Folder, Letterhead, and Business card redesign advice

[malloryl31414205]

Hello everyone,

I have been going back and forth on a project for weeks - it's time I reach out for a little advice. Please feel welcome to share your thoughts.

Some context: I am redesigning three collateral pieces which I want to be more in line with some of the newer design pieces we've put out at my organization. This round of materials includes a folder, letterhead, and business cards.

The challenge: Our colors seem a little dated and, unfortunately, this can't be changed. But what I do want to do is move away from using our red (0/68/86/28). In more current materials, we have been using a lot of angles and variations in opacity with our blue color (57/11/11/22) - which feels more modern. Another thing I've struggled with is how to continue to use angles as well as our curvy butterfly without over-complicating the design.

The goal: To create a fresh design that is professional (we are an organization that highly values professionalism and we work to help individuals reconnect with the workforce). Possibly incorporate our butterfly into the design with angles/overlays. Keep everything clean and modern - perhaps blue isn't the right direction?

Thank you in advance for providing insight, creative advice, and honest feedback.

OLD folder, letterhead, and business card: 

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NEW DRAFTS folder, letterhead, and business card: 

Folder option 1 - flat, unfolded

Folder option 2 - flat, unfolded:

Letterhead draft:

Business card draft:

[jdanek]

Design should solve a particular problem.  Try to focus on the mainstay message.  Option #2 fails.  Option #1 has potential. Obviously you have or should have a budget to work with.  So, see what you can do with the budget you have to work with.  You mention process color, what are the spot colors set for the branding?  What did you learn about from surveys so far besides the look has to be professional and the red does not work ( not sure if I agree with that ).  Have you done any preliminary sketches?  One thing that I did notice is option #2 looks similar to template designs already on the market.  Your design has to reinforce the message. 

[chanaart]

Design is something very personal and yet something that you need to research.

1. the client: Target Market? Colors? Fonts

  Message ?

2. production: : one you decide on a theme that your client agrees to - best to start with the sketches and start the composition..

3. Make sure you create style guide first.

Chana