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Paper Up Close: The Obama Presidential Inauguration Invitation

No matter who you voted for on election day, today, the inauguration invitation is the undisputed victor. Stunning in simplicity, we adore how old world {traditional design, engraving} met new world {eco-friendly paper}.  We love them!

Here’s the rundown ::

• One million invitations were ordered
• The design and look of the invitation have remained the same since the Truman inauguration

Typography & Printing

• The scripts used are modified versions of Shelley Allegro and Kuenstler typefaces
• The printing technique used is called engraving, which is a type of printing that harks back to Germany in the 1430’s. The process involves cutting a design into the surface of a metal plate, typically made of copper. Then the plate is inked + inserted into a special printing press along with a sheet of paper. It creates a very unique, tactile impression that is slightly raised on top + “bruised” on the bottom. This bruise or impression is the tell-tale difference between the less expensive + more modern process called thermography. Engraving is the epitome of all things formal + tasteful.

Eco-Chic Options

• The Obama team required the invitation be printed on recycled paper
• The paper chosen happens to be the greenest premium paper in the world :: completely FSC Certified, Green-e Certified as being made with 100 percent renewable energy, made 100 percent Carbon Neutral, and Processed Chlorine Free.

Suppliers

• Paper was supplied by Neenah Paper of Neenah, WI.
• Printing was handled by Precise Continental of Brooklyn, NY, a 26-year old company where 65 employees have been working in 10 hours shifts, 20 hours a day since Dec 11 to meet the Jan 2 deadline
• Ink was supplied by BuzzInk of Chicago, IL

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