White Calling Card

The Pioneer of Black Greeting Cards, Cleven Goudeau

Everything man-made we see and use nowadays has got a creator. This creator held an idea which turned into a concept. From that concept came the vision. Then the vision became reality, but with reality follows several questions such as ‘What will it look like?’, ‘is it needed or wanted?’’ or ‘how will it be applied by the end user?’ these all need responses. With every new product made, it can then be adjusted by somebody else who has another vision and so the cycle of production continues and grows.

A man named Cleven Goudeau A.K.A (also known as) “Goodie” bore such a vision, which was way back in 1963. Mr Cleven Goudeau’s vision has granted many including myself to participate in the journey he began so long ago. A journey of acknowledging that black art and culture exists and should be seen.

Goodie is rightfully the Pioneer and Innovator of Black Contemporary Greeting Cards. It had to start somewhere and it began with this man. Black greeting card businesses nowadays whether they are an internet site or a market store in your local town didn’t exist. Come to think of it when Goodie’s artistry talent was 1st printed in a newspaper in 1951, the internet, which we have come to depend on today didn’t yet exist since the World Wide Web was born in 1969. Nothing on these lines existed when Goodie took those bold 1st steps and developed his 1st black card in 1963. Other people didn’t even realise these steps needed to be taken. But that is the beautiful thing about ideas, it only takes one individual to envision something special and to follow up on it. Then that idea contributes great changes to society and then society adjusts to let in those great ideas. It’s taken numerous years for this man “Goodie” to be acknowledged and granted such a title of “Pioneer of Black Greeting Cards”.

He has opened many doors for ethnic greeting card designers like me, yet many black people still don’t know this courageous man exists and the achievements he reached. I truly believe without his vision in 1963, we would not see black cultured greeting cards today.

You have to also remember that when Goodie’s vision happened segregation was still about. A time when black people where looked down upon, not worthy of sharing the same schools with our white counter parts. With all this happening, what Goodie did was a heroic accomplishment up there with Rosa Parks, riding at the front of the bus accomplishment. Its people like Goodie that inspires me and makes me really love my black culture. A culture, that’s overpowered numerous obstacles and is still breaking down barriers today.

The turning point for Goodie was when his mother was sick and had to go to hospital. Wanting to give her an exceptional card he designed his own Get Well card. The doctors and nurses enjoyed it so much that this single black greeting card found its way around the entire hospital. With such an outstanding response his first line of “Goodie Cards” was born. Which I find ironic for that was the reason I began my line of greeting cards, but I designed my black card for mother’s day. His cards sold at local speciality stores in 1966.  He attempted to get help with a business loan of $50,000 but was refused. Goodie was entering an industry with a brand new product which had no rules, no standard, and no nothing. An outstanding product for over 20 million black people to enjoy but the white establishments in the industry didn’t understand. The greeting card industry then was worth $800 million annually and had only four major participants. Yet these major participants weren’t creating black greeting cards.  In 1968 Goodie became the co-founder and executive creative director of Onyx Enterprises Inc. This was the only greeting card company that created black greeting cards and white greeting cards side by side nationally. Sadly Goodie departed the greeting card business in1973 due to unsatisfying sales and complications with marketing.

His product had its own merits and required nothing more than equal acceptance by the companies already in the greeting card industry. For he was in a time when black people had to prove themselves. This great vision wasn’t embraced like it ought to have been all because they didn’t want to understand what black people needed and wanted. Thanks to the most high and his blessed gift his range of Goodie Cards allowed him to put three kids through college, however Hallmark and other greeting card companies will happily support the statement that ‘there was no market for black greeting cards’ and completely deny the black market. Yet their statement just doesn’t add up, why because black people have always existed and we have the same demands as any other culture. So if white people have a way to share happy celebrated moments by sending greeting cards, why would not their black counter parts want the same.

Nowadays Goodie works with students introducing them to the world of cartooning through classes at Micheal’s in Vallejo, while also teaching classes at the Vallejo Arts Foundation.

This great man ought be part of black history and be commemorated for what he’s done, for so many of us striving to succeed in the greeting card industry with our own range of black greeting cards. He’s accomplished a lot and collapsed so many barriers for us, yet this great man is so humble, he is truly blessed.

His words, is the only way to finish this epic story:

“I create things that can’t be denied”.

Happy Learning.

About the Author

J. Walker is a designer, publisher and researcher. If this article interests you, visit her website here:More Black Greeting Cards or her http://jwgreetings.com/Blog/index.php/page/2/Blog

Calling Card – WHITE DAZE

VINTAGE CALLING / BUSINESS CARD C. W. WHITE & CO. INC. BOSTON MASSACHUSETTES $19.01

VINTAGE CALLING / BUSINESS CARD DOOLITTLE & WHITE ELKHORN HOUSE LIVERY WISCONSIN $65.90

Martha Stewart Stickers Flowers Birds Wedding Baby New $1.92

1902 WHITE HOUSE CALLING CARDS & HANKIES 1st Lady Roosevelt & Maine Gov. Hill $329.48

Classic White Calling Card by Martha Stewart $75 Classic White Calling Card by Martha Stewart:

Calling Card $65 Calling Card:

Avocado Calling Card $61 • Avocado Calling Card • Set Includes: Calling Cards • Cardstock Color: Avocado Green • Envelope Color: • Font Style as shown • Size: 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ Is it a calling card or a business card? Well, the Avocado Calling Card is a little bigger than a “normal” business card, but these have a little more flair and the ability to say as much, or as little, as you want. The paper stock is textured and avocado in color. The text is available in plum ink only and font appears as shown in sample. Be sure to add your personalization exactly as you would like it to appear on your card. White envelopes are available for an upgrade with this card.

Ecru Calling Card $61 • Ecru Calling Card • Set Includes:Calling Cards • Cardstock Color: Cream • Envelope Color: • Font Style as shown • Size: 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ Is it a calling card or a business card? Well, the Ecru Calling Card is a little bigger than a “normal” business card, but these have a little more flair and the ability to say as much, or as little, as you want. The paper stock is textured and ecru cream in color. The text is available in navy ink only and font appears as shown in sample. Be sure to add your personalization exactly as you would like it to appear on your card. White envelopes are available for an upgrade with this card.

Sky Calling Card $61 • Sky Calling Card • Set Includes: Calling Cards • Cardstock Color: Sky Blue • Envelope Color: • Font Style as shown • Size: 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ Is it a calling card or a business card? Well, the Sky Calling Card is a little bigger than a “normal” business card, but these have a little more flair and the ability to say as much, or as little, as you want. The paper stock is textured and sky blue in color. The text is available in green ink only and font appears as shown in sample. Be sure to add your personalization exactly as you would like it to appear on your card. White envelopes are available for an upgrade with this card.

Kelly Calling Card $61 • Kelly Calling Card • Set Includes: Calling Cards • Cardstock Color: Green • Envelope Color: • Font Style as shown • Size: 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ Is it a calling card or a business card? Well, the Kelly Calling Card is a little bigger than a “normal” business card, but these have a little more flair and the ability to say as much, or as little, as you want. The paper stock is textured and green in color. The text is available in lime green ink only and font appears as shown in sample. Be sure to add your personalization exactly as you would like it to appear on your card. There is a circle at the top of the card for you to personalize with an initial from your name. White envelopes are available for an upgrade with this card.

Rosa Calling Card $61 • Rosa Calling Card • Set Includes: Calling Cards • Cardstock Color: Lavender • Envelope Color: • Font Style as shown • Size: 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ Is it a calling card or a business card? Well, the Rosa Calling Card is a little bigger than a “normal” business card, but these have a little more flair and the ability to say as much, or as little, as you want. The paper stock is textured and lavender in color. The text is available in Violet for the company name and Almond for the name & address only and font appears as shown in sample. Be sure to add your personalization exactly as you would like it to appear on your card. White envelopes are available for an upgrade with this card.

Hot Pink Calling Card $61 • Hot Pink Calling Card • Set Includes: Calling Cards • Cardstock Color: Hot Pink • Envelope Color: • Font Style as shown • Size: 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ Is it a calling card or a business card? Well, the Hot Pink Calling Card is a little bigger than a “normal” business card, but these have a little more flair and the ability to say as much, or as little, as you want. The paper stock is textured and hot pink in color. The text is available in silver and hot pink ink only and font appears as shown in sample. Be sure to add your personalization exactly as you would like it to appear on your card. White envelopes are available for an upgrade with this card.

Frost Letterpress Calling Card $148 • Frost Letterpress Calling Card • Set Includes: Calling Cards • Cardstock Color: Frost White • Envelope Color: • Font Style as shown • Size: 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ Is it a calling card or a business card? Well, it’s a little bigger than a “normal” business card, but these have a little more flair and the ability to say as much, or as little, as you want. These are done in letter press style only. The imported paper stock is textured and bright white in color. The text is available in Hot Pink ink for the first name and Blush ink for the last name & address. Font style appears as shown in sample. Be sure to add your personalization exactly as you would like it to appear on your card. Frost White envelopes are available for an upgrade with this card.

Sports Fanatic Calling Cards $32 Sports Fanatic Calling Cards: Calling all sports fans! An orange basketball, a brown football, a yellow tennis ball, a white and red baseball, and a black and white soccer ball sit next to a red sports flag. These calling card stickers are perfect for gift tags, thank you labels, retail packaging, and personalized labels.

Tan Calling Cards $61 • Tan Calling Card • Set Includes: Calling Cards • Cardstock Color: Tan • Envelope Color: • Font Style as shown • Size: 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ Is it a calling card or a business card? Well, the Tan Calling Card is a little bigger than a “normal” business card, but these have a little more flair and the ability to say as much, or as little, as you want. The paper stock is textured and tan in color. The text is available in lavender ink only and font appears as shown in sample. Be sure to add your personalization exactly as you would like it to appear on your card. White envelopes are available for an upgrade with this card.

Our New Address Calling Card $26 Our New Address Calling Card:

Riviera Calling Card – Set of 100 $44.99 Riviera Calling Card – Set of 100

Flourish Calling Card – Set of 100 $44.99 Flourish Calling Card – Set of 100

Calling Card of Humphrey Repton $34.99 Humphry Repton Calling Card of Humphrey Repton – Giclee Print

Mums Calling Card $26 Mums Calling Card: Unique and beautiful photo Graduation Calling cards with your graduate’s photo printed on the backside. Your custom text and font selections will create the perfect calling card to coordinate with your Graduation Announcement. Cards are printed on heavy weight cardstock (120#) and the cards are double side printed, with your graduate’s photo printed on the backside! Calling cards do not come with envelopes.

Flower Bunches Calling Card $26 Flower Bunches Calling Card: Unique and beautiful photo Graduation Calling cards with your graduate’s photo printed on the backside. Your custom text and font selections will create the perfect calling card to coordinate with your Graduation Announcement. Cards are printed on heavy weight cardstock (120#) and the cards are double side printed. Calling cards do not come with envelopes.

Crane & Co. White Calling Card Copper Fleur De Lis Motif – Set of 50 $178 • 100% Cotton • White Calling Card with Copper Fleur de Lis Motif • Thermographed printing • 64 lb. Pearl White Calling Cards • Choice of lettering style and ink color • 2 x 3 1/2 inches Make an impression without saying a word. These copper ink Fleur de Lis themed calling cards are available with your contact information thermographed in a choice of lettering styles and ink colors. 100% cotton paper.

Cream Letterpress Calling Card $148 • Cream Letterpress Calling Card • Set Includes: Calling Cards • Cardstock Color: Cream • Envelope Color: • Font Style as shown • Size: 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ Is it a calling card or a business card? Well, it’s a little bigger than a “normal” business card, but these have a little more flair and the ability to say as much, or as little, as you want. These cards are done in letter press style only. The imported paper stock is textured and cream in color. The text is available in sea foam ink only and font appears as shown in sample. Be sure to add your personalization exactly as you would like it to appear on your card. Cream envelopes are available for an upgrade with this card.

Calling Cards: Business and Calling Card Design $3.95 For business or social exchange, a beautiful, clever card is the easiest and most economical way to promote your business or yourself. In Victoria Calling Cards, 100 calling and business cards are displayed, ranging from the traditional to the surprising in various shapes, sizes, and designs. Ingenious use of artwork, card stock, typography, printing methods, and finishes are displayed, and the thinking behind each card is explained. Helpful descriptions of design techniques and a listing of sources show how you can create your own business card, suitable to your particular needs.

Martha Stewart Classic White Calling Cards – Set of 25 by Crane & Co. $75 • Corresponding invitation: MSWA9001 • Martha Stewart Classic White Calling Cards • Thermographed Printing • Crane’s 96 lb. Fluorescent White Card • 100% Cotton, Tree-Free • Calling card, measures 2 15/32 x 3 7/16 inches Graceful curves surround a classic Roman letter duogram combining both the bride and groom’s initials. Traditional script text gilds the timeless appeal of Gold printing on crisp white paper.

Brown and Green Hourglass Calling Card $26 Brown and Green Hourglass Calling Card : Unique and beautiful photo Graduation Calling cards with your graduate’s photo printed on the backside. Your custom text and font selections will create the perfect calling card to coordinate with your Graduation Announcement. Cards are printed on heavy weight cardstock (120#) and the cards are double side printed, with your graduate’s photo printed on the backside! Calling cards do not come with envelopes.

Grey Modern Circles Calling Card $26 Grey Modern Circles Calling Card: Unique and beautiful photo Graduation Calling cards with your graduate’s photo printed on the backside. Your custom text and font selections will create the perfect calling card to coordinate with your Graduation Announcement. Cards are printed on heavy weight cardstock (120#) and the cards are double side printed, with your graduate’s photo printed on the backside! Calling cards do not come with envelopes.

Brown Modern Circle Calling Card $26 Brown Modern Circle Calling Card: Unique and beautiful photo Graduation Calling cards with your graduate’s photo printed on the backside. Your custom text and font selections will create the perfect calling card to coordinate with your Graduation Announcement. Cards are printed on heavy weight cardstock (120#) and the cards are double side printed, with your graduate’s photo printed on the backside! Calling cards do not come with envelopes.

Tiffany and Lime Hourglass Calling Card $26 Tiffany and Lime Hourglass Calling Card: Unique and beautiful photo Graduation Calling cards with your graduate’s photo printed on the backside. Your custom text and font selections will create the perfect calling card to coordinate with your Graduation Announcement. Cards are printed on heavy weight cardstock (120#) and the cards are double side printed, with your graduate’s photo printed on the backside! Calling cards do not come with envelopes.

Calling $10 Calling

Crane & Co. Pearl White Calling Cards Monogram – Set of 25 $74 • Thermographed printing • 96 lb. Cards – choice of color: Aqua, Wasabi Ecruwhite, Azure, Pearl White, Grey or Pink • Choice of lettering style, ink color • Card Size: 2 7/16 x 3 3/8 inches Your personal monogram initial is thermograph printed within your contact information on these calling cards. Your choice of lettering style, ink color & paper color. Choose from aqua, wasabi, ecruwhite, azure blue, pearl white, moonstone grey or pink mist card stock to match your own unique style. 100% cotton.

Bosca Old Leather Calling Card Case – Cognac $42 The Calling Card case is perfect for credit and business cards with its four card slots. Its turned stitch construction and petite dimensions make it a great business card carrier. Available Colors: Black, Cognac, Dark Brown.

Bosca Old Leather Calling Card Case – Black $42 The Calling Card case is perfect for credit and business cards with its four card slots. Its turned stitch construction and petite dimensions make it a great business card carrier. Available Colors: Black, Cognac, Dark Brown.