It’s that time of year where we are all gearing up to create our annual holiday card. As a busy mama, photographer and someone who loves beautifully designed cards (and getting pretty things in the mail), I wanted to round up my personal favorite holiday cards from the best photo company out there – Artifact Uprising and peek inside my brain to learn how I design holiday cards (including all my pro tips).
All of these holiday cards were designs with photos of my amazing families + couples, and it was SO fun to curate my favorite 25 holiday cards showcasing my gorgeous clients and their magical moments from this past year.
I have been a huge A|U (Artifact Uprising) fan since they entered the scene, and they continue to amaze me with their 100% recycled paper, easy to design cards, and beautiful options. They will even address every single card for you (just use their super easy google template) and all you need to do is, stamp and drop them to at the mailbox when you pick up your Peppermint Mocha at Starbucks.
If you order your holiday cards from Artifact Uprising, be sure to use the code “BRITTANY15” at checkout to get 15% off your card order.
**This post contains affiliate links of products I love and use. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission at no cost to you. This helps support all the content I am creating.**
Ok, so let’s do this ……
How to Create the Perfect Holiday Cards in 10 Steps
1. Start with selecting the photos you LOVE first
I know it sounds weird, but grab your iphone or your gallery from your photographer, and find the 10-15 photos that are your favorite from 2023. Decide what image(s) are the ones you want to highlight. Use this to help find the perfect card. Is there one image that is a-maz-ing? Look for a card design that shows off one epic image on the front and add a few other favorites to the back of the image. Too many favorites, look for a template with lots of photos so you can include them all.
2. Pick the perfect card based on the photo(s) you want to use
Begin your holiday card creation by browsing through Artifact Uprising’s gorgeous selection of modern, clean and timeless cards. (Or keep on scrollin’ to see my personal favorite 25 cards). The card you choose should not only reflect your personal style but also convey the message you want to share. Consider factors such as the card’s size, design, and the number of photos it can accommodate.
3. Ensure the photos match the card design
Make sure the colors in your selected card complement the colors in your photos. A cohesive color scheme is visually appealing and can make your card look like it was designed just for your photos. For example, if you and your family are wearing light pink, it might be best to stay away from a card with red print. Instead find a design with gold foil or black text. Using a simple black and white photo?
4. Edit your photos (if needed)
Ensure that the photos you select match in tone with the card’s design. Try to use images in the same lighting conditions, location or colors so it looks cohesive across the design. If necessary, edit your images to achieve consistent color tones, exposure, and style. You can use popular editing tools like Adobe Lightroom or VSCO to do this.
When including multiple images on a card, I try to use images in the same outfits or location. Or if I am including different outfits / locations, I will try to alter them in an intentional design to make the card design more cohesive.
5. Embrace Black and White Photos
If your images just don’t seem to match in color, don’t fret. Converting them to black and white can create a timeless look and elevate your holiday card. This is also a great way to use popular holiday card colors like red and green when your photo might not match the design.
6. Customizing the Back of Your Card
Make use of the back of the card to share a few additional personal touches. Consider providing updates on what’s been happening with your family in the past year or sharing some of your favorite photos from the year. Let your loved ones know about significant milestones, achievements, or adventures you’ve experienced together. Or leave the back somewhat blank and include a personal handwritten note on each card you sent for an extra special touch. Artifact Uprising has a few different options for the back that you can tailor to your card.
7. Pick a coordinated color envelope
For an extra pop of fun, pick colored envelopes that resonate with your card’s color scheme. Colored envelopes can set the tone for what’s inside and add an element of surprise to your card.
8. Add washi tape or a wax seal for a special touch
I love a pretty piece of mail more than most, so consider adding a few extra touches to your holiday cards to make them stand out. Add washi tape or a wax seal to your cards. A few of my favorite options for holiday cards can be found here, here, here.
I love this gold wax seal kit from Amazon or order already made wax seals from Etsy. A few of my favorites are here, here, and here.
9. Use Metallic Pens
When writing notes or addressing envelopes, consider using metallic pens in gold, silver, or copper. Alternatively, opt for holiday-themed colors to add a touch of festivity to your cards. These are my personal favorites that I use often for mail and gifts.
10. Order Matching Stamps
To complete the look of your holiday card, find stamps that match the color of your envelope or card and go with the overall vibe of your holiday card. Ordering stamps from USPS can make the process convenient and elevate the overall presentation of your cards.
My Favorite 25 Holiday Cards from Artifact Uprising
Be sure to use the code “BRITTANY15” at checkout to get 15% off your card order.
The Best Photo Holiday Cards
Why I love it:
+ a minimal, modern design
+ works with a variety of color palettes
+ great for a series of photos from the same moment or mix with 4 different horizontal photos
Why I love it:
+ a minimal, modern design
+ different foil options to match your color palette
+ perfect for a favorite vertical and horizontal
Why I love it:
+ a minimal, modern design
+ works with a variety of color palettes
+ customize with four different greetings
Why I love it:
+ simple, minimal design
+ choose from 5 different foil options
+ great option for a black and white photo
Why I love it:
+ a minimal, modern design
+ works with a variety of color palettes
Why I love it:
+ a great card when you don’t have one epic photo (just use your camera roll and turn them black and white)
+ can be used to show off your favorite 9 photos of the year
Why I love it:
+ a fun, modern design
+ choose from 5 different foil options
+ vertical or horizontal design available
Why I love it:
+ 6 vertical images to include the whole family and a few images
+ clean, modern design
+ customize the back with different designs or add a beautiful custom message
Pro tip: When using a card with multiple images, include a mix of close up and far away photos to create visual interest
Why I love it:
+ option for a vertical or horizontal card
+ a great option for photos with lots of green or a black and white photo
Why I love it:
+ a fun, modern design
+ choose from 5 different foil options
+ customize the message
Why I love it:
+ minimal design great to show off 4 great photos
+ square photos work with both your favorite vertical and horizontal images
Why I love it:
+ gorgeous modern script font
+ choose from 5 different foil options
+ a clean, elevated holiday card design
Why I love it:
+ modern design
+ great card to showcase all that happened this year
+ 7 square photos work with both your favorite vertical and horizontal images
Why I love it:
+ 4 square images allows you to select from both vertical and horizontal photos
+ clean, modern design
+ it’s like you a curating your IG feed
+ square card stands out among the other card shapes
Why I love it:
+ one gorgeous photo is all you need
+ gold foil corners frame your beautiful images and add a touch of holiday to the clean, modern design
+ customize the back with more photos or add a beautiful custom message
The Best Christmas Holiday Cards
Why I love it:
+ one gorgeous photo is all you need
+ the rounded photo frames gives it an updated, modern look
+ customize the back with more photos or add a beautiful custom message
Why I love it:
+ choose from 5 different foil options
+ vertical or horizontal design
+ a modern message for the holidays
Why I love it:
+ the hand drawn gold foil stars (the perfect little touch to two beautiful photos)
+ clean, modern design
Why I love it:
+ choice of 5 different foil colors + 4 different background colors allow you to add color to your holiday card
+ works great with a black and white image to add holiday cheer with sophistication
Why I love it:
+ gorgeous script font with 5 different foil options
+ use vertical and horizontal images
+ classic holiday card greeting
Why I love it:
+ choose from different colors that work with your photo color scheme
+ vertical or horizontal design
+ highlight the best photo for a modern design
Why I love it:
+ fresh design with 5 different foil options
+ can be vertical or horiztonal
+ use it to show off your favorite photo of the year
+ customize it with your own greeting (merry christmas, warmest wishes, happy new year, etc)
New Years Photo Cards
Ordering cards too late to send for the Christmas or Hanukkah holiday? Don’t fret. Send a Happy New Years card. Here’s a few of my favorites from Artifact Uprising. These cards can also be customized to be a holiday card, so if you love the design, you don’t have to wait to send for New Years.
create this new years card here
Why I love it:
+ portrait or landscape design available
+ 5 different foil options or standard printing
+ clean, classic design works for any photo
create this new years card here
Why I love it:
+ the foil
+ such a cute card to announce any big news (hello pregnancies / moving)
Why I love it:
+ modern design with 5 different foil options (or classic printing available too)
+ unique shape to the photos for a fun, modern card
create this new years card here
Why I love it:
+ modern design with 5 different foil options (or classic printing available too)
+ 4 different greetings
order this new years card here
Why I love it:
+ modern design that works great with both color and black and white photos
create this new years card here
Why I love it:
+ modern design with 5 different foil options (or classic printing available too)
+ you only need one great photo
Artifact Uprising truly has my favorite holiday cards (and holiday gifts). I had the hardest time picking favorites for this blog post, so if you are still not sold on an Artifact Uprising card, check out all their holiday cards. I promise you will fall in love with their modern, minimal designs.
If you order your holiday cards from Artifact Uprising, be sure to use the code “BRITTANY15” at checkout to get 15% off your card order.
Looking for more style guides on what to wear for photos? Start here
+ The complete Amazon Fall Family Photo Outfit Style Guide
+ Fall Family Photo Outfit Ideas | What to Wear
+ 30 different family photo outfits for beach / spring / summer photos
+ 25 white dresses perfect for photos
+ romantic dresses for engagement photos
+ Style Guide : In-Home Family Newborn Photos
+ What to Wear for a Maternity Photo Shoot | My Favorites Dresses for Maternity Photos
First time to the blog? Hi, I am Brittany, and I am a fine art film photographer specializing in lifestyle wedding and family photography in Southwest Florida (Naples) and Chicago. My light and airy editing style and candid, joyful photos are what I am best known for. Interested in working together? Contact the studio for more information.
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