Envelopes

Envelopes serve two distinct purposes:

1: Envelopes must protect and package your documents while in transit, while abiding by United States Postal Requiements, International guidelines, or any thridy party shipper.

2: The envleope is truley the first impression of your Identity to most people. First impressions have a lasting effect and important opportunities to introduce your company and it visual style.

Envelopes serve both a very practical and also a very important creative role in your business’s Identity System. Practicality and creativity are not exclusive concepts. They are the same concept.

Envelope Sizes and Styles

There are as many Envelopes are there are docuements – and objects – to send. Each size has been standardized for the most efficient, cheapest, and reliable mailing.

Research: A Complete Guide of Standard Envelope Styles & Sizes : Designers Toolbox

For class you will be designing two Envelope Options: Business Envelopes and a larger format of your choosing.

Business Envelopes (#10)

Standard business enelopes are 4 1/8” x 9 1/2” inches. They are designed to fit standard Letterhead (8 1/2” x 11”) when folded into thirds.

Examples of Standard Business Envelopes:

Mailing Labels

In additon to designing standard #10 Envelopes, you will also need to design and print mailng labels for larger envelopes and packages. These lablels will typically serve as a return address label and way to brand your package. (Example )

You may use any type mailable envelope you create or buy from a third party supplier, So long as it is appropritae in design and purpose for the types of needs your company has.

Postal Regulations & Standards

In order for the United States Postal Service to use it’s automated machinery to process and sort the mass quantities of mail if handles daily, there are guidlines specifying how and where artwork can be placed, as not to interfere with automation.

Post Office Guidelines & Basic Standards
• Postal Addressing & Return Addressing Standards

• Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece

• Envelope Layout Guide (Wausau Papers)

USPS Provided Help

Mailpiece design analysts (MDAs) are postal employees specially trained to answer your questions about mailpiece design. These employees provide advice and issue rulings regarding acceptability for automated rates. MDAs provide technical assistance on mailpiece design to envelope manufacturers, printers, advertising agencies, and graphic designers.

For more, read: USPS Resources

Want to learn more, or make your own?

There are many other options for creatve (though not all practical) ways to make, fold and design your own envelopes and corresponding stationary. For (much) more informartion and illustrated examples visit: Envelope and Letter Folding