When Save the Children launched their winter appeal, they needed a campaign that could cut through the Christmas fundraising landscape while sensitively telling the story of children forced to flee conflict.

Working as a consultant art director, we helped shape the creative approach for a direct marketing campaign built around the true story of a young refugee now thriving thanks to a Save the Children hub. The challenge was balancing hope with hardship while maintaining the urgency needed to drive donations.

We focused on a simple insight: a child’s doodle looks different when childhood has been shaped by war. Using childlike drawings of conflict instead of traditional photography, the campaign stood apart from image led appeals.

The idea formed the visual identity for an integrated winter campaign across DM, email, website and follow up activity, guiding supporters through a young refugee’s journey to safety and a better future.

Produced for Save the Children as part of the Open Creates team. Dan worked as a freelance consultant Art Director and Creative Lead in partnership with a copywriter, via Rhodiums’ consultancy and design services.