Postcards From a Marine Biologist

Sea turtle work led Cassie Callard to marine biology. She later worked on deep-sea fishing vessels and in marine biosecurity. Her work gave her many wildlife stories.

Callard grew up with an artist grandfather. She didn't think that she had his skill, but with enough practice, she started to make art that she loved.

Her mail club combines both parts of her life. Each month, members receive two wildlife postcards and a letter. The letter gives a true story from her marine biology work.

Callard spoke with Letter Clubs about local printing, ocean conservation, and her goal of 400 print pals.

Letter Clubs: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background. What were you doing before you started your letter club?

Cassie Callard: I trained as a marine biologist & conservationist after getting the bug doing volunteer work protecting sea turtles. I have worked in fisheries monitoring on deep sea fishing vessels, in biosecurity responding to new incursions of invasive marine pests and preparing to manage any future ones. This experience inspires my club.

LC: What inspired you to start your letter club? Walk us through your founding story.

CC: Following on from my background above, I grew up following my artist grandfather around - getting into paints when I shouldn't and generally being a pest. I figured the art gene skipped me, but after taking some time to learn I realised it's like all things & you just need to practice. Now I am making art I love, I wanted to combine the two passions.

LC: What makes your club special and unique compared to other mail clubs?

CC: I believe it's the story-telling that comes with on the ground experience, combined with light watercolour art that makes my club stand out! Each and every subject is close to my heart & so is each subscriber - so the result is like you are getting a personal David Attenborough episode from a friend (with some entertaining journeys to get there)!

LC: How has running the club been going so far? What have been some highlights?

CC: My club launched this year in 2026, and August will see the 5th edition being sent out. The biggest highlight is all the sweet messages I get back, makes me want to get up every day!

LC: What has surprised you most about running a letter club?

CC: How much longer it takes when you have to photograph everything!

LC: What is your dream or vision for where you'd like to take your club in the future?

CC: I would love to hit 400 print pals, some things are only feasible at a minimum number and this would allow for that & to sustain it long term!

LC: Besides your own, what's your favorite mail or letter club out there and why?

CC: I love Tessa Pfeier's Barnacle Post - we connected as fellow ocean lovers and her art just captivates you!

LC: If you could have any celebrity or public figure become a member of your club, who would it be and why?

CC: Alicia Silverstone - as a long term animal rights advocate I think she would appreciate the theme!

LC: What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own letter club?

CC: Know where all your supplies are coming from before launching and given this is about slowing down, make sure to look local before jumping into sourcing from big global companies. I had an issue with the file I sent recently, and instead of blindly printing they let me know it wasn't up to my normal standard - I popped down and we had it fixed in ten mins

LC: Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about your club or your journey?

CC: Don't be afraid to reach out and connect, I believe this is about community.

Learn more about Postcards From the End of the Earth on Cassie Callard's website.