Extraordinary Impact: 14 Creative Print Designs from 2022 – Part 1

At Smartpress, we’re always keeping an eye out for creative print designs. And 2022 did not disappoint! Whether our customers were small business owners in need of engaging print marketing or creating personal projects for themselves, their ideas were truly innovative. In this Part 1, we show off some of our favorite ways they broke the rules and designed refreshingly unique products on their own terms.

Conventionally designed for online printing as a marketing brochure, our Wrapped Stepped Accordion got a tasty makeover thanks to Mehdi Boujrada, founder of Villa Jerada. With a coated matte paper stock and 80# cover weight, Boujrada’s Recipe Book showcased mouthwatering Moroccan dishes in vibrant color, rather than the product specs and detail shots typical of this accordion fold brochure.

“We wanted to send printed material that’s useful and could not only add value to the cook, but also entail beautiful aesthetics,” said Boujrada. “The greatest feedback we get from our community is how that tiny booklet made people want to travel and made them feel closer to Morocco and its cuisine.”

Hint: Find more specialty folds for all your creative print ideas with our exclusive Designer Folds collection.

Can the humble Brochure take your company to new heights? For Studio Stockhome founder, Diana Stock, the answer is a resounding yes. Opting for a closed gate fold, Stock’s custom brochure is one of those print marketing examples that proves format is worth your focus. And with Smartpress’ more than 10 brochure folding options, you can choose the one that’s right for you.

“The closed gate fold provided a unique opportunity to reveal our new collection in an intimate, sequenced fashion, with an end result that looked rich and luxe,” said Stock. “The brochure allowed us to focus our message and helped position us as a sophisticated home fragrance company.”

Hint: For any and all creative print marketing, don’t forget the finish! Stock solidified the sophistication on her brochures with our flat matte UV coating. It added protection and a look of unmistakable elegance.

The whole reason we need effective print marketing ideas is so we can connect with people. The way Laurel Walker-Natale, owner of Artinverse, did it? With tarot cards that tap into self-care. And with the help of Smartpress’ Collated Printing and Tuck Boxes, Walker-Natale was able to “expand my work as an artist, share my art with a wider audience and deliver something useful and of value to people.”

This goes beyond the usual playing cards many customers collate for printing. With evocative color and classic rounded corners on each card, plus sturdy 14 pt. weight for her product boxes, Walker-Natale created a product that’s “fun and engaging, but also supports people looking for ideas and guidance on various aspects of their life.” That’s print with a purpose.

Hint: As a full-service online printer, we’ve got tips and tricks for making custom boxes an extension of your product, not just an extra: Tuck Boxes: Print Custom Product Packaging for Retail & Branding.

For us to label a project as an impactful print design, it has to up the ante. Which is exactly what Lullabelle Creative’s Creative Director, Kelly Fisher, did with a client’s Labels – and got trendy with the anti-trend: maximalism.

Fisher’s client was “a hipster brand that embodies authenticity and bold branding.” The labels were created with “textures and a multi-layered design on a matte paper stock for a coordinated brand of products.” With Smartpress’ custom label printing options, from digital laser cutting to sequential numbering, you can follow whatever trend you like – or create your own.

Hint: Need a little label inspo? Here you go: Leave Your Mark: How to Print Labels for Products and Packaging.

You’re probably used to Feather Flags as directional signage or promotional banners in, out and around businesses. You’re probably not used to them dressing up stadiums full of Ultimate fans. That’s what AUDL Director of Marketing, Daniel Cohen, did with his during a championship weekend to “build up the experience and make the end-of-season event feel special for both fans and players.”

With razor, sabre and teardrop shapes, plus pole and base options to choose from, Cohen went with the razor shape for its “clean and versatile design area.” Turns out, it was the right choice, as even the players were impressed and took pictures alongside the flags. “The colors, design layout, margins, bleed – everything from Smartpress always looks exactly as I expected,” said Cohen.

Hint: Is feather flag printing one of your creative marketing ideas? Design them with confidence using our Feather Flag Printing FAQ.