Why are all greetings cards so terrible?
I had to buy a card the other day, and it was a depressing experience. There’s something about that industry that brings out the worst in creative design. I mean, just look at the state of some of these:
Here are some more, from Twitter.
Who is still buying these joke birthday cards? Stop it. pic.twitter.com/FRqF7EufW4
— Michael M (@michaelmphysics) March 14, 2017
So what’s the deal? Why are these always the ugliest, unfunniest, worst possible things that could exist? I’m not entirely sure.
I guess it’s something to do with having to appeal to absolutely everyone. “Happy Birthday! Your nuanced opinions on neoliberalism inspire me!” would be a niche card – though I would buy it – while “Happy Birthday! You like beer!” applies to pretty much anyone with a mouth. So I guess they’re just going for lowest-common-denominator trash?
Speaking of, there’s a weird theme of alcohol in greetings cards. The male-intended cards feature beer, while the female-intended ones feature wine, G&Ts, or cocktails. There’s a lot more to unpack there (OMG CLINTONS CARDS IS THE PATRIARCHY), but my beef is more to do with how horribly unoriginal it all is.
And then there’s just loads of toilet humour. Flatuence, crude sexual innuendo, endless pictures of old naked people for some reason. When did we stoop so low?
It’s gotten real bad, folks. So bad that Scribbler has had to put up signs in their shops basically warning people how bad their cards are.
Maybe I’m just out of touch? Maybe all these cards are actually really funny. Maybe it’s not the brexit-voting, Mrs Browns Boys-watching, James Corden-liking, mouth-breathing masses that have it wrong. Maybe it’s just me.
Sometimes I do genuinely think that. But then I saw that this is currently the 4th top-selling card on nobleworkscards.com (don’t worry, the top 3 are also terrible).
WHAT THE HELL IS THIS. WHAT IS EVEN THE JOKE HERE? IS IT THAT WOMEN ARE BAD AT MATHS? OR THAT WOMEN ARE LAZY? OR THAT STRIPPERS ARE STUPID? OR SOME OTHER TERRIBLE OPINION ON WOMEN’S LIVES? WHAT IN ACTUAL HELL.
WHO IS BUYING THIS. WHO ARE THEY GIVING IT TO. WHAT IS THE EXPECTED RESPONSE TO RECEIVING THIS GREETINGS CARD. IS IT MEANT TO INCITE LAUGHTER. SURELY IT’S NOT IRONIC. I DON’T UNDERSTAND.
WHAT DOES THIS EVEN HAVE TO DO WITH BIRTHDAYS. WHY WAS THIS MADE. WHY IS THIS FOR SALE. WHY DOES THIS EXIST.
WHY CAN NOTHING GOOD AND PURE EXIST IN THE WORLD. WHY IS EVERYTHING SO TERRIBLE.
Please, someone help me.
No you aren’t wrong and as someone that studied Graphic Design and Art history most of these cards are a F@@king insult to read and look at. I have the same reaction to TV adverts and shows these days, and why I stopped watching TV. All I can say if the mass population think these are funny or well made then I’m really really glad I don’t but I do worry about the future of the planet. I think the IQ of the population is dropping and the government are either encouraging it or making it happen on purpose. Just be happy to not be one of those people, live in the world but don’t be a part of it kinda thing.
Hi,
Maybe the industry needs some new and exciting to come along!
https://drive.google.com/open?id=16Xw0Qhj8TWuNUe09ZkWYES86fXCGs6_U
http://www.colourbuddy.co.uk
A new educational concept in greeting/birthday/pocket game for children and adults.
Kind regards
Michael Harman
The Colour Buddy Concept.
I agree, and I am making a line of greeting cards myself that are attractive and friendly. Here is my website: http://www.emilytalksabout.com The cards there are only a few of the ones I make, but I’m sure you will get an idea of my work.