Tuesday, February 14, 2012

In “The Tactics of Color Strategy,” a free PaperSpecs webinar sponsored by Neenah Paper, guest speaker Jack Bredenfoerder will reveal his five key components for creating a successful color strategy.

As well as sharing examples of good color usage, Bredenfoerder will show great ideas for working with color and creating color stories that you can apply to your own ...]]> Tuesday, February 14, 2012
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern (11:00 a.m. – Noon Pacific

In “The Tactics of Color Strategy,” a free PaperSpecs webinar sponsored by Neenah Paper, guest speaker Jack Bredenfoerder will reveal his five key components for creating a successful color strategy.

As well as sharing examples of good color usage, Bredenfoerder will show great ideas for working with color and creating color stories that you can apply to your own projects.

And if you’ve set your sights on being a color leader rather than a color follower, Bredenfoerder will explain how to create a color forecast that looks beyond the current market trends.

Go to www.paperspecs.com/webinar for more details and to register. The “The Tactics of Color Strategy” Webinar is FREE thanks to the generous support of Neenah Paper

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

When you’re selecting colors for a project, do you go with your gut or do you have a solid color strategy?

If you’re winging it—and even if you aren’t—you can learn how to avoid subjective and unproductive rationales about one particular color or combination of colors during PaperSpecs’ next free webinar, “The Tactics of Color Strategy.”

Color expert and special guest speaker Jack Bredenfoerder, ...]]> Tuesday, February 14, 2012
2:00 p.m. Eastern (11:00 a.m. Pacific)

When you’re selecting colors for a project, do you go with your gut or do you have a solid color strategy?

If you’re winging it—and even if you aren’t—you can learn how to avoid subjective and unproductive rationales about one particular color or combination of colors during PaperSpecs’ next free webinar, “The Tactics of Color Strategy.”

Color expert and special guest speaker Jack Bredenfoerder, director of BV Color Strategy, will reveal his five key components of forming a compelling color strategy:

• Physical: Is your color design balanced? Does it even need to be balanced?
• Cultural: Are you selling soccer wear in Italy in colors reminiscent of the French national soccer team?
• Psychological: “Blue is calming.” Do you cringe when you hear statements like this?
• Fads, Trends and Cycles: Do you ever mistakenly use trend spotting as a forecasting tool?
• Directional Aspects of Color: Can you identify the major influences that drive consumers’ decisions?

Bredenfoerder will share examples of good color usage and show great ideas for working with color and creating color stories that you can apply to your own projects. All attendees will also receive a copy of Jack Bredenfoerder’s 2012 color forecast.

This webinar is free thanks to the generous support of Neenah Paper. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today for this special event at www.paperspecs.com/webinar.

The Fall 2011 Peter Ross Photography promotion, designed by VSA Partners in New York, is a gorgeous 20-page, tabloid-sized collection from his Table series that begs to be opened.

The beautiful black and white photography on stark white backgrounds are tasty to be sure. Subjects interacting in unexpected ways with a table that could probably tell its own stories will elicit your own interesting dinner conversations.

Printed on Luscious Mohawk Options vellum paper ...]]> The Fall 2011 Peter Ross Photography promotion, designed by VSA Partners in New York, is a gorgeous 20-page, tabloid-sized collection from his Table series that begs to be opened.

The beautiful black and white photography on stark white backgrounds are tasty to be sure. Subjects interacting in unexpected ways with a table that could probably tell its own stories will elicit your own interesting dinner conversations.

Printed on Luscious Mohawk Options vellum paper by the Fox Company in West Allis, Wisconsin, the piece exudes a warm feel that complements the sentiments surrounding each portrait’s opinion on five desirable dinner companions.

As a special offer for PaperSpecs Pro members, please log in and select “Mill Promotions” to request your copy of the Peter Ross Photography promotion from Mohawk Fine Papers.

In the latest episode of Sappi’s “Off Register” video series, our now familiar and much-beloved friend Sully is trying to resolve a curling problem with his paper. So naturally he calls his mill rep, who faxes over a “little” paper claim form for him to complete.

We don’t want to give anything away and spoil your laugh, but let’s just say ...]]> If you’ve ever had to fill out a paper claim, you know it’s no joke … well, until now that is.

In the latest episode of Sappi’s “Off Register” video series, our now familiar and much-beloved friend Sully is trying to resolve a curling problem with his paper. So naturally he calls his mill rep, who faxes over a “little” paper claim form for him to complete.

We don’t want to give anything away and spoil your laugh, but let’s just say Sully and his helper Hank have their own idea how to respond to the Paper Claim. But what I will say, “I think I may know who Susie is.”

Click here to watch the video – a great three-minute break from all that serious stuff you’re doing.

GPA released a new tool designed to help you navigate the many options they have when selecting a synthetic film: GPA’s Plastic & Synthetic Film Recycling Guide.

It features the resin identification coding system, which was introduced to meet the need for a nationwide, uniform system of identifying plastics for both manufacturers and recyclers.

The guide also details the different names of each product, the types of printable substrates and consumer products ...]]> GPA released a new tool designed to help you navigate the many options they have when selecting a synthetic film: GPA’s Plastic & Synthetic Film Recycling Guide.

It features the resin identification coding system, which was introduced to meet the need for a nationwide, uniform system of identifying plastics for both manufacturers and recyclers.

The guide also details the different names of each product, the types of printable substrates and consumer products that are created from each, as well as the physical properties and characteristics of each type of plastic to help customers make sustainable choices for their applications.

To request your free copy of GPA’s Plastic & Synthetic Films Recycling Guide, contact GPA at 800-395-9000 or at www.askgpa.com.

You can now access over 1,500 FSC-certified locations across Canada with FindFSC Mobile.

The FindFSC.com mapping and search tool is a web application that uses the FSC Canada certification database, and Google Places, to identify and map companies that are FSC certified in Canada, and companies that sell the type of product for which you are searching.

The FSC Canada certification database includes all FSC Forest Management and Chain-of-Custody certified locations ...]]> You can now access over 1,500 FSC-certified locations across Canada with FindFSC Mobile.

The FindFSC.com mapping and search tool is a web application that uses the FSC Canada certification database, and Google Places, to identify and map companies that are FSC certified in Canada, and companies that sell the type of product for which you are searching.

The FSC Canada certification database includes all FSC Forest Management and Chain-of-Custody certified locations in Canada, as listed on the FSC International database.

To use it on your mobile, simply type in findfsc.com in the browser and search for thousands of FSC-certified products by company, product or location.

The search tool is available for mobile devices such as iPhones, Androids and phones that support Google Maps Javascript API V3.

If you think that documobi’s iPR technology is cool (See Sabine’s TIP), you’re going to love this news as well.

Scientists at Illinois University have developed a reactive silver ink for printing high-performance electronics such as antennas, batteries, sensors and solar energy devices on flexible materials such as paper, plastic and fabric substrates.

Most conductive inks used currently rely on small metal particles suspended in the ink. This new product is ...]]> If you think that documobi’s iPR technology is cool (See Sabine’s TIP), you’re going to love this news as well.

Scientists at Illinois University have developed a reactive silver ink for printing high-performance electronics such as antennas, batteries, sensors and solar energy devices on flexible materials such as paper, plastic and fabric substrates.

Most conductive inks used currently rely on small metal particles suspended in the ink. This new product is a transparent solution of silver acetate and ammonia. The silver remains dissolved in the solution until it is printed, and then the liquid evaporates, yielding conductive features.

There are definite advantages: it has a low processing temperature, is fast to make (minutes vs. hours), is stable for several weeks, can print through nozzles, and has a low viscosity making it suitable for inkjet printing, direct ink writing or airbrush spraying.

Read more about it here.

Gilah Press + Design

What does your business card say about you? It is the face of your business, what people you meet in passing, at the bar, on the train, at the networking event, conference, trade show, in life will take away to remember you.

What makes your card memorable? Is it truly a reflection of the quality of work you create? If the answer is no, you should consider revisiting it. ...]]> Gilah Press + Design

What does your business card say about you? It is the face of your business, what people you meet in passing, at the bar, on the train, at the networking event, conference, trade show, in life will take away to remember you.

What makes your card memorable? Is it truly a reflection of the quality of work you create? If the answer is no, you should consider revisiting it. You may be reading this, cringing and thinking that you don’t have the money to spend on nice cards, or you just had these “temporary” cards made up in time for an industry event (two years ago), or that it’s just fine to print your cards on the Epson and cut them down with an X-ACTO knife.

Business cards are a direct reflection of you as a graphic designer, a portfolio piece in and of themselves, if you will. They are the first clue to a potential client as to what you are capable of, not only from a design standpoint, but a production standpoint, as well.

Gilah Press + Design has had the pleasure of printing some amazing business cards over the years, and have shared 12 of them below to get you inspired and excited about the possibilities of what the right design and production can say for you.

CLEAN & CLEVER
Designed by Ice Cream Social for Caitlin Hall’s writing business, the simple design, use of typography and smart use of the white space are what make this card stand apart from the rest.

Stock: 2 ply Rising Museum Board, White
Ink: 1/1 letterpress

Designed by Oliver Munday for Lorraine’s Sewing Center, this card has always stood out in Gilah’s memory. The hand-drawn illustration gives a nod to the sewing industry without being cliché and obvious, and the simple arrangement of information keeps this card clean and clever.

Stock: 110lb. CRANE’S LETTRA, Ecru
Ink: 1/0 letterpress

Designed by Oliver Munday for his business, Oliver Munday (group), this card is memorable for obvious reasons. OMG!

Stock: 220 lb. CRANE’S LETTRA, Ecru
Ink: 1/1 letterpress

Patrick Everson designed this card for his studio. The flood of color on the back was offset printed since Gilah does not recommend printing such large areas of solid ink on letterpress. The personality comes through in Patrick’s logo, and his clean use of informational typography make this card a great example of a card that people will remember.

Stock: 110 lb. CRANE’S LETTRA, Fluorescent White
Ink: 1 offset/2 letterpress

SIMPLE & SOPHISTICATED
Designed by Davina Grunstein for her business, this card uses a beautiful, subtle tone-on-tone ink for an understated effect. The depth of impression on the letterpress printing for this card was integral to its success.

Stock: .059 Book Board
Ink: 1/1 letterpress

Amy Saar designed this card for her husband’s sculpture business. The simple use of black ink and a blind impression (letterpress printing with no ink) keeps this card subtly dynamic.

Stock: 110 lb. CRANE’S LETTRA, Fluorescent White
Ink: 2/0 letterpress

Designed by Eli Turner for his photography studio, the minimalist design approach works well on this card. The use of a tint base (clear ink) creates a nice, sophisticated effect on the back of the card.

Stock: 220 lb. CRANE’S LETTRA, Fluorescent White
Ink: 1/1 letterpress

ILLUSTRATIVE & PERSONALITY DRIVEN
Designed by Jennifer Perman and Mary Boyko for their business, Ice Cream Social, the tricky registration of the two ink colors was well worth the final outcome on this design. “We are pretty in love with this logo and the story it conveys,” says Gilah Press.

Stock: 2 ply Rising Museum Board, White
Ink: 2/2 letterpress

Megh Knappenberger designed this for her business, Here to There Studio. The combination of well-thought-out typography and illustration on this card speak clearly to the type of market Megh is after, making this a successful card.

Stock: 220 lb. CRANE’S LETTRA, Pearl White
Ink: 2/0 letterpress

Kimberly Watson and Gilah Press collaborated on this design for Kimber M Jewelry. “Put a bird on it!”… but only if it’s as cute and adorned in jewels as this particular bird. This great use of illustration conveys the message of the type of work Kimber creates.

Stock: 110 lb. CRANE’S LETTRA, Fluorescent White
Ink: 2/0 letterpress

BELLS & WHISTLES
Gilah designed this card for a local home goods store. The use of colored stock and the diecut give this card enough visual interest to make a lasting impact.

Stock: 80 lb. Luxe Blush Light
Ink: 1/0 letterpress
Finishing: Diecut

Gilah designed this card for a local interior design company. The use of two ink colors on both sides of the card and the added finishing touch of edge painting make this card a bit heavy on the wallet, but really a standout piece.

Stock: 220 lb. CRANE’S LETTRA, Fluorescent White
Ink: 2/2 letterpress
Finishing: Edge Painting

To keep this business card inspiration going, Gilah Press + Design is offering PaperSpecs.com readers a special promotion. You can order 250 letterpress cards for $115, or 500 cards for $195 by clicking here.

The cards will be printed with black ink, one-sided, on Gilah’s house stock, 110 lb. CRANE’S LETTRA Pearl White. If you can work within these parameters (for yourself or your clients), you can score an awesome set of cards at a really reasonable cost!

Feel free to call 410-366-3330 or email Gilah at info@gilahpress.com with any questions you may have. You can also request samples or custom quotes on its website at www.gilahpress.com.

By Sabine Lenz

Hundreds of faces are flickering across the screen. Forensic specialist Abby Sciuto is impatiently tapping her fingers. In breathtaking speed, the computer is trying to match a face to the suspect’s photo. Bingo. The system found a match, and the killer’s name is …

Okay, so I like NCIS. I love the way the quirky agents always seem to have the latest technology – technology that works lightning fast, technology ...]]> By Sabine Lenz

Hundreds of faces are flickering across the screen. Forensic specialist Abby Sciuto is impatiently tapping her fingers. In breathtaking speed, the computer is trying to match a face to the suspect’s photo. Bingo. The system found a match, and the killer’s name is …

Okay, so I like NCIS. I love the way the quirky agents always seem to have the latest technology – technology that works lightning fast, technology that delivers results in mere seconds.

And now it seems, real life isn’t far behind.

I had the chance to catch a glimpse into the very near future of print when I attended a Print Production Professionals webinar about intelligent print recognition (iPR), an emerging marketing technology that provides groundbreaking opportunities for print.

Anything printed can be made interactive
“Print is not dead, it is struggling to make itself heard,” said Peter Lancaster, COO and co-founder of documobi, a company on the forefront of iPR.

The documobi software allows license holders to make any printed material, from any time, on any substrate, interactive without using a marker (like the QR code squares). Yes, even in hindsight, even if it was printed years ago.

Think of it like QR codes on speed.

iPR at work
Let me explain. With the proprietary software from documobi, you can take a photo of (let’s say an ad for that Juicy Burger two-for-one special) that you created. Then you attach a certain action to the ad such as going to a specific website or starting a certain video – pretty much like your average QR code.

Once you make the image active in the documobi system, any viewer can scan the ad and be taken to the predetermined destination.

This is possible because the scanning software, like a face recognition application, matches the image to one that is stored in the system, which sends you to the appropriate destination.

Users will expect print to be interactive and personal
We already know that print doesn’t live in a vacuum. Currently, more than 44 percent of Americans have smartphones, which allows them to get familiar and comfortable with QR codes. From this first step, it will get more personal.

While seeing your name written in the sand can be eye catching on a piece of direct mail, we’re all increasingly interested only in things that are relevant to us right here, right now.

A special offer for people in New York doesn’t catch my attention when I’m wandering the winding streets of San Francisco.

documobi’s iPR operates on the holy grail of marketing: reaching the customer in the right place, at the right time, and with the right message. How?

The software’s geolocation-based scanning allows the customer to make the ad even more relevant. Take the Juicy Burger ad example. That person can scan in the ad and receive the discount coupon associated with the lunch special being offered and also get a map to the eatery’s nearest location.

Test it yourself
During the webinar, Lancaster enticed attendees by having several live interactive samples.

One of them you can easily do right now:

1. Download the free documobi app onto your smartphone (from your friendly app store)
2. Use the app to scan the surface of a $1 bill (If it’s not a new crisp note, you might have to flatten it a bit.)
3. The app takes you to … I won’t spoil the surprise in case you’re game to take iPR for a spin.

The cost
Oh yes, there is that. Where your average QR code is free to create and use, documobi is a licensed software. For the advertiser, this means an annual license fee of $1,999, as well as a basic monthly fee of $50, plus 20 cents whenever anyone scans.

Maybe not an option for all of us right now, but definitely worth keeping an eye on. You never know what special plans the company will come up with in the future or whether your cutting-edge client is looking for the latest marketing advantage.

The future is interactive
There is no doubt that the future of print is interactive. I can see this technology working splendidly for:

• Magazines – you see a dress you like, scan the image and voila, you are at the retailer’s website.
• Supermarkets – you scan the image of the frozen edamame and land at a collection of delicious recipes that use the vegetable.
• Product Instructions – instead of having hundreds of furniture assembly instruction sheets, Ikea could lead you to a step-by-step video.

For now, those very special NCIS agents might still be a few technological steps ahead of us – easily tapping into the server of the Pentagon and all. But …

The future of print is intelligent. The future of print is interactive. The question is: are you ready?

Note: If you’re interested in viewing the full webinar, a replay is available at the Print Media Centr. (If you look to the right of the video, you’ll also notice a discount for $300 off a documobi license.)

documobi also has a new LinkedIn group you can join to get in on the conversation and stay updated.

——————–
Seeing designers worldwide struggle to stay current with new papers and paper trends inspired Sabine Lenz to create PaperSpecs, an independent and comprehensive Web-based paper selection tool and weekly e-newsletter. Growing up in Germany, she started her design career in Frankfurt, before moving on to Australia and the United States. Lenz worked on design projects ranging from corporate identities to major road shows and product launches. From start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, her list of clients included Oracle, Sun Microsystems, Deutsche Bank, IBM and KPMG. Lenz is a noted speaker and author on paper issues and educational topics related to the paper industry.

Copyright 2012 PaperSpecs.com

Palo Alto, California — January 31, 2012 — When you’re selecting colors for a project, do you go with your gut or do you have a solid color strategy?

In “The Tactics of Color Strategy,” a free PaperSpecs webinar sponsored by Neenah Paper, guest speaker Jack Bredenfoerder will reveal his five key components for creating a successful color strategy.

If you’re winging it—and even if you aren’t—you can learn how to avoid subjective ...]]> Tuesday, February 14, 2012
2:00 p.m. Eastern (11:00 a.m. Pacific)

Palo Alto, California — January 31, 2012 — When you’re selecting colors for a project, do you go with your gut or do you have a solid color strategy?

In “The Tactics of Color Strategy,” a free PaperSpecs webinar sponsored by Neenah Paper, guest speaker Jack Bredenfoerder will reveal his five key components for creating a successful color strategy.

If you’re winging it—and even if you aren’t—you can learn how to avoid subjective and unproductive rationales about one particular color or combination of colors during PaperSpecs’ next free webinar, “The Tactics of Color Strategy.”

“I’ve found it helpful when presenting a color recommendation to first design with a formalized color strategy, then rationalize the design using the same strategy,” says special guest speaker and color expert, Jack Bredenfoerder, director of BV Color Strategy.

During the webinar, he’ll reveal his five key components of forming a compelling color strategy:

• Physical – Is your color design balanced? Does it even need to be balanced?
• Cultural – Are you selling soccer wear in Italy in colors reminiscent of the French national soccer team?
• Psychological – “Blue is calming.” Do you cringe when you hear statements like this?
• Fads, Trends and Cycles – Do you ever mistakenly use trend spotting as a forecasting tool?
• Directional Aspects of Color – Can you identify the major influences that drive consumers’ decisions?

As well as sharing examples of good color usage, Bredenfoerder will show great ideas for working with color and creating color stories that you can apply to your own projects.

“Color is the spice of design. The context and art of how the colors are combined and applied with the other design elements is what gives the colors their true meaning. It is the art of the composition that makes the color message extraordinary, not the individual meanings of one color or another,” he explains.”

And if you’ve set your sights on being a color leader rather than a color follower, Bredenfoerder will explain how to create a color forecast that looks beyond the current market trends.

You don’t want to miss “The Tactics of Color Strategy.” This webinar is free thanks to the generous support of Neenah Paper. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today for this special event at www.paperspecs.com/webinar.

About Jack Bredenfoerder
Jack Bredenfoerder is a seasoned color design and marketing professional with more than 19 years of experience as a design director for Landor Associates, where he specialized in color strategy, trends and forecasting. Jack’s years of experience as well as his insight and passion for color are most useful when there is a need to make reasoned, informed decisions about the use of color in any industry setting or circumstance. Jack’s perspectives on color have been featured in leading business, consumer and design-industry trade publications including the Financial Times, the New Yorker, Communication Arts, ID and Advertising Age. He has also been a contributor to HGTV. Jack has presented on color theory, strategy and trends to a broad range of professional organizations including the American Society of Interior Designers, The Event Design Forum, and the Color Marketing Group. He is also a frequent guest speaker at HOW’s Conferences in the United States and internationally. Annually, Jack develops trend and color forecasts that serve as an invaluable reference for a wide variety of branding initiatives, from consumer goods to pharmaceuticals.

About Neenah Paper
For more than 100 years, Neenah Paper (NYSE: NP) has been an innovative leader in the creation and manufacturing of premium, specialty and sustainable papers. Neenah brings state-of-the-art technology to its signature brands, CLASSIC®, ENVIRONMENT® and SUNDANCE® Offset & Digital Papers as well as a host of other fine paper brands. In late 2011, all four CLASSIC Fine Papers were refreshed with 10 common colors across all brands and an expanded digital paper offering. In addition, Neenah envelopes are now available in thousands of unique styles. Neenah has created relevant, useful tools that empower customers when they want it and the way they want it including the new Neenah Paper Cabinet. Visit www.neenahpaper.com to find out more information about the company or call (800) 558-5061. Follow Neenah Paper on Twitter: @neenahpaper; become a fan on Facebook; or visit Neenah’s blog, Against the Grain.

About Neenah Paper Think Ink iPhone App
The Think Ink iPhone application from Neenah Paper puts powerful design and color theory tools in the palm of your hand.

• Create fresh custom color palettes based on your favorite picture colors you take on your iPhone’s built in camera.
• Use the scientifically validated Dewey Color System®, the world’s only validated, color-based personality testing instrument, to explore the psychological meanings of hundreds of color combinations.
• Match these color palettes to coordinate with CLASSIC CREST®, CLASSIC® Linen and ENVIRONMENT® Papers.
• Order papers samples directly from your iPhone.
• Choose from four different palette types: Subdue, Pop, Classic, and Blend.
• View your palettes with alternate views and type samples.
• Upload your color palettes for use or share them with friends, vendors or clients via e-mail.

About PaperSpecs
Finding the most accurate information on paper availability, green certifications and trends like digital paper options is a challenge for designers, print buyers and paper purchasers worldwide. This reality inspired Sabine Lenz, designer and author, to create PaperSpecs, the first independent and comprehensive Web-based paper selection tool. The search mechanism is specifically designed to help paper specifiers easily and quickly find the paper that meets their project’s sustainability goals, creative vision and process requirements. PaperSpecs currently features more than 4,300 papers from over 70 mills with a staff dedicated to updating the specifications daily. PaperSpecs members have access to this powerful database as well as the ability to order sample sheets and the latest swatchbooks and mill promotions.

###

Copyright 2012. All brand names are the property of their respective owners and may or may not be trademarked.

Contact
Sabine Lenz
PaperSpecs
127A Coleridge Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
T: 650-321-5152

The application stores the label numbers so customers can easily recheck the status of their shipments. The scanner function is available on iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPad 2.

Users also can use the new app to schedule a free next-day carrier pickup ...]]> The U.S. Postal Service has launched a new mobile application for iPhone users that allows them to use the device’s camera to scan barcodes on shipping labels for quick, easy and convenient tracking of their packages and other mail.

The application stores the label numbers so customers can easily recheck the status of their shipments. The scanner function is available on iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPad 2.

Users also can use the new app to schedule a free next-day carrier pickup of their packages. After scheduling a next-day pickup, customers will get an email confirmation when the request is made, when the package is picked up, and when the pickup request is modified or canceled.

You can watch a three-minute video of someone using the new App for iPhone at the website. Be warned that it is filmed as a series of shots that are the same fellow at tighter and tighter angles. (It looks odd at first, but makes sense as you go along.)

Neenah Paper

Our apologies but this offer ...]]> Neenah Paper
Designed by Design Army of Washington, DC, the calendar is printed on CRANE’S LETTRA and CRANE’S CREST Papers. Each month is a separate card, better to highlight the different weights and colors of these two exquisite papers. While the cards are monthly, the headings change according to seasons. Each card uses different combinations of print processes such as engraving, foil stamping, letterpress, and offset.