Stationery Project

So for your next project, as we talked about yesterday, you will be designing a stationery set for your chosen client. You will be creating three things:

1. A business card (two sided is OK, even encouraged)
2. Letterhead
3. Mailing envelope

Things to think about:
With your business card, you can certainly be creative with your size format, but keep in mind how they are used: they will usually be put in a wallet, planner, or rolodex, so the size has to be conducive to that.

Letterhead is meant to be used, so maximize your usable area, and if you use color in the background, be sure type is legible when printed over it. You can also do two-sided stationery, with a color, pattern or texture on the back of the sheet, but if you do this, make it thoughtful, and use paper that is thick enough that the double-sided printing won't bleed through.

Envelopes need to be designed in such a way that it can easily be mailed, so think in terms of standard envelope sizes, and allow a good amount of space for the mailing address or address label to be added. You will put the company logo and mailing address on the envelope also, so think about where you usually see a return address (upper left corner, or at least on the left side of the envelope).

You will have both a board and comps, so think about what type of paper you will use, because the paper you work with is part of the tactile experience. I mentioned yesterday Neenah Papers. You can browse their site and order samples here.

Here are some links for design inspiration:
All Graphic Design: Best of Business Stationary, Letterhead & Business Cards : Inspirational Corporate Identity Design

U-Printing Blog: 12 Lovely Letterhead Design Samples

Coalmarch Portfolio

Next Day Flyers Blog

You the Designer: 83 Crazy/Beautiful Letterhead and Logo Designs