The DeviantArt #HolidayCardProject returns for its 12th year! With the goal of bringing a little holiday cheer to patients in hospitals during the holiday season, the Holiday Card Project connects artists and allows them to apply their artistic abilities to design and create meaningful, uplifting holiday greeting cards.
The idea behind the Holiday Card Project is simple: do something nice for others. If you're looking for additional incentive, every deviant who mails in a card will be given a free one-month Core Membership as our thank you for participating.
Last year, we received over 2,500 greeting cards from thousands of deviants from over 40 different countries/political regions. The cards were sorted and distributed to hospitals in the Los Angeles area, with additional cards given to patients in various hospitals throughout the United States and abroad.
Read below to learn how you can take part in 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, helping bring a smile to the faces of those who may need some holiday cheer. Who receives the cards?Cards will be distributed to both U.S. and international hospitals. Some cards will be delivered in-person by select deviants in the respective hospitals’ areas, while other cards will be distributed by hospital staff members. Patients who receive the cards range in age 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! However, remember that the degree of illness for patients will vary from mild to terminal. It's important that what you write stays cheerful and positive. Some suggested greetings include, "Best wishes," "Thinking of you," or "Have a nice day."You are more than welcome to write your cards in any language, though keep in mind that most cards will be distributed in the United States.
Avoid phrases like "Get well soon" and "Hope you're feeling better," as it might not be appropriate for all patients. Be sure to include a message of "Happy Holidays," as the cards will be distributed during the holiday season, and please refrain from using any overt religious quotes or references.
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 5.5" (11.43 cm x 12.7 cm) works nicely. However, there is no "set" size for cards, so use your best judgment. You can personally design and decorate cards by drawing, coloring, or painting. Using construction paper, cardboard, markers, crayons, colored pencils, ribbon, etc., are all great ways to help make your card as special as possible.While you can create a card digitally, please be aware that DeviantArt is not able to print your card for you. To participate, you are responsible for printing and mailing your card.
Can I use cards purchased from a store?Absolutely! Store-bought cards are great, 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 likely cost one first-class stamp ($0.55). If you live in a country other than the U.S., check with your local postal agency for rates. Can I send more than one card?Please do. You can put more than one card in the same envelope or package to save on postage. Having said 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 hastily 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 #HolidayCardProject2019 tag. Sharing your artwork with others helps spread the word about the Holiday Card Project, which then 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. If you wish to send a card anonymously, you may also do so.Outside of including your name, please do not include an e-mail address or other personal information. This is to respect security concerns raised by hospitals.
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 positive activity. No DeviantArt affiliation is necessary. What do I get out of this?The idea behind the Holiday Card Project is to bring a little cheer to those undergoing a hospital stay. The patients and their families are deeply touched by the kindness and care from those who take time to create and send cards.Additionally, once the Holiday Card Project has been completed, all registered DeviantArt members that participated will receive a free one-month Core Membership. In order to be awarded a Core Membership, please include your username on a piece of paper separate from the card. Core Memberships will be distributed no later than January 31, 2020.
When is the deadline for the Holiday Card Project?All cards should be received by December 16, 2019. I want to participate as a volunteer. Is that possible?Thank you for expressing interest in volunteering for the Holiday Card Project! Please reach out to akiestar should you wish to be a volunteer no later than December 1, 2019. Where do I send a card?Please use the following address:DeviantArt, Inc.
Holiday Card Project
7111 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite B
P.O. Box 230
West Hollywood, CA 90046
United States of America
Please remember to include your DeviantArt username on a separate piece of paper when mailing your card. To ensure you successfully receive your free Core Membership, your username needs to be written legibly.
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 #HolidayCardProject2019 involvement across the Internet! Write a journal or Status Update, or post to Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, or Instagram! Getting the word out helps this great cause reach more people — resulting in more holiday cheer!
Past Projects
Where do I direct questions and concerns?Please note that many common concerns have been addressed in the FAQ section above. Take care when reading the Project's description because there's a good chance it contains an answer to your question. For any remaining issues, please leave a comment on this journal.