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Are you a designer, illustrator, photographer or writer?

We're launching our latest Inspired competition, and we'd love you to be a part of it.

At Hallmark, we believe everyone has an idea for a greeting card. This is your chance to share yours, get paid for it, and see it published on a real card — with a little bit about you on the back!

This time, the themes are Thank You Teacher, Good Luck, and Exam Congratulations — a celebration of support, encouragement, and achievement during one of the most important times in the academic year. From recognising the everyday magic of a great teacher to wishing someone well before an exam or marking their success afterwards, we want to see how you'd turn these moments into meaningful cards.

The Brief

Create a greeting card inspired by one of the following themes: Thank You Teacher, Good Luck, or Exam Congratulations.

Each theme is distinct, so please focus on just one per entry. You're welcome to submit multiple entries if you'd like to explore more than one.

These themes are all about celebrating personal milestones and the people who support us along the way – from teachers and teaching assistants to nursery staff, school support teams, mentors and key education workers. We're looking for original ideas that express appreciation, encouragement, pride, or joy. Whether it's a message of thanks, a sincere good luck wish, or a celebration of exam success or graduation, we want to see your unique take on these meaningful moments.

You can enter using illustration, photography, design, or writing – whatever creative format best brings your idea to life.

Prize
Win £500 and see your work published on a real Hallmark card – with your name and story on the back!

Deadline: Midnight, 22nd August

Ready to enter?
Find out more and submit your entry below.

Key Considerations

Emotion

Make your card emotionally engaging and age-appropriate – whether it’s to say thanks, offer encouragement, or recognise success.

Occasion

Focus on real-life moments tied to the themes – offering thanks to a teacher or school staff member, wishing someone luck, or marking exam results. Keep it relevant, relatable, and ready to send.

Judging Criteria

Originality

We’re looking for fresh, standout ideas that bring something new to the world of cards.

Relevance to Theme

Your entry should reflect one of the three themes – showing appreciation, encouragement, or celebration in a way that feels genuine and meaningful.

Craft & Expression

We’ll consider visual impact, writing style, tone, and overall execution.

How To Enter

Submissions
You can submit up to 12 unique pieces of artwork or writing using the link below. Each submission will be judged individually by our panel.

The Winners
Winners will be contacted the week commencing 1st September, 2025

Entry Requirements

  • A maximum of 12 unique submissions
  • Write an 'about me' (up to 100 words) that you'd be happy to see printed on the back of the card, including how you'd like your name to appear.
  • Design/photographic entries to be attached as JPEG or PDF (use a compressed/zip folder for more than 10 files).
  • Written entries can be submitted by Word or text documents.
  • Winners must be able to provide high resolution TIF, AI files or original artwork.
  • See here for full terms and conditions.