Ideas For Designing Your Business Letterheads Envelopes and Business Cards

What color is your office? Like most corporations there is usually a corporate tie-in with your company colors. Why not match the stationary to your corporate ID with themes paper. Choosing a suitable paper to carry your logo, colors and typography is an art and can spawn some of the most imaginative stationery ideas. The paper you choose also plays a role in the design of your stationary set. To get ideas for stationary it is as easy as asking your favorite offset printer or a Paper Merchant for a free swatch book.

What to Look For in Quality Stationary Papers

One main item that is worth exploring today is pcw (post consumer waste). If the material meets FSC standards items are certified with a smartwood logo. That also means that you can print a logo on your letterhead that states the paper your are using in 100% environmentally friendly. Then you want to look for printing and imaging guarantee, especially if you plan on imprinting letterheads or bulletin shells on a high speed, high heat laser printer. Many inks and papers cannot tolerate the heat generated from laser printers.

Paper Thickness and Color

If it is an American manufactured sheet such as Strathmore writing script then the weight (thickness) is measured in g/m2. This grade of paper is pure cotton and available in writing, text, and cover weights which are guaranteed for offset printing. The Writing (letterhead) and text weights are also guaranteed to perform in your laser printers, copiers, inkjets, and plain paper fax equipment in accordance with the original equipment manufacturer's specifications and setting recommendations. Colors of paper will have a strong impact on the intitial impression perceived. As you can see to the right there are many color choice in the family of fine papers. In this case we have use Stratmore Writing Grandee. It is a high quality meterial known for its diversed offering of light and dark colors. Most company stationery uses conventional printing inks to display corporate ID such as typography, logos and layout.

Watermark

Check with the manufacturer to find out if your paper choice comes with a watermark. If so what is the mark it bear's? Paper manufacturer's that produce 100% PCW often watermark an eco logo stating the amount of PCW or a brand mark. A watermark is a desirable, subtle look of elegance and luxury. It is generally best viewed in front of a light source.

Example WaterMarks on Strathmore Writing Script

Paper Finish

The best stationery ideas and office tips are attained by knowing the balance of graphic elements as they relate to the color and paper surface. When all is said and done your personalized stationery will be one of the most proud paper projects you ever put together. The finishes that are common when purchase business stationery are laid (A rough, non repetitive embossed texture), linen (Embossed linen texture) Wove (smooth), ultra smooth (speaks for itself).

Private Watermark

You can also have your company logo or any line art graphic watermarked into your paper. It is done at the paper mill usually by special order through the paper merchant.

26 Design Tips and Suggestions

1. Get office ideas from artistic team members
2. Go online and get stationary ideas
3. If you have an office idea don't be afraid to suggest it
4. Creating office themes is a teamwork concept
5. Custom printed stationery should be one of the office projects on the top of the to do list
6. Select a writing paper that is available in all paper weights so you can match a set
7. Get Paper Tips form experts for inks, finishes
8. Find suitable writing paper themes with your stationary corporate colors
9. Often a unique paper idea is all is takes to decide on your style
10. Insure paper is certified for all intended uses
11. See a proof print prior to production
12. Try writing important, meaningful messages in a quill pen
13. Integrate your own printers into the process
14. Business office supplies companies are not always the best source
15. Get prices from an office supplies business and a commercial printer
16. Ask for paper stationary samples
17. Be care choosing paper stationery colors
18. Matching cards stationary papers are a good choice
19. Ask a stationery office supplier for embossing samples
20. Matching business stationery is professional
21. Consider personal stationary for the CEO
22. When printing stationery on your laser printer
23. Get 3 quotes on your stationary printing
24. There are other products stationery sets include such as Quill pens
25. A stationary office supplier can guide you through technical questions
26. Buy office stationary from a reputable source
    

Other Stationery Ideas

Full color stationery is getting more and more popular for personalized stationery simply because of the cost. You can also download free printable stationery templates and modify them. Here are other types of stationery that you can also match.

For more Stationery Ideas stay tuned to this site where we will add color swatches, color advice and helpful designs.