Charity Sale at the Li Hall right by St. Johns Cathedral.
That was a real good day!
That was a very very early FYI ...aka reason for my squinted eyes...
We all love getting cards in our mail—but wouldn’t it be better if we could send and receive something that is not only illustrated by hand, but also has an amazing story?
My Story
My name is Laura Ho and I am an illustrator. My illustrations are mostly based on Hong Kong, my birthplace and a city I love. Its vibrancy and ambition fills one with energy but also never fails to wear one down at times. This financially sound city is also a city where real struggles happen: Families of four squished into100 sq. ft. cells, senior citiznes carrying tons cardboard on run-down trollies for just a few bucks…
To stay sane, I immerse myself in this city of contrasts by drawing it. This year, I’m starting my art career by illustrating Christmas cards—something I am familiar with and believe will soon to be a lost art—and encouraging you to send real, tangible Christmas cards.
So why crowdfund Christmas cards?
After graduating and wandering around the nine-to-seven work life, I picked up my brushes again. This started while we were experiencing one of the coldest winters in more than half a century earlier this year. Morning temperatures plunged to 3.3 degrees Celsius in the urban areas, where most buildings lack central heating, and below freezing on the mountains.
Rumour had it that subtropical Hong Kong would snow. The cold was so rare it was the first thing people would mention when they got to the office in the morning. “How much longer was it going to last?” we wondered. As annoying as our stiff joints were, we were secretly pleased: Maybe we really were one step closer to the winter wonderland we saw in Christmas cards but never could have at home.
With a bit of creativity and imagination, I’ve frozen in time this rare and whimsical Hong Kong moment in my Christmas cards.
Each of my 9 uniquely illustrated holiday card designs features a signature spot in Hong Kong and a form of local transport. 10% of all proceeds goes to HK charity Pathfinders.
#1 - Dragon Boat
#2 - Star Ferry
#3 - Tram in Wan Chai
#4 - Ice - cream truck
#5 - Victoria Peak Tram
#6- Hong Kong Junk Boat
#7 Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island
#8 Lion Dance outside the Space Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui
#9 - Taxi on the Walk of Fame in Tsim Sha Tsui
Set of 9 stickers
Partnering with Pathfinders, HK charity
To further make an impact with my project I am collaborating with PathFinders, a local charitable organisation that has done great work on providing protection and support for the most vulnerable migrant mothers and their babies in Hong Kong since 2007. 10% of the proceeds will go to this amazing organisation that provides education, sheltering and, child protection for both the women and children.
How will the funds be used?
I need your help to offset printing costs, and a little extra for the labour and hours I have put into creating these cards. With your support this will start my art career so I can move forward on my next ByLauraHo project. I have already come up with a couple of ideas that are awaiting execution. Ultimately, I would like to develop my own brand of stationery, featuring my designs and illustrations, or the wonderful results of collaborations with other artists.
Card description:
Each of the cards is 15x11 cm (4x6 in) and will come with it’s own envelope. The back of each card has a description of the image.
How do I receive my rewards?
If the campaign reaches it funding target by the deadline, I will contact you directly once the campaign ends to confirm your reward, shipping address and when your reward will be delivered.
Delivery schedule
Printing will start right after the crowdfunding campaign, and I can ship cards out in good time for you to send them during the holidays. I want to get them into your hands in the second week (if HK) / fourth week of November (if abroad).
Shipping cost:
1 USD per set for local orders and 3 USD per set for oversea orders.
If you have any campaign questions or technical questions please contact: [email protected]
For customised requests please also email me at [email protected]!
I want to combine creativity with art, love with crafts, and magic with imagination. I want to make awesome products that you’ll remember.
Thank you for your support!
Laura Ho
