When Cindy LaColla first started designing cards for Cynla, her line of hand-drawn paper goods, she took inspiration from what surrounded her: New York City’s cloud-reaching skyscrapers, bustling groups of people, and…a lot of stress. “I found that I drew a lot of ‘Relax’ and ‘Take It Easy,’ cards,” she says.
So when the artist moved to the Hudson Valley with her husband and began drawing from her home studio overlooking a lush backyard, the designs took a new, more relaxed bent. Even the lettering on her cards began to resemble the vines and flowers that surrounded her. “I love to study nature,” LaColla says. “If you look really closely at leaves, there are so many patterns in them, and my art is an interpretation of that. I have a million pictures of plants on my phone!”
Read on to learn how Cindy’s work continues to evolve, and shop the Cynla collection.
How did you become a greeting card designer? It sounds like a dream job.
I was working in the corporate world, doing graphic design for a legal publishing company. The work was very text-heavy, so I started taking classes at the School of Visual Arts as a creative outlet. I took a greeting card design class, which I didn’t even know existed. That class taught me about building a line, the business side of it. I got hooked. Plus, it was always my dream to find work that I loved that I would be able to do from home.
Speaking of, what is your studio like?
It’s on the second floor of my home, and there’s a window where I can look at trees — right now they’re changing colors. I usually find different spots to draw, either outside on a lounge chair or inside on the couch where the cat crawls into my lap. I recently had a baby, so it’s a little harder to find time to draw now. I’m mastering holding a baby in one arm and drawing with the other hand.
In your shop’s About section, you say that drawing is the best medicine. How so?
Instead of journaling or talking, I feel like drawing is my therapy. It helps me relax and deal with anxiety. To draw, I have to sit in a comfortable spot; when I’m not relaxed, my drawings don’t come out that well. I really have to be relaxed to feel inspired and get my ideas out.
How do you come up with the messages for your cards?
My husband actually inspires a lot of the cute phrasing. He’s a teacher, and he has a way with words. A lot of the love-y cards are inspired by love notes that we wrote to each other when we were dating. When we started living together, we would leave notes like, “I love you more than all the work that piles up in the world.” So it got me thinking in that way for my cards.
Which card is the most popular?
I used to sell a lot of starry designs, and I still do. But oddly enough, one of my best sellers is a whiskey card. My husband drinks whiskey, and sometimes it’s hard to find cards for men, so I made that one for him. I sell that card to people around the world!
What else do you have coming up for the shop?
I just released a calendar for 2017 that I’m really excited about. It’s a moon calendar, and each month has either a moon phase or a moon phrase, with drawings of animals on the moon. It was a lot of work! I did all the illustrations and I also hand-lettered the months and numbers and days of the week. And of course, I made my husband double-check for any mistakes.
Why is it important to send handwritten cards, even in the age of email?
Greeting cards connect people. Any time you’re celebrating a moment or a life event, they embody that. It inspires me when I go to a celebration — a birthday party or a wedding or baby shower. I get so many ideas. People are always happy at those events, and I try to capture that in my cards. I like it when people say, “This is the perfect card!” because that means I’ve captured something that speaks to them.
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Photographs courtesy of Cynla.
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1 Featured Comment
jwalk432 said 4 years ago Featured
Congrats on the beautiful feature! So cool. Cynla has been such an important part of our lives. We used Cynla prints in our nursery when our daughter was born, and now they adorn our playroom. One of the "starry" series cat cards helped me to emotionally get through when one of our cats suddenly passed. When we made a huge move from Brooklyn to CT, I ordered her beautiful Brooklyn-scape cards in bulk and used them for all of my personal goodbye notes to my dear friends and co-workers. And for every wedding and baby shower I've been to over the past few years, I've found the perfect whimsical cynla card to bring :)
79 comments
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop and congratulations on the new baby!!! Definitely will have to check out the moon calendar. Sounds amazing!
Marisa M. from FeltInMyHeart said 4 years ago
Nice to see a fellow upstate NY shop featured! Gorgeous cards and prints. Congratulations!
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 4 years ago
You are very talented! Congrats on the feature.
Francine from HomespunHeartofMine said 4 years ago
You are so very talented, Cindy....LOVE your designs....so imaginative! I can see why they are so popular!!! Congratulations on the feature and many blessings for your continued success!!! :D
Mary Robertson from MaggiesInn said 4 years ago
These cards are amazing and very unique. I love your work!!!
Kim from RiverHomeVintage said 4 years ago
Congrats on the feature...your work is whimsically beautiful.
AnitasPottery.com from potterybyAnita said 4 years ago
Love your quirky and unique designs! And the story of your and your husband's "love notes" is too sweet! Congrats on being Featured and I know you'll have much future success! ♥♥♥
connie jetter said 4 years ago
Your Heart Of Gold Shines:):)--Thank You For Sharing A Piece With The Sea-Of Etsy:):)
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 4 years ago
I LOVE your calendars !
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 4 years ago
Lovely cards. Congrats on the feature.
renee and gerardo from GTDesigns said 4 years ago
sweet feature! love the details and fun spirit in every card! congrats!
Emilee Manley from YarnOverHookByEmilee said 4 years ago
Love your designs! Congrats on the feature!
jwalk432 said 4 years ago Featured
Congrats on the beautiful feature! So cool. Cynla has been such an important part of our lives. We used Cynla prints in our nursery when our daughter was born, and now they adorn our playroom. One of the "starry" series cat cards helped me to emotionally get through when one of our cats suddenly passed. When we made a huge move from Brooklyn to CT, I ordered her beautiful Brooklyn-scape cards in bulk and used them for all of my personal goodbye notes to my dear friends and co-workers. And for every wedding and baby shower I've been to over the past few years, I've found the perfect whimsical cynla card to bring :)
Jill Sandusky said 4 years ago
Beautiful designs Cindy! Super great article describing you and your art! Congrats on the feature!
Sue LaColla said 4 years ago
When it comes to reaching out to someone, the impact is much greater when you send or receive one of these beautiful works of art and love. Anyone could shoot off a quick email or text but Cynla cards are gorgeous, heartfelt and very good quality! Showing you care....really care!
Barbara Gable from CrazyLovely said 4 years ago
The cards are lovely! I love the whimsy. Congratulations on the new baby
Lucinda Makowsky said 4 years ago
I love giving people Cynla cards because it's not just a card it's a work of art. I agree that the people I give them to feel more connected and special because the card is so beautiful and one of kind.
Jennifer and Gary Pierce from LoftAtticEarth said 4 years ago
Your cards make me feel happy! The colors and curves and messages are healing! Thanks for sharing your talent with the world. Blessings to your family as your business grows.
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 4 years ago
Beautifully designed! Beautifully created!
Eleni from PlexisArt said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop !!! Congrats on the feature....
erinf115 from HarpandThistle said 4 years ago
So proud of you Cindy! Hudson Valley Represent!!! :D
Gwynne Collins from DaysLongGone said 4 years ago
Love your art! Your cards are beautiful! Congratulations on the feature!
Suzanne Rorick from SRorickArt said 4 years ago
Congrats on the feature Cindy! I love your whimsical and colourful designs. I can relate to your comment about how drawing helps with anxiety and relaxation. I'm an artist as well and watercolor painting is my outlet. The many moons calendar looks awesome!
Davide Moretti from SensyArt said 4 years ago
Sono veramente belli! Realizzi un ottimo prodotto. Mi piace molto.
Olga from LinenAndTailor said 4 years ago
Congrats on the feature! Lovely designs!
Dorothy from JewelrybyDorothy said 4 years ago
Love your work! Congrats on the feature!
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 4 years ago
very cute and creative!!! congratulations on the feature :)
haelleah said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature! I love how woodsy your featured cards feel - I can picture all of the trees and leaves you must be looking out on! Your holiday cards are amazing! Can't wait to use more this season!
Olesya Bagriy from BelkaUA said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop!!! Congratulations on the feature!
marggie hennessy from LoveFreeStyle said 4 years ago
Love Cylna's designs, very unique and original! Great feature, love reading about other artists!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 4 years ago
So sweet and relatable ~ Beautiful inside and out !
Cindy LaColla from cynla said 4 years ago
Thank you thank you for all of the beautiful comments on my art! Hearing these kind words keeps me creating and inspires me. I really appreciate all of the support and love! ♥
ArabellaReason from ArabellaReason said 4 years ago
Congratulations on your new baby and the shop feature! I enjoyed reading about you and your story. The illustrations are wonderful! Wishing you continued success!
kalacolla said 4 years ago
What a beautiful feature Cynla!! Congratulations and high hopes for your best selling season yet!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 4 years ago
Beautiful work of art! Congratulations on the feature!
Saba from satorstudio said 4 years ago
Congratulations, Cindy ;) Your drawings are super cute!
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 4 years ago
I love your holiday cards! Congrats on the feature!
Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said 4 years ago
Lovely work, congrats on the feature!
Tim and Brigita Cornwell from jacobswoodentoys said 4 years ago
Such beautiful designs! Lovely shop. All the best of success to you.
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 4 years ago
Beautiful work! Congratulations on the feature!
Etrennes from Etrennes said 4 years ago
You are so talented! Beautiful designs and combination of colours...Wishing you all the best for continued success!!!
aressa from OriginalBridalHanger said 4 years ago
I just love your product...Your designs are so much fun and truly amazing! Thanks for sharing your talents!
Book Clutches Store from BookClutchStore said 4 years ago
Very interesting post :) I like such illustrations , it's a really good job! Greetings from Latvia & take care :)
Jeannie from heartfeltwhimsy said 4 years ago
I just looked at your shop location and realized you are in the same town as me! Your work is beautiful and such fun. Best wishes for continued success!
Sharron Boren from TheMedicineShack said 4 years ago
Congratulations!
Suzanne Wood from SueSewsStudio said 4 years ago
Love your cards - they are great!
Patti Jacob from envisionandCREATE said 4 years ago
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your beautiful designs! And I adore the camping birthday card! Truly amazing work and detail! Congratulations on the feature and best wishes with continued success and joy in what you do!!
Madison Street Beauty from MadisonStreetBeauty said 4 years ago
Beautiful cards :) Congrats!
Rachel Bingaman from BingArt said 4 years ago
Oh my goodness, your cards are just fantastic! Congrats on a well deserved feature :)
Leighton Sjoren from LastStitchLeather said 4 years ago
I want to be more successful with Etsy, but I'm not sure where to find resources that will help me succeed. Can anyone point me in the direction of some resources that you would consider invaluable for beginning Etsy makers?
Regina Dueño from ReginaDueno said 4 years ago
Cindy, the artist for Cynla, is a creative inspiration. Her designs are wonderful! Cynla's paper goods are the perfect gift. They really add beauty to your day.
Teerasak Borkam from TribalAndHarem said 4 years ago
Perfect card สุดยอด
Madeleine Keller from ThoseGoodVibrations said 4 years ago
wow your illustrations are so adorable and heartwarming! congrats on the feature!
Relly from RelsFindsNapaValley said 4 years ago
Hi Cindy, you have beautiful artwork... I just became a fan of yours. Congratulations shop Cynla!
deardear from deardearArt said 4 years ago
great shop
Elly Lazaro from ButterflyGhost said 4 years ago
Lovely cards. Beautiful work : )
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 4 years ago
I totally agree that it is so hard to find a right card for men. I always have to draw or make card myself for my husband. I wish I know a little bit more about the printing process of card. It is a beautiful shop.
Robert LaColla from rtlacolla said 4 years ago
Congrats Cindy on the great feature! I know what Cynla means to you and this reflects you and your process so well. As your husband, I'm happy to take credit for the whiskey card creation but like all of your cards, you bring something unique of your own and that's what makes Cynla cards special. I'm so blessed to be a part of your life.
PSOGLAVKA KLARA from PSOGLAVKA said 4 years ago
Congrats!Beautiful cards=)
emaxtees from EmaxTees said 4 years ago
Keep up the good work, its nice to see so much beauty ;)
klok1975 said 4 years ago
I love the fun, playfulness and whimsy of Cynla's creations. They're heartfelt, colorful and filled with love! Cynla's detail and creativity never cease to amaze and surprise me. I love supporting a fellow New Yorker and her beautiful, creative work.
Domenic Tripodi said 4 years ago
Great story! I've been exclusively using Cindy's cards for about 2 years now and I always get compliments on them. People are always asking where I got them from. Congratulations on the featured story and your continued success.
Alyson Brown from AlysonReneeNYC said 4 years ago
Beautiful work Cindy! The artistry & impeccable details are fascinating. Congratulations on your success!
lamusekalliope from LaMuseKalliope said 4 years ago
What beautiful illustrations! They really stuck my happy chord. Congrats!
Angela Colombo from AngieColomboJewelry said 4 years ago
Great feature! I love handmade cards and I am looking forward to placing my first order with Cynla. I love her artwork and inspiration, so thank you for featuring this artist!
Eugenia Yang from Moobury said 4 years ago
Congrats! Such beautiful cards!! Your story is an inspiration. <3
Valerie Knecht from NaughtyBirdDesigns said 4 years ago
Loved reading about you and your work. Congratulations! Your cards are wonderful. Wishing you much success!!
Amy Madden from sweetolivejewelry said 4 years ago
Congrats, Cindy! Love your moon calendars!
Sandrine B. from SandrineBjewelry said 4 years ago
Such a great write up about your cards and moon calendar!!! They are so beautiful!! Congratulations!!
yukishop from yukishop said 4 years ago
Congratulation on your etsy feature. So many people made nice comments. I am impressed and so proud of you. keep up your beautiful work !!
DivineOrders from DivineOrders said 4 years ago
GLORIOUS! Congrats on the feature. Thank you Cindy for sharing your artistic journey, positive energy, and lovely designs with us. - Peace.
ali1342880 said 4 years ago
So nice to see you get the recognition you deserve! I love buying my Christmas cards from you each year; I can always find the perfect ones.
Bobby White said 4 years ago
Congrats Cindy! Beautiful site and designs! Its tough to actually use the cards because I'd rather keep them for myself :) Love the calendar too! February is my favorite, I might just keep that up all year :)
hitchins said 4 years ago
I ordered cards from cynla they are beautiful I will order more for all occasions
Lady Ly from LadyLyBoutique said 3 years ago
This artist is very talented.
Sally from SallysVintageKitchen said 3 years ago
Beautiful cards! Congratulations on the feature.
Sharon from YearsAfter said 2 years ago
Beautiful Whimsical Art! Congrats on the feature!
Sarane Lyons said 1 year ago
Cindy, I love the owl card, it is whimsical and upbeat. Your work is great. Sincerely, Sarane Lyons
Denise from Vinderful said 85 days ago
Rec'd my cards quickly and I'm so happy with them . Can't wait to send them in another month.