InsightDec 18, 2024

How design businesses shine during the holidays

As the holidays approach, many businesses leverage the holidays to connect with and express gratitude to their clients.

We reached out to some RGD Firm owners to share their holiday business development strategies and how their approaches have evolved over the years to stay relevant in an ever-changing landscape.

Ross Chandler RGD, Creative Director at Becoming Design Office Ltd.

At Becoming, we’ve tried pretty much everything to promote ourselves and celebrate our clients and professional relationships over the holidays. We've provided meals to those in need, sent lavish treats and created both cheeky and creative greeting cards. These haven't produced much in the way of immediate work, but we think it reminds people that we’re here and shows them our creativity and thoughtfulness beyond our day-to-day client work (a luxury unto itself!

This year, we’re at it again with a line of custom Becoming scarves. Our brief to ourselves was to create a scarf that communicates the philosophy of becoming, not necessarily the brand.

Custom Becoming Scarves

Elana Rudick RGD, Founder/Creative Director at Design Is Yummy

For 15 years, sending a direct mail holiday campaign has been a Design Is Yummy tradition, helping us maintain relationships with clients, partners and supporters. To us, the holiday season is about more than celebration—it's about sparking conversations, forging deeper connections, staying top of mind and showcasing the power of thoughtful design.

Our campaigns also provide us the opportunity to experiment with innovative formats and print techniques, while creating memorable pieces clients want to discuss and keep. Sharing behind-the-scenes content on our social channels further amplifies campaign reach and engagement.

DIY Holiday Campaign

Jess White RGD, Owner/Creative Director at Green Monkey Creative

In the initial years of my business, I distributed holiday cards to all clients and larger gift boxes to select frequent clients. This worked well when most of my clients were local to me, as I was able to reconnect with them personally as I hand-delivered my gift boxes. Over time, I refined this approach.

In recent years, I have opted to support non-profit organizations during the holidays by making donations in lieu of client gifts. Additionally, I send an email to all clients, extending wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season while highlighting the organizations we have supported, made possible by their invaluable loyalty. I also attend local chamber holiday events to network with other local business owners and potential clients.