Two local artists are combining their talents to break into the greeting card industry by writing, designing and selling their own Vancouver Island inspired cards and posters.
Poet Michael Poyntz of Bowser is working with Parksville photographer Craig Carmichael and the pair are hoping some of their collaborations will make it big in the greeting card industry.
Most of Carmichael’s photographs were taken on Vancouver Island and the prose and poetry by Poyntz is motivational, romantic and humorous. The two have decided to break into the big leagues and are in the process of becoming a member of the American Gift Card Association.
Poyntz said they had to submit their work which is juried by the association and once they satisfy the criteria needed to be accepted, they will take their cards into the largest organized selling vehicle within the U.S. consumer market.
“For any artist based on Vancouver Island it is an uphill battle to get established. The internet has leveled the playing field and we are about to take something created here on the Island worldwide,” said Poyntz.
Despite the new trend of sending e-cards, the tradition of giving a paper card for different occasions continues to be popular. If you think of Hallmark and the billions of greeting cards it sells every year, it is no wonder Poyntz is excited.
Poyntz said he and Carmichael think they have what it takes to step into the big league.
While there is nothing like a greeting card to send a special message but if a card has too many words buyers will move on to the next card. Poyntz said as a poet he has to keep his work short and sweet.
“If you put a whole poem on a poster, people won’t read it.”
The pair are inviting the public to Island Exposures Gallery at 1209 E. Island Hwy. in Parksville to witness the unveiling of their latest collection of work on Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Those attending the launch can enter to win a 30” x 26” signed limited edition giclée of Redemption. Poyntz said the prose on the canvas print was inspired by the inauguration of Barack Obama. The limited edition print will be capped at 100 and proceeds from the sale of the new piece are being donated to charity.