Diversity, Strategy and Inspiration
BY AMRIT MATHARU
Moonpig do Diwali cards?! Yes, that’s right. Greetings card retailer Moonpig now sell cards for a more diverse clientele during the festive season and I’m not just talking about Christmas round the corner! First comes Halloween in October and Guy Fawkes is sprung upon us soon after, and that’s when you know… The festival of light is here!
Diwali is known as the Hindu festival of light celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Sikhs also celebrate Diwali to commemorate the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Rai Ji’s release from imprisonment by the Mughals in 1619.
24 new cards have been created specifically for Moonpig for Diwali 2015. Inspiration came from some really exciting team trips to places such as the beautiful Neasden temple, The British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Techniques included in the Diwali range include a lot of hand drawn illustration, typography and mark making. The selection also incorporates intricate patterns and layering of colours as Diwali is all about colour, light and atmosphere.
You can send Diwali messages and greetings to your nearest and dearest through customised Moonpig cards. I think it’s a brilliant idea for communities to learn about other cultures and send each other well wishes during the celebrations.
I was lucky enough to be sent a few of my favourite designs from their selection on Moonpig.com – I like how they have captured the traditional essence of Diwali through lanterns and paisley patterns and combined it with a contemporary colour palette. My ultimate fave is this elephant design with a colourful explosion and customisable banner. It’s cute, quirky and has symbolism of the elephant and its connections to India and culture. I much prefer it to the traditional Ganesh style card which I found is quite dated.
I look forward to sending and receiving more of these fun cards! Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating.
