How and why to give your Christmas branding a touch of Aussie style
Unless you are appealing to a global audience, I think it’s a good idea to give your Christmas branding a touch of Aussie style. Or at least avoid the white Christmas designs. I know I am tired of seeing snow themes – it really doesn’t connect with me. After the year we’ve had people are looking to spend locally and support Australian businesses. Having some Australian design elements is a great signal, and rouses some patriotism.
People are also more conscious of aligning their personal values with the values of the businesses they are spending money with. So another important decision is if you want a religious or more secular vibe. Modern or traditional. These decisions will influence your imagery and messages.
Before you think about a theme, consider your brand personality and identity, as well as what branding and promotional items you want to add a touch of Christmas to. Then determine your messages, colours, icons and imagery and how you can add a touch of Australiana – without necessarily being too kitsch or clichéd unless that aligns with your brand!
Where to add Christmas styling
You can add some Christmas flair to your digital and print collateral, as well as to your office or retail space. Consider:
online store or website
social media banners for Facebook and LinkedIn
email signature
newsletter header or illustrative graphics
social media posts
videos
invoices
branded Christmas cards
flyers
vouchers
bookmarks
gift tags
notecards or postcards.
Using colour
Traditional Christmas colours give an instant Christmas cue – red and green, gold and silver. But you don't need to stick to a traditional palette. Use a colour from your brand palette, or bring in a fresh, summery colour and say ‘Christmas’ with the icons and imagery you use.
Generic Christmas iconography
There are certain icons that are synonymous with Christmas, and can add undeniable Christmas style to your branding and promotion. They include:
star
bauble
Santa
Santa hat
Christmas tree
Christmas pudding
Christmas stockings
reindeer
presents
candy canes
gingerbread people
candles.
You can use these icons, combined with Australian icons or designs to create some unique Aussie style.
Australian iconography
Australian icons are as extensive as Christmas ones. Consider:
fauna – we have some iconic animals (birds, marsupials, mammals, reptiles)
flora – we have lots of distinctive and interesting plants
summer icons – the opposite of northern hemisphere Christmas
our environments – beaches, the bush.
Once you have a few ideas, let your imagination go. Merge concepts together and see what you can create.
Ideas to give your Christmas branding a touch of Aussie style
Some ideas to get you thinking:
a mandala rather than a snowflake
a native flora and fauna pattern
a wreath of native plants (eucalyptus, bottlebrush or banksia can work well)
a red and white (candy striped) beach ball
gingerbread people in boardshorts and bikinis
a string of Christmas baubles decorated with different Australian birds
a native tree adorned with Christmas decorations
indigenous art or symbolism (be sure it’s genuine and doesn’t breach copyright).
All the best for the festive season and for giving your Christmas branding a touch of Aussie style!
