How about 'We feel it's not quite suitable for our chosen range of cards', after which the design is either declined or suggestions are made to bring the design in line with GCU requirements.  Just an idea  

Quote from Craig_191447 on Oct 3^rd, 2013, 11:05am:

 
Yup, completely agree.  I just sold a print with a $100 commission (so, for well more than $100) of an image that was declined here as "unprofessional".  Actually, I've sold it elsewhere on cards too.  I think that a different term is probably more appropriate since, at least in this case, it probably wasn't "unprofessional", given someone paid several hundred dollars for it on a print in addition to selling on cards.  
 
I like Natalie's suggestion best, all things considered, since buyers don't see it the same as GCU apparently in all cases.  If GCU doesn't want it, that's different than it being unprofessional, at least in some cases.

We have already hashed this out on another thread and deemed any terms that could be said for any of the 27 Submission Guidelines are too general and do not fit the bill.  
 
Here is the original thread:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/forum/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1377201928/
 
This guideline has a very specific meaning and application:
 
COMPOSITION - Professionalism
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.
 
The GCU review process is based on these guidelines, ours, that makes GCU the final authority for our purposes.  You are welcome to submit your work elsewhere, especially the creative we choose not to accept, and we wish you nothing but success in those endeavors.  We realize and respect that freelance artists need to sell their creative works via many different venues to earn their living.

I'm not sure any phrase that is thought up is really going to mask what the bottom line is- Your card is rejected. Not all artists produce consistent amazing work 100% of the time. No artist is "perfect," and GCU has standards. So, you meet them or you don't. It's not about YOU, it's about your ART ( photo ) meeting those standards. I personally don't understand anyone getting defensive about one's work. Even if you are really good at what you do, there is always room to grow. And most importantly, no matter what anyone thinks, this site is run by GCU, so they call the shots, and if anyone is unhappy, there are other opportunities on the net and in life. GCU has allowed us all to have stores here free of charge, and in return they have standards to present a site on the net with products the way they want it. I, personally, don't have a problem with any of it. They have that right, and I'm not employed by GCU, so I'm free to come and go as I choose, upload or not. What you put into this site, is what you get out of it. So go ahead, GCU, tell me a card is rejected, and I'm going to work like hell to hopefully not see that word again because I'm going to work to meet your standards.

Yes, well said Laura. Just my sentiments.

I'm sorry some members are getting nit-picky about the word 'Unprofessional', I don't have a problem with it, and I think it gets right to the point. I am not a professional artists/graphic designer, but do I want to do my best at my profession, and GCU Staff and Members have provided so much useful info. (and yes, declined my older/unprofessional looking cards due to *COMPOSITION - Professionalism. ) I did not even know what composition was until reading up on it here at GCU and The Blog. I think any artist freelancing for any company should be able to take constructive criticism of their work, no matter what term is used, it makes us aware of our mistakes and we learn from them.  

Once again GCU shows how respectful they are of the artist. They are considerate of how the artist feels, while maintaining their own integrity and vision in their own company. I am glad to be a part of their company and appreciate their strong efforts in maintaining such high standards. Greeting cards have a wide audience and our work needs to be seen and understood at a quick glance and in the final print product. GCU ensures that quality to the great benefit of our customers, and ultimately to us. You have explained it well in the posts.  Laura has said the rest!  
 
Thanks GCU!