Minted Holiday Content Series

Minted offers fresh designs from independent artists all over the world, creating and selling stationary, art, home goods, and even clothing. But because they are constantly hosting design challenges and observing what people like and buy, they are also America’s experts on holiday cards; they possess an incredible trove of fascinating information on our collective cultural holiday mood. So I had to ask the question: why not turn this information into useful and entertaining content? For the 2017 holiday that’s exactly what we did. Using holiday card information from the previous 5 years, we created three long-form pieces of content, each with its own theme, that not only provided useful how-to information and answered some of America’s most burning holiday card questions, but also linked directly to relevant products, making e-mail from Minted more entertaining and less promotional. What types of questions you may ask? Which states have the most pet cards? Where will you find the most matching holiday attire?

Here's an example of just one of the how-to sections, based on minted's vast card experience and knowledge:

How to make the puuurfect pet Holiday Card.

Many people shy away from including a pet in their holiday card. But many pets consider the holiday card their most important message of the year, so please consider their feelings. And It’s not as difficult as it may seem. Here are some pointers!

First include your pet in the process. He or she wants to feel their input is valuable. Let them choose their outfit.

Give your pet plenty of notice. Remember pets have busy schedules. No matter how sincere the holiday message, nap time is their number 1 priority.

And very importantly, let them know who else will be in the picture. They’ll need to warm up to the fact that they will have to stand beside Grandpa Jim.

OK. Where do you start? You’ll need a picture design, a message and a design. Here’s our easy guide to each:

5 Tips for photographing your Pet

1: Remember, like super models, pets are always bored by photo shoots. Treats will help them stay focused.

2: If your pet is not a professional, he or she may feel uncomfortable on camera. Make sure to bring an accessory to relieve the pressure and give them something to do with their paws.

3: Pets have energy, usually at the wrong time. Try to play with them before you shoot. This may help them sit still. Or not.

4: Pets are highly critical. Most hate the look of harsh mid-day lighting. Shoot in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid a flash that will startle them and produce that trendy “hipster” look.

5: Many pets become self-conscious when posing for a Holiday Card, stiffening up on set. Pretend you are playing with them to get them to act more naturally. Hide the camera.

Choosing a message?

We all know pets can both serious and silly. It depends on how much sleep they’ve had. So don’t worry too much about what they think of your message’s  content, they’ll come around. The most important thing to remember is that pets love puns!!!! If they could speak this would be the first thing they would tell you.

Try a traditional holiday message with a twist. Here are just a few of our favorites:

“Happy Howlidays”, “Meowy Christmas”, “Bark! The Herald Angel Sings”.

Use your imagination. The sky is the limit.