Santa Surfs
into the holiday season and new year
Project Overview
Brand: funesse
Objective: a fun ho-ho-holiday card with a little nod at the funesse spirit animal, the flamingo.
My Role: Creative Director, Writer and Project Manager
Co-Creator & Illustrator: Olga
The Challenge
Bringing a fresh take to holiday cheer, the goal was to create a festive and playful Santa that broke away from tradition. Combining my love for alliteration and conceptual storytelling, "Santa Surfs" was born—a holiday card that blended humor, holiday spirit and a touch of beachside ‘tude.
The Creative Strategy
Execution
The final illustration captures the lighthearted energy of the holidays with a fun, unexpected twist. A Santa that surfs isn’t just a concept—it’s a whole vibe.
Results & Impact
The card became a seasonal favorite, bringing smiles and sunshine to my clients, co-creators and friends during an otherwise snowy season (at least, in the northern hemisphere!)
Reflections & Takeaways
The design process started with loose sketches—think childlike doodles, pure creative play. Santa went through several transformations, from a wetsuit-clad wave rider with hairy legs to a more carefree, sun-soaked version. Ultimately, the vision settled on a windswept, flamingo-patterned Hawaiian shirt—ripped open by the gnarly breeze—because, of course, Santa has to show off his festive physique.
I love co-creating with Olga! It’s now our tradition each year to co-create on my holiday card. It’s been fun seeing how they’ve evolved over the years! And this got me thinking… If you’re keen to have a holiday card created with personality—whether it's a quirky, bold brand concept or something totally out there, let's create something unforgettable! Get in touch!