Project Introduction

Now that we have some basic business cards from the last project, our clients will want to see an expanded stationery set with our new branding design. This will help us push our InDesign skills to a new level. We will make a few items, mock them up nicely and be sure to ZIP all the print ready files together for easy download.

You will make 8.5″ x 11″ Letterhead (Full Bleed), a #10 Envelope (Double Sided, Full Bleed), and a 9″ x 12″ Double Pocket Folder. From there, you will also add some interesting extras to fill out the stationery depending on what YOU want to add to the portfolio (in the examples, I did Pens, a CD Case and Print, Booklets and even a Coffee Cup).

Your mockups will be a series of 1920×1080 images set for web showcasing on your portfolio. You will also have a zip folder of all the print ready files available for download (use Google Drive). Remember that this is an expansion of the branding from before, so keep using the same styles that the client wants.

“I seriously recommend that you start with templates for a project like this… it will save you a LOT of time, and allow you to focus on the branding and design elements, rather than setting up safe, trim and bleed zones. Use a site like blockbusterprint.com to get started!” – GD

---

Stationery Mockup Examples

Here you can see I did the basic three designs (letterhead, pocket folder and envelope), but due to the mockups that I wanted to use, I was also able to do coffee cups, CD cases, notepads, pens… you name it! I got really expanding the brand. Remember to think about how you will mock them up FIRST before you get started. You do remember how to find PSD mockups, right?

---

Project Requirements & Helpful Links

• Minimum of a 8.5″ x 11″ Letterhead (Full Bleed), a #10 Envelope (Double Sided, Full Bleed), and a 9″ x 12″ Double Pocket Folder designed for your clients (don’t forget to save out RGB versions for your mockups), 300dpi, and built for a full bleed print.
  • The stationery should grow your branding endeavor, not argue with it. Keep your branding work seamless for your clients.
  • Mockups:  Saved and optimized for web, on your portfolio.
    • 1920x1080px, RGB, 72dpi, jpg.
  • Print: Export print ready PDF files, at full print standard, with a downloadable link to your ZIP file on your portfolio, with your mockups.
    • Standard US Sizes, CMYK Color Mode, 300dpi, PDF, in a ZIP file that is neatly organized with good clean folders for all elements.
    • The ZIP file should contain any custom fonts used in your design, and a folder for each design variation with the front and back files easily locatable.
• Your finalized mockups should be posted to your online portfolio, and a link sent to Google+ as well as directly to the Instructor.

---

Project Grading Rubric

The grade you receive for this project is based on overall creativity, technical perfection, file management, and of course seamless branding for your design brief. Be sure to follow the directions very carefully to make sure that you have created mockups, print files, zip folders, and made all the links correctly for delivery to the Instructor.

AMAZING 90-100	GREAT 80-89	GOOD 70-79	SUB PAR 60-69	POOR <60
Student showcased absolute mastery over the project, and excelled both technically and creatively.	Student provided above average business card designs, missed a few requirements either technically or creatively.	Student demonstrated an acceptable amount of skill, but could have done better either technically or creatively, or didn’t quite turn the files in correctly.	Student followed directions, but provided poor examples of professional business card designs or did a sub-par job of completing the assignment.	Student did not follow directions, did not demonstrate proper use of the tools, or did not complete assignment completely.