Update 3

This week, I’ve been focused on the production phase of my postcard project. I began with a photo I took during a recent hike at Stanley Lake in the Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho. Despite the time I spent researching and preparing, I was surprised to find that typography proved to be the most challenging aspect. I spent several hours experimenting with different typefaces and color palettes.

Ultimately, I’ve finalized a rough draft and plan to gather feedback from a few peers before moving forward. I’m looking forward to sharing a more refined version in the next update.

First Postcard Mock-up Rough Draft

For the second postcard I worked on during this period, I chose a photo I captured in Glacier National Park. As the project has progressed, the focus of the series has evolved—from highlighting destinations “close” to Rexburg to showcasing scenic locations I believe every student should experience while attending Brigham Young University–Idaho.

For this postcard, I experimented with an early 2000s aesthetic, incorporating a typewriter-style font positioned in the corner. This style appeared frequently during my research phase and seemed like a fitting direction for the image and overall concept.

I’m looking forward to continuing work on both postcards. I’m especially pleased with the second design, as I feel it aligns well with the simplicity and charm of Polebridge. The image features a classic mountain range in Glacier National Park, visible along the road leading into the park—an iconic and memorable view.

That said, I think the postcard might benefit from additional color or visual interest, particularly in the upper portion of the sky. I’ve considered designing a small graphic or element to place in the corner to enhance the overall balance without detracting from the photo’s natural beauty.

The first postcard still needs more refinement. I’ve shared both drafts with several friends and family members to gather feedback, and I’m looking forward to incorporating their suggestions in the next round of revisions.

Update 2

am excited to share that my project has now moved past the planning phase and into the preparation stage. I am currently preparing to create my first set of postcards, marking an important milestone in the process.

Over the past few weeks, I have dedicated considerable time to exploring typography, which has been a focal point of my efforts. I've been carefully considering the different font families that will complement each other, as typography is a critical element in setting the tone and visual hierarchy for my designs. Adobe Fonts has been an invaluable resource during this phase, as I’ve spent significant time browsing various font families to select those that not only align with the overall aesthetic but also work harmoniously together.

Here is a rough example of what my finalized postcard will look like. This is from the Adobe video I have been following for formatting.

In parallel, I’ve also refined the selection of images I plan to use, narrowing them down to a handful of photos that I feel best represent the vision for the postcards. While I have begun sketching out the layout, specifically mapping out where the text elements will be positioned, I’ve encountered a challenge with the size of my Adobe files. Due to their large file size, I am unable to upload them for review at this stage.

As I move forward, the next steps will involve finalizing the design elements, experimenting with the layout, and ultimately bringing the first set of postcards to life.

Update 1

Starting any project begins with brainstorming and gathering the necessary materials. For my project, this involved researching graphic design principles and studying the aesthetic of vintage postcards. Like many visually inclined college students, I turned to Pinterest for inspiration. I also visited a local antique store, which offered valuable insight into authentic vintage styles. These two sources helped me develop a clear vision for my cards—a perfect blend of both modern design and vintage charm. As an avid traveler, I’ve collected many postcards over the years, which has given me a deeper appreciation for their design and a more focused approach when searching for creative inspiration.

After a lot of research: I identified what I liked about both postcard styles (vintage and modern) and chose what to implement in my design.

1) I liked how vintage postcards had a more simplistic front: normally one image with limited text..

2)I liked how travel postcards had the location! I want to do that for my cards.

3) I liked how vintage postcards are typically smaller than normal postcards.

Armed with this knowledge, my next step of the process is to select the photos I want to use on my first set of postcards and plan out photoshoots for my next set.

Vintage postcards most often are smaller and have drawings rather than photos.

A common travel postcard inspiration.