The Lost Art of Press Proofs

When I first started buying printing, we’d get a proof with everything we ordered. The customer always hated paying for the proof but it was the only way we had to confirm that the Quark file submitted (usually on an iomega tape at that time) was in order and that the output would match our expectations for the image. There were a lot of different proofing options; we’d get files from a rainbow or an indigo or some other now outdated piece…  (Read on)

Although I never recommend that you adhere labels to envelopes…

There are times when I do actually recommend clients buy labels. Usually as part of a promotion — where you might use them to highlight a special offer — or to personalize collateral that was pre-printed by someone else. The second instance is one we encountered recently, where it made good economic sense for my client to make use of the high quality materials provided for a product he resells. Before passing the brochures along to his customers/prospects, we’re labeling them with…  (Read on)

Ordering printing is getting easier but that doesn't mean you should DIY

It seems that every day I run into a better, faster, cheaper option for printing everything from postcards to business cards to banners.  Printing is a perfect example of a product or service that has been radically changed by the Internet. Individual buyers no longer have to go through professionals to make purchases of their corporate communications materials. First they were able to take the short cut by going to quick print locations like Minute Man Press or Sir Speedy.…  (Read on)

What You See is Not Always What You Get, and Other Problems with Online Printers

I’m constantly getting challenged by clients to come up with less expensive solutions that still make them look like a a big player. With the broad availability of online printing, it becoming really easy for just about anyone to produce their marketing materials in four-color. The problem is that some vendors are running digitally and others are printing traditionally. Those of us who buy a lot of printing know and appreciate the difference. Most of my clients do not. So…  (Read on)