100 Days is an annual project at New York City’s School of Visual Arts that was founded by Michael Bierut. Each year, the students of the school’s Master’s in Branding Program spend 100 days documenting their process with a chosen creative endeavor. This year, we’re showcasing each student in the program by providing a peek into ten days of their project. You can keep an eye on everyone’s work on our SVA 100 Days page.
Through the upbeat and whimsical medium of the birthday card, Natalie Marques identifies the unique and often contradictory pressures that are put on women in their late twenties. Her cards focus on expectations around aging, beauty, career, and relationships, highlighting the internalized notion that you have to “be something” by the time you’re 30. Marques is a Seattle-born brand strategist based in New York City.
Discover more of Natalie Marques’s project on Instagram.
Day 1/100
Hi friend,
Happy 29th birthday! What a joyous day! But did you know that your eggs are dying? Women who are pregnant past 35 are considered “geriatric.” Let that sink in. Maybe you should freeze your eggs. You have $10,000 to spare, right? Anyways, hbd!
Lots of love,
Society
Day 38/100
Dear friend,
Happy 29th birthday! You’ve accomplished so much in your 29 years! But have you started your own business yet? Or are you still working for someone else?
Best wishes,
Society
Day 9/100
Hi my love,
Happy 29th birthday! Go out and treat yourself on this special day! That’s if you can afford to. You’ve been in that career for a while now…are you making six figs yet?
Well, buy yourself something nice! If you can!
Yours,
Society
Day 51/100
Hi friend,
Happy 29th birthday! It’s your day, spend it with friends. Or spend it in the salon with your colorist since it looks like you’re starting to go gray…
Sincerely,
Society
Day 50/100
Hey girl,
Happy 29th birthday! Now that you’re almost 30, maybe you should start thinking about getting engaged. The clock is ticking!
Warmest wishes,
Society
Day 20/100
Hey hey,
Happy 29th birthday! Go grab a drink with friends to celebrate! But can you even afford it? Aren’t you the only one of your friends who’s still an entry-level employee?
Love,
Society
Day 46/100
Dear friend,
Happy 29th birthday! Today is your day to celebrate! You should have a big party and invite all your friends. Hey, whatever happened to your big friend group?
Xoxo,
Society
Day 37/100
Hey girl,
Happy 29th birthday! Now that you’re out of school, you might need new ways to seek external validation. Have you run a marathon yet?
Xoxo,
Society
Day 16/100
Hi,
Happy 29th birthday! You don’t look a day over 30. But is your hair starting to thin? It seems you don’t have the same luscious locks you had in your teens. It might be time you gift yourself a growth serum!
Best,
Society
Day 26/100
Hey love,
Happy 29th birthday! Maybe you should start thinking about having kids soon. Your eggs aren’t getting any younger! Oh you don’t want kids? You’ll change your mind when biology kicks in and everyone else starts having them.
<3, Society