Behind the Scenes: Making of the Bulldog "Have a Cliche Holiday" Card 2010

In early November, still cruising from the high of Halloween, the top creative minds* of the Bulldog team convene to discuss the Bulldog Holiday Card.

We view our annual card as a chance to show off our creativity and a rare opportunity to show our clients the "faces behind Bulldog." Past cards have recieved many accolades ("You guys always do the greatest e-cards!") and yes, some criticism ("It reminded me of a holiday card I'd get from a beer distributor.")

Event Manager Eric Glass in his hillbilly hat. Pet squirrel was, of course, Photoshopped in final photo.

No pressure or anything.

This year we were inspired by one of our favorite (candy) cigarette-break websites, Awkward Family Photos. Our brainstorming sessions on how to harness the hilarity of Christmas-card cliches while accomplishing our goal of showcasing our employees included such questions and comments as:

• To what extent, if any, should we incorporate Flash and video?
• What are the social media considerations?
• What if people don't understand these are deliberately tacky representations of common holiday cards?
• Can I be an elf?

From our tackily clad family to yours.

As with all creative projects, planning ensued. We scoped and budgeted for the project. We developed key messages and planned the logistics of a photo shoot with Susan Beth Photography, Flash development, email development and testing. We built a list and reviewed social media sharing options. We sourced original music from Austin songwriter Meagan Tubb as well as ugly sweaters, hillbilly hats and other necessary props.  

See the Bulldog Solutions 2010 Holiday card. 

See past holiday cards from 2009 and 2008.

 *Anyone with an idea.