Creating Engaging Christmas Campaigns: A Graphic Design Perspective
‘Tis (almost) the season, folks.
Christmas is right around the corner, and even though that may fill many of you with dread, it’s the perfect chance to really have some fun, both professionally and personally. There are a lot of different businesses out there who use this time of year to really let their hair down and experiment, largely because they know how much revenue there is to be made in this sector.
How do they do that? Well, it certainly isn’t exclusive, but graphic design has a pretty substantial role to play in this whole thing. From marketing methods to general advertising and beyond, graphic design has been part of the furniture when it comes to the Christmas industry for years now.
From our point of view, there are a few really key points to hit with regard to making an impact in your Christmas campaign. They aren’t particularly complicated by any stretch of the imagination, and they can all make a significant difference when looking at how to create some solid engagement.
The ‘Christmas cheer’ juggernaut
Ho, ho, ho!
Back in the 1800s, starting off in the United States, companies slowly but surely began to see a gap in the market when it came to making some real money off of the Christmas season. Sure, there are presents to bestow upon your loved ones, but the art of making - and receiving - a really good Christmas card is one of the catalysts behind this thing really hitting the next level.
Just take a look at good old Santa Claus himself. You’ve probably heard that Coca-Cola was the primary reason behind him now wearing red everywhere you look, but that isn’t actually true. Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop, wore a red robe while giving out gifts to the poor. Then you’ve got ‘Father Christmas’, who initially wore green before slowly changing to red over time.
But do you see Coca-Cola complaining? No. Their advert alone serves as one of the most anticipated pieces every single year in the lead-up to December 25th, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Sure, some may not like it, but the general public dives head first into the chaos, largely because it’s pretty hard not to do so.
How visual elements capture the festive spirit
We don’t think it’s controversial to suggest that life can get you down in the dumps sometimes, and we’d actually argue it’s a really healthy thing to admit. So, when you get around to Christmas, you may not always be feeling in the mood. Maybe it reminds you of something you’ve lost, perhaps the cold has hit you hard, or maybe you’re just struggling in a general sense.
From a visual standpoint, it goes without saying that decorations, advertisements, Christmas songs and even the sight of reindeer in the window will help put a smile on your face. It drives the engagement, and it reminds us of all the things we have to look forward to. No, it isn’t going to be an overnight fix for a lot of people, but even the biggest Grinch out there has to admit that there’s something magical about the festive season.
It’s our firm belief that if you can engage the general public through joy and Christmas spirit, you can do some real good to go alongside the benefits it has for your business. With the nights getting a little darker and the temperature dropping, Christmas puts an arm around our shoulders and tells us everything is going to be okay.
What makes a Christmas graphic design campaign work?
When you’re dealing with a Christmas graphic design campaign, you need to have the right platform. In the broadest sense imaginable, Christmas doesn’t need a whole lot of explaining, and that goes without saying - but you have to find your niche. You can’t move without running into some form of advertisement around the holidays, so you need to set yourself apart from the pack.
Today, we’re going to run through a few of the go-to things to consider when contemplating what direction to go in with your design campaign. We aren’t about to throw the most complex ideas you’ve ever seen out there, but instead, we simply want to shine a light on how you can maximise your business’ potential at the most wonderful time of the year.
Social media
Some would say that social media makes the world go around, and we’re not so sure we disagree on that. Whether it be Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram or TikTok, there are new ways in which companies are spreading their message every single day. In particular, we’ve noticed that’s especially true across Christmas.
We find that subtlety is the best route forward with this one. For example, changing your business logo or profile picture to include a Christmas hat - or hiding an elf or snowman in a post, encouraging your followers to find them. As long as the design is crisp and easy to follow, these little nuisances will turn out to be far more practical than you may initially think.
Typography
The thing about typography is that it doesn’t always have to be unique to be special, contrary to what we’ve said up to this point. Sure, in the business world, you’re going to have a specific kind of image you want to present to your target audience, whether you’re a clean-cut upstart or an established brand that has been around for decades.
The beauty of Christmas is that you can let loose a bit with that. You can be more fluid in how you structure your articles or social content, you can be a bit wackier, and you don’t have to stick to one set principle. If you want to add a snowflake or bauble to the top of your letters, who is going to stop you? Nobody, which is why you may as well embrace it.
Colour schemes
Now is not the time for dull, bordering-on-tragic colour palettes. This is the time of year when you blend together a mesh of colours in a manner that befits the occasion. It’s about creating an ambience that makes sense, and that can fall into one of two categories: altering the standard Christmas colours to work with your image or going old school.
Red and green tend to be the colours we associate with Christmas, but we’d stretch that even further to include white - to represent the desired weather - and gold, largely for that stunning star lighting the way. As long as you don’t venture into being too cheap or cheesy with what patterns you use, we’d say it’s pretty hard to go wrong here.
Imagery
Sometimes, you just have to go back to basics and stick to what you know. With Christmas, every stereotype that you’re thinking of in your head can absolutely work on any piece of content you’re putting out for everyone to see. The lights, the snow, the candy canes, the tree. It all has a place, and you shouldn’t be afraid to use it to your advantage.
With graphic design, the beauty is that you’re able to manipulate certain imagery in the name of giving it an entirely new identity. It doesn’t have to be completely by the book because, instead, it can fit into the narrative you’re working with and the identity you have as a company. From cartoons to highly technical 3D shots and more, the sky is the limit.
Need help with Christmas graphic design? Contact us!
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear - or something like that. As we get closer and closer to the season of joy and giving, many companies and industries as a whole may start to take their foot off the gas. While we can understand why, the reality of the situation is that December (and the start of January) can often be the busiest time of the year.
It’s the perfect moment to capitalise on the festivities that are happening all around you but more than that, there’s often high demand in most sectors for even more work to be produced. Here at Hatchly, we offer an unlimited graphic design service that gives you constant access to a dedicated team of professionals who are ready to make your dreams come true.
That may sound over the top, but it’s not. We aim to collaborate with our customers in a way that allows for a seamless, enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
If you’d like to take a closer look at what we can offer, feel free to browse our site. If you’re interested in learning more, you’re more than welcome to get in touch!
