Avant Card Studio
Los Angeles, California
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:
Nicole: Avant Card Studio
My name is Nicole and I make snarky (and sweet) Greeting Cards and other Accessories from my photographs
Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?
My business name is Avant Card Studio. It took some brain storming, but similar to my brand I love humor, a good play on words, puns and creativity.
What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?
All of my products are made from my original photography. Whether you can make out what the image is or if you can just see a colorful design, it's a photograph that I took. I’m most known for my mini greeting card that says ‘Go F*ck Yourself.' I love the juxtaposition of a rude phrase that looks really pretty. It's all in good fun and definitely catches your eye.
What makes your business unique to the industry?
I make funny greeting cards using my photographs. My cards are square-shaped and come in two sizes (I’d like to think the mini ones are slightly less offensive, ha!). I also make magnets, trucker hats, baby onesies, tote bags, and candles. There are a lot of talented people out there who make really funny cards and accessories. I’ve seen calligraphy, plain text, illustrations, etc. What makes me and my products stand out is that everything I sell features my original photography.
What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?
I don’t have a formal business background, so each step is one I had to take largely on my own, such as locating a printing house, deciding on the specific paper, finding the right envelopes and packaging to fit my square-shaped cards. How do I sell these? Where do I sell them? How do I get the word out there? I had so many questions, so many details to figure out and learn! So, I hit the ground running. I created and built my own website, I designed my own logo, the list goes on.
I think that it’s important to remember that it’s okay to ask for help. No business is run alone and it's amazing just how supportive others can be. For example, at craft fairs and markets, there is a strong sense of community between vendors. Even if we might be selling similar things, we all want to help each other out.
How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?
I truly miss craft fairs and markets. I miss interacting with people and sharing my art. Turns out that some of my cards are perfect for this difficult time - 'This Card is a Hug' feels very appropriate at the moment. I have been trying to market more online and on social media. I am really looking forward to this virtual market and I hope to help people send love and laughter to friends and family that they cannot visit at the moment.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
I really love to make people laugh. My favorite part of doing craft fairs is seeing people laugh at my cards, read them out loud, and show their friends. I really enjoy taking photos and design processes that goes into each card. I also absolutely love taking photos of my cards out in the wild.
What is your *must do* local activity?
The Tea Rose Garden in Old Town Pasedena is a charming and unique place to go for tea time!
Where to find Avant Card Studio:
Website: www.avantcardstudio.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avantcardstudio/