Create your own greeting cards free

Giving greeting cards is an American tradition.

Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

Annual retail sales of greeting cards in the U.S. are more than $7.5 billion with individuals purchasing seven billion greeting cards per year, according to the Greeting Card Association. A national survey conducted for the association found that nearly 30 percent of greeting card recipients keep their cards "forever." Greeting cards are a part of the American culture and someone has to create them. According to the "2011 Writer's Market, " unless you work as a contracted artist or writer for a greeting card company, you can expect to earn $50 to $300 per card idea.

Work as a Freelance Writer or Artist

Sell your ideas to a greeting card company that purchases copy or art from freelancers. Some greeting card companies use materials freelance writers and artists submit.

Step 2

Follow the guidelines. Each company has its own set of guidelines regarding copy, artistic media and submissions. Some companies offer a copy of their guidelines online, while others only offer theirs in trade publications. If you don't follow the guidelines, a greeting card company may not consider your submission.

Related Reading: How to Get a Small Business Permit for Selling at Swap Meets

Step 3

Wait patiently. It can take up to six months to hear back from a greeting card company about your submission. Most companies generally pay upon acceptance.

Create Your Own Line of Greeting Cards

Plan to create two dozen cards initially. In an article reprinted on the Greeting Card Association site, Kate Harper recommends that you start with a small number of cards so you can receive feedback and develop a theme.

Create 50 to 100 designs before submitting proposals to a greeting card sales representative or attempting to sell your work to gift stores. Harper states that publishers and store owners will have a better sense of your identity and skills with a greater number of creations. Moreover, developing a full concept will help you gain credibility.

Create a portfolio of your cards. Take quality photos or actual samples of your cards and arrange them neatly in a binder. Alternatively, you can create a digital portfolio on a CD. According to Harper, you should include a short, handwritten note on cardstock that introduces your line of cards. Label all the materials you submit to a company with your name, the name of your business, address, contact information and the theme of your card line.

Step 4

Attend industry trade shows. Greeting card trade shows provide a great way to showcase your work to card companies. Craft shows are also good places to meet publishers or sell your creations to individuals.

Step 5

Showcase and sell your cards online. By creating a professional website, you can maximize your exposure as a greeting card creator. Your site can also serve as an outlet to sell your cards.