Back in October, I was inspired to take my passion for writing, art, and crafting on a journey with a project that I felt in my heart was necessary. For years I've been customizing cards with faux calligraphy and hand lettering, and the last year or so has seen that spike significantly. As I started customizing the cards, the bags, and the wrapping - it dawned on me that I could be doing something more impactful than only making my loved ones feeling happy.
The question came to me: Why can't I craft something special that makes everyone's loved ones feel happy?
The second question was along the lines of when and where and how to start, more or less. I knew I wanted to start with just cards. I sketched some designs out and pre-planned a number of design before I was ready to try to make a prototype. Yes. Prototype! I originally thought I was going to make custom cards by hand with Canson watercolor paper and my oddities of craft supplies. The prototypes looked great but I would never be able to recreate the same quality of card every single time. That's when I decided - this needs to be done digitally.
My next issue was finding the right platform. I needed to have the most minimal of starting costs with the most accessibility. I didn't start this because I wanted to make money doing it right away (though I do hope that eventually I will make some money). More importantly to me was that I could customize all sides of my card - front, both interiors, and back. After checking no less than six different platforms - the best one for what I needed ended up being Zazzle. Since then, I've made it my mission to end 2020 with a 10-Card series of my first round of Mental Health Messages (Cards that Care). So far, I have 8 designs posted to my shop, including my most recent design "Loved."
Each and every single card I craft is done so with love, dedication, and a sincere understanding of what someone struggling with mental and emotional health matters needs to hear. Not only is my traditional employment as a mental health professional, but I have carried the baggage of depression and anxiety on my shoulders since I was just a child. The majority of my life has been spent learning and growing through my diagnoses while also learning all the skills that I now feel empowered and capable of teaching to other people who are in need. I give to others what I so desperately wish I would have had access to growing up.
Mental Health Messages is a project I don't plan to stop any time soon. Once my first series is out, I'm going to work diligently to make each card accessible digital for the eco-conscious purchasers, and I hope to start also making stickers (I have four designs already!) to encourage people to show their support for mental health matters. The only way to end stigma is to keep talking about it and address difficult topics in a direct but sensitive approach.
It is my hope that you will join me in my efforts to spread the love for Mental Health Messages, a project that cares as much about you as you do it. Of course purchasing is the most direct way to show your support, but sharing and linking others back to the product I am crafting to help raise awareness on these topics is another effective way to help.
Thank you for reading this post, visiting my site and/or shop, and for showing your support in whatever way is best for you right now. To end this post, I want to share my catchphrase with you:
Don't forget to be good to yourself!
Always,
--ab
Comments