Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Carmen-Duffy

Hi Susan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

While I believe that art is a skill that you practice (and I do) I also believe there is something that drives us to choose a certain life path. For me, art has been an important part of who I am probably since I was able to sit up and hold a crayon. The act of creation not only gives me peace but also, feels completely natural. I have often referred to creating art as “my oxygen” and it is very apparent when I have not taken the time to create. Just as if I lacked oxygen, when I do not take time to be creative, my life is not as balanced or full. There is something dynamic about the desire to create. It inspires curiosity, passion, and tenacity. Being an artist, to express myself in this way, is a gift.

While I majored in art in high school, I did not go to college for art until my late forties when I returned to school to study graphic design. My fine art “skills” are all acquired through endless practice, reading, and research. The degrees I earned validated me in a way I wasn’t even aware that I needed.
Something in me seemed to want to be an entrepreneur as well. I even tried to sell my own homemade magazine when I was about seven years old. I would write it, illustrate it, and then trace copies of the original and coerce my family into purchasing them and perhaps supplementing my allowance.

I have had several creative businesses in my lifetime, but when I opened Create Art 4 Good it felt like the most powerful one. My mother had recently passed away, and I was searching for bigger meaning in my life. I suppose I wanted a way to leave a positive mark. I needed a big project, I researched, wrote a business plan, and carefully put together each step towards not only success but also consciously planning to use this business to make a difference in my community.

The business is now nearly fifteen years old. While it has grown and changed, the core ideas remain: to get more art into the world, encourage others to create and share their work and pay it forward. I am honored to say that I have felt very supported in this business from the very beginning. I have had the opportunity to support several local charities, highlight and encourage the work of hundreds of artists, as well as I have my work collected all over North America as well as Europe, and Asia.

A little over eight years ago, I opened a second business: Greetings 4 Good. Greetings 4 Good is a stationery business. It utilizes my art, writing into greeting cards, fine art prints, as well as other products. (think all things paper!) As a self-proclaimed “cardaholic”, it seemed to be an inspired idea to create my own cards. Cards have utility, they are thoughtful, and they are accessible.

There certainly has been a learning curve in creating a greeting card business. Going to school for graphic design is not the same as designing every single day professionally. The printing world is constantly changing. Technology is advancing and requires me to grow with it. There are countless aspects to the design and implementation of a greeting card business. I do love the design aspect and I certainly love it when I receive a new shipment of cards. Sometimes I am less enchanted with the technical issues that seem to arise all too often.

My favorite cards are the ones that are sent for no reason. Thinking of you, encouragement, sweet, and sometimes silly, these cards are the backbone of Greetings 4 Good. I believe that supporting others in unexpected ways is a tremendous gift. I make cards and I send cards too! I am proud to say they are created and printed in New York State (Monroe County even!) My tagline is “a little bit of love in every envelope”. This is not just a tagline, but a way of doing business. I believe that it is important to put everything I am into my business. The ability to spread love is part of my mission.

I have learned in life there always seems to be a next step. I think if you listen to the universe (God, or whomever you see as directing the big picture) you learn and grow. The door opens for you to serve in a deeper way. The transition from creating greeting cards to designing affirmation decks has been an incredible and fulfilling journey. For years, my greeting cards allowed me to share art and positive messages that touched people during life’s special moments, from celebrations to times of comfort. But I began to feel a pull toward something more intentional—a way to combine my creativity with a deeper purpose. That’s when the idea of affirmation decks came to life.

Ironically the affirmation deck has been a desire for a long time, but the work I created never seemed quite good enough. In 2023 I met friends for lunch. They knew about the affirmation project and they asked me how it was going. I shamefully responded that it was still a muddled mess on my computer. It didn’t feel good enough. These friends smiled that all-knowing smile and suggested I get back to work. After a pep talk from them, I felt directed to try again. I started completely over! Four days later I had a completed deck of fifty-two cards and I was ready to go to press. I know this sounds like magic, however, it was more than all the pieces were there, they just had to be assembled.

In recent years, I have done extensive research on the contrast of negative thinking and the power of positive thoughts. As someone who has been challenged by depression, I consistently seek ways to be healthy and overcome my own personal challenges. Affirmations have been a positive focus for me.
Studies suggest that the average person has up to 60,000 thoughts per day, and around 80% of these are negative, while 95% are repetitive. This repetitive negativity can reinforce negative patterns over time. Conversely, positive thoughts improve mood: Research shows that practicing positive thinking, such as gratitude or affirmations, can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Something as simple as a deck of cards with positive messaging, used to begin on a positive note daily could make a difference.

These decks are an extension of me: every piece of art, every word of encouragement, every sentiment is entirely my own. They’re more than just products—they’re heartfelt tools designed to inspire, guide, and empower others to connect with their inner strength and dreams.

What started as a passion for sharing beauty through greeting cards has evolved into a mission to help people manifest their best lives. The feedback from patrons has been astounding. In the first month, after I released the first deck, I reprinted it three times! It’s been profoundly rewarding to know that my work isn’t just being seen but is making a real, positive impact in people’s daily lives. This transition has brought me closer to my purpose and filled my creative journey with even greater meaning. The feedback has been incredible. I am encouraged and excited. There will be new decks in 2025.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

There are always struggles in life, aren’t there? Each has taught me thought and I do my best to be grateful for the lessons. I don’t always understand the “why”, but I try to learn the lesson well.

Also, as I mentioned, my self-doubts got in the way of publishing my first deck. I wanted this deck to be powerful and useful for those who owned it. All too often artists sort of get in their own head about things, I am no exception.

There are always printing issues too. The first test run was horrible! I was so nervous about it, that I initially only ordered twenty-five decks. I decided if I didn’t sell any, I could give them as gifts! After receiving the initial test, I discussed it with my printer who determined they had calibrated the prints incorrectly. So, we tried again! The second test run was perfect! It took my breath away. I was so excited I doubled my order. (feeling like this was a bold move, little did I know it wouldn’t be enough!)

To date, I have printed five different decks. Two affirmation decks, a self-care deck, an art inspiration deck, and a financial abundance deck. The last one I collaborated with a financial advisor. I have had concerns each time, yet each time it felt incredibly exhilarating when I opened the box of new decks.

The struggles do not outweigh the passion for this project. While there are always issues that may arise, the end result carries me through.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I began my professional career creating hand-built pottery. My strengths included creating texture and flowing sculptural pieces. It was then that I began by doing art shows and eventually, several galleries sold my work as well.
Once my family grew it was difficult to have three children and spend ten hours a day in the studio making pottery. I eventually transitioned to two-dimensional work. While I still love details and the magical flow, it was just created a little differently. I became a mixed-media artist because each medium is wonderful, but mixed together, the strength of each piece becomes more dynamic and more incredible.

My work utilizes a harmonious blend of bold colors, intricate textures, and organic shapes. I am influenced by the seasons, nature, emotional wellness, and authenticity. No piece is ever perfect, but that too is an opportunity that I cherish (once I am done being frustrated by it) I learn and grow every time I pick up a paintbrush.

I specialize in watercolor and acrylic painting, with other mediums applied as well. Colored pencil, collage, ink, even stitching with fiber! I often translate these paintings into a digital image so that they can be utilized in my giclee prints, greeting cards, and affirmation decks.

I am known for my advocacy of others.
Artists of all experience levels still need encouragement, both in business as well as technique. I facilitate many art workshops, but I believe that we are each our own best teacher, I love to cheerlead and share my experience. I have been honored to work with artists as young as two and also as mature as eighty-eight.

I am known for socially conscious events and advocacy. My philanthropic goals are not limited to donations from each sale, but also doing my best to respect and support those in our population who are not seen, and who are marginalized and underserved. Recently I collaborated with Habitat for Humanity and Wegmans to create a set of greeting cards that benefits Habitat and the incredible work they are doing. This was a project full of love!

I am most proud of my family. I suppose that goes without saying. My husband is my greatest support. His technical brain and my artistic one work well together. My three children have grown into incredible human beings. We are blessed by the partners they have chosen too. They are good people, doing good things in the world, and making a difference every day. I am also thrilled to be a grandmother! My granddaughter is something special and is quite an artist herself.

In business, I am most proud of creating a business that incorporates all of who I am: creative, advocate, entrepreneur, socially aware, spiritual, and more. I am proud that my business is nearly fifteen years old and survived things like a global pandemic and until recently- working a full-time job besides my business. I am proud that I have learned to look for and move through the next step. I am honored that this is what I get to do every day. A creative business is not for the faint of art, but I cannot imagine doing anything else. (well, maybe writing a book or two, but that is for another interview!)

I believe what sets me apart from others is the holistic approach. Some of my decisions likely don’t make sense to other business people. However, I have learned to follow my heart and to do what feels right instead of what might be right for someone else. I consider myself a cheerleader. I don’t feel like I am in competition with anyone else other than myself. I believe rising tides lift all boats. There is room for everyone at the table.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?

The art industry is poised for significant evolution over the next 5–10 years, shaped by emerging technologies, shifting consumer values, and evolving market dynamics.

I believe artists can specialize their work to appeal to the growing desire for unique work. Everything is easily personalized and can be uniquely created. The use of technology has influenced that. I utilize Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop every single day. This has allowed me to create my greeting cards and affirmation decks with technical precision. It has empowered my success. I cannot imagine being able to do all that I do without these tools.
I do hope that artists will continue to pick up a paintbrush and create work that has a meaningful process to them. I know many are afraid of AI technology, that somehow we will get lost in the electronic world, but I believe there is no replacement for paint and canvas. The process of creation is magical. I wouldn’t want anything or anyone to take that away from me.

Environmental concerns will heavily influence consumer choices, pushing artists and manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly practices. Products made from recycled, biodegradable, or sustainable materials will gain traction. Greeting Cards can be printed on recycled paper or embedded with plantable seeds. Art-inspired goods like tote bags, journals, and homewares will emphasize sustainable production and packaging.

We are already moving forward with a focus on mental health and self-care. This will bolster demand for products that foster emotional well-being. Art with inspirational or therapeutic elements will gain prominence. Self-care decks, affirmation decks, and the like will bloom. I am personally excited by this. Finding a way to make my art reach and support the well-being of others is truly fulfilling.

I believe we will still want an in-person experience, however, the post-COVID world has changed our consumer behaviors. We shop more online than ever before. I believe this will continue to trend. Artists will need to perfect their websites to stay competitive and give their patrons a unique experience.

For me professionally, I believe I am in a period of growth. I have been pushing myself artistically to try new things, dig deeper, and explore more. Curiosity serves me well! Affirmation and other decks have been a huge focus for me during the last year. I am certain that there will be countless new decks created. (I have pages filled with ideas that will be the seed that blooms into a new deck.) I plan on my greeting cards becoming available nationally in retail stores. I also anticipate getting the several books I have written off of the hard drive and into a printer. I am sure there are things that I haven’t even thought of yet. That is all part of this wonderous journey!
I believe that things bloom when they are ready. In the past, I have worried I have missed opportunities, or perhaps squandered time or resources. From where I sit now, I believe that I have been gaining the tools and the confidence I need to bloom. I believe that I have been blessed with a path that hasn’t always been easy but has taught me so much. I don’t think we ever actually “arrive”. I think every day is an opportunity to learn and grow. I think every moment is a new possibility. I am excited about my next steps.

Pricing:

• Seeds of Affirmation- Deck 1 $30
• Empowering Affirmations – Deck 2 $30
• Self Care Deck – Deck 3 $30
• Creative Inspirations – Art Deck $30
• Greeting cards = $5-6 each.

Contact Info:

• Website: Greetings4Good.org (ecommerce site) CreateArt4Good.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susan_carmen_duffy_art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.carmenduffy

Image Credits

Gabrielle Duffy
Susan Carmen-Duffy