Hi Scott - I understand how you feel. Without seeing the image it's hard to tell, but I'm really not a good judge anyway. Don't take it too personally. Often the reviewers judge on what they feel will sell on a "Greeting Card." It doesn't mean the design or image isn't good, just that it's not right for a GCU card. Perhaps they felt the image was too childish or not clear enough for the card, who knows. Just understand they feel it wouldn't sell. I know that's probably not a great reason, but don't be too discouraged. Let that one go and make more. Good luck with your other cards.

Hi Howard, I totally agree. When a card of mine is declined I often wish there was a better explanation or at least a chance to edit. If that were possible, I could perhaps fix whatever the reviewer didn't like. At least I wish I had that option. I guess since we can't, the best thing to do is let that card go and move on to the next one. Hopefully it will be approved.
 
I do think if we had more explanations we could grow and perhaps wouldn't make the same mistakes over and over again. That would make the reviewers job easier, but it would also take more time for them to explain. Guess it's a vicious circle.

Scott, that "unprofessional" is something they have in the wiki which is what they quote from. It encompasses several things.  
 
It's located under the Category Submission Guidelines >Composition.
 
"Whether a photograph, illustration or digital art, the creation process must appear to have been applied with a complete understanding of the medium, giving the overall appearance of a professional greeting card. Declines may include, but are not limited to:  distracting elements and/or background, household items, snapshots of people, babies, crowds, buildings, street scenes, knicknacks, and food, photographs from moving vehicles or through windows, and children's art; i.e., messy, distorted and/or poorly drawn art."
 
 
Pretty subjective I think. I've had them use that on a few of mine before. You really don't know what their reasoning is.
 
I believe you can send an email to the reviewer and ask them to explain further or appeal the decline. You might try that. I've written them on several occasions, but not to appeal.

Quote from Scott_235570 on Aug 22^nd, 2013, 1:40pm:

 
Scott - even your comments are cute. Not right for us would "hurt" less. I absolutely love your art and cards. I'm jealous of your talent. Now if I were to try to make a card like that it would definitely be "unprofessional."
 
I've had really weird declines AND weird acceptances. Sometimes I think the next day in looking at a card - wow, they'll never approve that one, I don't even like it anymore. And then bingo - the approve it. I've figured out some things they look for especially with photoshopped art - but I will never have it all figured out.
 
I've read that you can "ask" about a decline in some forum. Maybe Sherry can help out with that - she's been here longer than me and knows her way around really well.
 
Welcome to GCU - and I love your shop.
 
Carol Vega

Hi Scott, I've had the comment "Unprofessional", also made regarding some of my cards, I basically try not
to take it to personally, its hard at first but as you practice more and figure out what your niche is you can only get better and you will realize there is definitely a place for your cards at Greeting Card Universe. We are all unique Scott and I feel we all add to this wonderful company, and that includes your wonderful cards Scott,  happy sales
 
 
 
Cathy Artfromtheheart

You're welcome, Mindy.
 
Woohoo, Scott. They're going to submit it for another review. Good luck. At least Mindy gave you an idea of what the first reviewer might have considered.

Hi Mindy - Well, the Wiki is good, but really doesn't help much. It's way to general. If we knew exactly why the card was declined we could edit or learn from it so we didn't make the same mistake. When you have no idea why, you can easily do the same thing again. I hear it frequently from artists. We are very frustrated. Just saying look at the Wiki isn't enough. Sorry.
 
I'm still learning. Fixing cards is a win-win for GCU and the artist. Cards on Hold is very frustrating. You have no chance to correct or fix anything when it's on hold and then declined. That "on hold" drives artists crazy, believe me.