A Little Paper, A Lot of Hospitality
In the world of vacation rentals, first impressions are everything. Guests have already scrolled past a dozen listings, schlepped their luggage, and figured out the lockbox. By the time they walk through the door, the smallest detail can flip their mood from “okay, nice place” to “wow, they really thought of everything.”
Enter the personalized guest welcome card.
For this project, I designed a series of Savannah-inspired cards that do more than just say “hello.” They capture a little bit of the city’s charm in hand-drawn linework and give hosts a polished, personal way to greet every guest. It’s the kind of thing that feels small in the moment but sticks in someone’s memory long after checkout.
Design Approach
Illustration Style: Hand-drawn in my vintage-inspired line art—think a dash of travel ephemera, but dressed up for the 21st-century Airbnb crowd.
Personalization: Space for the property name, a custom message, or even a QR code that saves you from typing “Wi-Fi password: XJ3#&3pw” fifty times a month.
Production: Printed on thick, soft-touch matte paper. Translation: no flimsy printer paper, no awkward office-supply vibes—just cards that actually feel worth keeping.
How They’re Used
These little guys are flexible. Hosts use them in:
Welcome baskets (next to the mini champagne, obviously)
Check-in counters or coffee tables
Guest cottages and boutique inns
Or framed on the wall so guests take a piece of Savannah charm home in their Instagram photos
Reflection
This project was as much about guest experience design as it was about illustration. I wanted the artwork to feel intentional and local without overpowering the functional side. In the end, the card becomes part greeting, part keepsake, part quiet little brand ambassador for the property.
Relevance in My Portfolio
For me, this project shows how illustration isn’t just “pretty pictures”—it can transform everyday moments in hospitality into something memorable. It highlights:
How I use place-based illustration to amplify a brand’s sense of story
The balance between hospitality function (welcome, orientation) and emotional delight (that extra sparkle guests remember)
My knack for helping clients create touches that make people say, “oh, that’s clever.”
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just a card—it’s your first five-star review waiting to happen.