Ditch generic this Valentine’s Day: Create your DIY cards on Kittl

Love is in the air – and so are a million identical heart vectors floating across the design world. Yes, it's that time when Pantone 185 C takes over, and everyone's reaching for the same tired Valentine's card designs.

But here's the thing: whether it's a card that becomes your client's next best-selling product, a fresh take on a brand's Valentine's message, or simply something special for someone – there's still room to create Valentine's cards that actually stand out.

We've rounded up fresh Valentine's card inspiration that goes beyond the usual roses and hearts, plus a look at how Kittl's creative features can help you bring these ideas to life with your own twist.

No more settling for the same old love story – let's create something worth remembering.

For the lover of all classics

Forget everything you know about traditional Valentine's cards. Classic romance isn't about saccharine sweet nothings and decorating it with dripping pink hearts.

It's about capturing emotion that feels raw, real, and utterly unforgettable and pairing it with elements of timeless love like this:

The best way to ace this theme? By playing with typography like a poet. Mix bold, unexpected quotes with delicate script fonts or calligraphy.

Also experiment around with text effects where you can emphasize your message even more with choices to distort, transform, and turn your text into something more dynamic.

In fact, try to use the one-click “wave” effect on Kittl to mimic the classic ribbons or swirling script for the more classic kick. Add in some vintage frame effects and little cupids, and viola, you’ve just recreated a retro valentine’s day card.

For the humorous hearts

Humor in Valentine's cards isn't about cheap laughs – it's about that perfect moment of surprise that makes someone snort-laugh and then look at you with total adoration.

The magic happens in the unexpected. It's not just about slapping a joke on a card – it's about creating a visual narrative that makes people do a double-take. 

Try tweaking your punchline with a handwriting-like font to make it look more effortless and personal. While you’re at it, couple it with an adorable illustration to emphasize your punchline.

Something like this would probably get them snort-laughing and looking at you with total adoration:

Or you can dive into Kittl’s comprehensive illustration libraries and text effects that allow you to find something more original and up to your taste.

Running out of time? We have templates that you can easily tweak in just a few seconds:

For the minimalists

Minimalism isn’t about emptiness—it’s about intention. Every single detail has a role to play, and nothing feels out of place. For pro designers, it’s about using restraint while creating something that feels rich and thoughtful.

Take the example above by our designer, Vy. Using a muted pink palette and the timeless elegance of Adobe Caslon, the design embraces premium simplicity while staying visually compelling.

When crafting your own minimalist Valentine’s Day card, you can try using subtle text effects like soft line shadows to add a hint of dimension without cluttering the design. Arching text over an illustration or fading a gradient into the background can also help create depth while maintaining a clean aesthetic. 

Minimalism, when done well, is timeless. With Kittl, it’s easy to explore tools that let you shape text, add delicate shadows, and balance every detail to create a card that feels personal, understated, and beautifully intentional.

Check out these other minimalistic works of art for your inspiration:

…Or completely make one on your own from scratch!

Getting started on a design can feel daunting—whether you’re unsure of your vision or overwhelmed by the tools.

With Kittl, we want to empower designers and creative enthusiasts to break free from conventional design constraints and craft truly personalized Valentine's Day experiences. Here’s how to start:

1. Pick a template or start fresh: Browse Kittl’s extensive library for inspiration. Templates are a great starting point if you want to hit the ground running, but if you prefer Kittl’s intuitive blank infinite canvas for your playground of creative potential, go ahead and dive right in.
2. Customize your design: Leverage our professional-grade design tools that make customization seamless. Manipulate colors with our advanced color management system, experiment with typography that speaks volumes, and layer textures that add depth and nuance to your design.
3. Preview and perfect: Our high-resolution preview allows pixel-perfect refinement. Rotate, zoom, and scrutinize every detail—ensuring your design meets professional standards.
4. Download and share: Export your creation in pristine, high-resolution formats. Whether for print, digital sharing, or professional portfolios, your design maintains its integrity.

Beyond Valentine's: A design ecosystem

Running out of time? Don’t worry—Kittl is perfect for last-minute creativity bursts. Whether you’re crafting a heartfelt card late at night or brainstorming a custom gift idea, Kittl’s tools make it easy to experiment and bring your ideas to life.

From intricate bookmarks to branded merchandise, our tools adapt to your vision. We don't just provide templates; we provide a professional-grade design environment where creativity knows no boundaries.

This Valentine's Day, transcend generic expressions. Create something extraordinary. Start designing with Kittl—where your creativity defines the limits.