{"id":4893,"date":"2022-09-13T16:46:59","date_gmt":"2022-09-13T21:46:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/?p=4893"},"modified":"2025-07-28T09:10:23","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T14:10:23","slug":"creative-mailers-how-to-stand-out-with-traveling-snakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/on-press\/creative-mailers-how-to-stand-out-with-traveling-snakes","title":{"rendered":"Creative Mailers: How to Stand Out with Traveling Snakes"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--the_content--><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-6\"> <p>Direct mail is trending because it works. Really well. But standing out in a mailbox is harder than ever. One way to rise above the junk? Creative mailers like our <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/traveling-snake\">Traveling Snakes<\/a>. A specialty format ideal for marketing brochures and custom invitations alike, it leads recipients on an interactive journey as each panel is revealed. Check out our chat with <a href=\"https:\/\/foldfactory.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Foldfactory<\/a> founder Trish Witkowski and get her expert design ideas, see why you should personalize print and try her hack for saving on postage.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <\/span><\/p> <h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2> <ul> <li><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"#oh,-the-places-you'll-go\">The Traveling Snake mailer captivates recipients with its unique unfolding sequence.<\/a> It&#8217;s perfect for storytelling campaigns, promotional content and image-rich announcements.<\/span><\/li> <li><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"#customizing-creative-mailers\">Custom options include variable data printing, premium paper stocks and professional coatings,<\/a> so businesses can personalize each mailer to specific audiences, enhancing relevance and boosting open rates.<\/span><\/li> <li><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"#q-&amp;-a-with-trish\">For an effective design, stick to linear narratives and visuals that connect from one panel to the next.<\/a> It&#8217;s important to utilize the mailing panel for branding and the USPS Informed Delivery service to reach the most people.<br \/> <\/span><\/li> <\/ul> <p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs blockOffset-bottom-sm\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <figure class=\"figureContainer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blogprodproxy.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/traveling-alt-snake_alt.gif\" alt=\"The Traveling Snake creative mailer folding and unfolding\"   \/><figcaption style=\"width: 58.6630286494%;\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">TRAVELING SNAKE: 80# UNCOATED SMOOTH WHITE COVER, 14 x 14.7<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>  <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs blockOffset-top-sm\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <h2 id=\"oh,-the-places-you'll-go\">Oh, the Places You\u2019ll Go (With Creative Mailers)<\/h2> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <!--block: 50-50 --><div class=\"row center-xs\" ><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"><div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--><\/span><\/p> <p>Part of our exclusive <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/shop\/designer-folds\">Designer Folds<\/a> collection, the Traveling Snake makes your content go a long way. With six panels, it features a <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/product-resources\/brochure-folding-ideas#roll-fold\">roll fold<\/a> that coils around to reveal a large spread perfect for messaging and imagery of all kinds.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>It\u2019s a layout you\u2019ll want to explore when designing your creative <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/direct-mail\">direct mail<\/a> and print marketing. Why? Because the unfolding panels entice your recipients to come along for the ride. Done right, the Traveling Snake makes your target audience stick around for the story.<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <p>So what story should you tell? Any one you want! As long as your design features a through line, the Traveling Snake\u2019s panel format speaks for itself (or rather, yourself). With this kind of folded mailer, you can\u2019t go wrong, whether it features marketing content like progress reports, milestone timelines, nonprofit donor solicitations, service advertisements or educational information.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>If you\u2019re going the creative invites route, Traveling Snakes reveal event details and imagery for galas, fundraisers, corporate meetings and more. It\u2019s a format that works all year round but is a particularly memorable self-mailer for end-of-year announcements and the holiday season.<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <p><em><strong>Hint:<\/strong><\/em> Have questions about Designer Folds? As a customer-focused online printer, we&#8217;ve got answers: <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/product-faq\/designer-folds-faq\">Designer Folds FAQ<\/a>.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <!--block: 50-50-image --><div class=\"row center-xs blockOffset-bottom-sm\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-10\"><div class=\"row center-xs\"><\/span><\/p> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6 no-pad blockOffset-top-sm blockOffset-right-sm raisedLeft\"><figure class=\"figureContainer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Traveling-Snake-B-0006.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=e5cd97954dd379c0b301b296f3332547\" alt=\"A pile of Traveling Snakes opened and closed.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption style=\"width: 66.6666666667%;\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">TRAVELING SNAKE: 100# UNCOATED SMOOTH WHITE TEXT, 14 x 14.7<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>  <p><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6 no-pad blockOffset-bottom-md\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Traveling-Snake-B-0005.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=0552928d0faf50e0d50165d3e9cf216d\" alt=\"A folded creative mailer on top of an unfolded one.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/div><\/p> <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs blockOffset-top-sm\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <h2 id=\"customizing-creative-mailers\">Customizing Creative Mailers<\/h2> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <p>Creating Traveling Snakes with a premium online printing shop like Smartpress means you don\u2019t get just direct mail &#8211; you get custom direct mail. We\u2019re talking <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/stocks-substrates\/small-format-paper-stocks\">paper stocks<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/stocks-substrates\/text-weight-vs-cover-weight\">text and cover weights<\/a>, double-sided printing and protective <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/specialty-features\/uv-coating\">UV coatings<\/a>.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>But that\u2019s not all. We offer <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/specialty-features\/variable-data-printing\">variable data printing<\/a> to personalize each piece and our <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/specialty-features\/print-with-versions\">Versions<\/a> feature is a must when you need multiple Traveling Snakes but with various content (more on those options later). You can even design creative mailers with our <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/layout-guides\">direct mail templates<\/a>. Hello, convenience.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>And because we\u2019re talking about direct mail, complete <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/direct-mail\/mailing-design-guidelines\">mailing<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/direct-mail\/mailing-and-addressing-services\">addressing<\/a> is part of Smartpress\u2019 online printing services. For Traveling Snakes, we recommend either an <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/product-resources\/understanding-envelope-sizes\">A7 envelope<\/a> or two wafer seals and no envelope at all.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><em><strong>Hint:<\/strong><\/em> <a href=\"\/blog\/features\/variable-data-printing-how-to-personalize-your-marketing\">Variable Data Printing: How to Personalize Your Marketing<\/a><\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--> <!--graybar--><div class=\"ltGrayBkgd-md\"><\/div><!--\/graybar--> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <!--block: 50-50-image --><div class=\"row center-xs blockOffset-bottom-sm\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-10\"><div class=\"row center-xs\"><\/span><\/p> <p><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6 no-pad blockOffset-top-sm blockOffset-right-sm raisedLeft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/traveling-snake_hero_alt_1_full_compress.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=4a5c65d54a5b3deaa20f8fb064b942c1\" alt=\"Two hands holding an unfolded Traveling Snake.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/div> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6 no-pad blockOffset-bottom-md\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/traveling-snake_hero_alt_2_compress.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=a5b87a4b17a2d6c560be152d1797d178\" alt=\"Two hands unfolded a creative mailer.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/div><\/p> <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs pullQuote\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10\"> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThis format is great for content that\u2019s heavy on imagery and light on text.&#8221;<\/span><\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs blockOffset-bottom-sm\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Traveling-Snake-A-0012.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=41555aa3e717ce556c438025a01ecb6d\" alt=\"Two hands holding a mailer on its side.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs blockOffset-top-sm\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <h2 id=\"q-&amp;-a-with-trish\">Q&amp;A With Trish Witkowski<\/h2> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <p>As you begin to outline your custom mailers, let Witkowski\u2019s expertise guide you from concept to campaign.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p><strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <!--block: 50-50 --><div class=\"row center-xs\" ><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"><div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--><\/span><\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>What do you like most about the Traveling Snake? What makes this fold so impactful?<\/strong><br \/> <em><strong>Trish Witkowski:<\/strong><\/em> \u201cI like the Traveling Snake for so many reasons. Its uniqueness is in the user experience and in the way it reveals the content &#8211; over, down, over, down, over. It\u2019s both unusual and linear, which I like. There\u2019s no doubt about how to open this specialty format or what to read next. It\u2019s also easy to fold back up.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cFrom a practical standpoint, I like that it\u2019s basically a big rectangle when laid out flat, which makes it efficient on the sheet. Plus, it\u2019s in a mail-friendly proportion, so you can leverage what I like to call a \u2018splurge\/save\u2019 scenario. Splurge on the format, save on the postage and production costs. Specialty formats do not have to be at the high end of the cost spectrum if you don\u2019t want them to be.\u201d<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><strong>What are some ideas for how to use it? What type of content works most effectively?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cThis format is great for content that\u2019s heavy on imagery and light on text because it\u2019s really fun and intriguing to open. So think of it like putting a clue on each panel that tempts the user to keep opening and collecting clues until they get to the answer.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cIf you put a lot of text into this format, it will be hard to hold someone\u2019s attention. They\u2019ll want to keep moving to get to the end, so consider that as you\u2019re planning the layout. These are great for new product announcements, event invitations, promotions, direct mail, holidays and more.\u201d<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <p><strong>What advice or tips do you have for designing the Traveling Snake for online printing?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cThe Traveling Snake tells a story. It has a progression. The best designs I\u2019ve seen on this format include a message that builds. One of the coolest things you can do is connect the imagery as it goes through the panels. I saw an example of a circus-themed Traveling Snake for a healthcare company and they had a tightrope design that flowed through each panel as it opened.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cI\u2019ve also seen words that build into a statement as you open it. One other really cool thing you can do is reveal one large image as you open it. The resulting rectangular shape creates the opportunity for a poster spread reveal.\u201d<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><strong>These are self-mailers that don\u2019t need envelopes. What are some tips or best practices for mailing these?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cFor self-mailers, my biggest tip is to remember that the mailing panel can also carry artwork. This is important because there\u2019s a program called USPS Informed Delivery. Tens of millions of Americans subscribe to it.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cThey get an email each day with a scan of all of the letter-sized mail they\u2019ll be receiving. The scan side is the address side, so consider this potential digital touchpoint as the first visual of the mailer they\u2019re about to receive. Can you put something memorable there?\u201d<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--><!--block-empty--> <!--graybar--><div class=\"ltGrayBkgd-md\"><\/div><!--\/graybar--> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs pullQuote\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10\"> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cRemember that the mailing panel can also carry artwork.&#8221;<\/span><\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <!--block: 50-50 --><div class=\"row center-xs\" ><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"><div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--><\/span><\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>We\u2019re also able to print variable data on Traveling Snakes. What are some of your favorite personalizing ideas?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cLarge name personalization on the cover can be a powerful way to get someone to open the piece. Remember, they don\u2019t know it\u2019s a cool format until they tear those mailing tabs (or the envelope, if you choose to use one). You have to get them to want to look inside.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cI also highly recommend batch <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/direct-mail\/know-your-mailing-audience\">targeting<\/a> with your imagery. Consider creating different versions of your mailer with imagery that serves audiences based on their similarities (age\/stage in life, marital status, interests, etc.).\u201d<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <p><strong>When choosing a coating, how do you decide between gloss UV and matte?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cGloss says look at me! It\u2019s splashy, dynamic and exciting. Gloss often translates to the impression of quality. You\u2019ll see high-end cars, real estate, bags and shoes leverage high gloss for the extra sheen and drama.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cOne important note regarding high gloss is that the sheen is great for photos but not heavy text. Many find the glare can make it difficult to read smaller text on the page. Larger <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/stocks-substrates\/text-weight-vs-cover-weight\">point sizes<\/a> for headlines and callouts are generally not an issue for UV gloss.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cA matte finish offers an understated elegance that many marketers really appreciate for their brands. It\u2019s also a show of quality but in a quieter way. Matte is often used for nonprofit, medical, legal, finance and other promotional materials.\u201d<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--><!--block-empty--> <!--graybar--><div class=\"ltGrayBkgd-md\"><\/div><!--\/graybar--><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs blockOffset-bottom-sm\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <figure class=\"figureContainer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blogprodproxy.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rectangular-folded-cross.gif\" alt=\"The Rectangular Folded Cross mailer folding and unfolding.\"   \/><figcaption style=\"width: 58.6630286494%;\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">RECTANGULAR FOLDED CROSS: 80# COATED MATTE COVER WITH FLAT MATTE UV COATING ON BOTH SIDES, 17.9 X 12.7&#8243;<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>  <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <!--block: 50-50 --><div class=\"row center-xs\" ><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"><div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--><\/span><\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>You\u2019ve told us the Rectangular Folded Cross is a similar option to creative mailers like the Traveling Snake. Tell us about it.<\/strong><br \/> \u201cThe <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/rectangular-folded-cross\">Rectangular Folded Cross<\/a> offers a similar proportion and size but an entirely different opening experience and two fewer panels. It\u2019s great for non-linear content or people who had their heart set on a cross fold but didn\u2019t want to incur the postage increase that comes with sending square mail.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cIt\u2019s similar to the Traveling Snake in its uses and need for heavier imagery and lighter text. It really comes down to how you want viewers to experience the content. How will you tell your story? By peeling away layers one by one or unrolling a winding path? That\u2019s the real question.\u201d<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <p><strong>What do you like most about the Rectangular Folded Cross?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cI don\u2019t spend a dollar more than I need to on postage, so my favorite thing about it is the option to save on postage [when compared to] the classic <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/square-folded-cross\">Square Folded Cross<\/a>. Sometimes you\u2019re pushing the edge of your budget, and rather than compromising on the format, you compromise on the proportion and save on the postage. It\u2019s a win-win.\u201d<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><strong>What\u2019s an important design tip for the Rectangular Folded Cross?<\/strong><br \/> \u201cCross folds are truly versatile. I\u2019ve seen quiet ones, loud ones, shaped panels, covered in imagery, layered with die cuts that build on the panels. One thing to note is that recipients don\u2019t always remember in what order the panels fold out, so building a design that only makes sense in a very specific order can be problematic. However, there are ways to incorporate visual cues into the design to help them put it back together again.\u201d<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10\"> <p><strong>FEATURED DESIGNS<\/strong><\/p> <p>Traveling Snake Design by Bill Geenen for Baltimore Center Stage<br \/> Traveling Snake Design by Michele Welsh, Verdence Capital Advisors<br \/> Rectangular Folded Cross Design by The Integrity Staffing Design Team<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--><!--\/the_content-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Direct mail is trending because it works. Really well. But standing out in a mailbox is harder than ever. One way to rise above the junk? Creative mailers like our Traveling Snake. A specialty format ideal for marketing brochures and custom invitations alike, it leads recipients on an interactive journey as each panel is revealed. Check out our chat with Foldfactory founder Trish Witkowski and get her expert design ideas, see why you should personalize print and try her hack for saving on postage.","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":4898,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"sfsi_plus_gutenberg_text_before_share":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_show_text_before_share":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_icon_type":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_icon_alignemt":"","sfsi_plus_gutenburg_max_per_row":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4893","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-on-press"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Creative Mailers: How to Stand Out with Traveling Snakes<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Stand out in mailboxes with creative mailers like the 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