New Year’s 2023 – Auld Lang Syne

The first New Year’s card I designed, back in 2013, had a feeling of mystery and magic about it. But, over time my cards have become increasingly elaborate but lacking in substance. I decided this year’s greeting should be more typographic and marks the return to story-telling in my work.

The text is from a poem written by Robert Burns in 1788. I always loved the melody based on an older Scottish folk song. The passage that I chose is the final verse of the poem. I found a fine rendition by Nathan Evans on YouTube. He sings it in the original Scots.

I always try to represent the Chinese Zodiac in my New Year’s greeting. According to the Chinese calendar, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. This animal symbolizes mercy, elegance, and beauty. Red, in Chinese culture, represents money. May we all enjoy some measure of prosperity in the coming year.

For me, 2022 was personally significant. It was a year marked by business downturns, health issues, and personal loss. Its exit cannot come quickly enough. Let us raise a glass of good cheer to its passing and bid a hearty welcome to 2023.

Happy New Year!

The card is set in Pagan Whiskey, a hand-drawn Gaelic font designed by McLetters.