What was your inspiration for your winning card?
This was a challenging prompt! I began by brainstorming each element—Flora, Fauna, Elements, and Objects—making a four-column list. Then I started mixing and matching ideas across the columns to see what creative combinations might emerge. My concept evolved as I worked, which is often the best part of designing. I originally imagined a nighttime scene with an animal roasting marshmallows by a campfire, wrapped in a blanket and playing guitar. But as the idea developed, it transformed into a playful daytime panda, spoon in hand, ready to dig into an ice cream sundae. Instead of a candle, I added a sparkler to give the image more energy and celebration!
You may have recently started entering the Design Challenges—bravo! What advice would you give to other artists who are hesitant to enter?
Start with brainstorming. It’s the best way to get ideas flowing! When I overthink what to create, time slips away and nothing gets done. But when I sit down with a pen and paper and start listing thoughts and visuals, ideas begin to form naturally. That simple act of writing things down gives me a starting point—and often leads to something unexpected and fun.
You’ve been a member of GCU’s artist community since 2008. How have you seen your card designs evolve since the early days?
Becoming comfortable with design software has made a huge difference. I used to feel very limited but still managed to create cards. Now, with Procreate, Photoshop, and Illustrator (and I’m learning to use Affinity and AI), I have so much more flexibility. Getting confident with Procreate especially has added a fresh, creative energy to my workflow and allowed me to bring my ideas to life more easily.
There are many rewards for the Design Challenge winner. Which is your favorite and why?
I absolutely love receiving the free cards! It’s such a joy to send a card through GCU—it’s quick, convenient, and so personal. Honestly, if I weren’t a designer, I’d be one of GCU’s most loyal customers.
Mid-year is a good time to start designing for the winter holidays. When do you begin and how do you get into the holiday spirit?
I usually start thinking about winter holidays in the summer or early fall. I mix holiday ideas in with my late-summer and autumn projects, and gradually more seasonal designs start taking shape. Brainstorming helps me get into the holiday mindset—it sparks memories, traditions, and imagery that naturally put me in the Christmas and winter spirit.
Fast Five Questions
How did your childhood prepare you for your job today?
I had family who lived far away, and I loved writing letters and sending cards to them from the time I was very young. That love of connecting through words and paper never left me.
Do you have a hidden talent most people don’t know about?
I play the piano and was a music teacher for 20 years!
What’s the most unusual item in your workspace?
Pokemon cards. My grandchildren and I have fun trading and talking about them together—so they’ve found a permanent spot on my desk.
Which do you prefer, puppies or kittens?
Kittens!
What was your worst haircut ever?
When my mom was in the hospital, my dad decided to trim my bangs before school pictures. They ended up very crooked, but the photo still makes me smile—it’s such a sweet reminder of how hard he tried to help me look my best.
What was your first paid job? What did you love or hate about it?
I worked at Dunkin’ Donuts! I loved the smell and the people—but it definitely fueled my donut cravings. For years afterward, I’d take the long way home just to avoid temptation.