Monday, September 17, 2018

Dave Hall, Joanne Eschrich, and Don Hall Jr.

WoW! How good times fly! I’ll try to make my story/journey brief:

In 1981 Hallmark offered me an artist position in Greeting Cards, but weeks before starting, they called and asked if I would help out in the “Gift and Occasion” department that created everything else but cards. (gift wrap, bags, stickers, albums, party, etc… and yes, Merry Miniatures) Of course I said yes and began my exciting career as an illustration artist for Hallmark. I mostly painted cute animals and even helped out my Supervisor who had newly created a character called “Rainbow Brite”. I learned so much from G.G. Santiago, including sculpting. I loved creating in 3D. It was as though I could make my drawings come to life. 14 years later, Patti Streeper and Don Hall Jr., who ran Keepsakes at the time, asked me to “hang up my 2D paint brush” and join them in Keepsakes. Once I started, I never looked back! I loved it, not just for the product, but for the opportunity to meet all of you who truly enjoy what we do. Thank you for making my switch in careers so worthwhile and so rewarding. You are very much appreciated.