The first step in stationery system design is know your client. Every business is unique and it's your job to find out what sets this company aside from its competitors, and communicate that difference. Find out: What their primary business is; How the company is perceived by their customers; What they like about their current stationery system; How the letterhead will be used (laser printer, bubble jet printer, typewriter, or by pen; What the total budget is from design to print; And who their customers are.

The second step is to know and understand your client's clients. Even though a stationery system appeals to your client, there is no guarantee it will appeal to their clients. Start collecting business cards and get an idea of what visually appeals to them.

The third step is to make sure that all the information readable. Be sure to include company name, address, phone, fax, e-mail and web address if applicable. Think about the different ways these elements can be positioned on the page, but make it easy to find the important information.

After you have established the parameters listed above, you can begin to narrow down design ideas. If your client has the budget for color, think about the colors that best reflect the clients personality. When choosing a type style, there are endless possibilities. Type can express a great deal about a company- whether you choose a classic typeface such as Garamond or Bodoni, or something more "modern," make sure it is representative of the personality of the client.

The next parameter to look at is paper. There are now a variety of paper choices, from weight to color to texture. Look into paper companies as well as print shops for ideas. If your client has a small budget, use an unusual paper and that can create a distinctive look at a low cost. If your client has a large budget, there are a number options other than offset lithography. Other printing methods such as screen printing produces a thick, saturated color, while a letterpress produces crisp, embossed images. There are also options such as die, cuts, foil stamping and varnishes that are more expensive, but can create a truly unique look.

As you begin to design the system, start with the business card first because that is the smallest element. From there it is easier to transfer the elements to the envelope and page. Think about the elements work together on the page - placement of a logo (if applicable), company name, address, telephone and fax number and e-mail and internet address (if applicable).

A letterhead system should:

Clearly identify who the company or individual is.

Place the address, telephone, fax numbers, e-mail and web address in an easy to find location.

Leave ample room for the message.

Be a reflection of your client's personality.

Have a design that unifies all the pieces.

Have an envelope design that meets postal regulations for positioning of information.

Make it easy to distinguish between the content of the message and the information about the sender.