By Sabine Lenz

“At [insert corporate name here], we see sustainability as one of the most important opportunities for both the future of our business and the future of our world.”

This quote is actually from Walmart, but could just as well be from any number of companies today. The retail giant is pushing its sustainability initiatives and creating some sizable pressure on its suppliers here and abroad to get with the program.

The company created a short video called “The Secret Life of Sour Cream” that explains what Walmart and the businesses producing the sour cream are doing to make it a more sustainable product. Read more »

By Dick Gorelick

In the bad old days, only “hickie,” stripper” and “bleeding in the gutter” had two or more meanings. These days, the graphic arts industry is characterized by words that defy precise definitions and impair communications.

Some trade associations and consultants publish research using terms that haven’t been defined to survey respondents, thereby making results questionable. Here are nine of the terms to which different people provide different operative definitions.

Print Buyer. Our research indicates that only about twenty percent of those to whom print companies refer as “print buyers” spend more than half their time purchasing and coordinating the manufacture and distribution of print.

In a recent survey for a commercial printer, respondents were asked to describe their job function. No one responded “Print Buyer.” That function has been co-mingled with the design or management of other advertising, promotion or marketing media. A print buyer no longer perceives himself or herself as a print buyer. Read more »

By Jon Gordon

The recession hasn’t just affected bank accounts and bottom lines – it’s also had a big impact on the morale and attitudes of the American workforce. To make sure that negativity and burnout don’t cause your team to mentally check out, build a positive company culture that will unite and engage everyone on your team.

For leaders, now is the time to improve your company’s culture and get inside your employees’ heads. You need to personally make sure that your company is a place where people want to work. You can allow the current economy to crush your morale, confidence and spirit, or you can choose to proactively shape your organization into one that is positive, resilient and prepared to take on challenges.

Here are nine strategies to help you boost morale and engagement in the current economy: Read more »

The same kind of technology that brought us the customizable possibilities of digital printing has also quietly grown a world of alternative papers – substrates made of synthetics like plastic or organics like minerals.

PaperSpecs asked Bosy Colak, president of Strategic Responses, to lead our December Webinar on this hot topic. Participation was enthusiastic and the questions so numerous (and varied) that we’ve decided to take a deeper look to bring you the answers you requested.

Over the next couple of months, we’ll venture into more specifics like the environmental aspects of alternative papers and printing guidelines for them as well. To kick the series off, you’ll find Mr. Colak’s responses to some of your broader queries. Read more »

By Sabine Lenz

“Should I get out of bed today?” – It is decidedly so.
“Should I have cereal for breakfast?” – Yes.

Many of you have watched the funny YouTube video in which a teenager lets the Magic 8 Ball decide every action he’s taking for one day. Well, you can sit back and wait for the trusted 8 Ball to help you decide what’s going to be hot and happening in paper this year or …

THE Paper Trend for 2010
This one would overwhelm the 8 Ball for sure, as it can only answers Yes/No questions. There are so many interesting things happening in the world of paper that it’s hard to predict THE trend. Read more »

It’s impossible, but true … 2009 is nearly over (excuse me while I shout hip hip hooray!). For PaperSpecs, that means 50 newsletters and 50 weekly tips about paper, printing and design to inform and entertain you! You definitely had some favorites, and no final issue of the year would be complete without letting you know what they were.

Your favorite reads were all business – how to prepare files, how to be more creative with less and how to get noticed (in a good way!). Pass these insightful pearls of wisdom along or have a second look (maybe your first read?). If you have any special article requests for 2010, please drop us an e-mail info@paperspecs.com. We love to read your suggestions … well, most of them anyway!

So here we have it … the countdown to the most-read Tip of 2009! Read more »

By Sabine Lenz

We hear it on the news every day. The economy appears to be doing better, but you and I know budgets for paper and printing are still tight, and increases in postal charges are always a concern. Many designers are still challenged to find more creative ways to maximize their resources.

Reduced page counts and conservative print quantities are just some of the solutions. When it comes to paper, unusual finishes and surfaces, as well as the use of metallics and translucents are adding flair to one-color print jobs.

Value-Added Excitement
Specialty papers have the ability to add value and excitement to your projects. Whether you’re designing a sophisticated fashion campaign or business cards for the local grocer, you want your designs to stand out. Read more »

In September, Neenah Paper sponsored PaperSpecs’ Beyond the Tri-fold Webinar with Trish Witkowski, founder of the online community www.foldfactory.com and creator of the FOLDRite system.

As well as record-breaking attendance, we had record numbers of questions for our folding expert. Trish was kind enough to answer offline the queries we did not have time for during the Webinar Q & A. They are presented below.

Q: Which should come first: the design concept or the choice of fold?
TW: The choice of fold should come first, but based upon the content you have to work with. Each folding style presents a different user experience, and your content should complement that folding style.  If you design first, you can lose sight of that experience and try to create a fold that works with your design. That’s when things go wrong from both an aesthetic and a technical perspective. Read more »

“Many designers dream of going freelance. Unfortunately, too many of those who’ve given it a try have found themselves in the middle of a nightmare. Beyond the creative freedom, there’s juggling clients, finances, prospecting and more – which all need to be done right alongside the design demands.”

So goes the description of Steve Gordon Jr.’s motivation for writing “100 Habits of Successful Freelance Designers.” Gordon collected advice from dozens of designers who are successful “solopreneurs.”

The publisher, Rockport Publishers, was gracious enough to allow us to reprint an excerpt of the newly released book. Given current economic conditions, going solo means you’re even braver than most (and may be a necessity if you’ve been laid off) and why we chose these gems from the chapter called “Creativity on a Budget” to share with you. Read more »

If you can’t tear yourself away from the creamed-turkey-on-toast leftovers (and the tryptophan has you a little sleepy-headed), but you still want to get in on the Black Friday shopping festivities, here’s an idea: buy paper!

Here are some suggestions from the elfettes at PaperSpecs, but be sure to send us your favorite places to shop for gifts made of paper too. We’ll include them each week until December 16.

The Gmund Boutique
Gmund offers a selection of Christmas cards and envelopes made from classy and elegant papers. Whether it’s brilliant gold or trendy ruby, each card seems unique. And for the book lovers, there are bookmarks made from over 50 different Gmund papers.

Felt and Wire Shop
Mohawk’s new curated collection of paper goods has lots of fun options. What about a limited edition dragonfly print from Delphine? Or maybe a Grant Design Collaborative’s Sun and Moon Mask Set (we think they would make great fans too)? How about some sheets of loop’s eco-luxe wrap featuring a hand-drawn repeating pattern inspired by Italian cobblestone streets?

Illusion 360
You’ll find amazing paper art at Illusion 360. Launched on September 29, 2008, the illusion project highlights artwork that is “unique” (i.e. amazing for its skill, level of creativity and vision). Maybe a pair of custom paper sneakers from David Brownings would fit the bill?

Reich Paper Store
Reich’s SHINE Scrap Pack caught our attention. Wonderful for the scrapbooking fanatics in your life.

Beads for Life
The season would not be complete without jewelry! Made of paper of course. Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful beads.

Paper Source
Who can go past a calendar this time year? It’s practical, long lasting and beautiful!