Letterhead & Envelope Design Once you’ve developed your business cards, you’ll probably need letterhead and business envelopes that work well with the cards. For example, you’ll need to use similar paper styles and effects.
QUANTITY
When is your letterhead used? As more and more documents are delivered in electronic format, businesses don’t need the same quantity of traditional letterhead as they did in years past. List different ways your letterhead is used, then estimate how many sheets your company uses each month. ESTIMATED # LETTERHEAD USE SHEETS/MONTH Total sheets/month Do the same calculation for your 10# business envelopes and window envelopes (for invoices): ESTIMATED # 10# ENVELOPE USE SHEETS/MONTH Total 10# envelopes/month ESTIMATED # WINDOW ENVELOPE USE SHEETS/MONTH Total window envelopes/month
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Use these quantities in talking with your printer, who can provide quotes at different volume levels. Then determine how much to buy in a single run.
QUALITY
Your Value Proposition Your Design Theme
PAPER “Bond” paper is traditionally used for letterhead. It’s compatible with most office printers and copiers and comes in a variety of weights, colors, and finishes. Your envelopes should match your letterhead.
LETTERHEAD WEIGHT CONSIDER?
Y Y Y
WEIGHT
COMMENTS
20# 24# 28#
A lightweight paper for letterhead Slightly heftier than 20#; most commonly used This heavier paper is very durable but can pose problems in your printer
FINISH Uncoated stock has a matte finish and is traditionally used for business cards and letterhead. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes. It’s used over coated stock because it absorbs ink quickly without smudging and is less reflective and easier on the eyes when reading. CONSIDER?
FINISH
COMMENTS
Y Y Y
Wove Laid Linen
Smooth surface Very slight grain in one direction Texture in both directions similar to linen fabric. Very traditional feel.
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ADDITIONAL FINISH OPTIONS CONSIDER?
OPTION
COMMENTS
Y
Embossing
Y
Foil stamping
Y
Varnish
Embossing creates a raised 3D image that conveys strength and tradition. You should use a heavy uncoated stock. In addition to an incremental cost per sheet, you’ll need to have a die made (could be a few hundred dollars). If your business cards are embossed, you may be able to use the same die if the images are going to be the same size. Also requires a die. Hot foil is stamped into the paper. Can convey elegance and tradition, but be careful – it can also look dated. You can use a clear varnish over your logo or image to help it “pop”
COLOR The color of your paper can dramatically impact the ink color, so you’ll need to make sure they work together. Your printer should provide a proof before the job goes to print.
CONTENT
CONTENT TO INCLUDE Logo Slogan/tagline Company address Company phone number Company fax number URL Other:
LETTERHEAD
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
#10 ENVELOPES No No No No No No No
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
No No No No No No No
LAYOUT/DESIGN
You’ll want to use a design that’s consistent with your business cards. For example, if your logo is in the upper left corner of your card and the text is all flush left, you should use a similar design on your letterhead. If your logo is centered on your card, center it on your letterhead. Here are traditional standard letterhead layouts: LOGO PLACEMENT OPTIONS ADDRESS PLACEMENT
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LOGO PLACEMENT Top
OPTIONS Left side
Center
ADDRESS PLACEMENT Under logo, left justified Top right in line with logo Across bottom of page Bottom left Under logo, centered Across bottom of page
BRAND CONSISTENCY When you’re finished with your requirements, make sure they’re consistent with your brand strategy. ENTER YOURS IS THE TEMPLATE CONSISTENT? Brand position Y N Needs more work Five brand personality traits Y N Needs more work Y N Needs more work Y N Needs more work Y N Needs more work Y N Needs more work
SELECTING A PRINTER
Once you have your requirements started, it’s best to get quotes from three printers. [Vendor Selection can help]
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