Luxury Magazine Design for Trestle Financial
Budget: $250 – $750 USD
You MUST provide numerous examples of your InDesign work on such a project.
All High Resolution Images Must Be Licensed, Client Will Provide at Designers Direction.
Creative Brief — Trestle Financial Magazine Brochure (40 pages, full bleed)
1) Project Overview
Create a luxury, image-forward, saddle-stitched magazine that showcases Trestle Financial and its 11 divisions. The piece should signal institutional credibility and quiet exclusivity, emphasizing relationship investing for UHNWIs, family offices, sovereigns, and institutions. Copy is concise—headline, sub-headline, short paragraphs, strong visual storytelling, premium finish.
2) Primary Goals
Present Trestle’s multi-division, uncorrelated yet synergistic platform with a clear “why us” narrative.
Emphasize relationship over transactions (white-glove, bespoke access).
Highlight division-specific benefits (e.g., VIP Motorsports experiences, Oil & Gas tax advantages).
Drive action via QR codes to division pages and two books (Oil & Gas; Alternative Investing/IRA/401k transitions).
3) Technical Specs (Print)
Final size (trim): 8.5" × 11" (portrait).
Flat spreads: 11" × 17".
Page count: 40 pages (multiple of 4; saddle-stitched).
Bleed: 0.125" (all sides).
Safe area/margins: ≥ 0.25" from trim (prefer 0.375" for comfort).
Color: CMYK, GRACoL 2013 or FOGRA39/51 profile; total ink ≤ 300%.
Images: 300+ dpi at final size, licensed for print; no web upscales.
Black text: 100K only; rich black for large solids (e.g., C60 M40 Y40 K100).
Binding: Saddle stitch (2 staples), apply creep compensation.
Stock:
Cover: 120 lb cover, soft-touch matte + spot UV (logo or select headlines/QR frames).
Text: 100 lb silk/matte text (or 80 lb if you need lighter feel).
Proofing: Hard proof (contract color) + digital proof; one on-press check optional.
4) File Delivery & Handoff
InDesign: Latest stable Creative Cloud version.
IDML export + packaged folder with fonts/links.
Press-ready PDF: PDF/X-4 (or X-1a if printer requires), bleeds on, crop marks, color profile embedded.
Asset map: Folder structure, image credits, license receipts.
QR files: Vector EPS/SVG and PNG copies per destination (with distinct UTMs we’ll provide).
5) Visual Direction
Tone: Modern institutional + private-club luxury. Understated, confident, minimal.
Typography:
Primary sans (headlines): Avenir Next / Söhne / Suisse Int’l / Neue Haas Grotesk (clean, aviation-worthy).
Accent serif (subheads/pull-quotes): Canela / Tiempos / Domaine Display (sparingly for luxe cues).
Body copy: Match primary sans family (Book/Regular).
Track headlines slightly (+20 to +40); avoid ultra-bolds.
Grid: 12-column grid, 0.125" gutters; baseline 12–14 pt. Use full-bleed hero imagery.
Color palette (suggested): Deep charcoal, ink navy, warm gray, metallic accent (foil optional on cover); plenty of white space.
Imagery: Ultra-premium, documentary-style photography (people in context, operational excellence, assets in motion). Avoid stock clichés.
Iconography: Simple line icons, restrained.
Data/diagrams: Minimal; favor clean infographics over dense charts.
6) QR Code Strategy (Designer to place)
Each division spread: 1 QR linking to that division’s page.
Books spread: 2 QRs (Oil & Gas book; Investing/IRA/401k book).
Primary CTA: 1 QR (“Request a confidential conversation”) near the back.
Specs: ≥ 1.0" square, error correction Q, quiet zone preserved, brand frame/caption. Use unique UTM tags (we’ll supply final URLs).
7) Content Outline — 40 Pages
Keep copy tight: Headline (≤ 6–10 words), Subheadline (≤ 16–20 words), Body blocks (2–5 short paragraphs, 45–85 words total per block), pull-quotes/bullets as needed. All pages full bleed.
Cover (Hero) — Quiet-luxury image; minimal marks (no QR here).
Inside Front Cover — Brand mark, emboss/spot UV optional.
Letter from Founder — Relationship-first philosophy; table of contents mini-map.
4–5. Trestle at a Glance — Platform overview, “uncorrelated yet synergistic,” one schematic.
6–7. Relationship vs. Transactional — Why UHNW/FOs choose a multi-tier platform; “how we work.”
8–9. Platform Map — Visual map of 11 divisions + synergies (clean graphic).
10–31. Division Feature Spreads (11 divisions × 2 pages each)
Each: Full-bleed hero + short copy + benefits callouts + QR to division page.
Ensure Motorsports VIP perks and Oil & Gas tax advantages are explicitly featured on their respective spreads.
32–33. Select Highlights / Case Snapshots — 2–3 quick wins or exemplars (no NDAs breached).
34–35. Books & Education — Author mini-bio + 2 QR codes (Oil & Gas book; Investing/IRA/401k transitions).
36–37. Who We Serve & Process — UHNW/FO/institution—onboarding at a glance; confidentiality, diligence rigor; primary CTA QR.
38–39. Founders & Leadership — Bios with portraits; values and track record (concise).
Back Cover — Mark + discreet contact; optional spot UV/foil; printer slug inside.
If pagination must flex, remove Page 32–33 highlights (for 38p) or expand case snapshots (for 44p). Maintain division spreads intact.
8) Copy & Asset Inputs (Client-Provided)
Approved brand guide (logos, colors, typography if fixed).
Division list + 1–2 sentence value statements per division.
Founder/leadership bios (short + long).
High-res imagery (or direction for curated stock/licensed shoots).
QR destination URLs + UTMs (we’ll supply).
Disclosures/Legal line (concise).
Awards/press logos (if used).
VIP perks list (Motorsports), tax advantage bullets (Oil & Gas) for accuracy.
9) Accessibility & Readability
Body type 10–11 pt with 14–16 pt leading minimum.
Contrast ratios suitable for legibility in print.
Avoid placing critical text over busy imagery; use overlays if needed.
10) Timeline & Rounds (for bid)
Round 0 (Discovery): Kickoff + moodboards (2–3 directions).
Round 1: 2 cover concepts + 6 internal sample pages (1 platform spread, 2 division spreads, 1 books spread, 1 CTA page).
Round 2: Full layout first draft (all 40 pages).
Round 3: Refine + preflight.
Final: Press-ready PDFs + packaged files.
Please quote timeline in weeks from asset handoff to press-ready files.
11) What to Include in Your Bid
Fixed fee for: creative direction, layout, revisions (3 rounds), prepress, file handoff.
Optional add-ons: retouching, custom iconography, cover foil/emboss prep, on-press check.
Assumptions on stock selection/licensing, photo retouch hours, and QR design.
Timeline with milestones; any dependencies.
Printer coordination (yes/no); preferred print vendors if any.
Two relevant portfolio samples (financial/ultra-luxury editorial).
12) Quality Bar (Non-Negotiables)
Flawless typesetting, consistent stylesheets and master pages.
Perfect bleeds, overprint settings, and ink coverage.
Crisp QRs (tested on proofs).
Creep and cross-over images aligned to the stitch.
No RGB, no low-res images, no faux bold/italic.
All High Resolution Images Must Be Licensed, Client Will Provide at Designers Direction.
Creative Brief — Trestle Financial Magazine Brochure (40 pages, full bleed)
1) Project Overview
Create a luxury, image-forward, saddle-stitched magazine that showcases Trestle Financial and its 11 divisions. The piece should signal institutional credibility and quiet exclusivity, emphasizing relationship investing for UHNWIs, family offices, sovereigns, and institutions. Copy is concise—headline, sub-headline, short paragraphs, strong visual storytelling, premium finish.
2) Primary Goals
Present Trestle’s multi-division, uncorrelated yet synergistic platform with a clear “why us” narrative.
Emphasize relationship over transactions (white-glove, bespoke access).
Highlight division-specific benefits (e.g., VIP Motorsports experiences, Oil & Gas tax advantages).
Drive action via QR codes to division pages and two books (Oil & Gas; Alternative Investing/IRA/401k transitions).
3) Technical Specs (Print)
Final size (trim): 8.5" × 11" (portrait).
Flat spreads: 11" × 17".
Page count: 40 pages (multiple of 4; saddle-stitched).
Bleed: 0.125" (all sides).
Safe area/margins: ≥ 0.25" from trim (prefer 0.375" for comfort).
Color: CMYK, GRACoL 2013 or FOGRA39/51 profile; total ink ≤ 300%.
Images: 300+ dpi at final size, licensed for print; no web upscales.
Black text: 100K only; rich black for large solids (e.g., C60 M40 Y40 K100).
Binding: Saddle stitch (2 staples), apply creep compensation.
Stock:
Cover: 120 lb cover, soft-touch matte + spot UV (logo or select headlines/QR frames).
Text: 100 lb silk/matte text (or 80 lb if you need lighter feel).
Proofing: Hard proof (contract color) + digital proof; one on-press check optional.
4) File Delivery & Handoff
InDesign: Latest stable Creative Cloud version.
IDML export + packaged folder with fonts/links.
Press-ready PDF: PDF/X-4 (or X-1a if printer requires), bleeds on, crop marks, color profile embedded.
Asset map: Folder structure, image credits, license receipts.
QR files: Vector EPS/SVG and PNG copies per destination (with distinct UTMs we’ll provide).
5) Visual Direction
Tone: Modern institutional + private-club luxury. Understated, confident, minimal.
Typography:
Primary sans (headlines): Avenir Next / Söhne / Suisse Int’l / Neue Haas Grotesk (clean, aviation-worthy).
Accent serif (subheads/pull-quotes): Canela / Tiempos / Domaine Display (sparingly for luxe cues).
Body copy: Match primary sans family (Book/Regular).
Track headlines slightly (+20 to +40); avoid ultra-bolds.
Grid: 12-column grid, 0.125" gutters; baseline 12–14 pt. Use full-bleed hero imagery.
Color palette (suggested): Deep charcoal, ink navy, warm gray, metallic accent (foil optional on cover); plenty of white space.
Imagery: Ultra-premium, documentary-style photography (people in context, operational excellence, assets in motion). Avoid stock clichés.
Iconography: Simple line icons, restrained.
Data/diagrams: Minimal; favor clean infographics over dense charts.
6) QR Code Strategy (Designer to place)
Each division spread: 1 QR linking to that division’s page.
Books spread: 2 QRs (Oil & Gas book; Investing/IRA/401k book).
Primary CTA: 1 QR (“Request a confidential conversation”) near the back.
Specs: ≥ 1.0" square, error correction Q, quiet zone preserved, brand frame/caption. Use unique UTM tags (we’ll supply final URLs).
7) Content Outline — 40 Pages
Keep copy tight: Headline (≤ 6–10 words), Subheadline (≤ 16–20 words), Body blocks (2–5 short paragraphs, 45–85 words total per block), pull-quotes/bullets as needed. All pages full bleed.
Cover (Hero) — Quiet-luxury image; minimal marks (no QR here).
Inside Front Cover — Brand mark, emboss/spot UV optional.
Letter from Founder — Relationship-first philosophy; table of contents mini-map.
4–5. Trestle at a Glance — Platform overview, “uncorrelated yet synergistic,” one schematic.
6–7. Relationship vs. Transactional — Why UHNW/FOs choose a multi-tier platform; “how we work.”
8–9. Platform Map — Visual map of 11 divisions + synergies (clean graphic).
10–31. Division Feature Spreads (11 divisions × 2 pages each)
Each: Full-bleed hero + short copy + benefits callouts + QR to division page.
Ensure Motorsports VIP perks and Oil & Gas tax advantages are explicitly featured on their respective spreads.
32–33. Select Highlights / Case Snapshots — 2–3 quick wins or exemplars (no NDAs breached).
34–35. Books & Education — Author mini-bio + 2 QR codes (Oil & Gas book; Investing/IRA/401k transitions).
36–37. Who We Serve & Process — UHNW/FO/institution—onboarding at a glance; confidentiality, diligence rigor; primary CTA QR.
38–39. Founders & Leadership — Bios with portraits; values and track record (concise).
Back Cover — Mark + discreet contact; optional spot UV/foil; printer slug inside.
If pagination must flex, remove Page 32–33 highlights (for 38p) or expand case snapshots (for 44p). Maintain division spreads intact.
8) Copy & Asset Inputs (Client-Provided)
Approved brand guide (logos, colors, typography if fixed).
Division list + 1–2 sentence value statements per division.
Founder/leadership bios (short + long).
High-res imagery (or direction for curated stock/licensed shoots).
QR destination URLs + UTMs (we’ll supply).
Disclosures/Legal line (concise).
Awards/press logos (if used).
VIP perks list (Motorsports), tax advantage bullets (Oil & Gas) for accuracy.
9) Accessibility & Readability
Body type 10–11 pt with 14–16 pt leading minimum.
Contrast ratios suitable for legibility in print.
Avoid placing critical text over busy imagery; use overlays if needed.
10) Timeline & Rounds (for bid)
Round 0 (Discovery): Kickoff + moodboards (2–3 directions).
Round 1: 2 cover concepts + 6 internal sample pages (1 platform spread, 2 division spreads, 1 books spread, 1 CTA page).
Round 2: Full layout first draft (all 40 pages).
Round 3: Refine + preflight.
Final: Press-ready PDFs + packaged files.
Please quote timeline in weeks from asset handoff to press-ready files.
11) What to Include in Your Bid
Fixed fee for: creative direction, layout, revisions (3 rounds), prepress, file handoff.
Optional add-ons: retouching, custom iconography, cover foil/emboss prep, on-press check.
Assumptions on stock selection/licensing, photo retouch hours, and QR design.
Timeline with milestones; any dependencies.
Printer coordination (yes/no); preferred print vendors if any.
Two relevant portfolio samples (financial/ultra-luxury editorial).
12) Quality Bar (Non-Negotiables)
Flawless typesetting, consistent stylesheets and master pages.
Perfect bleeds, overprint settings, and ink coverage.
Crisp QRs (tested on proofs).
Creep and cross-over images aligned to the stitch.
No RGB, no low-res images, no faux bold/italic.