Valentine’s Design Block

You guys, I’m really excited to share my Valentine’s Day line with you! The past few days I have been photographing, editing, preparing listings. I’ve been stamping envelopes, punching hearts, cutting thank you notes. I’m basically trying to get as prepared as possible before shit gets crazy. I’m hoping to get all the new cards in the shop by…tomorrow!? Eek!

I have been anticipating Valentine’s 2013 since Valentine’s 2012 ended. I want to confide in you about something though. I struggled while designing this year’s line. I wanted to make it cohesive with my branding and style…while making sure my shop stays unique. Competition is in high gear, as I am constantly reminded, and I for one, do not want my shop to look just like another card shop. So I struggled, to continue using the style that is recognized as JAA, while continuing to be unique, my own. But I learned to use this as motivation and determination. This challenge helped me to grow as a designer and for that I am thankful. I am now really happy with the cohesive, yet new, line I created. And I really really hope you are too!

So while you may notice some differences in these new cards, you’ll still find the simple, hand-drawn, “just the right amount of punch” style that is, and will continue to be, JAA.