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Originally Posted On: https://www.qinprinting.com/blog/6-catalog-design-principles-for-the-perfect-print/

 

Having amazing products is nothing if you do not have an amazing way to display them. Creating an eye-catching catalog design is key to receiving the highest amount of sales.

Having a unique and creative catalog can give high returns on your investment. There are several elements that a catalog should include to get the best results. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about catalog design.

Catalog Design Principles

A lot of businesses are spending a good amount of time focusing on online sales these days. The print catalog still plays a vital role in marketing though. Online marketing is an overload these days and can go ignored by customers. The catalog if done correctly is a good way to catch their eye and draw them in. It’s also a great marketing strategy for current customers. Mailing out a catalog to your mailing list is perfect for showing off new products.

Five key principles will keep your catalogs looking amazing. They will help you focus your designs to be eye-catching for your audience.

1. Keep It Simple

There are a lot of catalogs out there that have elaborate designs. These might catch the eye but are often overload for the brain. A simple design can help focus the attention of the reader. Simple designs give the reader the exact information you want them to have without a lot of filler.

 Simple doesn’t have to be boring when it comes to design. You can have color, graphics, texture and still keep it simple. A simple design isn’t white paper and black ink. It is more about the layout and keeping the catalog clutter-free.

The main principle for a simple design is to focus on the products and information. Reduce excessive use of unneeded graphics. Keep fonts clean and easy to read. Make sure the flow of the catalog is easy to follow and not confusing.

Your customers will appreciate the use of a simple design. It will be easy for them to get the information they want and need from your catalog.

2. Add a Surprise 

Adding in a surprise for your readers is a great way to grab their attention. This can be a super easy and a fun way to interact with the reader. Print materials make it difficult to connect with a viewer so adding fun elements can help. Your reader can feel a connection from your effort to make the catalog interactive.

A surprise doesn’t have to be elaborate. Having a fold out on the front cover that reveals interesting graphics. Having an insert they can pull out with useful information relating to your product. For example, if you sell kitchen products include an insert with cooking conversations with your logo on it. Every time they use that insert, they will see your logo and think about your brand.

A surprise a fun item for your reader and a great way to add some interest to your catalog. Your readers will enjoy the interaction as they view the catalog.

3. Get Creative with Shapes

Your catalog doesn’t have to be square pages, think outside the box. Creativity in the shape and elements of your catalog can help make it eye-catching. Our eyes tend to gravitate toward designs that stand out amongst the others. Something that looks different and stands out is a great way to get your catalog in the hands of readers.

There are a lot of different ways you can add shapes to your catalogs. You could change the entire shape of the catalog. Make it landscape instead of the traditional portrait shape. Try a circle, if you have a smaller catalog with only a few products then a circle catalog could be a great choice.

You can add shapes within a traditional design. Have a shape cut out inside the catalog or catalog cover. Use shapes for your inserts to make them stand out. Use shapes in your graphics or product images to make them pop. Shapes are a great way to add some design elements to your catalog.

4. Consider the Materials

One of the key elements of a catalog is the materials you use to print it on. Materials will say a lot about your brand. Choose a paper that will help your catalog stand out.

Most catalogs use a traditional magazine paper. If you use a thicker paper or textured paper it will be noticed over the other catalogs.

Choosing a higher quality material can give a good impression on your brand. Nice quality materials can tell your customers your brand is a luxury brand. You can give a message through your catalog of what to expect when they shop with you.

You can also give the message that you care about our environment. Use recycled materials to give the message that sustainability is important to you.

5. High-Quality Images

The point of the catalog is to highlight your products or services. Make sure that they look amazing. Get a qualified photographer to take your photos.

Keep the look of the images cohesive among products. Tell a story with the images and use photos of the products in use. Your customers will be able to see themselves using them more easily. Make the products look essential.

The products should be the key element. Making sure you spend the money on good quality photos will make them the highlight of the catalog.

6. Foil Stamping, Embossing and Spot UV on Cover

A texturized catalog is not only a way to stand out from the crowd, but it adds an extra way for your audience to experience your brand.

Foil embossing, stamping and spot UV is the ideal way to bring an extra touch of luxury to your catalog and can increase the chances that your audience will hold on to it.

You can change the embossing or stamping from season to season to mark the release of a new catalog.

Creating the Perfect Catalog

Using these design principles can help you create the perfect catalog. Before creating a catalog do some research on your competitors to stand out. Make sure to develop a design plan and stick to it.

Using these principles for  catalog design  will help you create a great eye-catching catalog.

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