Personalized Stationery
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Anonymous
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I've just started "grown-up life" although I'm in my mid-twenties and single - graduated law school this spring, moved into my new apartment in DC this month, and started work. I think it's time to get personalized stationery, but I have no idea what to do. It seems a very life-impacting decision. I can't change the colors or the font type or the images later on because the point of personalized stationery is that it's part of your "personal brand" right? And I'm also not sure how to use it in this digital age, where I get most of my invitations either on Facebook (as Events) or through e-invites to my email.
I guess it's mostly for coordinating thank you notes, business cards, and letter paper? I was looking on Etsy because they always have cute stuff for good prices. Here is an example of what I was looking at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/184514503/sea-shell-personalized-stationery-set-of?ref=sc_2&plkey=fa19dfe10ff3c07e148a7ba52f306d300ee34fe4%3A184514503&ga_search_query=personalized+stationery&ga_ref=auto4&ga_order=price_desc&ga_page=1&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery Do you choose the kind of paper as well? And how do you pick an image/picture, and how do you choose the font type and color scheme? I don't think I can just say "well I think blue and green look nice together" - I think there is a certain social etiquette to the colors. And I can't think of a picture that is "me", but I think it should be meaningful. Suggestions from people who do this stuff regularly would be great! |
Anonymous
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It's note paper, you are overthinking it. Get what you like. In the old days you would not change it because your name and address would be engraved and you would re-use the engraving plate when you needed more. And of course it would be black ink on cream paper. No symbols.
I use mine for thank you notes and sympathy notes. Sympathy notes should be on appropriate paper (white or cream/black or blue ink). Thank you notes can be whatever. If you anticipate doing other correspondence (maybe Junior league or heavy volunteer activities like gala chairing) you will need letter paper, but I find notes are sufficient in this day and age. |
Anonymous
| Oh my god. Okay firstly, what you picked out is not grown up. It's perfect for a young teen girl. Go to Cranes and pick something. No pictures. Get a box that has your first initial of your first name. Done. You do not have a personal brand babe cause you are not Taylor Swift. Your business cards will be whatever your law firm gives you. |
Anonymous
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Yes, you're absolutely over thinking this. Traditionally, it's white or cream paper with navy or black (as mentioned above). I've used both for years (20+ and I'm 38 years old) although I've always preferred white paper over cream.
I've recently started using more "fun" stationery - the cards are oriented differently and the monograming a different color. You don't need letter sized paper and please, only use the business cards provided by your firm (for business). There is absolutely no need for non-business related "business" cards. You'll be surprised how often you use them! Have fun and count your blessings that this is a big decision for you! |
Anonymous
Ok these comments were very helpful!  Keep them coming, and alright I will look at Cranes - never heard of that store!
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Anonymous
| Also, what is an appropriate font type and style for monogramming? The heavy cursive seems a little too ornate and trying too hard, and some of the weird geometric fonts seem childish. |
Anonymous
| I order stuff off Tiny Prints. I have more fun and more serious patterns. Use them for thank you notes and also sometimes to write a note or letter to a friend. I order them in sets of ten, so none are the same. |
Anonymous
| Cranes is great - most paper/stationary stores will have them. You can get the notecards with your initial, and they also have them with a tiny embossed image, like a pineapple or house or whatever. |
Anonymous
| Do not put a cutesy picture on your stationary. You will look childish. Use your initials or at a minimum just your first initial. A monogram is what is traditional and most classy. White or cream paper. |
Anonymous
I disagree. I think the font doesn't match the rest of it and is too "young" but the scallop shell is a classic and grown up image. I don't know any teenage girls who would pick this stationery. Aside from the font, it looks like something my grandmother would have had lying around her house. All that said, I'm a fan of no picture. And I agree with other PPs that your stationery can change over time. According to my MIL, who is very etiquette-conscious, Crane's is the only appropriate brand. I think that's a little silly though. Personally, I like a name or initial in a fun color (except sympathy cards - black only). The etiquette police would probably criticize me for being too splashy, but who cares? |
Anonymous
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shells = old lady. so do dragonflies fwiw.
i prefer note cards, not folding cards. just with the name at the top. i got some as a gift i think from crane and the set has lasted me about 5 years and i do thank yous for everything. quality is great and it just has my name as the top. |
Anonymous
It's a company. not a store. They make the paper for U.S. currency. |
Anonymous
| I really appreciate this thread. Navy on cream for me. |
Anonymous
| Just change the default settings for the font and color in your email. Done and done. |
Anonymous
There used to be Cranes stores, not sure if they lasted through the recession. |