The first batch of new card designs I ordered with my new Boxcar plates are finally up in the shop! I started with a category that is far and away the most difficult to write—and non-negotiable to send—sympathy cards. That probably explains why they were the first to sell out from my Real Talk collection last year.

Everyone loves a good expletive, right?! Except my mom. And your mom. And people who don’t swear like a sailor. Anyway, everyone can agree on this card! Whether you’ve done something wrong or a friend has had a setback, this card is a good one to have on hand! Pick it up here.

This card was actually inspired by a girlfriend’s experience with miscarriage. She said the best, most truthful sentiment anyone expressed to her was from her doctor, who simply said, “This really sucks. You don’t have to be ok right now.” Sometimes the best way to deal with terrible circumstances is to simply acknowledge them instead of sweeping them under the rug.

So when there’s nothing better to say, just say this sucks. Trust me, it will go a long way. Pick up this card here. And stay tuned for more new designs coming soon!

Hey you guys! It’s my birthday! So here’s a round up of all my in stock birthday cards… you should go buy them! Best gift ever :)

I had a new addition to my Card Club group last month, so I wanted to make sure her first delivery was extra special!

I sent over a few of my cheeriest favorites along with a long-out-of-print “bike!” design, and a hand-painted card-version of a print I created a few months back.

As always, you can join 622 press’ Card Club here!

Before I left on vacation, I wrapped up some projects I had been working on with with a Madison-based fashion blogger, photographer and jewelry designer. Those White Walls is where she shares her passions and talents with the world!

I designed an interactive media kit and new business cards for Ali, as well as cards for the jewelry business she shares with her mom. It was one of the most enjoyable design projects I’ve had in a while for many reasons. First, she had great raw materials to work with: short, snappy text (and not trying to fit too much on a page!) that was already split into sections to make it easy to work with, along with great photography courtesy of her boyfriend/professional photographer! Ali also has a clean aesthetic that totally jives with mine: simple and modern, well-structured with just a touch of whimsy to add interest.

I then added links to all her social media and websites so the pdf she sends out is completely seamless for her clients. Like what you see? I’m currently taking on new freelance clients! Get in touch here!

Hello dear readers, long time no see! I know I promised blog postS while I was gone and only delivered one, but sometimes life gets in the way of writing.

The cruise was just as relaxing as expected, although I’m not sure we’ll go on another one soon. Bermuda has definitely spoiled me for island life! We also had a touch of seasickness on our sea day especially, so I see staying on dry land in our future. We had planned to spend the weekend in Miami, but once I was back in the land of cell service, my sister told me our grandpa was not doing well.

I’m going to take an aside here to say something you’ve heard a thousand times before: Don’t smoke, kids. For years now, my grandfather has only been able to take short, shallow breaths, and the steroids he took to help him with those breaths deteriorated his bones so much that he had broken vertebrae that would never heal. Needless to say, he was in a lot of pain. It’s not worth it.

Back in Miami, after a little bit of crying in public, I decided going home for 30-some hours was worth it. Lots of flying and driving, lots of money, but so very worth it to be able to sit with him and hold his hand, see my dad, and hold my grandma while she cried. I got to say goodbye and tell him I loved him and I know how lucky I am to have that experience.

He died the following week.

I’ve written about it in my own journals, but I’m not quite ready to share. Do me a favor, though: Today, and as long as you can hold on to the feeling, be grateful for every breath.