Since I started making cards in 2001, I have always leaned toward a CAS (Clean and Simple) aesthetic. It’s always the objective with my day-to-day designs, although I admit I don’t always get there. What does CAS really mean, anyway? Mind if I take a quick stab at it?
CAS (Clean and Simple) is a minimalistic design aesthetic. The white space is often regarded as sacred in a CAS design. While there might be some great texture or depth to a CAS card, there’s typically not a lot going on. The elements that ARE presented speak for themselves. The best way for me to describe CAS card making is to tell you what CAS is NOT and to draw a comparison to two other things I know a lot about: stand up comedy and food. Here goes…
- “Clean” is not synonymous with “easy.” In card making, there’s a misconception that a clean card is much easier to produce than a card that is overflowing with ribbons, punches and buttons. That’s not the case. While there certainly might not be as many steps to completing a CAS card, it often times takes much more work to edit yourself and to trim down the elements in a card, to let the design elements speak for themselves. The same is true of comedy. While an audience might guffaw with laughter over a potty-mouthed comedian, that comedian takes the easy way out and doesn’t have to work nearly as hard as the one who carefully crafts his/her words and stories to engage an audience without being vulgar. Anyone can laugh at a vulgar phrase or sentence, but is it really funny? A smart comedian knows that every word is important and that every sentence is carefully planned. (By the way, the word “snickerdoodle” is funnier than “cookie,” and “mueslix” is funnier than “cereal”). A CAS card maker understands that every bit of ink, paper or embelishment added to a card plays a very important role.
- “Simple” is not synonymous with “common.” There’s something magical about designing a card that only showcases a few elements BUT that is also unique and wonderful. A simple design captures all that you need to capture and then stops. Done. Pencils down. That’s what makes the card unique. In my humble opinion, the card gets more and more ordinary as you add to it. Sounds counter-intuitive, but it’s true! The same is true of food. Now, I have nothing against a good, Southern casserole – the ooey, gooey, cheesy mixture of some cooked down vegetables and meats with a buttery, bready topping. Yum! BUT, my FAVORITE foods are those that are preapared with just a few ingredients where those ingredients can each be tasted and are allowed to really shine. Oven-roasted brocolli with garlic and a splash of lemon juice? Ever had it? Mmmm. Nothing better. You can taste every delicious ingredient. A warm, buttery cookie with chocolate chips that allows you taste the butter, the sugar, the vanilla, the chocolate. Simple, but not common.
I have a huge appreciation for vintage looks and shabby sheek designs, so please don’t digest this entry as a diss to those styles. The folks who complete these projects are as talented as those of us who stick with CAS. I get it. Perhaps I’m just not cut out to design and complete those looks, so I have to stick with what I know.
What do you think? What separates CAS from other styles? What styles do you prefer?
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Brian
Ah! I didn’t let my eyes glaze over and read every word, keeping track of my slide bar to the right to see if I was yet finished with your little ditty! Only to get to the end and not see a stunning CAS Card. You owe me! 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Patti, hit the “previous post” button over and over. You’ll see a bunch of CAS cards. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Oh look! There’s the Comedian coming out of you! 🙂
Well said, Brian, (and with humor… no surprise there!)…
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Thanks. I miss you, Katy!
I have often seen CAS in statements and wondered what it was. Thanks for explaining. Also, I think some vintage and shabby chic cards can be CAS — a little frilly with only a few embellishments. Finding the right balance is the key.
Thanks for your comment. I completely agree, Kathy! Shabby sheek and vintage CAN make for beautiful CAS cards – it’s all about balance. Thanks!
What a great post Brian! I am a KISS girl at heart 🙂 I am finding that the flower in Blooming with Kindness is such a versatile set to incorporate in CAS cards! Have a great day!
I am so thrilled I’ve found your website or blog or whatever it is–I’m kind of simple in my use of technical terms, too! I enjoy your comments and the cards you post today and your thoughtful and thought-provoking description of clean and simple really describes my favorite design in paper and everything else, for that matter. Thank you so much for taking the time to be so inspiring. Jeanie in Wenatchee WA
Thank you so much! I can’t tell you how much this means to me. I love this stuff, and I love I share it. It’s so wonderful when that comes across.
I meant I enjoy the cards and comments you post every day (not today) now my comment will make more sense. 🙂
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I just discovered your blog a month or so ago and absolutely love it!!! I love CAS cards and that is why I love your cards. Great cards!! Great humor!! I can’t wait to open your e-mail every morning.
Awww! Thanks JoAnn! I’m so happy you enjoy it. I really appreciate the positive feedback!
As a new stamper, I’m still finding my style, but I think CAS is going to be it. It seems to work for those on a budget, too! 🙂 Love your tutorials and your humor!
I agree with everything! CAS cards speak volumes without all the drama if that makes sense!? Loved your take on it but the thing that is calling me right now is the roasted brocoli with garlic and a splash of lemon! Sounds delish!
I have been working on CAS cards since I found Mary Fish’s blog a few years back–& am STILL working on this style. No, CAS is not easy–but it is so worth all the effort. Thanks for the great explanation Brian, & for posting you wonderful CAS cards.
I don`t want to come in here like Mary Poppins ,but I like them all ! Depends on who it goes to or what my latest stamp set or die might be …I just love the creation part of it ,but since food got brought into the act so to speak … clean and simple to me is a melt in your mouth pound cake or a home grown vegtable that has some flavor from ripening in the sun . Good blog Brian….again you knocked it out of the park…you are developing a fan following….BTW…I detest trash mouth comedians!!!
Love this post, because it has explained to me why I’m NOT a CAS kinda stamper (yet??)….it is NOT easy just coz it’s CAS. I am master of the complex and complicated (and fussy, and wordy, and EXCESS), but paring things down to their bare bones and making it look great–that does indeed take a special talent!
I guess instead of “KISS”, I’m more “SMOOCH” (sooooooooo much overdone on card here), but I’m working on finding my groove! –Terri
I’m trying that brocolli! You made it sound soooo yummy… LoL. The card was so clean and simple, I missed it… LoL. Awesome article Bri-an.
Pam Morris has the recipe. I’ve had this before, but hers is “lick the plate and lick the saute pan and lick the grill pan” good. No exaggeration…