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Electronic organizers are a great way to
manage your calendars—when what interests
you is data. But to tell a story, present
a product or stir a memory, you’ll want a
good, old-fashioned paper calendar—the
kind with the beautiful picture and an
appealing design. A good calendar will
be kept and used. It’s a great way to bring
people together— get your group on the
same page, so to speak.
What’s fun, of course, is that with
modern desktop printers that render even
tiny type clearly, a calendar of your own is
easier than ever to make and use.
This article illustrates two calendar
sizes printable on letter-size paper: business-
card size and postcard-size. The business
card is intended for wallet or purse;
the postcard can be printed fl at or folded
into a stand-up desk calendar.
Regardless of size or program, you’ll
generally make your calendar by setting
seven columns of right tabs and fi lling in
the dates. Don’t leave your calendar design
to an “automatic” calendar maker unless
you want only data; a beautiful calendar—
the kind that brings dignity to your topic
and has value to others—requires your
good eye for typography, composition and
color. Let’s get started.
Appointment calendar
If you work by appointment, here’s a beautiful way to keep track of several in
a row. Put a lovely reminder of a relaxing visit on the front and a three-month
calendar on the back. Pencil in your name, and circle the dates.
Promotional calendar
For the enterprising businessperson, distributing a monthly calendar is a
great way to keep your name in front of your audience. This one has big numbers,
a roomy space for notes, and the month before and after the current
month—the point is to make a calendar that’s attractive and useful. Mail one
every month with your name and contact information; soon your clients will
look forward to seeing you coming!
Reminder calendar
Great for clubs and groups, big dates remind members of meetings,
and on the back an annual calendar ensures that the card
will be kept in use. Issue monthly, quarterly or annually.
Promotional calendar
A postcard can be printed easily, mailed inexpensively and stuck to bulletin
board or refrigerator door. Its 4. x 6. size gives you plenty of room for calendar,
product images, and all of your contact information.
Countdown calendar
Fun for an event, a new product rollout, a special sale or whatever, a
countdown calendar starts with today and ends with the day in big
numerals easy to see and remember. Great for those six-month wedding
arrangements; mail one to every member of the wedding party—caterers,
photographers, the whole crew.
Memento calendar
Life isn’t all business, so pick 12 of your favorite shots, and re-live your great
vacation all year! Folding format stands easily on your desk, or just print
it fl at and pin it to the bulletin board. Send photo calendars of the kids to
grandpa and grandma (and highlight those birthdays!), make calendars of
that recent club event to pass out to members and so on. Everyone likes to
remember great times, and a calendar is a classy way to make that happen.
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This article is provided courtesy of Before & After, How to design cool stuff, and is reprinted here by permission. Copyright ©2004, Before & After magazine, all rights reserved. Design more cool stuff! Visit Before & After magazine online at http://www.bamagazine.com/ to buy the
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