Design to Print: Developing your Branding/Business Package

Whether you are starting a new business in Chicago, or revamping your existing business, it is important to have a consistent branding package. From business cards and letterhead, to envelopes, labels, and more, it is important to consider how these items will be presented to clientele and what message they will send. At Alphagraphics Chicago North, we can help you develop your brand package from the early stages of design, all the way to production. When it comes to your brand package, consistency is key. Chicago is a city of big business and you want to make sure your brand stands out from the rest! You should begin by thinking about which materials are important for your business. Whether you utilize business cards, letterhead and envelopes, flyers, postcards, or posters, you will want to make sure that your brand identity remains consistent. Let’s say you are starting a business in Chicago, with an initial need for business cards, letterhead, and envelopes. You will want to begin by making a paper selection that is high-quality and can be used for all three items. At Alphagraphics Chicago North, we have a number of premium paper selections which we can recommend for your materials. For business cards, we typically recommend a card stock that is at least 100# (lb.) cover. If you are looking for something with an elevated feel, choosing a card stock that is more substantial in weight is recommended. This would be something close to 130# (lb.) cover or more. The same goes for letterhead. You will want your letterhead to feel different from the standard printer paper which one might use in their home or office machine (typically 20# bond). For your letterhead we recommend at least 60# text – giving it a more premium feel. Finally, when it comes to envelopes, there are a variety of styles to choose from. For the most part, standard business envelopes include #10 and 9 x 12 (booklet or catalog). 28lb is the standard weight, and you can also explore different flap options, including standard or square. It is recommended that these items are in the same color family – thus keeping your materials as cohesive as possible. These guidelines apply to any additional materials that you may have including notecards and envelopes, labels, and more. Be sure to reach out to your print rep at Alphagraphics Chicago North – they can advise every step of the way! Once you have narrowed down a paper stock that you feel is appropriate for your business package materials, you will also want to consider how your designs, specifically your logo, will be presented. If you are looking for your Chicago business to stand out, you will want to create a cohesive package that can be easily maintained and will keep your branding consistent. One of the best ways to do this is to create layouts that are multi-functional. For example, if you are printing #10 business envelopes, 9 x 12 envelopes, and A2 envelopes, consider having your logo in the same place on all three items. This also applies to the placement of your return address, whether it be below your logo, on the flap, etc. Another great way to keep things cohesive is to consider 1 to 2 fonts that can be used for all branding/business package materials. This will make your items easy to identify, particularly for your current clients in Chicago. It will also let your prospective clients in the Chicago area get a feel for your brand. Colors are also important – you should always stick with colors that are within your branding guidelines or are complimentary. These are just a few tips to help you get started! If you have any additional questions when it comes to developing a stellar branding/business package, do not hesitate to reach out to your Alphagraphics Chicago North sales rep – we are here for you!