Sending Good Cheer Holiday Challenge: Guest Judges’ Awards

By: Natasha | Posted on July 22, 2011 | 18 Comments

We won’t be announcing the winners in our Sending Good Cheer Holiday Card Design Challenge until all of the new holiday cards launch, but we know you’re like us and dying for a little news… and our guest judges were so over-the top-cool, that we’re delighted to share three of their awards with you today. Out of a staggering 2,554 submissions, three holiday photo card designs stood out to our judges.

Kristin van Ogtrop is the managing editor of Real Simple, the bible of the Minted consumer. Kristin, in addition to being a wonderful person to hang out with, oversees all of Real Simple’s brand extensions (from the website to books to mobile apps), and is a many-times published writer. She chose “Year in Review” by j.bartyn design.

In Kristin’s own words: “I love the way the designer used a combination of a really sweet photograph (who can resist a cute baby, even if you’ve seen them again and again and again?) with infographics that feel more modern, almost a bit edgy. We all get so many holiday cards that contain the same wording and messages; after a while nothing stands out. But this one gets many points across without a “state of our family” letter or something that is overly sentimental. The type hierarchy makes perfect sense and it all feels like a wonderful little package.”

Maxwell GillinghamMaxwell Gillingham-Ryan, a noted interior designer, author, and the founder and CEO of the premier network of influential design blogs, Apartment Therapy, chose “Antique Noel” by Unless Someone Like You.

Maxwell describes: “I love the simplicity and the hand drawn feeling of this one. It feels more vintage and not cheesy.”

Kelley Lilien, graphic designer and mastermind behind the ah.ma.zing.ly fabulous lifestyle blog Mrs. Lilien – Styling House chose “Naughty is Nice” by j.bartyn design.

Says the Mrs.: “It was so HAAAARRRRD!! I finally settled on the one I secretly loved most…. the naughty card!! : D It’s brilliant!”

Hearty, warm, Christmas-in-July congratulations to all!

PS. We’re saving Jenna Lyons’ pick for an announcement in November.

Category: Design Challenge, Winners

18 Comments on “Sending Good Cheer Holiday Challenge: Guest Judges’ Awards”

  1. brandy July 22nd, 2011 @ 5:27 pm

    It’s Christmas in July! Congratulations Minties!

  2. Kim Dietrich Elam July 22nd, 2011 @ 8:42 pm

    Congrats!!!

  3. Meg G. July 23rd, 2011 @ 4:29 am

    Way to go Leslie and Cambria!

  4. Cambria Evans July 23rd, 2011 @ 9:40 am

    I am blown away! Thank you so much!

  5. Jessica Y July 23rd, 2011 @ 9:48 am

    Wonderful picks – congrats to the winners!!

  6. Melanie Severin July 23rd, 2011 @ 1:14 pm

    Congratulations – these are all fantastic picks!!!

  7. Sandy July 23rd, 2011 @ 2:08 pm

    Great picks! Congratulations to you!

  8. Kerry @ Paper Dahlia July 23rd, 2011 @ 8:36 pm

    Congrats!! All fabulous designs!

  9. Carrie ONeal July 24th, 2011 @ 4:52 am

    You ladies ROCK!!! Congrats from the bottom of my heart!

  10. Olivia July 24th, 2011 @ 10:11 am

    Great picks! Congrats!

  11. gerrie@chocomoccacino July 25th, 2011 @ 5:40 am

    congratsss!!!

  12. Ana July 25th, 2011 @ 11:49 am

    super congrats. These were all some of my faves!

  13. Susie July 25th, 2011 @ 3:01 pm

    Wow! Congrats! Such awesome cards!

  14. Hailey M July 26th, 2011 @ 8:06 am

    congratulations Leslie and Cambria!!! Such great picks!!

  15. Sydney Newsom July 26th, 2011 @ 8:59 am

    Great Choices!

  16. Yolanda July 26th, 2011 @ 11:52 am

    Congratulations to all… so very creative and clever.

  17. Anita July 27th, 2011 @ 6:06 am

    congrats!

  18. Megan (toast & laurel) July 27th, 2011 @ 11:54 am

    How did I miss this last week?!? Congrats, ladies! All three designs are absolutely wonderful.