Non-designers and other busy folks can get much more professional looking materials and easily create a cohesive identity with matching preprinted designs for business cards, letterhead, tri-fold brochure paper, postcards, rolodex die-cuts, and even newsletter paper. Most of today's preprinted papers work well in inkjet, laser, and photocopiers.
Templates for preprinted designs from Paper Direct and other vendors allow you to easily layout your text and graphics within Microsoft Word, Adobe PageMaker, and other applications. Using the templates insures that what you put on the page will fit with the preprinted elements on the paper.
Like templates, stock photos, and clip art, preprinted paper is a useful tool for saving money and saving time without sacrificing appearance. However, there are some drawbacks to using these preprinted papers.
- Not unique. Even with the wide variety of designs it is still possible to find other companies in your area or even in your same industry using the same or similar preprinted papers, nullifying your attempt to "stand out" from the crowd. For smaller businesses this is usually not a problem.
Tip: Use more subtle designs without striking design elements that draw attention away from your message. The similarity to other companies using the same papers is less obvious. Use preprinted papers in unexpected ways. Try folding letter size sheets in different directions for brochures. Choose a design that allows you to turn the letterhead or the business card upside down.
- Limited Availability. Although some designs stay around for many, many years it is possible that the design you choose may be discontinued unexpectedly.
Tip: When you find a preprinted paper you like, stock up. Keep an eye out for similar designs from other vendors. Consider the preprinted paper as an interim measure until you can afford to do your own original designs (or have them designed for you).
- Lack of flexibility. While some preprinted papers come in a variety of formats and sizes you may find that matching papers for what you want is not made. Tri-fold brochure papers are common, four-fold is less so. Some preprinted papers only come in standard letter size sheets with matching envelopes and business cards.
Tip: Mix and match formats from complimentary but different designs. Choose designs that share a color or specific graphic elements. You may have to expand your search to other vendors, mixing letterhead from one with postcards from another.
