Geeky Valentine’s Day Cards That Let Pop Culture Characters Bring the Romance

Geeky Valentine's Day Cards by PJ McQuade

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Illustrator PJ McQuade (aka Castle McQuade) has assembled a collection of Valentine’s Day cards perfect for the pop culture aficionado in your life. In the creative sentiments, McQuade pairs portraits of characters from our favorite movies and television shows and has each of them express their affections in their own way. (There's even a card featuring the internet's “breathtaking” boyfriend, Keanu Reeves.) The results are unique, expertly illustrated cards with amusing messages that are sure to make your valentine smile.

“I started doing Valentine's Day cards about eight years ago for family and friends and it has just grown and grown,” McQuade tells My Modern Met. Every year he adds a few new cards to his collection and now there are an impressive 21 designs to choose from. In crafting the new cards, each presents its own opportunity to flex his creative muscles. “I like riffing on geektastic pop culture characters and references,” he explains, “making something new and fun with strong artistic backing and design elements.”

While the creation of the quirky cards is part of the fun for McQuade, he also finds joy in imagining the recipients of them. “I love thinking about the reactions the cards get when acquired, then given and opened—the excitement, the surprise—those personal moments between people. I love that my cards are in the middle of that, helping to make those moments sweet and super fulfilling.”

There’s still time to get your geektastic greeting cards. McQuade sells them through his shop on Etsy. Additionally, McQuade's illustrations are available as stickers, magnets, ornaments, prints, and more. And his greeting cards cover many special occasions, including Valentine's Day, Christmas, and birthdays. The artist also offers combo packs for his cards, fridge magnets, waterproof stickers, ornaments, and bookmarks online.

Illustrator PJ McQuade has created 21 geeky Valentine's Day cards perfect for the pop culture lover.

Geeky Valentine's Day Cards by PJ McQuade

Geeky Valentine's Day Cards by PJ McQuade

Each card has the character expressing their affections in their own way.

Geeky Valentine's Day Cards by PJ McQuade

Ian Malcom (Jurassic Park)

Funny Valentine's Day Card by PJ McQuade

Pennywise (It)

Snape Valentine's Day Card

Professor Snape (Harry Potter)

Funny Valentine's Day Card by PJ McQuade

Kylo Ren (Star Wars)

Funny Valentine's Day Card by PJ McQuade

Darth Vader (Star Wars)

Funny Valentine's Day Card by PJ McQuade

Gollum (Lord of the Rings)

Funny Valentine's Day Card by PJ McQuade

The Hound (Game of Thrones)

Funny Valentine's Day Card by PJ McQuade

Jareth (Labyrinth)

Funny Valentine's Day Card by PJ McQuade

Agent Dale Cooper (Twin Peaks)

Funny Valentine's Day Card by PJ McQuade

Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm)

Geeky Valentine's Day Cards by PJ McQuade

Brick (Anchorman)

Funny Valentine's Day Card by PJ McQuade

Keanu Reeves

PJ McQuade: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Etsy

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by PJ McQuade.

This article has been edited and updated.

Related Articles:

70+ Funny Valentine’s Day Cards That’ll Make That Special Someone Smile

15+ Thoughtful and Romantic Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts

Illustrations Reveal the Delightfully Different Ways People Around the World Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content