Graphic Design for Direct Mail
We design mail pieces that meet USPS specs and get responses. Postcards, brochures, letters, self-mailers — designed and printed under one roof.
Mail Piece Design That Meets USPS Standards
Our design team builds direct mail pieces from scratch or works from your existing brand assets. Every design accounts for USPS automation requirements — barcode clear zones, address placement, return address positioning, and size specifications. That matters because a mail piece that doesn't meet USPS specs gets surcharged or rejected at the post office. We design postcards, tri-fold brochures, #10 letter packages, self-mailers, newsletters, and flyers. Most designs go from first draft to approved proof in 3–5 business days.
Every direct mail piece has two jobs: meet USPS requirements and get the recipient to act. The USPS side is technical — indicia placement, barcode clear zones, aspect ratios, minimum thickness, tab requirements for self-mailers. We build those specs into every template before the creative work starts. The marketing side is about layout, copy hierarchy, call-to-action placement, and readability. We handle both. You get a proof that's print-ready and mail-ready. In-house design team in New Paltz — we design for the press and the post office.
What We Design
Our Design Process
Creative Brief
We start with your goals, audience, and brand. What do you want the recipient to do? Who are they? What does your brand look like? This shapes every design decision.
Concept & Layout
Our designers create initial layout concepts based on your brief. We focus on visual hierarchy, readability, and clear calls to action — while ensuring all USPS requirements are built into the design from the start.
Revisions & Approval
You review the design and provide feedback. We include two rounds of revisions in our standard design fee. Once approved, the files are prepared for print production.
Print-Ready Files
Your approved design is output as print-ready files with proper bleed, color settings, and resolution — ready to move directly into our printing department.
Need a Mail Piece Designed?
Send us your content and ideas — we'll create a design that works in the mailbox.
USPS Compliance Built In
Every mail piece has specific USPS requirements for address block placement, barcode clear zones, return address location, and postal indicia. Non-compliant pieces can be rejected by the USPS or lose their automation rate qualification — costing you time and money. Our designers know these rules and build compliance into every layout from the start, so you never have to worry about it.
USPS Design Templates
Want to design your own mail piece? Download our free USPS-compliant design templates with pre-set address panels, barcode zones, and bleed guides. Available for all standard mail piece sizes in Adobe InDesign and PDF formats. Visit our USPS templates page to download.
Need Design Help?
Send us your content and ideas — we'll create a design that works in the mailbox and represents your brand.
Request Design QuoteRelated Services
Design Tips
Include one clear call to action — don't make the reader guess what to do next.
Use high-contrast colors for headlines and CTAs to grab attention.
Keep body text 10pt or larger for readability.
Graphic Design FAQ
Do you design for print and mail at the same time?
Yes. Every piece we design is built with printing and mailing in mind from the start. That means correct bleed, USPS-compliant clear zones for addressing, aspect ratios that qualify for automation postage, and file specs that work on press without additional prep.
What formats do you provide when design is complete?
We provide press-ready PDFs with embedded fonts, 300 DPI images, and appropriate bleed. If you are printing elsewhere, we can provide print-ready files. If you are printing with us, files move directly into the production queue.
Can I supply my own content and copy?
Yes. Most clients supply copy, logos, and any images or photos they want included. We handle layout, typography, and design. If you need copywriting or photography, we can connect you with resources we have worked with on past projects.
How many revisions are included?
We include two rounds of revisions in our standard design work. Additional rounds are available at an hourly rate. In our experience, most projects are approved within two rounds when the client provides clear direction upfront.
How long does design take?
A standard postcard or self-mailer takes 3–5 business days for initial proof after we receive all materials. Complex multi-page pieces or campaigns with multiple versions take longer. Rush design is available for time-sensitive campaigns.
Do you design for digital channels too?
Our design focus is direct mail and print. We do not build websites or create social media graphics as a primary service. If you need a coordinated digital component to match your mail campaign, we can discuss options.
Sean is a USPS-certified Mailpiece Design Professional (MDP) with 25+ years of experience producing compliant direct mail campaigns for Hudson Valley businesses. He has processed over 2.3 million mail pieces through the USPS Business Mail Entry Unit in New Paltz, NY since 1998.
Need a Mail Piece Designed?
Send us your content and ideas — we'll create a design that works in the mailbox.
Service Areas
We serve businesses and organizations across three Hudson Valley counties.
Graphic Design Guides & Resources
In-depth guides on postcard design, direct mail design best practices, brochure layout, call-to-action copy, and EDDM design compliance — written by Sean Griffin, MDP, owner of Cornerstone Services since 1998.
Brochure Design for Direct Mail: How to Structure a Piece That Gets Read
A brochure that gets read is designed differently than one that sits in a rack. Here's how to structure a direct mail brochure — panel by panel — to move a reader from cover to response.
Direct Mail Call to Action: How to Write and Design CTAs That Get Responses
A weak call to action wastes a strong direct mail piece. Here's exactly how to write and position CTAs on postcards, brochures, and letters — with real examples and response-rate context.
Direct Mail Design Best Practices: What Separates Campaigns That Work From Those That Don't
Poor direct mail design wastes postage and printing budget. These are the design principles — color, typography, layout, offer hierarchy — that consistently produce better response rates from 28 years of running campaigns in the Hudson Valley.
EDDM Design Requirements: Every Spec You Need Before Going to Print
EDDM pieces that don't meet USPS requirements get rejected at the post office — after you've paid to print them. Here are the exact size, weight, and design compliance specs for EDDM Retail and EDDM BMEU.
How to Design a Direct Mail Postcard: Layout, Copy, and What Actually Works
A direct mail postcard has 3 seconds to earn a second look. Here's the layout structure, copy hierarchy, and design decisions that produce postcards that get read — from a shop that has printed and mailed tens of thousands of them.
Ready to Start Your Next Mailing?
Get a free estimate from Hudson Valley's most trusted direct mail team. 2.3M+ pieces mailed and counting.