Features Industry Profiles

September 27, 2019 •
Simply Captivating

Letterpress from BiBA

Our annual design abecedary delves deep into the stationery status quo

Let’s face it, Americans love stuff. According to the LA Times, there are 300,000 items in the average U.S. home, and we don’t have the space for it; our 50,000-plus storage facilities number over five times the amount of Starbucks, notes the Self Storage Association. And www.thestoryofstuff.com research indicates that the amount of goods each individual consumes has doubled in the last 50 years. 

But the pendulum always swings sooner or later, and consumers are starting to be more discerning about their acquisitions. So what are we craving exactly, other than novelty? When it comes to stationery, authenticity immediately sets offerings apart. Clean designs echo our desire for organized spaces, yet the air of retro still exhibits appeal. Keep reading for more design insights into the current consumer mindset. 

A. Authenticity.

I regard this as more of a millennial trend that thankfully caught on! It’s no wonder that in our era of “fake news” accusations, the genuine is elevated and appreciated. 

Hot Gossip Card by Hazel and Dolly
Hazel and Dolly.

B. Black and White.

I’m hopeful that this trend mirrors the unity within America’s diverse melting pot, not an inability to question one’s beliefs. 

Washi tape by Girl Of All Work
Girl Of All Work.

C. Clean.

With all our clutter, there’s a fresh appreciation for simple lines and scaled-back styling. 

Sphere Fragrance-Diffuser from BOMBSHEE
BOMBSHEE.

D. Deconstructivism.

Combine the clean trend with attention on organic shape and material, and the effect is absolutely artful! 

Merge Tape Dispenser from 22DesignStudio
22DesignStudio.

E. Extreme Situations.

With authenticity, we reexamine what was previously considered an “ugly truth” — and we can even make it beautiful! 

Beat This Card from Girl w Knife
Girl w Knife

F. Fantastic Planet.

That which simultaneously celebrates the earth in both design and manufacturing practices finds a most captive audience. G. Gold. This precious metal continues to exhibit mass appeal and form the framework of many a best-seller! 

Time and Place Big Bear from Michael Roger
Michael Roger.

G. Gold.

This precious metal continues to exhibit mass appeal and form the framework of many a best-seller!

All That Glitters 3-D Butterfly by Woodvale Studios
Woodvale Studios.

H. Hand-Lettering.

This trend has overlapped into the DIY niche — and offers manifold opportunities for savvy retailers. 

Happy Hand Lettering from Dayspring
Dayspring.

I. Introverts.

Overlooked for years — just as they would prefer! — this personality type is literally all around you just waiting to find merchandise that speaks to just them. 

Introvert Book from Katie Vaz
Katie Vaz

J. Just like a Painting.

The touch of a painterly hand infuses merchandise with an artful vibe. 

Signature Reed Diffuser from Greenleaf
Greenleaf.

K. Kaleidoscope of Collage.

Forget grade school scissors and jagged edges! In the hands of today’s makers, these assemblages infuse stationery with precise and very pleasing presentations. 

Collage Hearts Card from Inkwell Cards
Inkwell Cards

L. Letterpress Packaging.

Getting into different gift categories is natural and expansion for the letterpresser, and one for which they are perfectly suited! 

Clementine Soap by Smudge Ink
Smudge Ink

M. Mod.

The 1970s and 1960s are impacting fashion — so it wasn’t long before that design would impact our domain! 

Here Comes The Sun Personal Planner by Workman
Workman

N. Not Your Mother’s Merchandise.

Profanity and vernacular are appealing due to their novelty and authenticity — just make sure the presentation is as smart as the language! 

Bitchin' Pin by Smarty Pants Paper
Smarty Pants Paper

O. Office with Sass.

These look like regular office supplies at first, but they infuse work environments with levity and style! 

Pens from Tiramisu
Tiramisu

P. Planners.

Be they dated, undated, spanning the academic or calendar year, their increasing numbers each year is testament to the idea that some things are still best written down. 

Happy Is The Only Plan Undated Monthly Planner Collection by Compendium
Compendium

Q. Quirky.

Authenticity brings with it an open embrace of our individualities — our passions, eccentricities and distinctive approaches to life. 

Aqua Vespa from Carpe Diem
Carpe Diem.

R. Rainbow.

These meteorological phenomena are visually appealing, but their meaning to and acceptance of the LBGBT population lends these designs a deeper dose of meaning. 

Mono Edge Highlighters from Tombow
Tombow.

S. Straws.

Meet the next essential eco-friendly accessory — straws! These will be heading en masse to a cash register near you. 

Crystals for Humanity Group Straws from Gem Water
Gem Water.

T. Techno-Accessories.

Dressing our electronics has become a bona fide industry niche! 

Be A Unicorn Stickers from Mrs. Grossman's Paper Co.
Mrs. Grossman’s Paper Co.

U. Unplugged.

Conversely, appreciating the stillness and wisdom that can arise from powering down is not without appeal. 

Quotable
Quotable.

V. Very Organized.

Thanks to all our clutter, the $8 billion home organization industry has more than doubled since the early 2000s and is growing at a staggering 10 percent each year, according to Uppercase. Claim your stake! 

Archive Collection from Savor
Savor.

W. Watercolor Hits Home Décor.

Usually gift trends travel to stationery, not the other way around, but here is a merchandising-friendly crossover for the card and gift shop!

Measuring Spoons from Floor 9
Floor 9.

X. Xtreme Statements.

If jewelry is not to be streamlined and ultra-modern, it goes in the entirely opposite direction in this bifurcated market!

Queen Bee Earrings from John Wind
John Wind.

Y. Young Feminists.

Infusing young girls with pride in their personhood is a major, Mom-led movement. 

Love Bubbly
Love Bubbly.

Z. Zest for Color, Shape & Line.

In the end, stationery is a domain of design; those who cherish correspondence remain devoted to sharing what visually speaks to them along with their innermost thoughts.

Letterpress from BiBA
BiBA Letterpress.



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