This post will be the first in a new series called ‘The Making Of,’ in which we show our enthusiasts just how a design or collection became so.
First up, our newest made-to-order collection, Crane Style Now.
For a while, we’ve offered collections that cater to the enthusiast who is big on style and small on time. The idea being: a few choices — ink color, motif, font — instead of something completely customizable, which, while stunning and very personal, can be a daunting process.
While we wanted to keep the process simple, we also wanted a collection that spoke to today’s trends. And so, our VP of Creative & Product Development, Rachel V. Ivey, and her team began with step #1: The Inspiration Board.
Next, they asked the oh-so important question: Who is our target customer? Our team came up with this:

With inspiration and a customer in mind, it was time to start designing. The team wanted to create a collection that appealed to both masculine and feminine tastes, beginning with the color palette:
Then, the team agreed on a selection of motifs, including…
Houndstooth…
Chevron…
and a Herald Monogram…
“With this collection we have picked up on a trend that is very neutral and allows for a colorful way to add your voice,” Ivey explained. “Black and white with accents of gold is a trend showing up through fashion, home design and art, and the accent color is purposefully bright to give our customer access to what’s happening now in stationery and to a great gift option that looks thoughtful and smart.”
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