Print Inspiration Archives - Parse & Parcel - Delivering Paper Inspiration

Caffé Pagani – Coffee Packaging with an Emphasis on Tactility

September 18, 2018 by Jill DiNicolantonio

Packaging design is definitely not for the faint of heart, especially when we’re talking about coffee packaging. It’s not just the visual aspects that matter, packaging design needs to take a multi-sensory approach. While creatives labor over aspects like color palettes, typography and logo design – it’s the production that brings these elements to life. Thoughtful consideration should be given to every production detail – with function, format and structure driving design. From there, designers can take advantage of the supporting role that substrates and production techniques play in the overall design. This was the case with the coffee packaging for roaster Caffé Pagani created by Eskimo Design.

Mohawk Launches Keaykolour – Dreamy Colors for Designers

September 29, 2018June 22, 2018 by Jill DiNicolantonio

When it comes to finding just the right color, creatives are a fickle bunch. Myself included. And while it’s never been easier to find beautiful paper options for print projects, the one thing I hear repeatedly from the design community is that finding that “perfect” color can be challenging. Especially when it comes to on-trend color palettes like teal, blush and those dusty shades of blue, pink and green. Add to that the frustration creatives experience after finding the perfect color only to learn it’s not available in both cover and text weights, which is essential for projects like invitations and announcements. Well, I’ve got some good news. Dreamy color palettes await designers, as Mohawk launches Keaykolour in North America!

The Production Process – Topography Inspired Journal & Pencil Box, Set Part Two

May 21, 2018May 14, 2018 by Jill DiNicolantonio

In case you missed my previous post, this is part two of our post about the making of our topography inspired journal and pencil box set. I’m sharing all the details of the project – the good, the bad and the ugly. Part one was about the concept and design phase of the project. I thought narrowing down paper selections was going to be the difficult part, boy was I wrong. This post is where the production process begins and so do the hurdles.

Show Us Your Money, And Wallet – Legion/NSS Promo

August 7, 2017 by Jill DiNicolantonio

It’s no secret we’re big fans of the National Stationery Show. So when our friends at Legion Paper asked if Parse & Parcel would like to participate in this year’s promotion, we jumped at the chance. Last year was the first time we partnered with them on the promo and had a blast with it. For this year’s promo, Show Us Your Money, participants got to create their own money to help celebrate the occasion.

Wedding Invitations fit for a Paper Maker

July 25, 2017 by Jill DiNicolantonio

Planning a wedding can be stressful. All those details that make an event so special can also be extremely overwhelming. Things like the perfect venue, caterer or invitations can make the most laid back couple want to elope. Now imagine you’re the groom who’s family also happens to make some of the most sought after papers in the print and design industry, talk about pressure! Brian French, the sixth generation of family-owned French Paper, is the groom I’m speaking of. And all I know is these were wedding invitations fit for a paper maker!

French Paper is known in the industry for its iconic branding. Their paper samples are highly sought after works by throughout the print and design community. So I’m sure it wasn’t easy for Brian and his bride to select the perfect paper, print and design details to announce their big day.

Oberlin Illuminated – a Print Sample with Spark

July 10, 2017 by Jill DiNicolantonio

With each issue of The Parcel, we like to include samples of “real-life” projects to demonstrate what is possible even under real-life constraints. We found a beautiful example we included in the summer issue of The Parcel. Oberlin Illuminated is an elegant, high-end photo book commemorating the end of a seven-year, $317-million fundraising campaign titled Oberlin Illuminate.

A Classic Brand Gets a Refresh – Neenah CLASSIC® Papers

April 27, 2017April 27, 2017 by Jill DiNicolantonio

By definition, the word classic means “serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value.” In other words something that stands the test of time. Neenah’s CLASSIC® Brands have been around for 55 years. And that’s saying something in an industry that’s pretty fickle when it comes to paper grades with staying power. To give you some context, I started in the industry around the same time Survivor first aired. I’ve seen more papers come and go than torches snuffed out by Jeff Probst. So yes, it’s safe to say the CLASSIC® Papers live up to their name. But how exactly does a brand that is so iconic and classic undertake a refresh? Well, that was a collaborative process between Neenah Paper and Design Army that was a year in the making. I say it was well worth the wait because the results are stellar.

The Planner – a Stationery Endeavor

April 24, 2017 by Jill DiNicolantonio

I start my workday pretty much the same way, by grabbing a sheet of paper and scrawling out all the things I want to accomplish. My method is to write down everything in my head. Once it’s on paper I can stop obsessing and start working. Of course I am overly ambitious, and by Friday my desk is cluttered with piles of half completed lists. I needed a better way to plan my workday and projects. I tried tons of analog options. After spending a small fortune on pretty, but non-functional planners, I was at a loss. Nothing worked for what I needed. So I decided to take matters into my own hands and am so excited to share Parse & Parcel’s very first stationery endeavor – The Planner.

The Secret to Producing Memorable Print

May 12, 2017April 19, 2017 by Jill DiNicolantonio

Most people think great design is the key to producing amazing print.

Great design is only half the battle. In my opinion, the reason many print projects fail isn’t because of the design. It’s because of a lack of detail.

Designers who are known for creating amazing print design, are involved in every aspect of the process – from concept through to production. And that includes specifying and sometimes even sourcing the paper.

For some of you, this may seem like a no brainer. But I’d ask you, how often are you settling for the printer’s house sheet on your work? Be honest. When was the last time you actually had work produced on the paper you envisioned using and specified for the job?

You can blame it on a lack of budget, availability issues, or a tight deadline. Those are just excuses. Every print project faces those same challenges.

The truly memorable, award winning work excels not in spite of, but because of those challenges.

Mohawk Goes Meta with Maker Quarterly Process Issue

September 29, 2018April 5, 2017 by Jill DiNicolantonio

For most designers the process of creating is rarely a straight-forward line from concept and completion. Projects might be easier with a clear path to success, the reality is it rarely works that way. And that’s a good thing, life and work are about the journey, not the destination. The route between process and product is often a roundabout one, filled with equal parts joy and frustration. This issue of the Maker Quarterly is dedicated to that process. Designed by Hybrid Design, this issue celebrates the conscious path the makers take on the way to the destination. On top of that, Mohawk goes meta by bringing us inside the process of the making of the Process Issue.