In an increasingly digital world, printed design becomes a **sensory gift**. A business card, catalog, envelope, or even a stickerâthese are tangible touches that make clients feel your work is **real, physical, and detail-oriented**.
Why is print design still relevant?
Because it engages the senses. The client doesnât just seeâit **touches, smells, and keeps**. A premium business card stays in a wallet for months. A beautiful catalog sits on a clientâs desk. These arenât just âprintsââtheyâre **silent sales tools**.
"Digital design is seen. Print design is kept."
Principles of professional print design
1. Design for a physical medium
Never use your web file for print! - Image resolution: 300 DPI (not 72) - Color mode: CMYK (not RGB) - Margins: add bleed (3mm) and safety margin (5mm) These small details separate âprofessionalâ from âamateur.â
2. Choose paper as a design element
Paper isnât a backdropâitâs part of the design. - Thick cardstock for business cards - Glossy paper for luxury catalogs - Recycled paper for sustainable brands Collaborate with your printer early to see real physical samples.
3. Donât forget practicality
- Does the card fit in a suit pocket? - Is the type too small to read without glasses? - Are key details (phone, website) prominent? Test your design in real life before large-scale printing.
A workshop tip
For a French fashion brand, we designed a catalog on thick board wrapped in fabric, with hand-applied gold foil. It cost 30% moreâbut the client said: âEvery client who opened it felt they were holding a piece of art.â Investing in quality translates into unforgettable impressions.