The DeviantArt #HolidayCardProject is back for its 9th year! With the goal of bringing a bit of holiday cheer to patients in the hospital during the holiday season, the Holiday Card Project connects artists from around the world, applying their tremendous artistic abilities to designing and creating uplifting holiday cards.
In the past few years, this project has received more than 5,000 cards sent in by more than 2,000 deviants from 60 different countries/political regions. Cards are then divvied up and distributed by DeviantArt members to local Los Angeles hospitals, with additional cards given to various hospitals in the U.S. and abroad for DeviantArt volunteers and hospital staff members to hand out to patients.
The idea behind the Holiday Card Project is simple: do something nice for others. However, if you're looking for even more incentive, every deviant who sends in a card will be given a free one-month Core Membership to DeviantArt.
Read below to see how you can join in on the holiday cheer!
What is the DeviantArt Holiday Card Project?The purpose of the Holiday Card Project is to have deviants create physical holiday cards for people who are hospitalized during the holiday season, helping to bring a smile to the faces of those who may need some holiday cheer. Who receives the cards?The cards will be distributed to both U.S. and international hospitals. Some cards will be delivered in-person by select deviants in the areas of the respective hospitals, while other cards will be distributed by hospital staff members. The patients who receive the cards age in range from children to seniors, and have illnesses or injuries that vary from mild to terminal. What should I write in a card?Be as creative as you'd like, but remember, the degree of illness for patients will vary from mild to terminal, so it is important to be cheerful and stay positive. Some suggested greetings include, "Best wishes," "Thinking of you," or "Have a nice day." Stay away from phrases like "Get well soon" and "Hope you're feeling better," as it might not be appropriate for all patients. Be sure include a message of "Happy Holidays" as the cards will be distributed for the holidays! Can I make a card myself?Of course! An 8.5" x 11" (21.59 cm x 27.94 cm) sheet of paper folded 2 ways to a total size of 4.25" x 5" (11.43 cm x 12.7 cm) works nicely. Though, there is no "set" size for cards. Use your best judgment. You can personally design and decorate cards by drawing, coloring, or painting. Construction paper, cardboard, markers, crayons, colored pencils, ribbon, etc., are all great to help make your card as special as possible. Can I use holiday cards purchased from a store?Absolutely. Store-bought cards are great for the Holiday Card Project, but be sure to add some artistic flair and pizzazz by drawing on the inside of the card or including a few doodles. Use color to brighten up the presentation; be creative! How much is postage for sending a card?If you live in the U.S. and are sending an average-sized card, it will probably cost one first-class stamp ($0.49). If you live in a country other than the U.S., the best thing to do is to check with your local postal agency for rates. Can I send more than one card?Please do. You can even put more than one card in the same envelope or package to save on postage. However, remember that quality is better than quantity. Sending one quality card that you put time and effort into is better than sending two cards that were thrown together. Can I share my cards on DeviantArt?That's part of the fun! The cards we receive are often so impressive that we want to share them with the world. When you're finished with your creation, upload a photo or scan of the card and submit it to DeviantArt using the #HolidayCardProject tag. Sharing your inspirational artworks with others online also helps spread the word about the Holiday Card Project, which leads to more cards being created and shared!
Will patients know who made their cards?The only way a patient will know who made a card is if you sign your name, which you are welcome to do. You may also include your e-mail address and/or DeviantArt URL in hopes of getting a reply, though that can't be guaranteed. If you wish to send a card anonymously, you may. Can non-deviants participate in the Project?Definitely. The Holiday Card Project accepts cards from all participants who are willing to contribute to a good cause. The Project is a great way for schools, clubs, church groups, or family and friends to get together and work on a fun activity. No DeviantArt affiliation is necessary. What do I get out of this?The idea behind the Holiday Card Project is to try and bring a little cheer to those undergoing a hospital stay. The patients and their families are deeply touched by the kindness and caring from those who take time to create and send cards.Additionally, once the Holiday Card Project has been completed, all registered DeviantArt members will be given a free one-month Core Membership just for sending in a card. In order to be awarded a Core Membership, please include your username on a piece of paper separate from the holiday card. Core Memberships will be distributed no later than January 31, 2016.
When is the deadline for the Holiday Card Project?All cards should be received by December 14, 2015.
Where do I send a card?Please use the following address:DeviantArt, Inc.
Holiday Card Project
7095 Hollywood Blvd., #788
Hollywood, CA 90028
U.S.A.
Please remember to include your DeviantArt username on a separate piece of paper when mailing in a holiday card. To ensure that you successfully receive your free Core Membership, it is vitally important that your username be written legibly!
Can I help hand out cards?We're always looking for dedicated volunteers to hand out holiday cards. If you're interested in handing out cards at hospital local to you, please send a note to madizzlee. All volunteers must be over the age of 18. 
Rules and TermsLimit one one-month Core Membership per participant. DeviantArt reserves the right to deem any card contributed to the Project as unacceptable and therefore ineligible for a Core Membership.
Spread the WordShare your #HolidayCardProject involvement across the Internet! Write a Journal or Status Update, or post to Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, or Instagram! We can't do this without you and getting the word out helps this great cause get boosted to more people — resulting in more holiday cheer! Thank you.
Past Projects
Where do I direct questions and concerns?Please note that many common concerns have already been addressed in the above questions and answers. Take care when reading the Project's description because there's a good chance it already contains an answer to your question. For any remaining issues, please leave a comment in this journal.
