Story from the La Quinta Gem.
The fundamentals of design remain the same, whether it be a spread for People Magazine or a personalized card for the holidays. Before you even begin conceptualizing a look, feel, or message, you need to ask yourself: Who is this intended for and what emotion do I want to elicit in the person/people receiving it? Is this piece intended for mass distribution, or are you looking to touch each person individually?
Most people who take the time to handpick a holiday card or those who opt to customize a card for their friends and loved ones, aspire to incorporate a personal touch. In order to achieve that, there are a few key factors to consider.
1. Are you more quirky or traditional? If you are going the Shutterfly route, you have dozens of silhouettes, backgrounds and finishes to consider. You can order the default 4” x 6” card which tends to be the most economical, or you can pay a little more and select a more original shape (a circle or scalloped layout, or oversize) that will make your card stand out among the rest.
2. As a business, you may choose to take a really buttoned up approach, or you may choose to show a more playful side to make your card more relatable to your recipients. Consider the industry you’re in and who is on the receiving end.
3. With the design, you can also choose a less traditional color scheme to be a bit more unique, or, you can pair bold graphics or fonts with traditional elements to add an interesting twist.
4. Words are the heart and soul of a card. Make sure not to be too longwinded, and try to be as thoughtful as you can with the message.
5. The finish of the card (how it feels to the touch) is also an element that is important to consider. You can go with a matted finish for a more sophisticated look, or high gloss for a more dramatic effect. Glitter and other embellishments also add a more handcrafted/homemade look.
6. You can also go the eco-friendly route by sending an electronic card. The added bonus is you’ll save on paper and postage!
If you’d like additional design tips or need help with a specific project or campaign, our team is here to help! Contact Risseth Lora, Vice President of Operations at JNS Next at 760-775-0000 or [email protected].