Is it too early to start thinking about the holidays? Yes and no.

Yes: It’s not even Halloween. If it is the holiday season, that means we are scarf-deep in snow and cold weather (at least here in Minnesota).

No: I’m a procrastinator.

Every year is going to be the year that I get ahead of everything and send out holiday cards. “This is the year,” I’ve been telling myself since 2009.

Well, this? 2019? This is the year. The year I order and send out holiday cards before I realize I’m just not going to get it done.

Truthfully, I’ve got a bit more motivation this year, as I designed a set of FIVE different holiday cards with our friends at Artifact Uprising. These holiday cards were inspired by my 100 Days of Creativity journey from earlier this year.

I’m a graphic designer by trade but have also taken up painting as a separate creative outlet. Learning how to paint has opened me up to exploring even more creative avenues, like cutting paper shapes and creating collages. By switching up mediums, I’ve changed my perspective on design and opened up a new form of self-expression.

My style of design had previously been relatively rigid and precise. It’s been fun (and a challenge) to explore looser line placement and organic shapes to convey a theme.

Want to read more about the partnership and my design process? Check out my interview on Artifact Uprising.

Hint, hint: Think about Artifact Uprising for holiday products as well. My kids ADORE the board books we made them recently. Both of my kids love to read, and the joy they showed when the books they were holding reflected their own lives was priceless.

We were able to fill the books with pictures of family that don’t live near us, so they could see them every day. I’m also TERRIBLE at making photo books in a timely manner, which is why I’m doing them earlier this year. This is the year.

Kate Arends

Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.