A Holiday Message From ... You!

If you've followed Viget over the years, you know we have a rather unsual holiday tradition.  Most companies mail holiday cards, do an email blast, shoot an elaborately choreographed video, make a fun interactive microsite, or some combination of all these.  Years ago, we decided that since we build digital stuff all year long, it would be fun to get together every year and make something hand-crafted and non-web to share.  Since then, we've made VigorBalm, Vigoroma, Vigelicious, VigeTags, VigetRocks, VigeTurf, and VigePops.

We've realized over the years that the best part of the whole project isn't the end result but rather the teamwork involved with making them.

We get to do stuff together that we never really do in our day-to-day jobs.  How often does the Viget South team (above) trace out letters with dotted lines?  Rarely.  And when have Justin and Khanh (below) peeled the labels off of 300 crayons before?  As far as I know, never.

Knowing that the fun is in the process, we decided this year to invite our friends and family to participate.  This year, we give you Vigegram, a telegram of sorts.  First, we made a big batch of letters on pre-stamped postcards:

Then, we added a couple of Viget logo-inspired crayons:

Then, with the help of my boy Carter, we took them to be delivered to family and friends near and far.

We asked people to get creative, color them in, and drop them in the mail.  And you know what?  They did!  It's hard to beat Bill's animated card, but here are some of my other favorites:

With a big batch of beautiful letters to choose from, we spent a couple of weeks trying out different messages in our office before settling on the final holiday greeting we wanted to share.  Andy put together the video below to share the message and the journey that got us there.  Enjoy!

There are more "making of" photos on Flickr.  Thanks to everyone who has played a part in our success this past year, especially those of you who took the time to send in a decorated letter.  We're looking forward to an outstanding 2011.  Happy Holidays!