[Cohoes, NY] -- Identity is more than just a company's letterhead; and it may be one of the most valuable and enduring competitive assets a company can possess. Yet in today's world of electronic communication, brand leaders are often defined by what they do on paper. From client letters, written proposals, brochures, invoices or even leave-behind PowerPoint decks, the most sophisticated marketers understand that paper is fundamental to the power of communication. In fact, paper is where visual identities come to life. That is why Mohawk Fine Papers Inc. has introduced Hello and the Strathmore Essentials series on visual identity management. Each installment provides designers, printers, specifiers and print buyers with the essential information needed to create and specify the core components of an identity program. The pieces were designed by Chicago-based, VSA Partners. “We created the Essentials program as a tool-based series to help begin a much needed dialog about writing and identity, and the importance of the relationship to the paper it’s on. The Essentials tools are designed for people to experience and share the paper,” says Jamie Koval, Partner, VSA. Hello and the Essentials tools are intended to support the relaunch of Strathmore, a legendary name in the world of corporate identity. All four pieces are available now. Hello. From strategic thinking to ink on paper, Hello, navigates through the process of creating an identity system: Does it need to translate across cultures and languages? What are the places and forms it needs to appear? What graphic elements, fonts or colors are relevant to the design? Is the paper supporting the messaging? Letter Perfect. An envelope is about the promise of what is inside; and whatever your inside message might be, it begins on the outside. This tool includes a simple, fold-out guide to the envelope styles available from Strathmore. The guide also includes envelope construction information as well as flap and seam styles. A useful mailing template is also provided to indicate OCR read area, barcode clear zones, and return address area as defined by the U.S. Postal Service. Also included are more than two-dozen envelope samples, each identified by color, finish and weight and featuring different envelope flap styles. Impressions. Never underestimate the power of design and printing on a mere seven square inches: business cards are one of the most important marketing tools available to brand managers. Leaders know the first impression made is often a lasting impression. This business card sampler includes three-dozen perforated business cards. Collectively, the set samples a full range of weights and finishes. Samples of Strathmore Writing, America’s first choice for business correspondence, and the new informal and upscale Strathmore Script Writing are included. Production examples feature letterpress printing, engraving, embossing, conventional printing, and digital printing on an HP Indigo press. More than Words. There’s nothing more inviting than a blank sheet of paper. Especially when it’s Strathmore Writing or Script. More than Words is a notepad that reinforces the idea that paper adds value, crispness, and substance to anything you write. The small, elegant notebook includes three signature items from the new Strathmore offering: 100% Pure Cotton, Soft Aqua Script, and Strathmore Writing Blend. All four pieces were designed by VSA Partners, Chicago, Illinois. Printer information is available upon request. For samples of the Strathmore Essentials series call 1 800 the mill, or visit www.mohawkpaper.com.