Design for the check-in moment
A room key is handled at reception, carried throughout the stay and seen beside the guest’s most personal belongings. The strongest designs are clear at card scale and feel connected to the property’s wider stationery, wayfinding and interior language.
Artwork can be restrained or expressive, but it should remain legible after trimming and should account for the natural character of the paper-based surface. Fine detail, large areas of colour and metallic effects should be reviewed through a physical proof rather than judged only on screen.
Build a complete artwork brief
Front and reverse
Define the role of each side, including brand marks, room-key instructions, return messages or guest-facing information.
Colour and finish
Identify full-colour areas, special finishes and the intended contrast between printed artwork and the paper surface.
Safe areas
Keep essential text and marks clear of trim, corners and any production zones identified during artwork setup.
Variable information
Confirm whether numbering, codes or other changing data need to be incorporated into the production workflow.
Coordinate the card and sleeve
A paper sleeve can carry information that does not belong on the card itself: room directions, breakfast times, contact details, return instructions or a short welcome. Treating both pieces as one system keeps the card visually calm while giving reception teams a useful handover piece.
Approve a physical proof
- Final artwork files
- Confirmed print sides
- Colour references
- Finish locations
- Trim and safe-area check
- Physical proof approval
- Compatibility sample approval