Turning Your Artwork into a Greeting Card

Turning Your Artwork into a Greeting Card

How to Turn Your Artwork Into a Greeting Card (and Why You Should)

If you’ve ever finished a painting and thought, “This would make such a sweet card,” you’re absolutely right.

Turning your artwork into greeting cards is one of the easiest, most approachable ways to extend the life of your art—without creating something entirely new. It’s also a beautiful way to share your work, build your brand, and create an affordable product that people love to buy and give.

Here’s how to take your original artwork and turn it into a polished, professional greeting card.

Step 1: Start With the Right Artwork

Not every piece needs to become a card—but many do beautifully.

Artwork that works especially well:

  • Florals, botanicals, animals, and landscapes

  • Seasonal or holiday-inspired pieces

  • Simple compositions with breathing room

  • Pieces that evoke emotion or tell a story

If your artwork already makes people smile, pause, or say “oh I love that,” it’s likely a great candidate.

Step 2: Capture a High-Quality Image

Your card is only as good as the image you start with.

You have two solid options:

  • Scan your artwork (best for smaller pieces and flat media)

  • Photograph your artwork in natural, indirect light with a straight-on angle

Tips:

  • Photograph near a window with indirect light

  • Keep your camera or phone perfectly parallel to the artwork

  • Avoid harsh shadows, glare, or warm indoor lighting

Step 3: Edit & Clean Up Your Image

Once you have a good image, a little editing goes a long way. You’re not trying to change your art—just present it accurately.

Here are some excellent photo-editing tools artists love:

Beginner-Friendly (Great Starting Point)

More Advanced (Full Control)

Editing goals:

  • Match colors as closely as possible to the original

  • Clean edges and remove dust or background distractions

  • Crop and straighten carefully

Step 4: Choose Your Card Size & Layout

The most common greeting card format is:

  • A2 size (4.25” x 5.5”)

  • Folded

  • Blank inside

This size fits standard envelopes and works beautifully for printing, mailing, and displaying in shops.

You can also experiment later with:

  • Square cards

  • Flat cards

  • Postcards

But starting with A2 keeps things simple and cost-effective.

Step 5: Add Text (Optional)

You can go two ways:

Image-Only Cards

  • Timeless and versatile

  • Great for everyday or all-occasion use

Cards With a Message

  • Birthdays, holidays, sympathy, thank-you cards

  • Keep text minimal and let the artwork shine

If you add text:

  • Use clean, readable fonts

  • Avoid overpowering your artwork

  • Place text where it feels balanced, not crowded

Less is almost always more.

Step 6: Choose a Printing Partner

When it comes to printing, quality matters—especially if you’re selling your cards.

Here are trusted printing options artists frequently use:

Professional Art & Small Business Printers

Budget-Friendly & Bulk Options

What to look for:

  • Heavy, matte cardstock

  • Crisp color reproduction

  • Option to include envelopes

Step 7: Brand the Back of the Card

This is a small detail that makes a big difference.

On the back of the card, consider adding:

  • Your name or business name

  • Your website or Instagram handle

  • A small logo or signature

Keep it subtle—your artwork should always be the star.

Step 8: Package With Care

If you’re selling your cards:

  • Pair each card with a coordinating envelope

  • Use clear sleeves or eco-friendly packaging

  • Consider card sets or seasonal bundles

Thoughtful presentation instantly elevates perceived value.

Why Turning Art Into Cards Is Worth It

Greeting cards:

  • Extend the life of a single artwork

  • Create a lower-priced way for people to support your art

  • Make your work giftable and shareable

  • Help build brand recognition naturally

One painting can turn into dozens—or hundreds—of meaningful moments.

Final Thought

You don’t need permission to turn your artwork into something more.

If your art already carries feeling, beauty, or story, a greeting card is simply another way of letting it travel—into homes, into hands, and into moments that matter.

And that’s a lovely thing.

Download my free checklist for creating your own greeting card!

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