Paper is the mat and frame for your designs. Just like there is variety in paint finishes, there is variety in paper. Choose from mat to glossy, white to cream, 90 lb. to 180 lb, textured to smooth. Should you round the corners? Should you use recycled paper?
Take a look at your favorite magazines or catalogs or store’s brochure. The paper they choose should reflect their brand and their message. How many eco-friendly products aren’t printed on something recycled or at least look like they do? How many cutting edge magazines don’t have a sheen to them? If they don’t, should they?

Whole Foods coupon book, Urban Outfitters catalog, and Dallas art news. Note the color saturation difference between papers, especially in the black.
Local print shops can have expand your knowledge in paper. If they are knowledgeable, they understand how ink reacts to the paper which affects your design. They also can have a variety in paper as well as stores like Paper Source and Hobby Lobby.
Paper Companies can have the best sample books for not only indulging in the product but also in the design of presenting it. Check out French Paper Co. and Clampitt for ideas, products, and education.
Related Articles Of Creatively Using Paper
- Fantastically Creative Examples of Paper Art That Make You Say Wow (mt-soft.com.ar)
- Book Review and Giveaway – Creative Paper Jewelry (beadinggem.com)
- In East Village, One Store, Five Floors, 6,000 Papers (cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com)
- DIY- Making Paper Lanterns (brighthub.com)
- Ways to Recycle Scrapbooking Paper (brighthub.com)
- Choosing Sustainable Paper Made Easy (livingprinciples.org)
It is interesting how they market to the masses , they really do think of every detail