Business card
Small, but often the first point of contact. Format, paper and design all count.
Print
Printed matter: business cards, flyers and brochures from a single source
Printed matter from a single source: business cards, letterheads, flyers, brochures and catalogues, designed and produced. Nationwide, with a dedicated contact.
Print
Printed matter: what exactly is it?
Printed matter covers all of a business's printed information and promotional material: business cards, letterheads, flyers, leaflets, brochures, catalogues, folders and forms. It is often the first thing a customer actually holds in their hands, and it says something about how carefully you work.
Good printed matter comes from the interplay of design, copy, paper and production. Format and paper determine the feel, the finish (for example varnish, embossing or foil) determines the effect, and clean print-ready files determine the result. Getting all of this from a single source avoids mistakes between agency and printer.
Background
Printed matter: why it matters.
A flyer or a business card is often the first thing a customer holds in their hands from you. Paper, feel and design say something about your quality.
When all your printed matter is designed in the same style, people come to recognise you. That is easiest to achieve when design and production are planned together.
Overview
Printed matter: building blocks and variants.
Letterheads and envelopes
Your everyday presence. Legibility and space for content are what matter.
Flyers and leaflets
A short message with a clear offer and a clear call to action.
Brochures and catalogues
Multi-page, with structure, images and signposting.
Folders and presentation materials
High-quality packaging for quotations and documents.
Forms and pre-printed stationery
Practical, but also part of the overall picture.
Our work
Printed matter: what we do for you.
Business stationery
Business cards, letterheads, envelopes, folders and stamps.
Flyers & leaflets
Clear design and readable copy, matched to the purpose and the target audience.
Brochures & catalogues
Multi-page printed matter with typesetting, images and a clear overview.
Paper & finishing
Advice on paper, format and finishing, to suit your budget and the effect you want.
Print management
Files, printer, quality control and delivery.
Quality
Printed matter: how to recognise good work.
- Design and brand fit together
- Copy is short, clear and customer-focused
- Print-ready files have bleed, the right colours and sufficient resolution
- Paper and finishing match the standard you want to convey
- The call to action is unambiguous
- Telephone, address and web details are correct
- The print run was checked before delivery
Costs
Printed matter: what it costs.
The price depends on design, print run, format, paper, finishing and page count. Large print runs are cheaper per piece; small ones are more flexible.
The calculation behind this: How we calculate our prices.
What determines the price
- Design effort (new or adaptation)
- Print run and format
- Paper and finishing
- Page count for brochures
- Delivery and deadline
What you can prepare
- The purpose and target audience of the printed piece
- The quantity, deadline and distribution you want
- Existing copy, images and logos
- Examples you like
Pitfalls
Printed matter: common mistakes.
- too much text on too small an area
- print files without bleed or in the wrong colours
- cheap paper for a premium claim
- copy full of self-praise instead of customer benefit
Frequently asked questions
Questions about printed matter.
What print run makes sense?
That depends on the purpose. Small runs are flexible, large ones cheaper per piece. We advise you on this before you order.
Do you check my own print files?
Yes. We check them and, if necessary, make them print-ready.
Which paper is the right one?
That depends on the purpose and the effect you want. We show you samples and advise on what suits your budget and standards.
Can I reorder later?
Yes, as long as the print files are kept safe. We keep them ready and agree reprints with you.
What is bleed?
An edge area of the design that extends beyond the final format, so that no white borders appear after trimming.
Guides
Further reading.
Setting up print-ready files: bleed, colour, resolutionSetting up print-ready files correctly: bleed, CMYK colour space, resolution, fonts and file format. A checklist for error-free print templates.Read more →Designing a business card: tips on format, content and paperDesigning a business card: the standard format, what details to include, design rules and choosing paper for a card that stays in people’s minds.Read more →
More topics in Print
Want to sort out printed matter for your business?
Do you already know what comes first when it comes to printed matter? Then tell us. If not, we will find out together.