Using Custom Illustration to Make Your Holiday Cards Extra Special
The holiday season is one of my favorite times of year. It’s not just for the festive vibe, cozy nights, and gathering of friends, but also for the fun of opening the mail box and seeing all the holiday cards. They’re the little treasures that end up taped to fridges, tucked into scrapbooks, or rediscovered in a box years later. Want your card to stand out from the rest?
That’s where illustration comes in.
Instead of stressing over the “perfect” photo (where no one is blinking, the dog is looking at the camera, and the kids are smiling at the same time), a custom illustration lets you highlight your family’s personality, your traditions, and even your milestones in a way that feels unique and timeless. And once your artwork is finished, it can easily be uploaded into platforms like Postable, Minted, Shutterfly, Zazzle, or even local printers to create polished holiday cards with a truly personal touch.
Why Choose Illustration for Your Holiday Cards?
Capture Everyone (Even the Squirmy Ones)
If you’ve ever tried to get small kids or pets to sit still for a holiday photo, you know it’s basically a holiday miracle when it works. Coordinating outfits, getting everyone smiling, and hoping no one blinks? Nearly impossible. Illustration solves that.
With custom artwork, I can create your holiday card using multiple images—pulling in each family member (and pet!) separately and piecing them together into one cohesive design. Maybe the photo of your son has his eyes shut , or your daughter hates her outfit from the photo shoot day, and the dog isn’t looking at the camera in the photo you love. I can combine all three so they appear together like it was always meant to be.
NOTE: The mockups in this post show real illustrations I created for clients, but the mock ups are my own creation, not how the client actually used them.
Family Group Holiday Card
Dog Salon Holiday Card
Child and Dogs Holiday Card
Highlight Your Traditions and Spaces
Holiday cards are more than a family snapshot—they’re a way to share a little piece of your life with loved ones. Illustration gives you freedom to showcase the traditions and spaces that matter most.
Maybe you want your holiday card to feature your family standing proudly on the front porch of your new home, gathered around a tree in matching pajamas, or even celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary. I can create a design that makes those backdrops shine, without worrying about lighting, weather, or redecorating your entire house for a single photo.
Corporate teams have used illustrations for their holiday greetings, too—highlighting their team spirit with a fun, personalized drawing rather than a stiff group photo.
Family on Front Steps Holiday Card
Corporate Team Holiday Card
Family in Matching Pajamas Holiday Card
Include Pets with Personality
Pets are notoriously tricky to photograph—especially when you want them to “pose” for a family holiday card. (Treats can only go so far!) Illustration takes the stress out of it.
I love including pets in custom designs because it means they can be dressed up in festive gear, paired with kids, or given their own starring role. A wreath collar, a Santa hat, or simply their goofy, tail-wagging personality—whatever feels most like them—can be added without a struggle.
And if your pets aren’t around anymore but you still want them included, illustration is a beautiful way to honor them on your holiday card.
Dogs with Holiday Lights Card
Dog with Seattle Background Holiday Card
Siblings and Dogs Holiday Card
Add Personality Through Details
This is where illustration really shines. Beyond “smile and pose,” illustration lets you add those quirky, memorable details that show who your family really is.
Does your son live for hockey? Let’s add that to his portrait.
Did your daughter spend the year devouring books? We can stack her favorites by her side.
Got married this past year? Let’s show off that goregeous gown.
All of these personal touches come together to create a card that feels less like a generic greeting and more like a storytelling piece of art.
Wedding Couple Holiday Card
Siblings with Hockey, Skating, and Books New Year Card
Sisters in Ornament Holiday card
Create a Keepsake Worth Saving
Unlike traditional photo cards, illustrated cards often live on long after the season. Many families frame them, tuck them into memory boxes, or even build a collection year after year. They’re more than a seasonal hello—they become an heirloom.
Illustrations feel timeless, which means that even when fashion trends change or family members grow up, your card remains a piece of art that still feels special years down the line
Why Illustration Makes It Easy
The best part? You don’t have to worry about coordinating schedules, perfect lighting, or wrangling everyone into one photo. I can create your holiday card illustration from multiple images—pulling in each person (and pet!) separately and designing them into a cohesive, story-filled scene. You get the “perfect shot” without the stress of trying to capture it in real life.
How It Works with Print Platforms
One of the biggest benefits of a custom illustration is flexibility. Once your artwork is complete, I’ll send you a high-resolution digital file. From there, you can:
Upload it to Postable, Minted, Shutterfly, or Zazzle to design your holiday card layout.
Use a local printer to create your own card stock version.
Even add it to digital holiday greetings if you’d rather go paperless.
That means you don’t just get a one-of-a-kind illustration—you also get the freedom to make it look exactly the way you want when it’s sent out to friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Illustrated Holiday Cards
How long does it take to create an illustrated holiday card?
Turnaround time depends on the complexity of the illustration (number of people, pets, or background details). On average, most cards take 2–3 weeks from the time I receive your photos. If you’d like your cards ready to mail by December, I recommend booking early in the season.
What do I need to provide to get started?
Just your favorite photos! Don’t worry if they aren’t all from the same day—I can combine images of different family members, pets, or backgrounds to create one cohesive design. You can also share ideas for outfits, hobbies, or personal touches you’d like included.
Can you include pets, hobbies, or special details?
Absolutely. Pets, hobbies, favorite outfits, or even milestones from the year are some of my favorite things to weave into your design. Think hockey sticks, a new house, or a beloved family dog in a Santa hat—it all helps tell your story.
What will I receive when the illustration is finished?
You’ll receive a high-resolution digital file of your illustration that’s perfect for uploading into Minted, Shutterfly, Vistaprint, or your favorite print service. You can also use the artwork for digital greetings or frame it as a keepsake.
Do you offer printing services too?
Right now, I provide the artwork file, giving you the flexibility to choose your own printing platform or local printer. This also means you can reuse the artwork year after year—on cards, prints, or even holiday gifts. If you would like a single print of the illustration (5x7 or 8x10), I can provide that for a small charge and shipping fee.
Can I use the artwork for other things besides holiday cards?
Yes, but for personal use only! Your custom illustration can easily become a wall print, a framed keepsake, or even a gift. Many families keep their holiday card illustration as a piece of art long after the season ends.
Ready to Create Your Own Illustrated Holiday Card?
This season, let’s create a card that feels as special as your memories. From cozy family portraits to playful pet illustrations, I’d love to help design a holiday card that your loved ones will want to keep long after the holidays are over.
👉 Explore my custom holiday cards and let’s start designing your holiday card today.
