Following the recent US Export webinar with N&Q’s Vanessa and Alan Harnik, we’re delighted to share an exciting new initiative from our friends across the pond – Notes & Queries, a highly respected US-based greeting card distributor with over 46 years of industry experience.
N&Q’s Vanessa Harnik, GCA’s Amanda Fergusson and Karen Wilson, N&Q’s Alan Harnik
Launching at PG Live, the Fresh Ink Prize has been created to champion and support emerging publishers and creatives — and we are particularly keen to see GCA members put themselves forward.
With submissions opening from 1 July 2026, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain industry visibility, secure funding, and connect with key retailers and decision-makers.
We would strongly encourage any newer publishers, illustrators or designers within the GCA community to consider entering — we would love to see a GCA member among the finalists.
How to enter the Fresh Ink Prize
Notes and Queries have asked that you do the following to enter:
Please submit an art portfolio containing at least 24 different greeting cards:
a showcase of your range, originality, and artistic perspective.
The greeting card industry thrives on originality — on the spark of a line, the charm of a character, the punch of a fresh idea… but getting started can be challenging.
Early-stage publishers and illustrators often juggle creative work with financial pressures, production costs, and the challenge of getting noticed in a crowded marketplace.
By offering this prize, Notes & Queries aims to:
Wondering why this matters?
Winning the Notes & Queries Fresh Ink Prize means more than just a headline or a cheque. It means industry visibility in front of top retailers and publishers and validation from seasoned buyers who understand the market as well as its opportunities.
It means momentum, powered by £5,000 for investing in materials, printing, brand development, exhibitions, or new creative ventures. And it means a platform to connect with retailers, distributors, and fellow creatives at PG LIVE.
This prize is a celebration of possibility — of a belief that talent should be nurtured, that voices should be heard, and that creativity should be supported from the very beginning.
Key Dates
Notes & Queries is excited to champion the next wave of greeting-card innovators and see what you create.
Submission Details
A panel review will be conducted by a distinguished jury of 8 American retailers and 4 British retailers, bringing together a wealth of market insight from both sides of the Atlantic.
The Fresh Ink Prize Winner will be announced at PG LIVE 2027.
A final word to GCA members
This is exactly the kind of initiative that helps nurture new talent and strengthen the future of our industry, and we’re proud to support and champion the Fresh Ink Prize.
If you’re an emerging publisher or creative — or know someone who is — we strongly encourage you to take part. Opportunities like this don’t come along often, and we would love to see a GCA member take home the Fresh Ink Prize.
Good luck, and please download the full details on how to enter below.
Downloads
