QL JRNE 25: A Journey in Invitation Design

Unveiling the Unique Invitation Design by Kathy Roessner for pulse220

The QL JRNE 25 invitation, designed for Quicken Loans' 25th anniversary, stands as a testament to the company's journey from inception to success. Drawing inspiration from the company's home base in Detroit, Michigan, USA, and the concept of travel, the invitation was crafted to launch guests on their own journey with the event. The design incorporates icons synonymous with travel and the company itself, creating a unique blend of corporate identity and thematic storytelling.

Roessner engaged an illustrator to adapt Quicken Loans’ “ISM” characters, which represent the company's ideals, into situations relevant to the journey theme. These characters, in full color, adorn the back of the recycled envelope, adding a playful and personal touch to the design. The invitation itself unfolds like a map from a pocket printed with the event date, further emphasizing the journey theme.

What sets the QL JRNE 25 invitation apart is its dual function as a commemorative keepsake. It includes a functional, production quality license plate that can be affixed to a vehicle. Each plate is personalized with the employee's name and the year they joined the company, making it a tangible reminder of their journey with Quicken Loans. The license plate is attached to a flip-fold cover, which opens to reveal the map-like invitation.

The invitation is bordered by a neatline, with titles in traditional highway signs, and the background resembles a street map. The use of these elements creates a cohesive design that is both visually appealing and meaningful. The invitation's dimensions are 11.75" x 6", printed on 130# cinch cover paper stock, while the envelope measures 12.75 x 6.75, printed on 100# genesis birch paper stock.

This innovative design has not gone unnoticed in the design world. The QL JRNE 25 invitation was awarded the Golden A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award in 2013. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embody extraordinary excellence, and significantly impact the world with their desirable characteristics.

In conclusion, the QL JRNE 25 invitation is a testament to Kathy Roessner's innovative approach to design. It seamlessly blends form and function, creating a unique keepsake that not only communicates pertinent event information but also celebrates the journey of Quicken Loans and its employees. This design serves as a shining example of how design can be used to tell a story, engage an audience, and create a lasting impression.