Isobel Becomes One with Everything for Its Company Christmas Card

There are many tried and tested activities that fall under the banner of ‘company bonding’. Some go paint balling, others get vocal and form a choir and some just hit the pub for a beer or three.

But London ad agency isobel do it differently, very differently.

Each year the entire company dress up, get into character and create extraordinary tableaux that are then photographed and used as the agency annual Xmas card.

One months preparation, a 10-hour photo shoot and resolutely no photo-shopping or post-production.

This year, each company member was required to be bald, completely bald, and spent three hours in makeup having skull caps expertly fitted by prosthetic make-up artists. They then spent 6 hours channelling their inner zen to create the ultimate scene of peace and goodwill.

The brainchild and pet project of isobel creative partner, Rob Fletcher and photographed by Paul Thompson, the award-winning isobel Christmas cards have become a celebrated adland ‘event’.

Commenting on this year’s theme, Rob Fletcher says: “This, our ninth Xmas card, is one of our most ambitious. Isobel is all about people, so every year we all get to spend the day together, dress up silly, show off a bit...laugh at each other - and walk away with something we can keep forever.”

Previous incarnations, which feature the entire company, have brought to life a rich and eclectic mix of tableaux and scenarios including: Glee, Dutch Master, 1950’s Ballroom Dancing, Primary School and 1970’s Accountants - complete with stained carpet and sparse tinsel.