UnTRADITIONal
UnTRADITIONal is a 24 day project dedicated to creating greeting cards for the less-celebrated, unconventional moments in life — the ones that deserve to be acknowledged. I chose collage as the medium because these cards aren’t meant to be tucked away in a box, but displayed as art in your home, marking memories of joy, sadness, and even grief. It’s about honoring the unTRADITIONal moments that shape us.
Jumping the Broom
(24/24) This is a congratulatory card to the couple jumping the broom! I’ve always been fascinated by the concept and intrigued by couples who still practice it. I wanted to create a ‘congrats you’re getting married card” that incorporated the practice. Also couples do get money, houseware for weddings. But what about a piece of art that appreciates in value over time. I’m just wondering?
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Congratulations y’all are jumping the broom!
You are the couple of our ancestor’s dreams. Congratulations!
Y’all made it to the big day! So happy for you!
Beyond Words, Silent Stars
(22/24) "Beyond Words, Silent Stars" represents the idea that communication goes beyond just speech. And honoring non-verbal individuals with autism have a presence as luminous as the stars. This card came to me after watching Makayla’s World on Netflix and reflecting on my own experiences with family members with autism. The card’s design with faces, trees, butterflies and galaxies highlights the diverse ways people communicate and understand the world. This card honors people on the autism spectrum communicating and connecting their voice in their own time and way.
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Welcome home. Reentry.
(20/24) What if there was a card to welcome back into the community folks who have been formally incarcerated? If there was something to acknowledge the moment. To say, welcome home, I support your next steps. Imagine if the person could hang this up in their home as a reminder that there are people in their life ready and willing to help their path forward.
The above is a first draft. I’d like to do more research to learn more about the experiences of coming back home after being incarcerated to further inform the development.
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You are home. Welcome!
We’re here to support you! Say the word.
We welcome you to a new beginning!
To my therapists, thank you for reading me
(18/24) Can we take a moment to shoutout all the therapists who listen to us rant and rave and without them we wouldn’t have made it to the end of the year?! They are the real MVPs. This is a big THANK YOU CARD! Because of them, I can literally BREATHE. The work they do is so selfless and deep work. I’m not sure if there’s a card that exists already to say thank you. If not, this will be part of a new catalog.
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Thank you for the selfless work you do to keep me in check. Ha!
Thank you for being part of my healing process.
Thank you for guiding me to the tools.
I’m on the other side because of you. Thank you!
I’m officially a work in progress because of you! Haha. Thank you!
Breakups are tragic
(12/24) Breakups can totally be a gut punch. It can feel like the world is ending and the days are long. It’s community that’ll helps you get through, to see the other side. Imagine someone giving you a card to say I know this hurts, I know this isn’t what you wanted. I get it and it won’t always feel this way.
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Breakups suck. I’m here for you
I know it feels like your heart was skated on. But you will get through this.
I’m sorry.
A reminder: You are dope
(10/24) We all need reminders from friends, family, coworkers that we are THAT girl, that good things are coming our way, that we are the PRIZE.
BACK OF THE CARD - I would definitely leave this one blank for folks to write to their heart’s content.
Congratulations girlie
(1/24) Every Black girl knows the journey to learning how to care for your hair is a long, evolving process. From salon visits to DIY routines, from tender-headed days to finding the stylist that finally gets you — it’s a journey with ups and downs. But when you finally figure it out? Whew. That’s a personal victory.
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Congrats girl! Your hair’s healthy and shininggg!
I see you taking care of your crown - let’s celebrate that!
You know what we call that? Growth!
On Cloud 9
(21/24) That feeling you get when you really really like someone, you meet them, you just click. Its reminiscent of that old school 90s love story where you want to sit up and talk to them forever. This card is for the hopeless romantics, the individuals who want to let someone know you like them and want to be more than friends but maybe words aren’t your strong suit. Maybe writing out your feelings in a card is more your forté? Ain’t nothing wrong with that. As long as you be vulnerable chileee.
I’d leave this card blank, so you can pour your heart out to your hopefully future lover. That 90s R&B love song romance will soon come. 😉💯🙏🏾
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Grandma’s Hands
(19/24) I was listening to Grandma’s Hands by Bill Withers and I got inspired to create this piece.
Grandma, grandmama, grandmere, madear, whatever you call her; she is often the woman who is the foundation of the family, the rock, the historian, the best book, the confidant, the hustler, the faithful, the teacher, the fashionista, the peacemaker, the one who can quiet your parents, maybe the one who raised you. There should be more cards and art saying thank you to her. Thank you!
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I love you! Thank you!
I’m here because of your wisdom, work and sacrifice. I appreciate you grandma!
Happy mother’s day!
Catch Your Breath
(4/24) There are times in life when everything feels turned upside down, when nothing seems to go right, and we struggle to catch our breath—let alone our balance, mind, and spirit. It’s 0/10 stars. We ALL experience these seasons at some point in life. During these moments, we need reminders from friends, colleagues, family, or even a stranger that we will make it through.
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It may not feel that way, but you will stand again.
I’m here to catch you.
Honestly, this sucks. But at some point it will suck less.
Miscarriages
(2/24) It’s truly remarkable to carry a human being in your body, to experience growth, and to know that you are part of the creation of life, to birth a child. And then, suddenly, whether you’re aware of it or not, it's gone. I’d tell these women it may feel like you’re at fault, but you’re not. You are worthy. Some people want to talk about it, while others don’t. My role is to offer support in whatever way is needed.
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I cannot imagine what you are experiencing physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s all valid.
I don’t have the words but I’m here. And I’ll always be here.
Feel it all.
Hey bus driver, thank you!
(3/24) Living in a metropolitan city means relying on buses and trains to move from neighborhood to neighborhood. Our bus drivers and train conductors play a MAJOR role in our daily lives and experiences. This card is to say thank you—a keepsake to remind them that, even when it may not seem like it, we see you, we care and appreciate them.
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Thank you for all you do!
You make city livin, a little brighter. Thank you!
You are appreciated.
Will you be my friend?
(5/24) You know that feeling when you meet someone who’s just DOPE AF? You laugh, you enjoy their company, you feel you can be vulnerable with them and it feels like they just get you. That’s the start of a real friendship. Asking someone to be your friend simply makes it official—it’s like saying, “We’re in this together now.” I think it's a conversation that’s often overlooked. Personally, I always ask, “Will you be my friend?” Feels right to me.
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Will you be my friend?
I like your energy. Want to build a friendship?
Want to run these streets together or naw 👀
The image of the two young girls arm in arm is not public domain. Its Coney Island Sisters by Nat Herz. If I print this card I’d have to switch that image out.
Happy holidays, bus drivers
(6/24) Part II of the bus driver thank you cards! I hope all bus drivers and public transportation workers get the rest and holiday cheer they truly deserve!
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Enjoy the time off!
Enjoy the holiday season!
Thank you for keeping us moving! Happy Holidays!
Therapy applause
(7/24) I created this card to honor the incredible strength it takes for Black men to prioritize their mental health. It’s no small feat to recognize that you need more than what the world expects and gives to you, to seek out therapy, and to commit to the hard work of healing. In a society where so much is stacked against you, the decision to invest in your well-being—not just for yourself but for those around you—is nothing short of admirable, and it deserves to be celebrated.
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Therapy ain’t easy. But it’s worth it.
I respect it. You chose healing homie.
Keep going. I’m with you fam.
Congrats, you quit!
(8/24) In this here world, sometimes you gotta say no to the things that aren’t serving you anymore and sometimes that’s means quitting a job. It’s no shame in that. The way I see it you decided to chose you and that is okay.
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Some call it quitting, some call it choosing your wellbeing.
You out! Congrats!
Excited for the next step in your journey!
Sir, we call that growth. We love to see it!
(11/24) Sometimes, the work of personal growth goes unnoticed. But not here. This greeting card is for the Black man who is putting in the effort, and making steps to heal, evolve, and be better. It’s a reminder your progress is seen. And we’re proud of you. Because healing isn’t easy, but you are doing the work — and that deserves to be celebrated.
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I’m proud of you.
My man. I see the work you’re putting in to grow.
As Kelli says “You know what we call that, growth.
Look beyond the baggage!
(9/24) Life often feels like it’s full of baggage—past mistakes, heavy burdens, and challenges that weigh us down. But sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is simply keep moving forward. This greeting card is a reminder that, while we acknowledge the struggles, we don’t have to let them stop us. It's a nod to the strength it takes to walk through life, to keep going, even when the weight feels too much. It’s about progress, resilience, and the courage to look beyond the baggage and keep stepping toward tomorrow.
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Look beyond the baggage.
You’ve overcome so much and I’m proud of you!
Keep moving forward.
Look to Faith
(13/24) Look to faith. Look to your faith when things are going great and when things are not looking how you’d like or expect. It never hurts to get a reminder that you are covered, protected and loved. Your faith will get you through.
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We goin’ out! Happy Birthday!
(14/24) Most girlies know the experience of getting ready with your friends for that big night out. Tonight we celebrate you! The feeling of getting ready - music blasting, drinks flowing, takeout is BOMB, someone is in every room of the house doing something. It’s nothing like it. We hate the clean up but love the camaraderie and love. Happy birthday my gal!
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Happy Birthday!
It’s your birthday! We’re stepping out!
It’s a celebration, so glad to have another year in your presence! Happy Birthday!
A baby is on the way! We give thanks!
(15/24) To find out that you’re pregnant and bringing a new life into this world can be a mix of emotions. This card celebrates this new life, this baby with new hopes, dreams, health and joy and bestowing them with so much love. This card signals that we celebrate the parents and you as the village are ready to help support the little one in any way possible.
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Congratulations on the bundle of joy!
Can’t wait to meet the little one!
We give thanks! What a blessing for new life!
Happy Father’s Day! Thank you for making the journey
(16/24) Father’s Day pretty traditional holiday right? But when I think about the men who made the trek to the United States or the U.K from their respective countries, hustled to make things shake for them and their families, that isn’t traditional. That I’d imagine is hard, scary and a different level of grind that deserves to be acknowledged. Whenever I get into an Uber and I catch a hint of an accent I immediately have this reverence for the man driving because I think about this is somebody’s father, somebody has endured to be here in this moment with me. They are trying to make shit shake. If they are African, I’m immediately like “this is an uncle lol.” A sign of respect in many African cultures to call older men we grew up with. I put respect on their name - along with the airport personnel in baggage claim, sanitation workers, etc. In my experience, they are often immigrants. This card is to say Happy Father’s Day and thank you for making that journey. I see you and appreciate you.
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Happy Father’s Day!
Thank you for your sacrifice. Happy Father’s Day!
I appreciate you! Happy Father’s Day
Welcome to the neighborhood
(17/24) Moving out on your own for the first time is a BIG DEAL. Whether you’re renting by yourself, with roommates or buying it’s a huge step of independence and a new chapter in your life. It’s a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate.
This card honors that milestone and features images from historically Black communities often left out of history books. From Seneca Village, NY to the Hayti District in Durham, NC, to Mound Bayou, MS, North Brentwood, Maryalnd and Weeksville in Brooklyn - these places tell stories of resilience, culture and community.
Toast to new beginnings and the people who paved the path!
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Congrats first time renter!
You’re a home owner! Congrats!
You’re doing the damn thing home owner!
Pay them bills homie! LOL. I salute you!
Take the Stairs
(23/24) There are people in our lives who are no longer with us, do not get to cheer, smile, laugh, love on, be still, take part in remembering and making new memories. I honor those individuals with this collage card. For anyone grieving a loss whether physical loss, emotional loss, or in spirit I send my condolences. Because grief and loss comes in many forms not just death. I intentionally left the inside of the wreath blank for a personal photo to be inserted of the individual for the recipient of the card.
The image of the angels is someone’s artwork.
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I’m sorry for your loss. The days will get brighter.
My condolences.
Grief comes in waves. Feel the feels.
One day, it’ll hurt a little less. I’ll be right by your side for that day and the days in between.