Handmade design

The advent of computers and clever technological techniques has made it easier than ever to whip up a design seemingly from nowhere. But what about those times when you want a handcrafted approach to your invitations, business cards and greeting cards? Sorting out the graphic design for your small business is an essential step when you're starting up, so it makes sense to look for the design approaches to best suit your brand. Similarly, special events often call for a handmade aesthetic that is more easily achieved than you think.

When a stock-standard print that looks the same as everyone else's just won't cut it, may we suggest a selection of handmade designs to lend a more intimate vibe to your products? Take a look at these suggestions for design options that can be created by your own two hands - or those of a talented artist! 

Design Speak book. Designer: Tess McCabe

Hand-drawn typography

Hand-drawn type, also known as illustrated typography, is the perfect alternative to that Comic Sans font that's been driving you crazy for years. Well, anything is a great alternative to Comic Sans, but this is especially good. When stock fonts don't suit your specific aesthetic, there's only one solution - designing your own. 

Hand-drawn letters created for a specific project adds an extra layer of originality and personality to any design, and can make more of a visual impact. That's not to say it's easy, however - designers can spend hours, days and even weeks pouring over every curve and comma to create something just so. Designers and artists often hand paint and write the type and then scan and fine tune it with the help of modern technology to allow it to be used on a variety of printed products. This style of type is perfect when it comes to designing a logo for your new business.

Wedding invites. Designer: Daniella Germain

Watercolour

When done properly, watercolour effects can look absolutely dazzling, enhancing everything from a simple business card through to your bridal shower invitation. Hand-painted watercolour designs can be scanned and enhanced on the computer  so you can print them across a whole range of media. 

One thing to pay close attention to is the bleed of the colours, which occurs when wet areas blend together and create darker or different coloured patches. This technique can be used to dramatic effect on paper, drawing attention to different parts of the design and adding shadows and other points of interest. Dark and light colours and techniques can be used to create whimsical, romantic designs along with more ominous and powerful prints, allowing you to tailor this process to suit your requirements.

Empowering change book. Client: Live & Learn Environmental Education Designer: Miriam McWilliam

Collage

Mixed media collages can be used on anything from brochures and postcards through to invitations and labels. Different images, patterns and text can be overlaid to create a unique, interesting graphic specific to your product or brand. Creating these collages by hand with physical materials can result in textured, three-dimensional finishes, however these can be scanned to create flat patterns for use across different products.

If you do opt for handmade design features for your next printing requirement, make sure you use sustainable printing techniques to show the earth - and your audience - you care.