Main Street Forge — Wallet Insert Promotional Design

A creative promotional wallet insert designed for Main Street Forge, a brand connecting small-batch artisan craftsmen with consumers through e-commerce. The challenge was designing a piece sized and styled to resemble a US $5 bill — catching attention when spotted in a wallet — while avoiding any appearance of counterfeiting. The insert needed to communicate the brand’s core message (“We still make ’em like they used to”) and offer a $5 discount on matching leather belts, all while maintaining professional credibility and legal compliance.

Project Overview:

Project Type:

Promotional product insert (wallet-sized, double-sided)

Challenge:

Create a wallet insert that:

• Mimics the size and general aesthetic of a US $5 bill
• Captures attention when seen in a wallet (“looks like money”)
• Clearly avoids counterfeit appearance (legal compliance)
• Communicates brand values: craftsmanship, quality, tradition
• Promotes $5 discount offer on leather belts
• Remains editable by client for future campaigns
• Works with Main Street Forge’s existing brand fonts

Brand Context:

Main Street Forge partners with local craftsmen and artisans to produce high-quality leather goods (wallets, belts) with traditional methods and attention to detail. They sell directly to consumers online, bypassing mass production in favor of small-batch quality. Their slogan — “We still make ’em like they used to” — encapsulates their philosophy.

Design Direction:

Vintage-inspired, currency-style layout using engraving aesthetics, filigree details, and classical typography.
The design needed to evoke the craftsmanship era while clearly differentiating from actual currency through color choices, text content, and obvious promotional messaging.

Legal & Ethical Considerations:

• Avoided green ink tones associated with US currency
• Used brand colors instead of government seal colors
• Included clear promotional text (no denomination mimicry)
• Ensured “Main Street Forge” branding was prominent
• Made it obvious this was marketing material, not currency

Solution:

• Front side: Currency-inspired border design with Main Street Forge branding, artisan imagery, and “$5 OFF” offer prominently displayed in vintage typography
• Back side: Belt product information, discount code details, brand story snippet, and QR code linking to Amazon products
• Color palette: Browns, tans, and neutrals (leather tones) instead of traditional currency greens
• Editable file structure for easy client updates

Deliverables:

• Double-sided design in Adobe Illustrator (fully editable layers)
• Print-ready PDF (CMYK, actual $5 bill dimensions)
• High-resolution JPG previews
• Font files and usage guidelines
• Bleed marks for commercial printing

Result:

Client response: “Exactly what we were looking for!” The design successfully walked the line between eye-catching (currency-like aesthetic) and legally compliant (clearly promotional), while authentically representing Main Street Forge’s artisan brand values.

What The Client Said

“Exactly what we were looking for!”

— Billy K. (@RelentlessDrive), Main Street Forge (United States)

Design Challenges Solved

Challenge 1: The Counterfeit Concern

Designing something that “looks like money” is legally precarious. US counterfeiting laws are strict. The solution required careful research into what makes currency recognizable versus what crosses into illegal reproduction.

Strategy:

• Avoided all green ink tones (signature currency color)
• Used brown/tan leather tones (brand-appropriate)
• No presidential portraits or government seals
• Clear “$5 OFF” promotional language (not “$5” denomination)
• Prominent brand name and logo placement
• Obvious marketing copy throughout

Challenge 2: Capturing Attention

The insert needed to be noticed in a wallet full of cards and cash. The currency-style border, vintage engraving aesthetic, and bold “$5 OFF” messaging ensured it stood out while remaining tasteful and on-brand.

Challenge 3: Brand Storytelling in Small Space

A wallet insert offers minimal real estate. The design needed to:

• Communicate brand values (“made like they used to”)
• Explain the business model (artisan partnerships)
• Promote specific products (leather belts)
• Provide discount code and instructions
• Include QR code for easy access

Solution: Front side focused on visual impact and offer, back side contained product details and brand story in concise, scannable format.

Challenge 4: Editability for Client

The client needed to make future updates (new products, different discounts, seasonal campaigns). The Illustrator file was structured with clearly labeled layers, text styles, and modular elements for easy customization without design experience.

Why This Design Works

Vintage Craftsmanship Aesthetic

The engraving-style borders, classical typography, and vintage color palette visually reinforce the “made like they used to” message.

Clear Value Proposition

“$5 OFF matching leather belts” is immediately understandable — no confusion about the offer.

Brand Consistency 

Used Main Street Forge’s existing fonts and incorporated their messaging seamlessly.

Practical & Functional

The insert serves as both a discount coupon and a brand reminder every time the customer opens their wallet.