News

December 4, 2013
GCA’s LOUIE Awards Call for Entries Now Open

Submissions for the Greeting Card Association’s 26th Annual LOUIE Awards – the Oscars of the stationery industry – are being accepted now through Dec. 16.
 
Officially known as the International Greeting Card Awards Competition, the prestigious LOUIEs recognize the most outstanding greeting cards, invitations, and announcements marketed in the U.S. during the previous calendar year.
 
The 26th LOUIE Awards will feature a total of 29 categories – including awards for everyday and seasonal occasions, card sets, invitations and personalized cards, as well as special categories such as Print & Production Excellence, Rising Star, Superbly Stated, Most Humorous and Letterpress.
 
Most categories will be divided into two price breaks: Above $3.50 and $3.50 & Below. New this year are two wedding-invitation categories, one for smaller and one for larger-sized suites; these categories are separated by printing method rather than by price break.
 
“As a signature program of the GCA, the LOUIE Awards have created a rich legacy of creative excellence,” said GCA President Steve Doyal, senior vice president of public affairs and communications at Hallmark Cards. “Every year, all companies in the industry – from well-established brands to emerging entrepreneurs – have the opportunity for their work to be recognized as among the best in the industry. The GCA invites all who are proud of their work to enter this year’s competition.”
 
This year’s LOUIE theme, “Eye Candy: The Best Cards of the Year,” was designed by LOUIE Awards Chair Cambria Evans, creative director/founder of J.Bartyn Design, and overseen by LOUIE Strategic Chair Katy Greenspan, director of the artist community at Minted.
 
“This year’s playful candy theme emphasizes how sweet it is to send greeting cards, invitations or announcements,” Evans said.
 
Submissions will be blind-judged by a panel of industry experts on originality, impact, design excellence, sendability and value, over a two-day period in early February, during the NY NOW gift show in New York City. Finalists in each category will be announced in March, and awards will be presented at the 26th Annual LOUIE Awards celebration on Sunday, May 18, 2014, during the National Stationery Show in New York City.
 
For complete competition details and to enter online, go to www.greetingcard.org.



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