Knock someone out with an incredible envelope

I started doing custom envelopes about 20 years ago, for fun gifts for friends. Over the years, though, they have greatly influenced my signwriting. The envelopes are really just mini-signs—but with no design restraints other than the copy must be legible. They will make your signwriting design and layout skills stronger. You become better at prioritizing copy, choosing a primary focus point and eliminating pockets of negative space within the design. And they’re great practice for lettering in general, particularly script.

People love ‘em The other aspect is that people love receiving them! Many frame them and hang them on the wall. I’ve had postmen walk up long, unused driveways to personally deliver and congratulate the receiver. I’ve had to start sending the envelopes by registered post as occasionally they get stolen in transit.

By the way, they’re entirely legal to do and I even have a letter from Australia Post stating this. So if you’re addicted to lettering and design like me, read on and by all means give it a try—it’s great fun and can really push your design skills!