This is for my business, Kidd Graphic Design. I've had the hardest time on a nice letterhead for myself, but I like this one. There is no black outline, that is just so you know where the page is. Let me know what you think.

Here is another version.

Welll, I like the concept but I think the graphics are a bit large. I do not know if there is a "standard" but I was always under the impression of 1 1/2" for the logo area. (top, bottom or side)

I made another one. It's based off the second one but toned down a little. Slightly increased the space for writing. I also included an accent color, Pantone 199.

Here is my final one.

I think the very first one you posted was the best concept, if you could shrink down the area used on graphics. The others are just way too cluttered and "busy" for a letterhead. The purpose of a letterhead is to provide company info on a document you send to someone. The importance of the document is the content contained in it, and not the graphics on the letterhead.

My input is that if you use the first design, but maybe put that cream color from the second one in the "content area", shrink down the bottom portion to not be so tall, then you'd have something that could work well and still look professional.

While there are elements in all of them that are good, I wholeheartedly agree there is simply too much going on in all of them. Shrink the elements, and choose one area of focus for the most important elements.

Thanks for the replies. I thank you for telling me your opinions on this but I disagree that the purpose of a letterhead is to provide company info on a document you send to someone. My company info is on my business card and they are small enough that you can quickly find the information you need, even if it's sideways or upside down. The letterhead info is just incase you need it. It's not an advertisement requesting you to visit my website or anything. It's a different vehicle where creativity can take center stage over usability. Just take a look in a letterhead and logo design book, they are all very creative in where the info is located. I'm not trying to start an argument, thats just my take on it.

Andrew, you have to realise that if someone received a letter from you they would be overcome by the graphics. They are as everyone says too big and overpowering. Most letterheads have their information on one or two sides.

The type with the information should be no more that 10pt (quite legible but not overpowering), whilst your ideas are good they are just too big.

Andrew-

Design firms can be a lot more creative that a traditional business in how they portray their information. And, design books have a lot of of great examples of how design companies can showcase their creative muscle in designing a letterhead. But most of those designs are far from being functional in any manner. And, most do not use over 40% of the space available for the design. You see the same thing with award-winning envelope design - yes, they are impressive and pretty, but the costs in mass-producing said cards are often much more that a company has available.

And then there are the costs. Your letterhead has bleeds that go off the page on all four sides. If you are to get these professionally printed, this means each page will have to be trimmed on all four sides, which will also increase production costs.

A business card is the place to go hog wild, not the letterhead. The letterhead is a functional tool, a business card is the promotional item.

I really appreciate your comments, but I think we will have to agree to disagree. I really like my letterhead. I think it sets me apart from everyone else, even if they don't like the graphics.

Try typing a letter or a quote on that letterhead, it will become even busier. The receivers eye won't know where to look.

There is no problem with you liking your own design, but you have had some great feedback from people who have years in the business just take a little of it on board...

I deleted a couple things in the background in the last one I posted. I will see how it works out and let you know if I decide to change it. Thanks everyone.

OK…so far everyone on 2 forums have said the same thing. I'll post a new one soon.

What you couldn't just have trusted us?

Didi you think we were just bluffing your with our opinions?

Tim

glad to hear it andrew i should have posted earlier but i really do think they are VERY crowded for letterhead designs..

Here is a new idea. How do you like it?

New idea. Simpler idea. Let me know how you like it.

Nice,

I like this one.

http://www.kiddgraphicdesign.com/KGDletterhead8.jpg

Thanks Tim. The only problem I figured out with a bottom graphic is it looks kinda weird when someone is opening the letter and doesn't see who it's from on the top, just a bunch of text. I think it looks neater but it might not be very effective.