Custom Greeting Cards

Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, AI image generators (for base visuals), mixed media (for props and textures), and a healthy dose of sarcasm.

Introduction

A collection of handmade cards created for the people closest to me, filled with personal jokes, playful visuals, and just the right amount of cheek.

This was the project:

These three greeting cards were designed for very different occasions: a birthday, a farewell, and a personal milestone. What ties them together is the humor, customization, and care that went into each one- reflecting both my relationship with the recipient and my love for mixing design with storytelling.

Challenge

To design cards that are funny, highly personal, and still aesthetically pleasing. Each project involved tailoring tone, visuals, and language to the unique context. From dark humor to heartfelt absurdity.

My approach

I always start from the person, not the format. I sketch, brainstorm, and often involve some late-night Photoshop or glue gun moments. If an idea makes me smile during the process, it usually works. I also like experimenting with AI visuals, textures, and handmade elements.

Challenge

My approach

RESULT

Each card was met with laughter, recognition, and a lot of “This is so you.” They’ve become keepsakes that carry meaning beyond the occasion.
Birthday card for my grandfather (Bompa)
Featuring a Photoshopped AI-generated image of his dog Billy, this card reads: “Ik hoorde Nieks, maar ik rook taart.” Billy is deaf, but his nose always knows — an inside joke that hits home every time.

Project showcase

This is THE highlight section.

Birthday card for my boyfriend – Front
“Your chariot awaits.” A rollator complete with tennis balls and a wink to his constant complaints about getting older. Handmade with sarcasm and love.

Birthday card for my boyfriend – Back
An enlarged view of the rollator’s tennis balls — turned into a fake product ad: “Now with Deluxe Glide-Enhancers. Only $27.” Complete with mini clay props in a zip bag. Because 27 is ancient, obviously.

Sarah Schmit