Well, it’s that time again—Time to start thinking about the family Christmas card. As a graphic designer, I look forward to this project because it’s an opportunity to be creative, spread some cheer and touch base with our family and friends.
Here are some of my favorite designs over the years, that will hopefully spark some ideas of your own.
Idea #1: The Humorous Family Photo
I still remember the moment. Our family was trying to assemble for a family vacation photo in Rocky Mountain National Park. I don’t know how you can have a bad day in the Rockies, but I was having one. After numerous attempts to get our kids to stand still and smile for the camera, I finally lost it. My sister-in-law captured the moment in all it’s glory. This became the perfect contrarian Christmas card photo. As for the headline, a little sarcasm drives the point home.
Design Notes:
The gold ribbon and photo border were created in Adobe Photoshop. The background image was downloaded from a stock photo site. The design was assembled in Photoshop.
My son Grant will never forget his first trip down Logger’s Run at Michigan Adventure Amusement Park. And I will never forget how bad I felt when I saw the photo. Well, at least we got one heckuva Christmas card out of it.
I’ll admit it, this one was a little tougher to pull off. If you’re not a Photoshop whiz, find someone who is and the possibilities are endless.
Design Notes: Using Photoshop, I dropped out the background of the original photo. I then took a photo of my wife and son sitting on our steps, then added them to the file. I created the sled in Adobe Illustrator. Then added some Christmas-esque words in the background….and viola!
Idea #2: I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas
Our youngest son Grant has a propensity for dressing up. He loves suits…especially white ones.
Design Notes: Using Photoshop, I dropped out the background, and downloaded a vector background from a stock photo website. I then added some fine touches in Photoshop (i.e. snow, photo exposure, type, etc.).
Idea #3: Create a Photo Collage with Words
Idea #4: Create the Initial of Your Family Name
Idea #5: Warm Wishes
