Fold of the Week: Asymmetrical Accordions
One of my favorite ways to reinvent a classic format is through asymmetry, and this week I’m sharing three design ideas for the asymmetrical accordion.
Here’s what’s great about them:
- Note that all three are 5-panel accordions with long trailing panels—this is the easiest and most economical way to do it from a production standpoint.
- Although they are similar in format, they are vastly different in appearance and approach, which I think you'll really appreciate.
The next time you’re thinking about choosing an accordion fold, play around with asymmetry and see what ideas pop up!
Thanks for watching. I’ll see you next week.
How were these mailers produced?
Sample #1: CJ Graphics / Toronto, ON
Size: 6.5 x 4.75" folded, 19.5 x 4.75" flat
Sample #2: Shawmut Communications Group / Danvers, MA
Size: 8.5 x 5.5" folded, 32 x 5.5" flat
Sample #3: Target / Minneapolis, MN
Size: 7 x 5" folded, 15.75 x 5" flat
Paper: ~80 lb Coated Cover
Finishing: Score, Fold
Budget Rating: Low
Trish Witkowski is Chief Folding Fanatic at the online community foldfactory.com. She holds a bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design and a master of science degree in Graphic Arts Publishing from Rochester Institute of Technology's School of Printing Management and Sciences (now the School of Print Media).
An award-winning designer, Trish held the position of creative director for a Baltimore-based agency for six years, and has taught design and desktop publishing at the college level. She has a specialized expertise in the area of folding and is the creator of the FOLDRite™ system, a 2004 GATF InterTech™ Technology Award winner.
Trish frequently publishes articles for graphic arts industry publications, and has written three books on the topic of folding: A Field Guide to Folding, Folding for the Graphic Arts: A Teacher's Handbook, and FOLD: The Professional's Guide to Folding.
