How to Create Custom Postcards for Business and Pleasure

Postcards are a fun and affordable way to do a mailing.

You can use a postcard to make a casual or business announcement, or offer an invitation.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. There are 2 ways to make free to affordable postcards yourself. You can use a company like VistaPrint or you can design and print your own. If you decide to use VistaPrint, the cost is free for the postcards but you have to pay a reasonable shipping and handling fee.
   
   VistaPrint has many designs to choose from, or you can upload your own. The colors are bright and the quality is good.

2. 
    

   To design, print and trim your own postcards at home or in your business office, you will need the following:
   
   Art program. I use CorelDraw and OpenOffice. OpenOffice is a free program that rivals Microsoft. I prefer to deal in Vector based elements rather than bitmaps.
   
   Color Laserjet or Inkjet printer.
   
   Paper. Cardstock will print a nice full color image but it will be matte, not glossy. Some larger office supply stores carry cardstock especially for making postcards. The paper is pre-scored making it easy to cut apart. If you want a glossy finish, use photo paper. Be sure to check the back. Some photo papers have printing, logos or other marks on the back. You need paper that is unprinted and printable on both sides.
   
   A rotary cutter is nice. You can buy one at a hobby or craft store, or even the craft section of Wal-mart. But, if you prefer, a metal straightedge like a ruler - cork or felt backed helps keep it in place - and a utility knife can cut your postcards, too.

3. If you make your own postcards, be sure to choose a standard size. US Postal regulations have a maximum size for postcards of 6" x 4.25". Minimum dimensions are 5" x 3.5". If you design your postcards to be printed on an 8.5" x 11" paper you can lay 4 minimum sized cards out with a margin around the edge or 4 larger sized cards with no margin. They will end up being 5.5" x 4.25".

4. 
    

   Design a front for your postcards. You can get ideas from VistaPrint but you can't use their artwork unless you have them print it for you. A photo of your own, a Creative Commons photo from Flickr, a drawing, or whatever can form the graphic basis for the front of your postcard.

5. Design a back for your postcard. You need to design a space for the address the card will be sent to, and a place for postage. Postcards don't require a return address but I think it's good form to include it. You can also include some decorative elements on the address side of your postcard but make sure it doesn't interfere with the address or postage. The USPS has to easily know which side is which. If you aren't sure where you have to leave the card blank, just leave the whole think blank.

6. Once your design is complete, lay it out so that 4 will print on each sheet of paper. Test it by printing. Make any adjustments needed.

7. Cut the postcards apart using your rotary cutter or utility knife.

8. You created your own postcards from scratch! Use them to make announcements, invite people to parties or other activities, send funny holiday cards, whatever. Postcards are actually a forgotten art form and should be renewed for the 21st Century.

[leisasmith887]

on 10/8/2009 A great place to make custom postcards is Postcards.com They offer online tools to make your postcards truly your own. You can choose from many templates or upload your own photo. They can ship them to you or they can even mail them for you. Printed on premium card stock, Postcards.com is truly a one stop shop for your invitations, greeting cards, or new age business cards.

[goodselfme]

on 3/8/2009 I learned from your article. I did not know I could make my own postcards.

[sonni57]

on 3/8/2009 Good article on custom post cards I'll try to do it.