Who is behind eCardino?
Andrea Schmidt - Founder of eCardino, digital invitations.
eCardino didn’t happen by accident - it’s the result of my experience as a web designer. My name is Andrea, and I’ve been designing websites and online shops for more than 20 years. Since 2022, I’ve specialized in digital invitations: modern, stylish, and ready to send. I started out as a chef. But with small children and night shifts, it quickly became clear: that wouldn’t work. So I reoriented myself - and retrained as a communications assistant. Solid - but honestly: I knew I could do more.
How did my journey as a web designer begin?
Even back then, I was building websites - without knowing it was called “web design.” I just did what came naturally. When I later started my training as a web designer, I was already way ahead. I brought real client projects into the course, was allowed to work on them during training, and even got support from the instructors. Without that freedom, I probably would’ve fallen asleep from boredom. While others were still battling with tables, I was already in deep.
What were my first real projects?
One of my first projects was the website of an antique shop in Frankfurt. I also placed third in a design competition in my city - among a field full of men. That was a real signal for me: I’m on the right track.
Why did I want my own shop like eCardino early on?
When I first saw the early online shops of Otto and Neckermann, I knew instantly: “I want something like that.” My own shop, my own products, all designed by me - that was my goal. And that hasn’t changed to this day.
How do I work - and what’s behind it technically?
My first website came long before WordPress - back when everything was still handcrafted. I wrote HTML myself, worked with Flash, even built a virtual elevator with sound that led to the legal page. Sadly, that project can’t be shown today - Flash is history. Photoshop was my daily tool back then and still is today. I also built small PHP projects. Much of what I know is self-taught - much came through real client work. I was always able to think along, co-develop - and today, keep up with AI.
What makes my eCardino invitations special?
Births, baby parties, school enrollments, kids’ birthdays, weddings - I haven’t just experienced them, I’ve organized, crafted and celebrated them. That’s why I know exactly how family celebrations work. From invitation to the last napkin - I’ve done it all myself. I don’t design generic cards - but real invitations that leave a mark. Whether boho, pastel or natural tones - that’s my style. And you can see it.
eCardino is my way of sharing exactly that with you. Design with feeling. Words that resonate. And invitations that won’t be forgotten - backed by over 20 years of real-world experience, not textbook theory.
