Direct Mail Post Card Design *Project Over*

[Printer4u]

(Admin Code added by 2square - 787422E)

Hi everyone!

After 35 years in the printing business I have finally found the best design team there is...I'm impressed.

I need a direct mail post card for my printing business. It will be printed full color with bleeds on one side, the back side copy changes from month to month so I only need the front side designed.

Specs:
6" x 9"
Prints full color
Full bleeds acceptable
Elements: Can be any or all of the following. Graphics, type, photo(s)
Program: PageMaker, Photoshop, Illustrator & Quark

To get an idea what we do please go to our website at http://www.graphicsnh.com. Ignore the promotional products part off the site as that part of the business will be included as another post card later. Focus is on printing. We print everything from business cards and stationery, business forms, brochures, catalogs, data sheets & postcards in any quantity from single color to full color.

I can provide an Illustrator EPS file of our logo but it is too large (300k) to upload here. Logo does not have to be on the front of the post card, it is optional.

Thanks in advance, and I hope this works out well.

Rick

Contest deadline: November 29, 2003 or when I see the "right" design.

[Palmer]

Hi Rick, thanks for the kind words. You can send the logo to palmer[at]designoutpost.com and I will attach it for you.

[ElKootcho]

Do you have anything in particular in mind for this post card? Or is creative and copy completely wide open?

[Michael]

Got any high res photos you can supply us? maybe the ones off your site.

[Palmer]

Here is the logo...

[Printer4u]

I edited the original post to say that the logo does not have to appear on the front of the post card.

I am open to any ideas that will help to bring attention to current clients as well as attract new ones.

I have no high res photos large enough for print. I have no objection to purchasing some from a stock agency if needed.

Rick

[Bill]

Here's an idea...

[Virgil]

Hello :)

Here's my post :)

[graphxguy]

I'll be entering tomorrow.

Thanks.

[Michael]

Can I ask is that the correct size 6"x9" (6w x 9h)?? Just seems big for a postcard :blink:


Cheers

Michael

[Printer4u]

It is called a Jumbo Post Card. I would prefer a 6" x 9" horizontal.

I like what I am seeing so far. I will make comments soon.

Rick

[Michael]

Hi again.

Images are only placeholders, also not shown at actual size (you may have guessed)


<img src='http://www.2square.co.uk/contests/gcs.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />


Michael

[Michael]

I forgot to mention that I use Quark, but I do know that PageMaker does have a utility that can import qxd (quark) files.

:)

[ElKootcho]

<!--QuoteBegin-2square+Nov 20 2003, 10:46 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (2square @ Nov 20 2003, 10:46 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I forgot to mention that I use Quark, but I do know that PageMaker does have a utility that can import qxd (quark) files.

:) [/b][/quote]
I use quark as well. Will you accept a quark file?

[Printer4u]

Yes, Quark will be accepted as well. I have edited my original post to add Quark.

Rick

[Michael]

Nothing much just added white borders to the images to break them apart.


<img src='http://www.2square.co.uk/contests/gcs2.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />



Michael

[graphxguy]

Sorry I'm late. Here's my entry.

Let me know what you think. I look forward to your comments.

Thanks.

[Michael]

That is so funny I was gona use the same image (the coloured one) but with something on the lines as "make you business stand out".. or different :D

I do like that tho :tup:

[graphxguy]

Thanks, 2Square. I like yours too. ;)

[Michael]

Cheers...just awaiting for old Kootch to pull something out of the hat.

[graphxguy]

Yeah, the little dickens!

[Eagle]

*
Hi Rick (and Debra!)

Can supply without girl...but human nature dictates that the human form always catches the eye! ;) And 80% of businesses are owned by men...

...err, alledgedly! :blink: :lol2:

I couldn't get a hi-res version of your logo so I added my version... :)

[ElKootcho]

<!--QuoteBegin-2square+Nov 21 2003, 01:28 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (2square @ Nov 21 2003, 01:28 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Cheers...just awaiting for old Kootch to pull something out of the hat. [/b][/quote]
That sounds like a challenge <_<

[graphxguy]

Hey Eagle,

Is that Stacey Orrico?

[Eagle]

Nope! :)

[Michael]

<!--QuoteBegin-ElKootcho+Nov 22 2003, 01:55 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (ElKootcho @ Nov 22 2003, 01:55 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> That sounds like a challenge <_< [/b][/quote]
It is :box:

[Printer4u]

<!--QuoteBegin-ElKootcho+Nov 21 2003, 06:55 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (ElKootcho @ Nov 21 2003, 06:55 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> That sounds like a challenge <_< [/b][/quote]
I know I haven't commented on any of the posts...they are all good which makes it harder.

After seeing this "challenge" I was kind of hoping to see what is "pulled out of the hat".

Rick

[Michael]

Me too ;)

Maybe worth commenting on the ones so far, if you want any changes they can be done while you are still waiting for others to join :)

[ElKootcho]

I'll try and get something in before you make a final choice but truth is, the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday is kicking my butt right now. A weeks worth of work is being crammed into 2 days. The holiday season is crazy in the movie industry. As I said, I'll try to participate but it may take a little time.

[ElKootcho]

Image and copy can of course be easily changed.

<img src='http://www.smallbusinessstyle.com/DesignOutpost/Postcard_arch.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Printer4u]

Hi everyone and thanks for the submiisions so far. I must say that I am impressed with the fast responses with the tight deadlines. I forgot about the Thanksgiving holiday.

My comments are as follws:

pennyln: I like the brightness and the boldness and I especially like the black banner across the bottom with the colored dots. The message is there but I think I would like to use some graphics or photos.

Gilles Le Bon: I like the idea but I think the boldness of the picture frames and the rule connecting the graphics/photos is too strong for the size of the pictures. I also have a problem with the way the type on the right is stacked. Hard to follw. Maybe left justified?

2square: I really like your second submission. It is pretty much promoting "Printing" and the related services. I would like to see the web address revered in a banner if you think it wouldn't take away from it. Great job.

graphxguy: I like it...a lot. The only problem I have is it promotes full color more than just "printing". I had tried to come up with a postcard months ago that compared apples to oranges using the same idea but never got the right look. You did it. Still a consideration.

Eagle: I like the color...really attracts the eye and it is not busy, but doesn't really stress "Printing". I think the girl adds too much "NYC" or "California" look to it for a Northeastern US market (New Hampshire). Nice design.

Elkootcho: Finally something pulled from the hat. I like the style...very clean and professional. Now I will add my 2 cents and mess it up. I think the photo adds a "personal touch" to it but wonder if we could use something from the printing industry or even break the phot area up to include more than one image of something from the indutry. Also, it doesn't really say "Printing". I also like the idea of having the web address on the front so people don't have to search for it on the back side. Nice layout.

If people feel that they could use more time because of the upcoming holiday weekend and my delay in commenting I would be willing to extend the deadline if that is allowed.

Rick

[ElKootcho]

If people feel that they could use more time because of the upcoming holiday weekend and my delay in commenting I would be willing to extend the deadline if that is allowed.

Extending the deadline is entirely up to you. It's your contest so you could keep it going or even end early if you choose. I know from a personal standpoint, I should be able to devote more time if the contest ran through the entire weekend.

[Michael]

Thanks for the feedback, I shall work on the amendments.


Michael

[Michael]

Update:

Will be tomorrow when I get to post the amendments, are you saying you just want the web address in a banner of it's own?

[Printer4u]

2square - I think that's about all it needs. there is a lot of white space at the bottom. You said the images were placeholders. Are high res images available?

Rick

[Michael]

As for the images I downloaded from a stock photo site (Free) I believe they were high Res.

Do you have prefered images you would like to see there or are the ones I used Ok?

I was thinking of changing the cyan colour to the Pantone used in your logo (201??) what are your thoughts?

[Printer4u]

2square - Although I would recognize the top photo to be a web press I don't think most people would...but I'm not sure that it matters. The far left photo says nothing really so maybe that one should be changed but I'm not sure what would be good. Open to suggestions.

Rick

[Michael]

I shall have a scout round for some images.

[Michael]

Any better?


<img src='http://www.2square.co.uk/contests/gcs3.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

or

<img src='http://www.2square.co.uk/contests/gcs4.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />


Michael

[Printer4u]

2square - I like them both. No thoughts or ideas on changing the image on the far left?

Rick

[graphxguy]

Here's a revision. It's a simple solution, but I think it works.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks.

[Michael]

<!--QuoteBegin-Printer4u+Nov 26 2003, 09:25 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Printer4u @ Nov 26 2003, 09:25 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> 2square - I like them both. No thoughts or ideas on changing the image on the far left?

Rick [/b][/quote]
Yes I forgot about that, just going to get a bite to eat then get on to it..

[Michael]

Ok its 1am here and I've got an early start to drive to see a client, but I've been playing around not sure if you will like, maybe to close to graphxguy's enteries don't want to start stealing idea's.


<img src='http://www.2square.co.uk/contests/gcs5.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

Or

<img src='http://www.2square.co.uk/contests/gcs6.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />


Michael

[ElKootcho]

<img src='http://www.smallbusinessstyle.com/DesignOutpost/postcard_arch_words.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Printer4u]

2square - I think I like the one that is PMS 201. I like the PMS book photo at the top as it gives more contrast to the reversed type. The only objection I have is the photo on the far left and then it would need another photo to replace the PMS book that is on the right. I just think there could be a better image on the left that is related to printing.

ElKootcho - I like it...much better. Not much else to say...Nice job.

Rick

[Printer4u]

I have decided to extend the deadline until 12/01 because of the holiday weekend.

Rick

[Michael]

Ok thanks I shall work on the previous entries, I really need to get myself some photo stock disks I either buy images online as and when need or grab them from the free sites but the free sites are not giving me what I'm after.

Leave it with me, thanks for the extended deadline.




Looking good kootch ;)

[ElKootcho]

The main image and the Pantone book are free stock shots, the leaf is pulled from your photography link, and the promo products are from a random site so would need to be replaced. (plus, you can show your prowess as a quality printer by knocking that thin type into registration :lol2: . I know thin type is tough, it can be fattened up if needed)

<img src='http://www.smallbusinessstyle.com/DesignOutpost/postcard_orange.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Michael]

Kootch :box:

I think I need to come in with a counter attack :D

[ElKootcho]

<img src='http://www.smallbusinessstyle.com/DesignOutpost/postcard_green.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[MUTE DESIGN]

My ideas....Have the hi rez pictures - all stock.
-Anthony

[Printer4u]

ElKoocho - I like the one you posted on the 26th with the blue background and the type but I don't think anyone will take the time to read the paragraph. I would like to see it with the paragraph replaced using the headline from the 29th...We're More Than Just Great Printing.... Then change "business cards" to "stationery" & move it and the word "brochures" to the top half and add "data sheets". Move "promotional products to the bottom half.

Thanks,

Rick

[Michael]

Hi just to let you know that I will post the revisions soon and also planning working on another design...can not let kootch come stomping in with a killer design like that can we :ph34r:


:)

[ElKootcho]

<!--QuoteBegin-Printer4u+Dec 1 2003, 02:47 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Printer4u @ Dec 1 2003, 02:47 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> ElKoocho - I like the one you posted on the 26th with the blue background and the type but I don't think anyone will take the time to read the paragraph. I would like to see it with the paragraph replaced using the headline from the 29th...We're More Than Just Great Printing.... Then change "business cards" to "stationery" & move it and the word "brochures" to the top half and add "data sheets". Move "promotional products to the bottom half.

Thanks,

Rick [/b][/quote]
per your wishes...

[Michael]

Coming in with a counter attack is it enough to knock Kootch out :D


<img src='http://www.2square.co.uk/contests/gcs7.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

<img src='http://www.2square.co.uk/contests/gcs8.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />



Michael

[Printer4u]

And the winner is...ElKootcho! (for the orange design last posted)

I do have a couple of edits. I have no problem finding a substitute photo for the promotional products and I may even change the leaves photo but I can handle that.

Iwould like to thank everyone for their effort. It was a really tough decision. I liked 5 in all and wish I could buy all 5 for use in future mailings but it's not in the budget right now.

I an very impressed and will be back for more including a new logo which will involve stationery, a brochure and web template in the near future.

Thanks again,

Rick

[ElKootcho]

Thanks Rick. I'll get this together for you asap. Do you have a particular version of Quark that you need this saved to?

[Printer4u]

Elkootcho - I have version 4.1

Rick

[Michael]

Well done Kootch I enjoyed the battle, glad the best man won..... :cry: