Bonus: In the Shoes of a Graphic Designer

Connect the Dots

CMYK is a subtractive method of printing that relies on layered dots of color to mask the white background of the paper. More ink on the paper means less light that reflects (hence the subtraction).

Inks used in CMYK printing come in 4 colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (a printer’s name for black, since black is often used to outline an image as a guide).

CMYK inks are applied in set patterns of tiny dots that appear to create a solid color … similar to the pixels on a digital image. Layers of these dots in different amounts of ink create any shade or color. Here’s an example of how the colors work together:

Image via

CMYK colors sometimes translate in terms of percentages. For instance, the blue that we use for our Printing Solutions brand is C100 M30 Y0 K0, or 100%, 30%, 0%, 0%.  

Color By Number

CMYK typically produces a higher quality of print job than your standard home office printer, which prints in RGB. RGB uses combinations of Red, Green, and Blue inks to create varying colors and shades.

“RGB is a 3-color process with fewer colors mixing together to achieve a specific color,” says Kristyn Dingman, Printing Solutions’ Director of Marketing. “Because there are fewer colors to choose from, a CMYK print is preferred to achieve a true color.”

That’s not to say that CMYK produces perfect color every time, the way a Pantone ink would. Pantone inks come in pre-mixed colors according to an exact formula that can be replicated with the same results every time. CMYK, on the other, hand, may have some fluctuations in tone, especially when converting from Pantone to CMYK.

“You are taking something that is already made and trying to dissect it and then reinvent it,” Kristyn says. “The same thing happens when you take a CMYK color and convert it to a Pantone. There is the possibility that the colors may look different from one process to another.”

However, Pantone’s level of perfection comes with a heft price tag that simply isn’t practical for most companies. CMYK is a more affordable solution that still produces a very high quality print product. Here at Printing Solutions, we print about 85% of our projects in CMYK and about 15% in Pantone.

Bonus: The Worst Advice I’ve Ever Heard About Print

Want to know how CMYK printing can help take your business to the next level? Our team at Printing Solutions would love to show you how! Give us a call at 480-596-6300 today.

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1. Cotton Cards

One way to give your business cards some extra oomph is as simple as changing the paper they’re printed on. One of our current favorites is a cotton card. Cotton cards have a very natural and sturdy feel to them. They make a big impression — they’re a very thick 45pt paper with actual cotton fiber pressed in — and they have such a soft and elegant feel.

“This is something really unique and can give your business a high-end presentation just based on the stock,” says Kristyn Dingman, Printing Solutions’ Director of Marketing.

2. Foil Elements

If your business card could use a little pizzazz, then foil might be your answer. Adding a stamp of foil to your cards can not only make a lasting impression, but it can make certain aspects of your card really stand out for that high-end look.

Most people think of the traditional gold and silver when they think of foil, but it is actually very versatile in its array of color, size and overall visual appeal.

“It’s a nice, inexpensive solution for someone who is looking to take that next step in design,” Kristyn says.

3. Embossing or Debossing

Embossing (or debossing) is a newer trend in print that is a great way to add both visual and tactile interest to your business cards. This technique indents certain areas of the paper so that as you go over the surface of the card with your fingertips, you can feel the imprint of your company’s logo (or other area that is embossed).

Many companies have a Spot UV or specific feel to their cards, but want a new, modern upgrade that will really make their business something to remember. Having a certain part of the card physically pop out or sink in can make a big impact.

“Many clients use this on their logo or another aspect of the card that is important,” Kristyn says. “It’s a great upgrade for someone looking to rise above their competition.”

4. Colored Edges

For a simple and affordable way to make your cards stand out, you might want to consider adding color the edges. Not only does this technique make your entire card look more cohesive and pulled together, it also gives some love to an often-forgotten area of the card.

“We love seeing clients take their main logo colors and add that sleek edge to their cards,” Kristyn says. “This works best with thicker cards.”

5. Unusual Sizes & Shapes

Not only do you want your business cards stand out, but it’s important to do it in a smart way. A new trend is changing the size from your standard 3×2.5 business card and making it into a circle or square card.

“It looks unique and is a great solution for someone looking to change a small part of their card without changing the entire feel or brand,” Kristyn says.

We can also make custom die-cut business cards for your business. If you want your business card to be a unique shape — like the gift box shape above — then we can do that too.

If you’re considering an upgrade to your business cards, there are a few things to consider first.

1. Do you have the right budget?

While the options above are each great for different businesses, they may not all be the best solution for your budget. Some business card upgrades are only a few dollars, while others may be double or triple that price. Many of the upgrades range anywhere from $30.00 – $200.00, but your final cost depends on which upgrade you want to go with. There are so many different combinations you can do that will fluctuate the price.

2. What’s your deadline?

We love creating new and improved cards for an event or conference a client plans to attend, but things get difficult when they need the upgraded cards in only a couple of days. Many of the business card upgrades above require extensive time for cutting, gluing, drying, and quality assurance checkpoints. For your new cards to look flawless, most of our upgrades simply can’t be rushed.

Here at Printing Solutions, many people want to know how we can improve their cards. We can suggest certain business card upgrades based on a client’s budget and deadline, but to really provide the best solution for your business, it’s best to meet with the Printing Solutions team. Come by our offices, or give us a call at 480-596-6300 to set up a meeting.

The post 5 Fun Upgrades to Your Business Cards appeared first on Printing Solutions.

Over the past months we’ve observed a few changes in styles among our own clients and colleagues, and we’ve compiled them for you below. Here’s what’s trending in the print world.

Social Events

Lately there are more and more social events that businesses are looking to attend, whether it’s a trade show, conference, or other tabling event. Making sure you are visually prepared and well represented at those events is key.

Large format print marketing materials like signs and retractable banners are a must for setting up a great booth. But to really stick with visitors, you’ll also want to invest in flyers, brochures, and business cards to hand out. Additional freebies like postcards, notepads, or stickers can also make a strong impact with anyone who stops at your booth.

When preparing for a trade show or other social event, it pays to plan ahead.

A full trade show package from Printing Solutions includes seven different products, all of which take time to design, print, and deliver.

BONUS: The Trade Show Basics – What Essentials you Should Bring

Direct Mail

We’re loving the trend of businesses developing effective direct mail campaigns. With direct mail you’re literally placing your company’s brand directly into customers’ mailboxes and homes. It’s a valuable “in” with your customers that your competitors likely don’t have.

If you’re jumping on the direct mail bandwagon, keep in mind that design is everything. You only get one chance to make a first impression, especially when the medium you’re using is something that most consumers consider “junk mail.” So having something designed so well that it entices customers to open it is important.

At Printing Solutions, we’re here to help through every step of the Direct Mail process, from design and printing to creating a mailing list to sending your mailers out.

BONUS: 5 Common Direct Mail Mistakes Most Businesses Make

Unique Business Cards

Making sure you are visually better than your competition is especially important in the beginning of the year when you can go all out with guns blazing. With a brand-new budget, you can create a lasting impression with your business cards. Many of our clients are using foil stamping and colored-edge business cards as a way to stand out from the crowd.

We have also noticed our clients giving extra attention to the thickness of a business card. Most business cards are printed on a 16pt matte-finish card stock. Lately, however, we have been seeing clients going for a super thick card with a silk laminate finish.

BONUS: Our 3 Favorite business Cards from 2015

These changes in trending print will not only bring a more effective visual representation of your business, but it will give your company the upper hand and attract the right customers for your business.

Looking to give your company’s printing a boost? Give Printing Solutions a call at 480-596-6300 to get started.

The post What’s Trending in the Print World? appeared first on Printing Solutions.

At Printing Solutions, we specialize in working with businesses to help them with their printing and design needs. And we’ve noticed that a growing trend has been the adoption of wide format printing by businesses around the country.

BONUS: How to Make Your Large Format Printing Stand Out

What is wide format printing?

Also known as large format printing or grand printing, wide format printing uses rolls of print instead of printing on individual sheets. They’re designed to support maximum print roll width; some machines can do wide scale prints up to widths of 61 inches!

What are the benefits of wide format printing?

Wide format printing is perfect for printing graphics and promotional materials. They can produce much wider images and bolder text than a standard printer, making them ideal for printing banners, posters, wallpaper, stickers, murals, logos, signs and any other materials with visual or graphic-heavy designs.

Wide format printers use UV pigments. These inks are fade-resistant, making large format prints perfect for outdoor use and display in indoor areas with major exposure to sunlight.

The printers use an advanced droplet technology, using a combination of precision ejection and microscopic ink droplets to produce high quality images with astonishing image clarity.

Another advantage that wide format printers have over other printers is their ability to distinguish between text and images. The machines are sensitive to the differences between images and text, creating proper prints with no mix-ups. Never again would you have to worry about blocks of color drowning out your words, or having a few lines of copy mark the surface of a beautifully designed logo.

Wide format printers can also be a cheaper alternative to screen-printing, and can often produce materials of comparable quality.

The machines can also print at a much faster rate than other printers, printing at a speed that a multifunction device or desktop couldn’t hope to match.

BONUS: Why Large Format Printing is the BOMB!

For more tips on how to use wide format printing to enhance your business, give Printing Solutions a call at 480-569-6300.

The post Jump on the Bandwagon with Wide Format Printing appeared first on Printing Solutions.

Finding that sweet spot for the introduction of 3D printers into the business is the task many businesses find themselves facing right now. Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing can produce just about anything including models and prototypes of products and other objects. They work using processes such as fused deposition, selective laser sintering and stereolithography, all of which incorporate different materials and resin.

For Prototypes

If your business offers products that need to be sold to build a demand in advance of production, a 3D printer may be just the solution you are looking for. For example, in the world of cell phone accessories, many companies who develop and manufacture such products turn to a 3D printed prototype to get the ball rolling. Not only will these prototypes help in determining how well the proposed accessory will work with a specific phone, but it also helps in demonstrating for potential buyers and distributors.

Using a 3D printer to generate a working prototype saves businesses time and money. They are able to produce parts and pieces on the fly in the same day.

Do-It-Yourself

It seems that 3D printing has garnered great popularity and success in the DIY community, where people are able to print useful components or construct entire objects in a short amount of time rather than relying on someone else. Replicating broken appliance parts or even designing a custom-fit smartphone case are just a couple of examples of how individuals are using additive manufacturing.

For businesses, it allows the designing and building of certain products and parts to stay in house instead of having to depend on an outside company, which includes ordering, producing, and shipping.

BONUS: Decorate Your Office to Promote/ Foster Culture

Growing Market

Expect to see 2 things in the immediate future:

• More practical and inventive uses of 3D printers by businesses and individuals
• The cost of 3D printers to continue to drop

In the meantime, if you have need of 3D printing and want to give it a try before purchasing your own, give Printing Solutions a call at 480-596-6300 and find out how we can help. Whether you need something in a hurry or are just looking to try it, we can help with your 3D printing needs.

The post When Should Your Company Get Serious About 3D Printing appeared first on Printing Solutions.

Colors serve as a sort of non-verbal communicator. As humans, we tend to subconsciously assign certain traits and characteristics to colors, including their shades and hues. Dark red used at a restaurant, for example, can make an entirely different statement than a lighter red would.

Related: Metal Business Cards; The Newest Trend in 2015

To understand what messages colors are sending, consider the following color chart, which lists the emotions, characteristics and ideas each color can portray:

Red

Aggressive, Energy, Excitement. It has been pointed out that restaurants use red to not only stimulate appetite, but also to keep people moving along so there is always room for the next customer.

Blue

Dependable, Safe, Loyalty. Banks and other financial institutions use blue to help portray a safe and steadfast environment. Blue is also often used in uniform design from military to police to security guards.

Green

Growth, Peace, Health. If you are going for a calming feel for your marketing material, use green. People feel more connected and natural with green logos and branding.

Yellow

Happiness, Cheer, Sunshine. You can use yellow to convey optimism and positivity. Women tend to like yellow more than men.

Orange

Playful, Engergetic, Fun. Often used to promote toys and various forms of entertainment. It has been used to express a beginning, like a sunrise.

Purple

Wealth, Sophistication, Royalty. Purple often associates with prosperity and wealth. Many have had success using purple when targeting young women in their teen and pre-teen years.

Pink

Youthful, Sweet, Creative. Perfect color choice when promoting romance or femininity. Used for candy and sweets.

Black

Power, Mystery, Authority. While black is a very powerful color that conveys intelligence and sophistication, it also evokes emotions of death and grieving.

White

Clean, Pure, Safety. Perfect to use for anything health related or with baby products. White can give a feeling of balance and it’s use will convey neutrality.

Related: Information to Include on your Business Cards

When it comes to choosing the right color for your marketing material, it really boils down to what message you are hoping to get across. Do not make the mistake of underestimating your color choices. Carefully consider what it is you want to convey immediately with your marketing material. Remember that color is sending a message whether you want it to or not.

For more questions about color use in marketing material, call Printing Solutions at 480-596-6300.

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Here’s what we’ve learned: emotions matter! Your brochure should be intriguing, informative and leave people wanting more. If your brochure can do those three things, then it’s golden.

To create the perfect brochure, you’ll want to concentrate on each specific panel individually

Panel 1 (Front)

Panel 1 is the first thing that customers will notice. It is the most important part of your brochure. Design something so great that it makes people want to open it, such as coming up with a catchy question, using colorful graphics or a combination of the two. Also, don’t forget to include your logo!

Related: Logo Development and Your Brand Future

The Guts

The inside of the brochure is the “heart” of your brochure, literally and figuratively. This is where a potential client is going to get to know who you are/what you do/why they need to work with you. A word of advice: don’t list all of your prices! At this point, this person is still a cold lead. They have no reason to spend money on your product or service yet. The purpose of the brochure is to reel them in and gain their interest.

The Back

The back may be the most overlooked part of a brochure but it’s more important than you might think. This is where a customer looks for information on how to contact you…so don’t skimp and leave it blank! Be sure to list the all the pertinent information as well as one last reason why a customer simply can’t live without your goods or services.

Related: A Guide To Creating The Wow Factor!

For help creating the perfect brochure, give Printing Solutions a call at 480-596-6300. When it comes to printing for business, no one beats Printing Solutions!

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In order to have a consistent brand and message, your web designer and print company need to communicate with one another. Each is responsible for maintaining your brand, but in different ways.

Your website designer breaths life into your brand from the Interwebs, while the print company spouts that same message, but in physical form.

Although entirely separate from one another, their work should share some similarities in order to create a brand that’s recognizable no matter what form it’s in.

Consistent brand communication, from your logo to your website and printed marketing material is an absolute must.  At the very least, your website design and printed marketing materials should match in the following ways:

1. Color – Brand color is key to ensuring your brand integrity stays true. To that end, your colors need to match across the board.

2. Font –  Your font says a lot about you. Making sure it reads the same from website to printing keeps your message clear and uniform.

Related: The Worst Fonts for Marketing Materials

3. Overall feel – Apart from color and font, your website and printed marketing materials should have the same overall feel. A customer shouldn’t get mixed messages when comparing a company’s website to their marketing materials or vice-versa. Your web designer and print company need to come up with a look that captures the brand and is consistent in style.

Here at Printing Solutions, we’re not only experts at printing, we’re experts at crafting a brand. We can design materials that boost the image of your business, marking you as the go-to leader in your industry.

For all of your Scottsdale printing needs, from business cards to trade show displays and more, contact us at 480-596-6300.

The post Why Your Web Designer and Print Company Need to Communicate appeared first on Printing Solutions.

A custom designed brochure takes the best of what your company has to offer and showcases it in a way that is consistent with your branding and messaging. It is a long-lasting reflection of your business that a prospect can hang on to and refer to over time. At Printing Solutions, we specialize in creating brochures designed to tie in with your branding and incorporating eye catching graphics. We are experienced in placing your company information and photos in brochure designs that maximize impact and highlight your important information.

Consider your company website and all of the information it contains.
Does it explain why your business is unique? Does it include testimonials, your mission statement, an explanation of your services? Are there photos of staff, products or services that bring your business to life? All of these vital marketing components can be incorporated into a vibrant color brochure. Whether you place it in the hands of people you meet, or target certain demographic or geographic markets with a mailed brochure, you can ensure that your company is being seen and your information can be kept on hand for easy access.

Printing Solutions has talented designers on staff, ready to assist you with a design that will bring the impact of your website directly to your target market. Our high quality printing and paper can be enhanced with new silk lamination technology to ensure that your brochures retain their polished look over time, and our direct mail service is an affordable way to distribute your brochures to target markets. Don’t wait for people to find you – put your information into their hands with a brochure today.

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