6 top tips for designing creative calendars

As we near the end of another busy year we turn our thoughts to 2024 and what the year will hold for us.

It’s the perfect time to think about saying thank you to your clients and looking forward to a new year of business.

Promotional desk calendars are one of the most practical year-end promotional gift ideas every company should consider.

Here are six top tips to help you get it right:

Timing is Key:

Start early: Plan to design, print, and distribute your calendar well in advance. October and November are ideal months to begin the process, ensuring that your calendar reaches your customers before the new year begins. Sending out calendars too late, such as just before Christmas, may result in them being overlooked.

Choose a Theme:

Select a theme that resonates with your target audience and aligns with your business. Themes can be related to your industry, local area, or popular trends. The key is to make the calendar visually appealing and interesting. If your business doesn’t have an inherently attractive subject matter, consider humour or creativity to grab attention.

Seasonal Relevance:

Incorporate seasonal elements and holidays into your calendar design. Select high-quality images but avoid using stock images. This keeps your calendar fresh and engaging month after month.

Branding and Consistency:

Ensure that your calendar is a strong marketing tool by prominently featuring your brand. Use your brand colours, design style, and include your logo on each page. Consistency in branding helps reinforce your company’s identity and reminds customers of your business throughout the year.

Consider the Format:

Select the calendar format that best suits your target audience and marketing goals. Options include large one-sheet posters for maximum visibility, month-by-month wall calendars that allow for creativity with each page, and desk calendars for a strong presence on your customers’ desks. Choose the format that aligns with your budget. Ensuring that the finished calendar is user-friendly, and something that the recipient will find beneficial.

Which printing process to choose for your calendar?

The printing method will be defined by the quantity required. Offset printing is the preferred choice for producing high-quality promotional calendars on a large scale. It delivers great print quality and is generally more cost-efficient. The HP Indigo digital press is preferable for smaller runs, its capacity to print white ink and utilise the seven-colour palette to achieve close approximations of most Pantone colours, rather than relying on spot colours, makes it a cost-effective and versatile choice for smaller runs.

Like any printing process, the key to achieving exceptional results lies in the proper file preparation. If you engage a professional designer, they should possess the necessary expertise to prepare files suitable for offset printing.

At Platinum, we meticulously review all artwork files submitted for printing to guarantee they are correctly prepared for the optimal end result. Additionally, we generate proofs before proceeding with the printing to ensure the highest quality finished product.

Remember, the quality of your calendar design and its appeal to your customers will determine its success as a marketing tool. With the right theme, timely distribution, and consistent branding, your promotional calendar can be an effective year-round marketing strategy in 2024.

Why not request you 2024 Platinum Calendar today!