How To: Basic Stationery Package

What even is a "basic stationery package"? In the case of my PR publications class, we produced a business card, letterhead, and envelope markup for a company or organization of our choice. As stated in my earlier blogs, I haven chosen Lululemon for my company. Here are a few tips and tricks that I learned along the way on how to use design and layout to your advantage:

1. Less is more!

   1. Especially when dealing with an element as small as a business card, typically 3.5 by 2 inches, simplicity is key. When designing a business card, only include absolutely necessary information.

   2. In the case of an envelope you need to make sure the destination and return addresses are legible and clear, so don't get too crazy with too many colors and designs. Same goes for the letterhead - the important information is the letter, so don't distract your reader.

2. Balance creates unity.

   1. When an element of a stationery package is unequal or off-balance, it draws unwanted attention to that aspect. Maintaining the same colors, fonts, and images within the package makes it seem as if all of the elements go together, which is the goal.

3. Quality over quantity.

   1. The basic stationery package that we created in class was pretty minimal, only including 3 elements, but other packages are more extensive with many more materials. If you are working to be a PR professional, you must always produce excellent, quality work that is fit to be published. If you do not have time to create a quality, extensive package, go for less. Ideally, your employer would prefer to receive an extensive package that is also quality, but the next best case would be less elements that are more quality instead of more elements that are poorly designed.

4. Professionalism!

   1. When designing materials for a company or organization, ensure that you are using their correct font and exact color. These are both typically easy to find with a quick Google search, but it really makes a difference in distinguishing your work from others if you show that you did the research on your part to make sure that your package was up to the company's standards.

My business card for Lululemon is circular and only the red circle would be printed, not the outlining white square. Attached you'll find an example of my business card, letterhead, and envelope that I created for Lululemon.

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