Greetings cards are regarded worldwide as an icon of warmth and caring. And it's big business too. The sale of cards is worth almost 8 billion dollars in the US alone, and if you imagine that cards are sold across the world, it really is worth a few bucks.

The designs on greeting cards are widely varied and can be quite complex, ranging from birthdays to Get Well Soon; from Congratulations to Our Deepest Sorrow, you will see a card for almost any occasion.

With the advent of the internet has come the development of the e-cards (greetings cards sent over the net). This has resulted in card designs becoming much more creative and spectacular than they have ever been. And now, with a bit of know how and a little bit of effort, it has never been easier to start your own greetings card design business.

There is more than one way you can run a business in greetings card design. Firstly, you could set yp as a freelancer, and hope that one of the large card design houses take notice, or alternatively you you could set up and market your products on your own for your own self promotion. Naturally freelancing offers the main advantage of being much cheaper, and allows you to focus more on the artistic side, rather than simply managing a business, although you have to expect rejection, and lots of it!

Working as a card artist demands motivation, dedication and, as with anything, money. If you are really determined, and push your ideas and products, there's no reason why you can't make a career out of it, and ultimately make a success of yourself as a card artist.

But firstly, if you want to be successful with your designs, you have to do some research. Look at the market, learn what designs are selling and what designs aren't, ask people what they are looking for. Until you know the market intimately, you can't hope to succeed.

It is also a good idea of looking at suppliers, distrubtors, marketing methods, not to mention the financial side. Learning the best way to sell your products is only the very first step, but if you are determined, you might do well for yourself as a greetings card artist.

Above all, remember to do your homework. Learn the market and what sells, and think about cards you'd appreciate, or choose if you wanted to send one. With a bit of thought and initiative, not to mention hours of hard work, your designs can be selling and making you money in no time.