How do you feel about the current state of commercially available gift cards?
- I think there are some really beautiful options available now.
- They’re fine, I usually find something that works.
- They all feel so impersonal and generic!
What’s your favorite thing about receiving a handmade gift card?
- The effort and thoughtfulness behind it.
- The uniqueness and personal touch.
- Knowing someone took the time to create something special just for me.
What makes you most excited about designing your own gift cards?
- The opportunity to be creative and express myself.
- The challenge of learning a new skill.
- The joy of giving someone a truly unique and meaningful gift.
What do you dream about when it comes to creating the perfect gift card?
- A design that perfectly captures the recipient’s personality and our relationship.
- A stunning piece of art that someone would want to frame.
- A card that is so thoughtful and well-made that it becomes a treasured keepsake.
When you were a kid, how did you approach making homemade cards or gifts?
- I loved getting crafty and using all kinds of materials.
- I kept it simple with construction paper and markers.
- I wasn’t really into making things by hand.
You have a choice of creating a simple, elegant gift card or a more elaborate, multi-layered design, which do you choose?
- Simple and elegant, less is more.
- Multi-layered and detailed, the more creative the better!
You are at a craft fair and see a booth selling handmade gift cards. What do you do?
- Walk right by, not interested.
- Stop to admire the designs and maybe buy one.
- Get inspired and start brainstorming ideas for my own cards.
How comfortable are you with hand lettering?
- I’m a total beginner but eager to learn.
- I dabble in calligraphy and enjoy practicing.
- I’m confident in my lettering skills and love experimenting with different styles.
You have an afternoon free to design whatever kind of gift card you want. What do you make?
- A birthday card for my best friend with their favorite animal on it.
- A thank you card with a beautiful floral design.
- A holiday card with a modern and minimalist aesthetic.
Which of these is most likely to be a struggle for you when designing a gift card?
- Coming up with a creative concept.
- Choosing the right color scheme.
- Getting the lettering to look just right.
Someone compliments you on a handmade gift card you gave them. What’s the actual answer, not just “thank you”?
- I’m so glad you liked it! I put a lot of thought into it.
- Really? I wasn’t sure about the color scheme, but I’m happy you like it!
- Thanks! I actually designed and printed it myself.
What place do you most want to draw design inspiration from for your gift cards?
- Nature and the outdoors.
- Art museums and galleries.
- Vintage design books and ephemera.
What’s your favorite memory related to giving or receiving a special card?
- Receiving a handmade card from a child.
- Giving a card that made someone feel truly seen and appreciated.
- The look on someone’s face when they open a card and it’s exactly what they wanted.
What are you most passionate about when it comes to gift-giving?
- Finding the perfect gift that aligns with the recipient’s interests.
- Creating a memorable and meaningful experience for the recipient.
- Supporting small businesses and artisans.
How would your friends and family describe your personal style?
- Classic and timeless.
- Bold and eclectic.
- Minimalist and modern.
Tell us a little about your go-to color palette.
- I gravitate towards warm, earthy tones.
- I love bright, vibrant colors.
- I prefer a more muted and sophisticated palette.
If you could choose any artistic skill to instantly master for gift card design, which one would you choose and why?
- Watercolor painting, to create dreamy and ethereal backgrounds.
- Hand-lettering, to add a personal and elegant touch.
- Digital illustration, to bring my designs to life with endless possibilities.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the word “celebrate”?
- Gathering with loved ones.
- Special occasions and milestones.
- Joy, laughter, and making memories.
What affects you the most when receiving a gift?
- The thoughtfulness behind the gift.
- The practicality and usefulness of the gift.
- The overall presentation and aesthetic of the gift.
What’s your idea of the perfect gift card giving experience?
- A heartfelt message inside a simple, elegant card.
- A personalized creation that reflects the recipient’s unique personality.
- A small, thoughtful gesture that brightens someone’s day.
What is your strongest asset when it comes to designing your own gift cards?
- My creativity and imagination.
- My attention to detail and craftsmanship.
- My understanding of color and composition.
What’s your favorite stationery store section?
- Pens and markers
- Paper and envelopes
- Stickers and embellishments
You see a beautiful font you’ve never seen before, what is your first response?
- I need to know the name of that font!
- I wonder if it comes in other weights.
- I bet that would look amazing on a gift card.
What keeps you up at night when thinking about a gift card you’re designing?
- Will the recipient like it?
- Is it creative enough?
- Is the color scheme harmonious?
Which of these aspects of gift card design would you enjoy the most?
- Brainstorming creative concepts
- Experimenting with different lettering styles
- Assembling and finishing the cards
When you think about starting a gift card design, what are you most concerned about?
- Finding the time to complete it.
- Having the necessary skills and materials.
- Making sure it meets your own expectations.
What aspect of giving a handmade gift card makes you the most happy?
- Knowing you put in the extra effort to create something special.
- Seeing the recipient’s face light up when they receive it.
- The feeling of connection and appreciation it fosters.
What is most likely to make you feel down about your gift card design?
- Comparing your work to others and feeling inadequate.
- Making a mistake and ruining the design.
- Not having enough time to dedicate to the project.
In a perfect world, what would the reaction to your handmade gift cards be?
- This is so thoughtful!
- I can’t believe you made this yourself!
- This is the best gift card I’ve ever received!
If you could wave a magic wand, what would the perfect gift card design process be like?
- Effortless inspiration and endless creativity.
- Having access to all the best tools and materials.
- Finishing a design and instantly knowing it’s perfect.
How often do you purchase commercially made greeting cards?
- Almost always
- Sometimes
- Almost never
How prepared are you for tackling a complex gift card design with multiple layers and embellishments?
- I’d need a lot of guidance and practice.
- I’m up for the challenge but might need some help along the way.
- I’m confident in my abilities and excited to get started.
What happens if you make a mistake while hand-lettering a gift card?
- Start over from scratch.
- Try to incorporate the mistake into the design.
- Embrace the imperfection and move on.
What do you think you need to improve most when it comes to your gift card designs?
- My lettering skills
- My color selection process
- My overall design composition
How often do you practice your hand lettering or calligraphy skills?
- Never
- Occasionally
- Regularly
How confident are you in your ability to choose a color scheme that complements your gift card design?
- Not very confident, I need help with color.
- Somewhat confident, I usually have a good sense of what works.
- Very confident, I love playing with color and creating harmonious palettes.
How do you handle creative blocks when designing gift cards?
- Take a break and come back to it later.
- Look for inspiration in other designs or art forms.
- Force myself to start sketching until something clicks.
Do you have a dedicated workspace for your creative projects, or do you prefer to work in a more flexible environment?
- I need a dedicated space with all my supplies organized.
- I can work anywhere as long as I have the essentials.
How well do you stick to your initial design concept, or do you find yourself making changes along the way?
- I usually stick to my original vision.
- I’m open to making adjustments as needed.
Which of the following is most accurate when it comes to your design process?
- I carefully plan every detail before I start.
- I prefer to go with the flow and let the design evolve organically.
To what degree do you experience self-doubt when it comes to your artistic abilities?
- It significantly impacts my confidence and willingness to try new things.
- I experience it occasionally, but it doesn’t hold me back.
- I rarely doubt myself and my creative abilities.
Which of these best describes your current approach to gift-giving?
- Thoughtful but often last minute.
- Planned and intentional.
- Always looking for opportunities to give back and show appreciation.
What is your current biggest challenge when it comes to creating handmade gifts?
- Finding the time and motivation to start and finish projects.
- Sourcing unique and high-quality materials.
- Developing the skills and confidence to execute my vision.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you encounter a design challenge?
- How can I learn from this and improve my skills?
- What’s the most efficient way to solve this problem?
- Who can I ask for help with this?
How do you handle feedback or criticism on your creative work?
- I take it personally and get defensive.
- I try to be open to constructive criticism and use it to grow.
How would you describe your relationship to the world of art and design?
- I’m an avid admirer but not actively involved in creating it.
- I enjoy dabbling in different art forms and finding my own style.
- Art and design are integral parts of my life and how I express myself.
Are you stuck in a creative rut, or do you feel inspired and motivated to explore new ideas?
- I’m feeling stuck and unsure of where to find inspiration.
- I’m always open to new ideas and eager to experiment.
What would you say are your top struggles right now when it comes to expressing your creativity?
- Fear of judgment and self-doubt.
- Lack of time and resources.
- Difficulty finding my own unique style and voice.
What is your ultimate goal when it comes to your creative pursuits?
- To develop my skills and become more confident in my abilities.
- To create something truly unique and meaningful that brings joy to others.
- To find a creative outlet that allows me to relax and de-stress.
What do you think is missing in your current approach to making handmade gifts or cards?
- Consistency and dedication
- Technical skills and knowledge
- Confidence in my own creativity
What is your current level of expertise in hand lettering and calligraphy?
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Imagine you’ve finished designing a gift card, and a friend asks if you can make them one too. How do you respond?
- Sure, I can try, but no promises it will be as good.
- Of course! What kind of design are you thinking of?
What word do you experience most when working on creative projects: Joy, frustration, or peace?
- Joy
- Frustration
- Peace
Which of the following do you notice yourself worrying about on a day-to-day basis: Time constraints, creative blocks, or lack of resources?
- Time constraints
- Creative blocks
- Lack of resources
How confident and excited do you feel in your ability to design and create unique gift cards?
- Not very confident or excited.
- Somewhat confident and excited.
- Very confident and excited.
How well do you manage your time when working on creative projects, especially when facing deadlines?
- I struggle with procrastination and often feel overwhelmed.
- I’m generally organized but can get sidetracked.
- I’m excellent at managing my time and meeting deadlines.
How connected do you feel to the act of giving gifts that are infused with personal meaning?
- It’s something I deeply value and prioritize.
- It’s nice, but not essential for me.
- I struggle with expressing myself through gifts.
Which of the following is most likely to frustrate you when designing: A limited budget, a lack of inspiration, or imperfections in your work?
- A limited budget
- A lack of inspiration
- Imperfections in my work
What is the trickiest part about hand lettering, in your opinion?
- Achieving consistent letterforms
- Maintaining proper spacing and kerning
- Adding flourishes and embellishments
Do you prefer working with traditional art supplies or digital design tools when creating gift cards?
- Traditional art supplies
- Digital design tools
Do you have a support system in place—such as friends, family, or online communities—to share your creative work and receive encouragement?
- Yes, I have a supportive network.
- I’m part of a few online communities but haven’t shared my work yet.
- No, I prefer to create independently.
How do you determine your gift card’s theme or design direction each time you make one?
- I consider the recipient’s personality and interests.
- I look for inspiration in current trends and design styles.
Are your lettering skills consistently improving, or do you feel stuck at a certain level of proficiency?
- I’m steadily improving.
- I’m plateaued and unsure how to progress further.
How do you manage the creative and logistical aspects of designing and producing multiple gift cards, especially during busy seasons like holidays?
- I plan ahead and break down the process into manageable steps.
- I thrive under pressure and enjoy the challenge of multitasking.
- I often feel overwhelmed and struggle to keep up.