Santa Cards

Product Development • Graphic Design • Illustration | Illustrator • Web Bureau

In the early 2020s there was a trend of 'things left behind by Santa', where parents leave proof of Santa visiting their home; such as snowy footprint, cookie crumbs or a note.

The task was to create a product (PVC card) that Santa would leave behind after visiting. Some initial ideas were a “Santa was here” card, which I wasn't a huge fan of. I remember what I was like as a kid - I was the type that would poke holes in everything, and I don't think 8 year old me would be convinced that Santa would leave a PVC card saying he had dropped by. It's simply too durable and non-biodegradable friendly for that purpose.

If something was on a PVC card it would have to be important! Like an ID card or a driving license… a driving license… from the DVLSleigh?

Let's start from there.

If we look at a standard British driving license, we have 2 designs - one full driving license and one for provisional. There are two colour ways - a purple-pink design and a yellow-green design, with a matching overlay. The colourful appearance will be attractive and interesting to children. There's a lot of text, which can be used as an opportunity to educate as well which gives the item a bit more longevity in terms of interest and usefulness.

On the front of the ID card we have identification information: photo, name, issued by etc. On the back it shows the vehicles that are useable by the card holder as well as an explanation for what each line of the front of the ID card corresponds to.

Concept: a pilots license for Santa and his elves.

On the top left hand corner, we have the International Flag of Planet Earth, proposed by Oskar Pernefeldt, which reminiscent of the flag of Europe.

The DVLSleigh logo is based on the UN logo which has the olive branches.

The back side of the card explores what other countries call Father Christmas and how they say 'Merry Christmas'.

I created this design on Illustrator, and also created a version on Web Bureau so people are able to input their own name and photo to customise the designs.

When this product was released on Etsy we received custom orders with people dressed up as elves, so it became a fun novelty item for the office!