Graffiti

An excellent place to head for all your greeting card needs in Brighton. The place successfully completes with the wealth of competition in the area, and is definitely a place worth heading to. It’s also a great alternative to the many Brighton card shops that err towards more of a novelty focus — such as Cardome and Malarkey, where you’ll be more hard pushed to find a card that’s just unique and pretty, without novelty or sexual innuendo!

Very Brighton, and a step up from paperchase, this place simply sells the coolest cards, wrapping paper and general stationery I have had the pleasure of experiencing.
The cards are quality and there is a large range of iconic figures from the past and present that are pretty mesmerising and fascinating to browse through. The problem though I think with this shop is that some of the cards are so cool and aesthetically pleasing, it seems almost sacrilegious to write all over its insides, hide it in an envelope and put it into a big, red, metal cylinder. If you feel the same the cards make good wall decorations, so don’t worry about buying things for other people. Just get them for yourself.

I used to really enjoy making my own cards and I never ever bought them– it just felt so impersonal and such a waste of money. That was back when I had time for leisurely arts and crafts days. These days, I inhabit a different world and subsequently I suddenly love a good card shop! I especially like a card shop with a proper selection. There’s something really satisfying about taking your time to peruse the shelves and take in the full selection. I know most people don’t take great pains over the selection of a birthday card, but since I no longer have the energy to make my own but still want a personal touch, I am really particular about it.
Graffiti is great for my purposes because it seems to specialize in pretty, arty cards with floral designs and illustrations of birds etc. on the front. Just my cup of tea. They also have a variety of art cards, which use prints and designs from collections at the V&A among other galleries. If you’re not after a flowery, girly card– don’t worry, there’s plenty of others to choose from. They also sell lovely printed wrapping paper and although the prices make me flinch, I usually can’t resist! All round, a much more interesting and tasteful selection of cards and stationary than you’re likely to find at Clinton’s!

Alas, Graffiti is not a store devoted to street art and spraypaint.
It’s actually a tiny stationary store that specialises in cute, cool and tasteful greeting cards, wrapping paper, journals and memo pads. They have cards with neat illustrations, black and white photos and neon signage as well as more traditional flowers, landscapes and cute hula hula girls. My personal favourite, is the kitsch range of knitted Marilyn, Elvis and James Dean cards. Oh and the naked gal in the martini glass of course!