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 »
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 »
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!
In my first article, I began scratching the surface of the issues designers (and printers) face as they prepare files for print. To recap, I surveyed print providers and prepress technicians to find out how graphic designers can better prepare those files. Here are a few more tips from the survey. Step One: Document Setup
One of the common pitfalls in prepress is one of the primary steps in design, setting up your document correctly.
Here are a few considerations:
- Where is this job going to be printed? Digital press? Sheetfed press?
- Will you be using your usual print provider (it pays to have a relationship with your print provider!) or will you use an online printer?
- Once you know where the job will be printed, consider the paper and ink/toner combination, which may be determined by the type of press (digital, sheetfed, webfed, etc.) and equipment needed for your job. Read more »
Choosing the most appropriate quality paper for your project can be a daunting task. Paper has many features to consider, and new sheets are continually coming into the market.
And it’s more complex than just picking the most expensive sheet and keeping your fingers crossed. In fact, you shouldn’t think about choosing paper based on the highest quality available, or the highest quality you can afford. Rather, you should figure out the most appropriate quality paper for your needs because most appropriate equals best.
But paper is complicated. It’s three-dimensional, and in addition, no two print jobs are ever alike. The ink coverage, batch of paper and moisture in the air will all affect the production of a printed piece. The point is: no one sheet fits every project. Read more »
Choosing the most appropriate quality paper for your project can be a daunting task. Paper has many features to consider, and new sheets are continually coming into the market.
And it’s more complex than just picking the most expensive sheet and keeping your fingers crossed. In fact, you shouldn’t think about choosing paper based on the highest quality available, or the highest quality you can afford. Rather, you should figure out the most appropriate quality paper for your needs because most appropriate equals best.
To ease the way, I’ve compiled ten tips to help you find the right paper for your projects.
One: Consider Paper Early On
As soon as the preliminary design is done, spec your paper and get quotes from printers. Tell your printer you are open to suggestions, not substitutes, but suggestions. Read more »
The statement, “All the rules have changed,” is commonly heard in relation to the current recession. The statement also applies to the paper industry. The concept of domestic supply-and-demand is no longer the sole basis for explaining paper pricing and availability.
The situation is complicated by many factors, including international demand, international supply, the unintended consequences of U.S. tax policy, currency fluctuations, the unpredictable nature of the global recession and the rate at which adoption of alternative media displaces print.
The bottom line: reduced U.S. demand does not necessarily mean lower prices. Let’s examine some of these factors in greater detail.
The “Black Liquor Tax Credit” has been a windfall for U.S. mills. “Black liquor” is a residue from papermaking operations that is repurposed to generate power. It has been used for years. Read more »
Extreme humidity in the air isn’t just the weather, you know; it’s partly due to the sweat pouring out of thousands of print production specialists being pressured to produce more with less.
More powerful print campaigns, more cutting-edge designs, more targeted pieces, more tangible ROI, more pizzazz than competitors’ materials, more pressure on printers to deliver faster – with less money in your marketing budget.
I wonder how new corporate print buyers and marketers are doing? If you ask me, there really aren’t many significant changes you should be implementing in your print sourcing practices during this recession.
Regardless of your budget or the state of the economy, I’d offer the same advice:
1. Select print partners carefully, as they offer different services at different prices. Find printers who have experience in the types of products you need. Ask them outright.Read more »
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!
