One of my favorite Christmas cards this year had a postcard format. I loved it because not only was it so cute but it was so green! Less paper waste because there is no envelope. So how about a stationery challenge using a postcard format where designers get to design the front and the back?
I like the postcard idea, Roxanne! I've seen postcards in destination wedding invitations like Paris, London, NYC, San Francisco, Hawaii - it would be perfect for the next challenge. I love the minted mini-book so why not expand the design challenge for contemporary notebook, calendar or memo pad.
I would love to see a Halloween card contest....it could be a lot of fun and very popular with consumers.
This be a long shot...and I'm not sure I even would know to execute it...but what about a card for parents to send out at the end of the school year or once a year that highlights their child's (or children's) accomplishments, activities, milestones, etc. It would be a fun way to update family and friends who live far away...and include a cute photo or two. It could also end up being a great addition to any memento box or scrapbook.
I love all of these ideas! I especially like the idea for a postcard. Does minted do wedding programs? I know they can be a lot of work, but I just wondered if brides ever request a program that matches their invitation?
Jess --- I don't know if they specifically do programs. But you could easily modify the invitation design to be the "cover" of the program ordering extra blank paper for the back. And then a simple accordion style program. It's a bit of a DIY project, but my friend did something similar with her wedding (though she didn't order her invites through minted).
What if we try a desk calendar design challenge? It would be interesting to do a notepad/post-it design challenge also. Oh what about a holiday/theme party design challenge like: Superbowl, Tailgate, Mardi Gras, Tropical, 80's, etc?
These are such great ideas! I'm already thinking of what I could do for each if they became challenges! I like the idea of holiday themed cards - what about a "Happy Thanksgiving" card for people who want to get their holiday season cards done early? Another thought goes along with the wedding program idea - what about placecards for the reception or rehearsal dinner that match the menu and invites. Or also wedding info cards - not sure if this is what they should be called - but I get asked to do these all the time for guests to receive upon hotel check-in. They typically give information about wedding weekend activities, times of various events, parking/shuttle info, etc. Sometimes they are a single card or could also work great in the minibook format. I love Amy's idea about calling cards. Along with that I'm thinking about business cards, gift cards (i.e., "Merry Christmas from the Browns") I really liked the idea about bookplates too. Another idea is simple "happy birthday" greeting cards that could be ordered in packs so the buyer could have a stash at the ready to mail out to friends and family throughout the year.
I would like to see a 5.25 inch diecut circle added as a template. It would something really unique to Minted, and loads of fun to design for, especially as part of a wedding suite.
I like the idea of multiples - something that would come in a set of 4, like personal stationery cards that had four different variations of theme. Another idea: cards aimed at pet owners (who are almost as crazy as new parents).
How about a Sweet Sixteen/Suite Sixteen challenge? I've heard of some over the top parties.
The event would be celebrated as a coordinated designed suite. Invitation, envelope, envelope liner, seal to close the envelope and maybe even the stamp. Could also include the thank you card.
This challenge could also include bar & bat mitzvah's.
I also think this "suite" idea would be a lovely way to expand on the design coordination of your existing products.
How about a 2 color design challenge? Designers can pick any two color combination aside from white to design with. They can adjust the shade(k value) and transparency of those 2 colors as well.
Judging from past winners... Flowers always do well. How about a floral challenge? Or along the same lines... A nature themed challenge called - Birds, Bees & Trees!
Milestone Anniversary cards that you send to the couple, not that the couple sends out. I know something that's big with the real estate agents I work with is time change cards reminding of the time change in the spring and fall.
I noticed lots of bird designs in the Valentine challenge...wow Minties love birds! :)
How about a competition for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, etc., using vintage photographs? I've done several 50th Anniversary and even a 100th Birthday party invitation/s lately. Even though working with the old photographs that you are given can be a challenge at times, this could be part of the competition. Although I'm not sure that Minted wants to add "photo restoration" to their list of services . . .
Love the idea of multiples...often I have a design where I tweak it here and there, and can't decide which design layout is better. Would be fun to have a "theme" of cards. Also like the idea of pet cards...I've been asked to do those too.