| Reading article |
The 5 Vital Elements to Memorable Postcard Designs |
Postcards, like posters, are printed materials that allure its audiences because of its visually stunning graphics. It's a medium that communicates by using images that can indeed speak a thousand words.
Postcards can be used for a variety of purposes. Aside from using them as personal favors or give-aways, many companies and establishment use postcards for marketing and advertising purposes. But no matter where or how it is used, one thing remains constant - and that is an effective postcard design.
A well-made postcard design can efficiently deliver any message to its audience. Such that, these must be crafted in order to gather a desirable response from the target audience. Responses such as visiting the store or establishment, going to the website, or purchasing the products and services are just some of the ideal actions postcards can solicit from its audience.
There are numerous postcard designs. The web especially holds a host of samples and templates one can use or imitate to make postcard designs. No matter how you choose to create your designs, whether by borrowing certain images or styles or making one from scratch, there are vital elements you should remember in making your designs.
The five elements of designing effective postcards are:
Colors must adequately express the message you wish to impart to your audience. Striking colors can catch your audience's attention. But colors must also be used in consideration with other elements of your design.
Colors can indicate certain moods and affect the overall tone of your message. Red thematically speaks of anger or passion, seductiveness or boldness. Greens create a calming effect to the eyes. Oranges can induce a person's appetite and the like.
There must also be balance among colors if you want to use a myriad of colors. Review the color wheel chart and observe how you use a colored object against a particular background. Does it blend well with the background or does it jump out from background? The color wheel can also advise you as to what colors are complementary so you can identify which colors to use or put side by side with.
Images on postcards do not necessarily have to fill the whole page. Postcards come in a variety of sizes such 4.25x6, 5x7, 5.5x8.5, 6x9 and 6x11. Use space wisely and do not overcrowd your postcard.
Select your images well. One high-quality picture can sufficiently deliver the message instead of compressing everything in. Unless the latter is the effect you wish to create, then feel free to do so. Nevertheless, start out by experimenting with one good picture, then add more if it feels like it doesn't do the trick or doesn't encompass everything you want to say.
The Rule of Thirds is another good trick when experimenting with your layout or design. Place your images as though you were focusing an object in a camera. Divide the whole space of the postcard into three and place the object or image you want to highlight smack in the middle of any of the three sections. The rule of thirds leads your eyes to focus on a particular image or object, making it easier for your audience to concentrate on your pictures.
Text that you put on the face of your postcard should be minimal and bold. Try using short sentences that people can grasp easily. It pays to be more direct to the point so as to draw in attention of your audience or readers.
Use questions that that addresses to your audiences needs, wants or fantasies? Try also quotations that have can create an impact. Avoid overused quotations that people won't waste another second of their time on.
Size is important. Size or space is important. Be wary of using too big or a postcard or too small that may not carry your planned design well. Sometimes the size can overwhelm your design and the impact you desire to create goes down the drain. Conversely, a too small postcard may render your design too cramped, producing a not too pleasant effect.
A good design comes from not just a concept, but from the integration. Creating a balance to properly highlight the right objects and the rest of the elements is a must. Everything must work together to create a unified piece.
Create harmony in your design by keeping these simple and practical tips in mind. Communicate your ideas better and reap the rewards you richly deserve.
Article source http://w4rum.com/2663.t
|
|
| [By Kimber Fulcher] [06/Jun/07] |
