Tim Bodendistel

Art director for Cards With Sound

Translating pop culture into innovative products

"Each day at Hallmark is different. That's what makes my job so much fun," says Hallmark art director Tim Bodendistel. For the past 10 years, Tim's creative expertise has touched gift product, stationery, Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments and greeting cards.

Today, Tim works on Hallmark's Cards with Sound, combining classic and popular songs with words and images to create an unexpected surprise. He's helping expand the line to include sound clips from well-known movies and television shows. "I grew up glued to the television," admits Tim. "Helping create these cards is perfect fit for a TV junkie."

"You have to cast a wide net to keep up with trends and pop culture," Tim says. "I try to get out from behind my computer and drawing board and check out the latest products and store designs."

He and his creative team often turn to one another for inspiration – plus, they've got access to Hallmark's Creative Library, trend spotters, research and dozens of other resources. Tim cites many other influences, some stronger than others. "I admire the artist Shag. His fun, retro-styled design has a great sense of humor," Tim says. "You can tell art is fun for him.

"At Hallmark, we try to focus our sense of fun toward relationships and what people really want to say to each other."

Tim grew up in Grosse Pointe, Mich., and attended the Columbus College of Art and Design in Ohio. Before Hallmark, Tim spent 10 years as an illustrator, art educator and book cover designer; in 2001, his designs were featured in Print magazine's Regional Design Annual. In his spare time, he's a Boy Scout troop leader.