaces and backgrounds. Keep up the awesome work & good luck with this new line. : )
I am a little torn as I SO love your other cards. It seems to me that other bloggers and graphic artists are doing things like this that can’t do your other work. I see a lot of them on Pinterest. On the other hand, I often buy cards because the quote appeals to me …so I probably would buy them but not as quickly as the Curley Girl that I love.
I like them but would not make it so “blockly”—perhaps a little less structured—the sayings are great just need to happy/fun them up a bit!
I agree totally with Penny. Being able to send to guys or gals who like things a bit more structured would be great.
Me too! Like others who have commented, I love the concept & the samples provide—and in fact, I like having the saying with the “less distracting” background, so that the focus is on the saying and the font/typography . (Although I have to say, I LOVE your traditional Curly Girl artwork too – but that’s a different line of products.) I do like the suggestion of making the designs guy-friendly too. Most of all, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that you are following your passion and letting your spirit shine thru on this new grouping of materials! Thumbs up!
I adore CG!!! I also adore typography so I think the potential here is tremendous. I do think the color combos or patterns could be “edgier” than what you have here…some of what I saw on the home page of new was right on target (imho). For me part of what makes your work yours is the eclectic-ness of it…I would love to see some of your fabulous quotes in a simpler style but scripty type fonts sprinkled in. Say Emily Lime Design type fonts? You have this vibe in your welcome text box on new site…I feel J am rambling now. Whatever you do I will love and buy it!
I prefer the traditional illustrated cards. My background is typography & graphic design too, but when I buy greeting cards I always find ones that have a great quote and a great illustration to help “tell the story”…
I agree that your “words,” the thoughts themselves, play a big part in your appeal. But, as a writer/editor type, I would suggest that for the words-only line, a little de-cluttering would help. A whole “page” of just words could put one on edge wondering if they’re being asked to read a short essay. Consider: “You have staked a place in my heart that will forever fly your flag and Grand Marshal your personal parade.” Fewer words, same impact. Also just MY thought—YOUR product. 🙂 As one who also appreciates the visual impact, I’m still holding out for a full-color T-shirt with the Cape and Tiara quote. And I’ll keep throwing confetti your direction regardless.
I love quotes and I “collect” them and incorporate them in my artwork and love to use my own quotes. Quotes are meaningful and inspirational.
I love the idea of you showcasing your quotes in another way. Why not?
Your new cards really showcase the words and the recipient would certainly keep the card because, in the design way, it is matted and ready to be displayed in a frame, on a small easel, thumb tacked to a wall.
I would love to see your own style shown more in the graphic design around the quote and in the lettering itself. Those unique elements that are truly Curly Girl recognizable!
I scanned through them fast – to get my gut reaction,
and I found that I was drawn to the “we all let people…” card the most as it was the easiest to read (at least on my screen) because of the font and the lack of background showing through the words.
and I thought…this would be a good one to put up in my office…
and as with any quote some just will not resonate with some people and other will sound like a bell in a church tower….
I say go with the “shudder” …that…feeling when something is happening…go…go…
I might be your biggest fan. I LOVE the quotes you picked but can’t say the graphic is sending me over the moon. The fonts are OK but the borders could be much more fun. Think about fun when you pick them and I am quite sure you’ll end up with different patterns. Follow your gut always, but check with a few of us and we’ll give you our truth. Ultimately you’ll do what you feel. So far, it’s always worked!
When I first read the cards, I missed the pictures that went with them. But as I read through your samples, I found that the words “spoke” a little bit louder in this format. I love the backgrounds…I think anything more ornate would be too much. Some of my favorite pieces of typography are simple in design. Anyway, go for it! If it works, wonderful! If not, at least you tried (but I think it will work).
Love the concept, and the focus on the words. Don’t love the backgrounds showing through, and think that the overall “look” could be more Curly Girl-ish.
I agree with Katrina above. I do not think they are “Curly-Girl-enough”.
I think there are too many lines that are similar. I think your wonderful quotes show so well on your original line. You have such a hit there. You are so much about the art!!
As a retailer, I would not order Just Our Type.
I’ve been buying your cards for a long time. I really think you need to re-think these new cards. They are wa-a-ay too plain and do not convey the same message as the original cards even when the words are the same. Sorry, but I would not buy these. There many cards available that are similar and some are from the $$ store!
Leigh: as a fellow curly headed woman, whose spirit often edges toward the fierce end of the spectrum, I like this idea very much! It introduces a softer, yet more straightforward element into your diverse product line. Creative diversity is good_and perhaps a deviation from your other work, but I foresee that introducing it to more people… Maybe men, children, aging adults, etc.
One thought is to utilize the more ‘open for interpretation’ quotes. I tend to like to write my own message and say it in a simple way (with much love). Opens the channel for more self expression infused with and inspired by curly girl goodness.
Wonderful work as usual spirited lady!
Xoxo
Stephanie
Leigh, I love the words for themselves – the idea of ‘fun’ typefaces (Bev, Karen, Dee, etc…)tickles my fancy PLUS to add a thought, I send a lot of postcards to my customers and these would be great for that. Regards & Good Luck!
I love the idea! I think it gives a universal vibe to your words. What I mean to say is that I think it makes the audience you can give these cards to broader! Love it. -Alison
Hey Leigh, I think this idea is great. Your quotes are so powerful and so easy to relate to. I too love typography and I am a huge fan of your illustrated cards.
What I found as I reviewed your samples is that I didn’t feel your personality come through. I found the backgrounds a little distracting and I think they would get lost amoung all the other text driven cards on the market.
Your style seems much warmer then the samples offered and your Curly Girl style would look awesome around the text. Have you considered a small illustration near the bottom, like a heart or light or eiffel tower that still relates your style back to the quote?
Whatever you decide, I’m sure these cards will be awesome…Go For It!
I think this is a great idea! I might redesign the look of the card though (although take my input with a grain of salt…I have no experience!). I think it might look cute if you make the wording smaller so it doesn’t take up the entire card. They just look a little too plain with the entire card filled with writing. I think if you made the font smaller, it would add a little something to it.
love, love them!
I love your cards and think the words are a huge part of their beauty. The quotes on these cards are really lovely and i think it’s important to follow your instincts on what to do next, so having cards with words and no illustrations is a great sideline to the other ranges you already have. i think it’s a great idea. My feedback on seeing them tho is that the words are beautiful but the background designs feel a bit flat to me – even if you are buying a card for the words and the message, you still want the whole to be visually interesting and beautiful. Maybe the borders and backgrounds could have more of the visual texture and interest of your other designs even if they are focused on the text more than anything … like a collage of patterns to make up a border, or just a bit of layering and design / patterns behind the words so that these cards have the same pull as the other illustrative ones, even if they are different. Right now for me they don’t link together that much. Love your work tho and thank you for opening up the floor for suggestions and feedback … hope it’s helpful in the end ! x
I love this idea and I will support it. The background on the cards is lacking. The words and phrases are great. Maybe a solid color background with complimentary color of words in a whimsical font of some sort.? I really like your work and I am sure with a bit f tweeking, these will be a success. Best of luck and looking forward to seeing the finished product.
As a stationary addict, this totally excites me. I love the regular Curly Girl Designs, but they are more special occasion cards… But a small stash of “just my type” cards would be perfect for when I’m wanting to send a card for no reason!
So, basically… I’m ready to buy! I can’t wait to see the finished product!
I do not like them from a customer aoint of view. There are too many lines on the market of “just words”. I don’t care for the edge art. They are too soft and plain. I do not like the edge art either.
They are not “Curly Girl enough”. They don’t grab your attention. Perhaps some spectacular colorful art and lettering in the original Curly Girl Style might work. I would not even be drawn to LOOK at them, never mind buy them.
You have SUCH A BIG HIT with the original Curly Girl line…nothing compares, nothing else measures up. This idea is a let-down to me. I suspect that your sales figures support
my thoughts. I buy a lot of your cards. I have many of them framed. I have never been drawn to the patterned thank you cards, or the pencils…expand on your original style!!!
I think these quote cards are a wonderful idea. I also love words and typography so I think they will be wonderful and I will buy them for sure. I also know that both my adult daughters are really into quotes as well. They are constantly pinning them on Pinterest. Go with your gut Curlygirl!
I love the Curly Girl Line and have framed several of your cards. But, I’m afraid I would not buy these cards:( Of course the words are awesome but the background/edge art is leaving me cold.
I think they are wonderful. The honest, but whimsical messages are able to shine without distraction. Of course I love the illustrations, but these have a slightly more serious feeling to them and that is a nice option to have sometimes.
I think the “she” is missing from the quotes with a she…they seem more complete with an image of “her”. I feel as if the images you posted probably do not do your actual cards justice either…they seem very light and the fonts seem to blend into too much and are a little blurry. I also felt that some of the backgrounds did not match the quotes. Like, the one about the flags and parades…the plaid and the pastel green does not seem very festive…maybe flags or pennants or confetti or a brighter color to match the sentiment of the card? I think you are a brave girl to put this out there and it has not gone unnoticed that this came up after a post about Brene.:)
Happy creatin’!
I am a retail visual merchandising designer and such a huge fan of your illustrated CG cards. They are so eye catching and speak right to my heart. The lovely illustrations combined with the quotes are absolute perfection to me. I would totally bypass these cards. Personally, I am more compelled to spend more for a card that is well illustrated with a perfect quote because most of the time the card is the “gift”. These cards are just not “special” and look like something that anyone could create on their own. These cards will get lost in the sea of illustrated cards. The key to CG original cards is that they are such a complete package and “jump” right out to the consumer in the retail environment. Much luck to you.
I would prefer a taller card if they are going to be rectangular to make them more unique, but the quotes are great. I would choose deeper/darker colors, but I trust your decision on final product. I haven’t been disappointed yet.
I like the graphics but if you’re going to do an addition to your line I’d prefer them with completely different quotes. And I agree with Stacie, these would be pretty easy to miss and really easy to copy. The number one “complaint” I get about CG cards is that they are blank inside. Perhaps if you were considering something new you’d think about doing a card with a surprise inside!
I’ll keep my feedback short and sweet – way too plain and boring…sorry 🙁
I have been a huge fan of your cards for years. People always refer to your cards as “Ashley’s cards” (my cards) because I use them for lots of events and occassions and people always love them!
That being said, I don’t think I would buy these newer cards without the artwork. Your words always catch my attention, but the artwork makes the cards unique. There are enough words only cards out there. If you did go with this route, I agree with what someone mentioned earlier – go with completely different quotes. One suggestion though – perhaps try printing them on a linen paper? For some reason linen paper always feels a little more organic and homey then the glossy paper you currently use for your cards. Just an idea.
Love your stuff! Keep it coming!
I agree with you that the words are what matter most to me. I definitely love these simpler cards. You could also eliminate the background design and just do a cool script on a solid color card. I’ve noticed myself gravitating towards cards like that in the stores. I do have one suggestion….would you consider selling cards in assorted boxes of 6-10? That seems like something I would buy to have on hand for use whenever a situation arises. I have been a fan of yours for many years and buy cards/calendars/magnets faithfully. I cannot find a store nearby that sells your cards so having a supply on hand would be especially delightful to me. Your cards always put a smile on my face.
Hi Leigh: I LOVE your original artwork, type
& quotes. Perhaps a smaller size (3 1/2 x 5)
card with a pizzazzy curlygirl border with
half the quote on the front & remainder inside. Since you asked, I LOVE vellum envelopes (or colorful envelopes/your artwork)
and at a lower price. Might be a way to impact a different market? You have the
‘gift’ to WOW us with your creativity, so I will be waiting for your new explosive ideas!
thank you, jac
As a long time Curly Girl fan I have to say these aren’t my favourite. To me the original artwork is part of your brand and I love the quirkiness. The artwork honestly elevates the quotes, which on their own are still great quotes, but they also just look like another greeting card now. NI typically place orders online, but what I love about your brand is I can spot a Curly Girl card from across the room when I’m in a stationary story. Personally, I would not buy these versions. That’s just me. I will continue to support the original designs. Best of luck!
i love the courage to step out in a new direction despite resistance. i love your quotes. i love your artwork. i love only some of the backgrounds above. some of the comments above resonate – like curly girlesque backgrounds. lower pricing makes sense. may this new endeavor be a success. thanks for asking for our feedback. you go girl!
Good idea! This just might be perfect for the guys out there who want to send “the thought” but not “the cute.”
Love the blackboard ones too!!
Love them!