How to design your own high glossy postcards

How to Design Your Own High Glossy Postcards As more and more communication is carried out electronically, the popularity of the postcard, along with the letter, is in decline. Postcards are a good way to send a message to a friend or loved one or to use as a marketing tool if you're running a small business.

They're more personal than an email, and can grab the recipient's attention better than a flyer if you select a striking image. It's possible to design your own glossy postcards online or make your own at home.

Things You'll Need    

Computer Printer/scanner Desktop publishing program Double-sided glossy photo paper

Instructions 1. Online o

1 Select an image for the front of your postcard. Browse the internet -check out sites that offer free photos and other images -- and download one that appeals.

o

2 Navigate to services like MOO, GotPrint or Overnight Prints and follow the links to design your own custom postcard.

o

3 Upload any artwork or images you want to appear on the front of your postcard and customize the layout of the message section on the back. You can add logos and text to your design as required. Most services offer a range of templates and designs that can be used royalty-free if you need some inspiration. You can choose from a number of printing options and paper types and receive discounts for bulk orders. If you have an illustration or a hard copy of original artwork, scan it and save on your hard disk to upload.

o

4

Pay for your postcards using a credit card or PayPal and enter your delivery details.

2. At Home o

1 Design the front of your postcard using desktop publishing software such as QuarkXPress or Adobe InDesign. If you don't have a desktop publishing program you can use Window's Paint utility. Set your document size to a maximum of 6-by-4-1/4 inches. Import any images or artwork using your program's "Get picture" or "Paste" function and add text. Convert any artwork or imagery in hard copy to a digital format using your scanner if required.

o

2 Save your work when you've completed your design.

o

3 Open another project in the application you're using and design the back of your postcard. You won't need to do this if you want to leave the back blank and add a message by hand. Save your work when you're done.

o

4 Open the design for the front of your postcard, load the photo paper into the printer and print.

o

5 Open the design for the back of your postcard, load the photo paper you've just printed the other way around and print.

Tips & Warnings 



Double-siding images on the same paper can take some trial and error to get right; ensure you've previously established which way your paper feeds into your printer and prints on the page (top or bottom of fed paper) in order to properly locate and center images on the backs of previously printed images.

Seek permission from rights holders if you're using images or artwork that don't belong to you for commercial purposes.

More Resources   

Postcard Printing http://www.samedayprinting.com/postcards.html 4×6 Postcard Printing http://www.samedayprinting.com/postcard-printing.html 5×7 Postcard Printing http://www.samedayprinting.com/standard-postcardprinting.html