Top Of The Line Printing & Graphics

The Use of Illustration in Graphic Designs

2011-03-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

When they say graphic design what’s the first thing that pops in to your head? The first thought that pops in to my head is illustration. Illustration is commonly used in graphic design projects. The illustration can catch someone’s attention easily; it can be graphs, charts and maps. However, the designer has to have a clear concept of what they are doing; it has to be relevant to what the customer wants.

Creating your own illustration can be easy, if you have the skills to complete the job. However, you must know what the client is asking for. Some of the common software’s that are used for illustration are Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and tools that are necessary to complete this work. If you have problems using these programs theirs always the option of hiring an expert.

Hiring an illustrator can be a very expensive option but if you think that you don’t have the skills that it takes to be an illustrator than your better off hiring someone. This way the illustrator will know what their doing and, you don’t have to worry about anything but to pay him.

Another option is to purchase existing graphics. Theirs many stock photography sites that also offer illustration. The images are already there you just have too searched the ideal one for your project. There’s many stocks artwork that can be very expensive but, their also some that can be very economically. This option can be the least expensive for what you are looking for.

If none of these options are what you are looking for. There’s the last option which is buying the CD. The CD offers a collection of thousands of graphics at one cost. It has a variety from where to pick from. You must check the rights on such collections, because there is the risk of them having a restriction including forbidding the resale for products that incorporate the illustrations.

http://graphicdesign.about.com/od/elementsofgooddesign/a/find_illustrate.htm

10 Misinterpretations about Graphic Designing

2011-03-07T15:56:00.000-08:00

1. All graphic Designers are Rock Stars
It’s a common mistake to think that graphic design makes big money. Thought of because of fashion designer’s lifestyles.

2. Graphic Designing is Simple

Takes a lot of work and experience to learn about the graphic design software and most of the time it is easier said than done.

3. Your Born With Creativity, you can’t Learn it

You have to gain the creativity based on your surroundings and use the opportunities you will have. No one is born with just certain skills and be unable to learn new ones.

4. All of the Graphic Designing is Done on Computer

Your very first thoughts of a design usually go on paper as a sketch. After you have done the brainstorming and such, it will go onto the computer as the finalized work.

5. You Need to go to School to Know Graphic Design

It is based on ones creativity and natural talent than just having a degree.

6. Graphic Designers are Psychic

Clients think that they will know everything there is about graphic designing. Designers need design brief that contains outlines of the project.

7. Graphic Designers are Never Wrong

It can cause a lot of damage to their reputation. Not every designer has a big ego.

8. Logo and Brand are the Same Thing

Logo is just the picture and just a small part of the brand. A brand is the reputation of the company.

9. Graphic Designers can Fix your Computer

Graphic designers revolve around graphic software rather than fixing computers.

10. A less Detailed Design Takes Less Time and Money

Takes the same amount of time as a more complicated design would take. Both have complicated concepts and ideas behind them.

http://www.graphicdesignblog.org/evil-myths-of-graphic-design/#more-7457

Creativity Trumped by the Standard Business Process

2011-02-28T11:08:00.000-08:00

Image by West McGowan

In the field of design and development working with clients may restrict the designer’s creative flow. Most of the times businesses and client’s will want to see things done certain ways or we may have to continuously get feedback or they have a laid a foundation for us. There isn’t always a problem with how they see things but it limits the designer or artist because they have to follow certain standards of the client. It’s like your client is going one way with an idea while you’re going another, and in the end you may find yourself scraping some of your creations that you thought were perfect.

It isn’t always bad, if you can collaborate with your client and if you’re successful with promoting your big picture then you may not find yourself so limited.

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2011/02/25/why-wait-for-the-opportunity-create-your-own/

The Effect of Color can Affect your Business

2011-02-23T10:29:00.000-08:00

Choosing the right color is essential to communicating and doing business with your clients. By determining what color trends and shades are popular, we can determine what will persuade customers into purchasing a product or pay more attention to your message.

The use of color is often associated with meanings and emotions; they help to bridge connections and generate attention. Certain shades and hints can dramatically affect how your message is received. People are conditioned to link certain colors like lighter and brighter tones with energy and youth so your audience may be intended for younger groups. Certain colors may appeal to a either women or men specifically and some colors which were thought to be specific now may be used interchangeably such as the growing popularity of feminine colors with men.

Just as the latest product and fashion the use of color and what is popular should be examined before attempting to appeal to your target audience, for what may have been popular in the past may not be in the present.

http://www.howdesign.com/article/Colorcomeback/

Your website must have backlinks to get high rankings on Google

2011-02-15T10:35:00.000-08:00

Backlinks are very important to get high rankings on Google. That's why Google works so hard on filtering the wrong kind of links.

The links that point to your website should be from related websites and they should contain the keywords for which you want to get high rankings. Do not manipulate the links to your website by buying links and do not join automated link systems to increase the number of links to your website.

If you want lasting results, focus on ethical search engine optimization methods. There are many ways to get good links (related websites, blogs, social bookmark sites, directories, etc.)

Please visit our Web Design website for more information
www.designerwebsites.us

Ten Steps To Build Credibility With Your Followers

2010-10-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

What is credibility? According to the dictionary it means; "The quality, capability, or power to elicit belief." In short, it means my ability to convey to my followers that I am a truthful and honest guy.

You can trust and believe what I say. How do I get you, my readers to believe this about me? I am going to give you ten steps to build credibility with your followers.

1. Verify that the information on my site is accurate

You can do this by getting third party support for the information you present. When you give links to your source material, even if people don't go to those links, you are showing your confidence and trust in what you're giving out.

2. Show Everyone That You Are Real

We live in an age of scams, inaccuracies, and lies. Showing a physical address, photos of products or offices, and a legitimate website for your organization should boast your credibility.

3. Do You Have Experts On Your Team?

Be sure to give their accreditation. People want to be sure you are affiliated with a respected organization. Make sure they know that you are. Don't link with sites that are not credible. Remember, you are who you are by association.

4. Show That These Experts Are Honest and Trustworthy

Show who they are through some videos, images, or trainings. Let people see that the leadership and training of your organization is solid and true. Don't be afraid to show the value of your group.

5. Put Your Contact Information Out There

So many people are timid and shy about this. You're running a business, how are people supposed to get in contact with you if you don't have an email, phone number, or some other way to get in touch with you?

6. Make Your Site Professional With The Right Look

Set your site up to look the part and create the image that you are trying to portray. You have just seconds to gain the attention of someone who is surfing the net.

7. Make Your Site Easy To Walk Through and Use

Research shows that if it's hard for someone to maneuver around and see all there is to see, they won't stay long and they won't be coming back.

8. Update Your Content Often

Not only do the search engines give you more credibility when you do this, but visitors and your followers will also. Fresh new information will keep the traffic lines flowing.

9. Use Promotional Ads Sparingly

Remember you are branding you, so try not to bombard people with too many promotions and ads. Keep it to a minimum. You don't want people feeling like their walking through the middle of the yellow pages. Keep them with lots of valuable content.

10. Avoid Mistakes - Even The Tiny Little Ones

Typographical errors and broken links hurt a site's credibility more than most people imagine. It's also important to keep your site up and running. You can loose a lot if your site is down for any length of time.

If you can implement these ten simple steps and be consistent with your efforts, your site will be visited quite frequently, your followers will increase, and your search engine rankings will start to rise.

Remember, consistency is the key. Don't just start and do it for a month or two, keep at it and you will see results.

Try these ten steps and please leave a comment about the results that you received. I would love to hear from you.

About the Author: Brian Gosur - After thirty five successful years at Ford Motor Company, Brian Gosur has a new career as an entrepreneur, network marketer, and internet marketing coach. To learn more about him, visit his website at http://www.bgosur.com.

Source: entireweb

Think Big

2010-09-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

Advertise your services and your business in ways beyond the business card and brochure. Top of the Line Printing and Graphics Services also does signs, banners, and even vehicle wraps!

View our Sign and Banner Projects

Who We Are

2010-09-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

Top of the Line Printing and Graphic Services is dedicated to top-notch quality for your printing needs. We offer 1-color, 2-color, and 4-color printing. Additionally, we offer services for signs, banners, checks, and forms. We are a local business in the San Diego, CA area.

Please check our website for contact information and an idea of more services that we offer for you: http://www.totlpg.com/

Need Bulletins?

2010-03-31T09:58:00.000-07:00

In need of Easter bulletins for this Sunday's service? How about some postcards celebrating the spring season? Call us today for a free quote 858-467-9138 or visit our specials page at totlpg.com

Happy Monday!

2010-03-22T09:24:00.001-07:00

Come on in for some business cards or check our website for out latest specials!

Get Festive!

2010-03-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

Easter's on its way! Get your greetings cards, post cards, posters and church bulletins printed today! Call us or visit totlpg.com for a free quote

Check Us Out!

2010-02-05T09:47:00.000-08:00

Check out our specials on www.totlpg.com and have a fantastic weekend!

Happy Monday!

2010-01-25T09:18:00.001-08:00

Stop in or call us about our discounts on business cards today!

Valentine's Day is Coming Fast!

2010-01-19T11:25:00.000-08:00

Would you like to send out Valentine's Day Cards/Post Cards to your clients? Family members? Significant others? Well nows the time! Call us at 858-467-9138 or come on in for a free quote and send them out before it's too late! Let them know how much you appreciate all they do!

Specials!

2010-01-12T09:11:00.000-08:00

50% OFF 1000 Full color business cards & 25% OFF Post Cards

High quality 14 or 16 point stock with UV coating full color 1 or 2 sides.

This offer expires 02/19/10

Check our website www.totlpg.com for more specials or call 858-467-9138!

New Year, New Stationary!

2010-01-04T09:13:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! We hope you all enjoyed the Holiday's! With a New Year comes new stationary for your home or office. So let us help you this year! 858-467-9138

Less than a week and a half away!

2009-12-14T09:21:00.000-08:00

The festivities are ready to begin! Are you ready? Get your last minute holiday cards and post cards today by calling us at 858-467-9138 or stopping in!

Happy Holiday's!

Happy Holiday's!

2009-12-08T10:04:00.001-08:00

Order your Holiday Cards now! We hope you have a wonderful Holiday and we'll see you in the New Year for all your business and personal stationary needs!

Happy Holiday's!

Holiday Deals!

2009-12-02T08:58:00.001-08:00

We have recently added out listing to Google Maps with printable and mobile viewing coupons! Check them out! http://tiny.cc/Kr9O0

We have also updated our coupons on Merchant Circle! So save some cash for the Holidays and take advantage of our great deals today!

Happy Holiday's!

2009-11-23T09:47:00.001-08:00

The Holiday's are here and it's the perfect time to get those holiday cards, post cards, and any other holiday material printed up to send to your friends and family or programs for a Holiday event! Stop in today or call us at 858-467-9138!

Happy Monday!

2009-11-16T10:13:00.000-08:00

We hope you all had a wonderful weekend! The Holiday's are just around the corner and what better to celebrate them and show the world than to spice up your business car or send out a postcard to your family, friends and clients with some holiday cheer. So give us a call today for a free quote!

Marketing with Post Cards

2009-11-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

Getting your name out there? Letting people know about your new specials? What better way to spread the news than to use a postcard!

They're not very popular in the marketing industry but we believe the post card's impact is underestimated. They're cost-effective and able to hit a large number of potential clients.

We all love to get post cards in the mail from friends and family. So make your postcard welcoming. As if you were sending it to a friend or family member.

Post Cards get right to the point with what you're trying to do. If you're trying to sell a new product, list the benefits of this new product and maybe offer a discount with the mention of the postcard.

With a postcard you give the potential client the benefits about the product, and the information to be able to contact you about the product. What can be easier than that?

5 Basic Steps to Get your Files "Print Ready"

2009-09-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

Getting your files ready for print is a fairly simple process when using a few guidelines from the very inception of the design project. Because today's modern digital printing can take advantage of camera ready files, the process is much more efficient. Basically, this just means that the printer is able to take the file you give them and immediately send it to the printing system - no edits or manipulations are needed to your file first. Here are the 5 basics of getting your files ready for print.

Make Sure The Resolution Is Right
For the best quality professional printing results, it's very important to keep the resolution as high as possible. For example, 300 dpi resolution is considered by most printers to be an absolute minimum. Also, it's important to do each step of the design process in the actual resolution you'll be submitting to the printer to avoid any loss of quality throughout the creative process.

Make Sure The Colors Are Consistent
Chances are, when you are editing an image on for viewing on your computer screen or on a web page, you're using the RGB color format. This is the format computers normally use to display colors. However, when printing accurately, it's important to utilize the CMYK color space option instead. Also, for sharp and crisp black, it's important to use 100% black with no additional CMY encoded (the K in CMYK stands for black).

Follow Trim And Bleed Guidelines
Bleed and trim are the terms used to describe the area around the dimensions of your final image that will be unsafe to use for important content in your design. In a nutshell, it's very important to leave about 1/4 of an inch from the edge of your dimensional content to the edge of any important lines of text or featured images. This area will be used as kind of a buffer zone in the printing process.

Avoid Drastic Image File Compression
The more you can avoid compressing your final design, the better. The recommended file format for saving a file is usually TIFF. This is because the TIFF file format keeps all color information and all pixel information from the original design intact. On the other hand, lossier image files, such as JPG and GIF, reduce file size by eliminating small portions of the image or by getting rid of some of the color information stored within the file. Better final results from printing happen when better quality images are put forth.

Save In A Standard Format
Once you've finalized your graphic design and text files, it's important to lock them in and place them in sort of a shelter that can be easily shared with the printer. One great way to do this is to use Adobe? Acrobat? PDF files. They're commonly used in the printing industry because they're cross platform compatible. Plus, using this type of standardized format doesn't allow for the possibility of accidental changes or edits to the camera ready image. Once it's "locked" and saved as a PDF file, how it is shown in that format is how it will be printed.

-Warson Printing

Power Words for Business Cards

2009-09-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

These days, a small business needs every ounce of marketing muscle they can get. Business cards are a perfect weapon for an entrepreneur to have in the trenches when competing for customers.

You designed your business cards using all the right techniques and it looks incredible. Now that you've got the attention of the holder, are your words appealing to them?

This is one often overlooked marketing essential: What your business card says.

Take your business card out and have a good look at it. What words do you use to describe your business, your products or your services?

The header or slogan should speak directly to your customer and distinguish your business from the rest. Remember your card will likely be on a bulletin board or in a rolodex with a few other competitors. This small bit of text could mean the difference between a new client or unseen revenue.

Give them a reason to call:

The ____ that works as hard as you do
____ doesn't have to be expensive
Not just another ____
The ____ advantage
The best-kept secret in ____
Don't get stuck with...
How our ____ stacks up
Can you afford not to...?
An investment in your future

Next, give the holder a bottom line that is irresistible:

Save up to ____ %
Huge discounts
Receive a ____% discount when you present this card
Visit our website for special rebates and coupons
Don't pay more for ____
Present this card at our showroom and receive a free ____
Call us for a special offer for first time customers

Lastly, include a closing statement that will motivate the holder to respond:

Why settle for ____ when you can have ____
A rewarding ____ awaits you
You owe it to yourself to ____
Seeing is believing
You'll be glad you did
... and that's a promise!
Put our ideas to work for you
We'd like to hear from you
Call us today to schedule an appointment
Looking forward to hearing from you

Mix and match these phrases to create business cards that will compliment your products or services, prompting that all-important phone call or e-mail. The saying goes that a picture is worth a thousand words. I say that a few well chosen words are priceless.

By Chris J. Brunner

Constructing a Quality Letterhead

2009-09-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

Business letterheads are an important part in most office paperwork. In fact, some people are serious enough to invest in professional letterhead printing to bring out the most from their letterheads. In this article, we will teach you about the worst errors in printing letterheads so that you can learn from them and avoid them altogether. Hopefully, that should lead you nearer to your goal of getting the most out of your color letterheads.

No important information – One of the worst errors in letterhead printing is when you do not print any important or relevant information in the letterhead. It is sometimes possible to completely forget all the details on the letterhead while you are preoccupied with its design. While of course the design may be perfect though once your letterhead are printed, the details on it though may not be truly useful.

It is important for a letterhead to display pertinent information like contact numbers, addresses, emails and websites. Your name, the company's name and the office title of the letterhead's source should usually be printed as well. Without these information, there will be no point in printing letterheads. It will just a boring wand simple design element. So please, do not forget to place all the important information that people need on your letterhead.

Not including objects or symbols – Another mistake that some people commit is to not include objects, symbols or actual images. These objects make a letterhead more interesting and sometimes it gives the letter its authority and image. Without it, the paper looks very simple and sometimes, it might look like a fake official letter. So if you have a company logo or same kind of identifying image, try to always use it in your color letterheads.

Lack of proper borders – Proper borders is also an issue in letterhead printing. Lots of people produce letterheads that almost have no space on the top or at the bottom of the page. This is because the letterheads were already set beyond the usual borders of the page. It might look okay on the computer, but once printed it is just odd and unprofessional. Try to avoid this as much as possible by setting your letterhead header early on with proper borders.

No paper quality – Finally, professionally designed and printed letterheads are not that special if the paper quality they are printed on is bad. Some people forget about this little detail until it is too late to change it. There is a difference between several paper types and usually, the thicker, whiter and glossier one is, the better the letterheads look like. That is why you have to make it a point to maintain the paper quality by strictly specifying to the printer the materials that you want used. Otherwise, people will look at your letterheads and see something that looks very cheap.

So that's it! The worst errors in printing letterheads. Very simple, but they are very hard to deal with sometimes. Good luck!

Top of the Line Printing Receives 2009 San Diego Award

2009-09-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Top of the Line Printing Receives 2009 San Diego Award
U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Top of the Line Printing has been selected for the 2009 San Diego Award in the Printers category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

Tips to Remember When Designing & Printing Your Business Cards

2009-09-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

If you're serious about your business be serious about your business cards. Don't focus on the money, focus on the quality. Business cards not only provide contact details, they represent you and your organization. People you give your card to will form a first impression within seconds of receiving your business card (oftentimes before even reading it), and you want that impression to be a good one. Make it appeal to the senses.
- Hire someone to create a catchy logo and/or design and layout for your card.
- Get high-quality, thick card stock that feels nice to the touch.
- Apply foil or glossy finishes if applicable to catch their eye.

Make your card stand out. If you spend enough time and quality on your card people will believe you put that same amount of effort into your business. Note that this doesn't just apply to business cards, but is generally a good rule of thumb for all of your printed products!

Make the most out of your cards. Don't be afraid to use them as a marketing tool. Give them to everyone you meet. In fact, give everyone you meet two or three, so that they can give them out if the opportunity arises.

Give your business card additional value. If you wish, you can usually create a useable backing for your business card—a calendar, appointment card, coupon, referral discount —give it value and decrease the chance that it will disappear into the trash bin.

Make sure to order enough, but not too many. Order enough so that you won't be afraid to hand them out in mass quantities whenever the opportunity presents itself. But don't order so many that you're stuck with them for years to come. There are often changes of address, phone numbers, and position, and once that happens your old cards are pretty much useless, unless you want to spend the time to go through all of the cards and correct them by hand.
Be creative...but not too creative. It is important to design a visually-pleasing layout for your business card. But there are times when you can take creativity too far. Nobody likes to receive business cards of odd shapes and sizes that wont fit into their Rolodex or other business card holder. Make the text big and dark/light enough to read. Don't use 'wacky' colors or fonts.

Going Green with Printing!

2009-08-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

Green Printing Checklist
Greenbiz, a leading information source on aligning environmental responsibility with business success, offers a recommended list of questions to ask about printers and print projects. In addition to answering your customers’ questions, this list is also a good starting point to begin making environmentally friendly choices in your business.

Questions for Printers
1. What is being done to minimize air emissions, including VOCs, ozone-depleting substances, and air toxics?
2. What is being done to reduce chemical use or discharges to sewers?
3. What is being done to reduce solid waste?
4. What is being done to ensure the shop is in compliance with environmental and health and safety regulations?
5. What is being done to minimize the shop's energy consumption?
6. Are the cleaning solvents used safe for human health and the environment? A printer should determine the chemical constituents of cleaning solvents used in the plant and evaluate potential substitutes.
7. What is being done to cut paper waste?

Questions about a Print Project
1. Can the project be printed on recycled paper containing post-consumer fiber?
2. How bright must the paper be?
3. Can the project be printed with low-polluting or recycled inks?
4. What is being done to cut ink waste?
5. What is being done to improve the recyclability of the print project?

Compliance Assistance
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created PrintSTEP in the early 1990s to simplify the process of the regulatory process for printers and state governments and increase awareness of environmental regulations within the printing industry. PrintSTEP stands for Printers’ Simplified Total Environmental Partnership and was launched as a pilot program in Missouri and New Hampshire. Both programs have ended, but in the evaluation, 100 percent of Missouri printers responded that they were very satisfied and 100 percent of New Hampshire printers were either very satisfied or somewhat satisfied.

Todd Crawford, an environmental engineer at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, said there no plans to reinstate PrintSTEP in Missouri, but they are looking at various innovative concepts that were a part of the program and figuring out how best to employ them. Some of the approaches were sector-based, assistance-oriented and targeted mainly to smaller companies and to improve neighborhood awareness.

“To have states take a PrintSTEP approach to environmental regulation would take a concerted effort by the industry associations working with their federal and state environmental agencies, economic development agencies, environmental advocate organizations, the legislature and most important, their member companies,” Crawford said.

Since the PrintSTEP pilots ended, another approach called the Environmental Results Program has been implemented to handle confusing environmental regulations. ERP combines compliance assistance, self-audit/certification and statistically-based inspections and performance measurement to strengthen or replace an existing regulatory structure. Printers, including small-to-medium size commercial and personal printing facilities in Massachusetts and Wisconsin have implemented this program.

Conclusion
This is meant to act as a starting point for thinking about corporate social responsibility. Refer to federal, state and local governments and online resources to meet or exceed compliance obligations. Financially, going green costs the same or a little more than doing business as usual, but when you take the public benefits into account, it is the right choice to make.

Hard Times Call for Color Brochures

2009-07-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

With many large businesses closing off and with unemployment rate rising who is interested in buying stuff. Many might have put off their purchases and might wait for better time to come when they would think of buying things other than food.

In these times when the economic wheel is tripping from its cycle some small business start mushrooming. The owners of these new small businesses hope to earn something extra to make their ends meet. Their need now is the cheapest advertising mode that helps them to spread their offer around to the masses.

Small businesses often have cheap offers and promise better service then big businesses yet they often fail to pass on the marketing message effectively as they lack the advertising capability or have small budgets to advertise.

Full color marketing brochures came to their rescue, as Bob, an entrepreneur explains: “I was stranded, had low budget and had no way to tell people that doors of my small business are open. I used brochures, the no fold ones, as I was tied up with cash.

“Initially I felt I had made a mistake but when people started to walk in slowly and gradually referring to the brochure they got with the newspapers, I started to feel better. I am still in business and my business is growing, I am using 4 color brochures as my primary business promotion tool.”

Like Bob, many small businesses can use brochures as their primary marketing tool.

Are You Fully Utilizing Web-to-Print?

2009-06-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

How do you think about your printed documents? Design them, contact a printer, figure out how many you can afford to print in order to keep the price down, then hope you didn’t order too many? Balance the quality and run length requirements against your turnaround? It’s the way designers, agencies and marketers have done it for decades. But today’s Web-to-print (W2P) technology enables you to do much more.

We’re not just talking about printing in shorter runs, on demand, although that’s part of it. We’re talking about revamping the way you think about and manage your marketing collateral, forms and documents, and print marketing projects. We’re talking about changing the way you approach branding, personalization and multi-channel marketing.

These aren’t yesterday’s Web-to-print solutions. This is a new crop of solutions that is increasingly flexible, increasingly open and designed to handle the wide range of workflows and design and marketing needs that marketers, creatives, and printers face in today’s complex, multi-channel world.

Read Full Web to Print Article

Printer in Transition: AlphaGraphics of Paramus Embraces Change

2009-06-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

“We have to embrace the concept to not be a traditional printer: Now we’re more of a consultant,” said Bernie Wilker, owner of AlphaGraphics of Paramus, N.J. He was speaking of the ever-changing printing industry, as things have certainly transitioned since he and his wife Simone purchased the company in 1996.

AlphaGraphics of Paramus is a full-service printing company with capabilities of design, copy, digital printing, bindery, CD and DVD duplicating, mailing services, and signs, posters and banners. Its business center offers one-stop printing solutions dedicated to serving customers. AlphaGraphics of Paramus’ staff also includes Eric Perrotta, Nick Lombardi, Johan Rojas, Mujahid Khan,Tim Stahl, and Arsenio Zapata.

“(Before I got into printing) I used to be in sheet metal fabrication for 20 years. I started looking for something else because clients were going overseas and to Mexico. I’m a mechanical engineer and was looking for something involving manufacturing and sales. I wanted to do everything myself, and when I walked into franchises like AlphaGraphics and Kinko’s, I thought, ‘I can do this.’ I then went to the AlphaGraphics seminar and training in Tucson, and it turned out that a family in Paramus (who owned one) was looking to retire. The advantage of it was immediate cash flow, but the disadvantage was everyone else in the company knew more than me (about printing) so I had to learn fast,” he remembered.

The Wilkers started their business in a 1,500-sq-ft building in Paramus and moved to a larger building next door after one year of growth. Two years ago, they moved their facility to a 4,000-sq-ft standalone building. “We grow as the industry is changing,” he commented. “When we started the business, everything was done by hard copy: The most important person was the pressman doing his own color separations.”

AlphaGraphics is “ahead of the curve in so many ways,” he said. About nine years ago, the company went direct to plate and eliminated cameras. The Wilkers made their printing transition from analog black and white to digital black and white to digital color. Although offset printing has slowly declined to make up 7 or 8 percent of the business, AlphaGraphics still uses it for master billing for physicians and letterheads.

“This year we’ve gone into online marketing. We do a lot of pURLs and we expanded our mailing capabilities,” explained Wilker. “I’m also on the board of the Greater New Jersey Postal Council. Our company does outdoor signage work and uses eco inks. We’re environmentally conscious and do UV coating and laminating. We’ve also expanded beyond the core of traditional offset printing and do ancillary and promotional items. We’re greatly expanded our services during the last nine years. You have to keep moving,” Wilker noted.

AlphaGraphics has digital presses including Xerox DocuColors, a Xerox Workcentre Pro 40 digital color laser printer, a Xerox Nuvera 120 black-and-white digital laser printer, a Canon ImageRunner and ImageClass, a bookletmaker, and a saddle stitcher.

His definition of a modern day printer in transition is being able to keep business and make money. He stated that during the first quarter of 2009, his AlphaGraphics franchise was ahead of last year’s revenue. He said that hiring their first outside salesperson in December 2008 contributed to the success. “There’s business out there, but it doesn’t come to you—you have to go out on the road to get it,” he pointed out.

New Kodak and Xeikon Alliance Brings Web-Based Solutions in the United States and Canada

2009-06-02T10:28:00.001-07:00

A new alliance between Kodak and Xeikon enables label printers to extend their web-based businesses with branded online ordering of tags, labels, and other print products. It also simplifies and streamlines production, from order origination on the web, via Kodak Web to Print Solutions, to final output on the Xeikon 3300 Digital Color Label Press. The agreement is effective in the United States and Canada.

“The adoption of digital printing within the packaging market is growing, and Kodak is excited to work with Xeikon to bring web-to-print solutions to the tag and label market. Kodak’s e-commerce solutions—as well as our web-based tools for content creation, collaboration and approval—connect seamlessly into the production workflow and through to the digital label press,” said Steve Miller, Product Manager, Packaging Workflow, Kodak. “Integrating Kodak’s web-based systems with the Xeikon Press will give label printers the ability to provide new services to existing customers while also attracting new business opportunities.”

Read Full Article Article

Digital vs. Offset Printing

2009-05-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

Digital vs. Offset
Paper manufacturers address the growing need for cross-platform media

Over the years, offset paper makers have developed a dizzying array of substrate options, from super-thin translucent papers to board-like heavyweight covers. Miraculously, these diverse substrates work on almost any offset press, giving communicators and printers a range of choices, depending on whether they want a unique look-and-feel, or high-performance print characteristics.

Digital printing, by contrast, has been characterized by a much more limited range of paper options—determined largely by equipment capabilities. Toner-based presses typically require smoother paper for optimum performance. Paper must be precision sheeted to feed correctly. Most devices can run coated paper, but with varying degrees of success, while some equipment requires special surface treatment for reliable performance. All the while, caliper and sheet size capabilities continue to expand. Some paper mills have reacted by offering sheets designed for specific types of equipment, all in an effort to satisfy customer demand, and address paper performance and quality issues equally.

Converging Needs
Today, the offset and digital worlds are rapidly converging. Many commercial print shops are running a variety of digital presses alongside conventional equipment. In an effort to sell digital and offset interchangeably, they want to take advantage of the unique capabilities each has to offer as a means of profitable growth and diversified services.

At the same time, their clients want the flexibility of printing the same document in long or short runs, with static or variable data. Printers need the option of running the same papers across platforms: offset and digital. Equipment manufacturers have responded by expanding the range of substrates digital presses can run. A few paper makers have responded by developing papers that will run cross-platform, and perform whether ink or toner is the imaging vehicle.
It is now evident that the move to digital color is a permanent industry shift, and the market demand for digital will steadily increase. In fact, industry experts are predicting that the digital color market will double by 2009. Now that digital printing has come into its own, the need for true cross-platform papers is more important than ever. Luckily, paper manufacturers are realizing that today's printer craves the ability to source one brand of paper that can easily and reliably be deployed to a shop's entire portfolio of equipment, offering ultimate flexibility and efficiency.

Reference Chris Harrold

Green Facts End Fiction

2008-11-06T11:12:00.000-08:00

Paper Facts

1 ton of paper = 400 reams = 200,000 sheets
1 tree makes 16.67 reams of copy paper or 8,333 sheets
1 ream (500 sheets) uses 6% of a tree (and those add up quickly)

Tree Facts

In the U.S. we have lost 95 percent of our old growth forests.
Old growth forests make up 16% of the virgin tree fiber used each year to make paper products.
4281 acres of rainforest are lost every hour worldwide.
It takes 3 tons of wood to produce 1 ton of copy paper.
A single mature tree can release enough oxygen back into the atmosphere to support 2 human beings.
Each person in the U.S. generates approximately 2.3 tons of CO2 each year.
If every American family planted just one tree, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere would be reduced by one billion lbs annually. This is almost 5% of the amount that human activity pumps into the atmosphere each year.
According to the USDA Forest Service, a tree generates $31,250 worth of oxygen, provides $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycles $37,500 worth of water, and controls $31,250 worth of soil erosion, over a 50-year life span.

Printing Facts

Average cost of a wasted page $0.06
Average employee prints 6 wasted pages per day, that's 1,410 wasted pages per year!
The average U.S. office worker prints 10,000 pages per year.
While 3 out of 4 office workers print from the Internet, 90% of people with a printer at home print Internet content.
56% of people ages 45-54 print pages from the Internet for their archives, and only 33% of people ages 18-34 do the same.

Consumption

In 2004 the United States used 8 million tons of office paper (3.2 billion reams). That’s the equivalent of 178 million trees!
The U.S. is by far the world’s largest producer and consumer of paper. Per capita U.S. paper consumption is over six times greater than the world average.
In the United States, we use enough office paper each year to build a 10-foot-high wall that’s 6,815 miles long. That’s more than the distance from New York to Tokyo!

Energy

The U.S. pulp and paper industry is the second largest consumer of energy and uses more water to produce a ton of product than any other industry.
Production of 1 ton of copy paper uses 11,134 kWh (same amount of energy used by an avg household in 10 months).

Water

Making one single sheet of copy paper can use over 13oz. of water– more than a typical soda can.
Production of 1 ton of copy paper produces 19,075 gallons of waste water.

Waste

One ton of paper requires the use of 98 tons of various resources.
In 2003, paper and paperboard accounted for 35 percent of the total materials discarded in the United States.
Production of 1 ton of copy paper produces 2,278 lb of solid waste.

CO2

CO2 prevented if all Fortune 500 companies use GP= 6,311,610 tons
One hot-air balloon of 10m diameter contains about a ton of hot air - imagine seeing 6,311,610 hot-air balloons floating over the US - that's a lot of balloons!
Production of 1 ton of copy paper produces 5,690 lb. of greenhouse gases (the equivalent of 6 months of car exhaust).
Dumping paper in landfill adds methane to the atmosphere as it decomposes, with 20 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide.

Ink

If you were to fill up the tank of your car with Hewlett-Packard or Lexmark ink, it would cost $100,000.
If you filled an Olympic-size swimming pool with ink it would cost $5.9 billion!

This information was obtained from GreenPrint, who offer free solutions for conserving paper at your home and business. Please visit the site and remember to always put our planet first.

Upcoming AIGA Event - Nov 13

2008-11-06T11:00:00.000-08:00

SPIRITS - Happy Hour Series
Thursday, November 13, 2008
6 pm - 8 pm W San Diego (downtown)
421 W. B St.
San Diego,, CA 92101
Map and Directions

Must be 21 or over to attend.

Join AIGA for a Spirits Happy Hour at the W hotel in downtown San Diego. Spirits will be held on the rooftop BEACH, which is an exterior space with a wonderful view of the city. Please bring something warm to wear, as it might get chilly. Attendees will receive one free drink, compliments of AIGA San Diego, along with light appetizers served by the W. Happy hour specials on food, wine, martinis, and beer will be extended.

This event is FREE for members, and $10 for non-members.

PARKING
The W will provide $16 valet parking, or guests may use other accommodations. Parking lots are located on the north side of the W (Columbia and A have 3 lots on three corners) There are also multiple lots on A street--A and State and A and Columbia. Most lots are at $6/hr (after work hours) or about $12-$15 for the evening.

Hope To See You There!

Business Perspectives for Creative Leaders

2007-06-27T14:45:00.000-07:00

Presented by AIGA and Harvard Business School
July 29 to August 3

What happens when the world's creative leaders come together with Harvard's most influential business experts? This one-week program uses case studies, lecturers, guest speakers and study groups to give design leaders a more complete understanding of business and design through the eyes of business executives.

Email us for more information: contact@totlpg.com

Define Your Target Market in 5 Easy Steps

2007-06-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

This report is designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, independent contractors and anyone who needs to build relationships and develop leads or referrals in order to promote and increase their business.

The information in this report is given based on the assumption that YOU know your product and service inside and out and you have already defined your business goals and have somewhat of a business plan in order.

The next step would be to narrowly and clearly define your target market, your ideal prospect.

Some people believe that their products or services would be perfect for everyone. For example, Mary Kay Cosmetics - no offense to my MK friends or other people in the health industry who say 'anyone with skin' needs a facial or 'anyone who has stress need a massage. Then there are people in the home improvement industry who say, 'anyone with a house' needs my landscaping, my windows, my furniture or my loan, etc.

For most small businesses however (1-5 employees or even more), I don't believe this is the most effective way to try to generate new leads and customers. If you determine the right target market to fit your business, you figure out the best ways to reach them AND if you figure out the best message to reach them with you will be spending your marketing dollars wisely. Business owners who don't plan ahead to figure out who their target market is before they open their doors end up spending a whole lot more money trying to figure it out by trial and error and that's expensive.

Would you shell out $200 for a pair of shoes without trying them on? Plunge into a steaming bath without dipping a toe in first? Of course not-but people do the business equivalent every day. Many an entrepreneur has found out too late that nobody wants to buy hand-quilted Christmas stockings at $24.99 a pop, or that wealthy customers won't schlep to the unfashionable part of town for luxury stationery.

The irony: Conventional market research is expensive (corporations regularly budget tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars for it), but no one needs it more than a startup entrepreneur. A couple of marketing blunders won't put a giant manufacturer out of business, but just one can sink an entrepreneur like a bolt of lightning.

Defining Your Target Market

Your "target customers" are those who are most likely to buy from you. Resist the temptation to be too general in the hopes of getting a larger slice of the market. Try to describe them with as much detail as you can, based on your knowledge of your product or service and how it will benefit them.

Step 1: Ask yourself some questions to get started

1. Are your target customers male or female?
Figure 75-80% of your target customers would be which? If it's split, narrow it down another way but more than likely you can narrow down the gender.

2. How old are they?
Give an age range of 10-20 years max, otherwise you might have two target markets. Remember, the marketing messages towards different age groups will be quite different most likely depending on your product or service.

3. Where do they live?
Is geography a limiting factor for any reason? Can you narrow it down to specific zip codes or counties? The larger the geographical area you choose, the more people you will find but the less likely you'll be able to afford to market to all of them so narrow it down and expand out later.

4. What do they do for a living?
You can get a mailing list by industry or profession and specific title for example.

5. What does their specific profession say about their lifestyle?
Is it very busy with little time to shop? Would they be likely to be familiar with the internet for their shopping, researching, news and event information? Would they be commuting more in their car?

6. How much money do they make?
This is most significant if you're selling relatively expensive or luxury items. Most people can afford a latte. You can't say the same of custom murals. Narrow this down to a specific range also and high enough that you will weed some people out or again, you'll have way too many people to afford to market to.

7. Are there kids in the household?
What ages might they be? How many would there likely be? What does this say about their lifestyle - are they carpooling, or soccer parents where they are rarely home? Do they possibly eat out a lot or have less 'family' bonding time? Or are they empty nesters where they might spend more time at home watching television or reading?

Step 2: Get specific

What other aspects of their lives matter? Here are some examples to think about, see how your target market compares or how you can get more specific with them.

* If you're launching a roof-tiling service, your target customers probably own their homes. In addition, they probably own homes with older roofs like shake roofs; you can get a list of homes by their age.

* If you're a realtor, you might be interested in targeting first time homebuyers in which case you might find them to be likely to live in apartments or rentals of which you can get a list of those too.

* If you're selling your own individual artwork but you can't create multiple paintings with the same picture, you may have to sell the unique pieces at local art shows rather than selling them online.

* If you're planning to open a custom-tailoring shop and need busy executives to come for three fittings, you may need to limit it to your local area.

* If you're a direct jewelry consultant needing women to gather for parties in someone's home, you'll want to go where many women meet like mom's groups, women's professional organizations, day cares or grocery stores.

* If you're a business or life coach and want to coach only over the phone then you'll most likely want to do more online marketing and make sure to have a really top notch website since that's mostly what people are going to see for their first impression. You can network locally too but the more 'known' you are in person, the more people will want to do business with you in person. Step 3: Keep your mind open to any information

Keep a list of primary research questions handy, such as:

* Who influences your customers and how? Spouses, neighbors, peer groups, professional colleagues, children and the media can all affect buying decisions. Look for hints that one or more of these are a factor for you.

* Why do they buy? Distinguish between the features and the benefits your product or service offers. Features describe what it is; benefits are what your customers get out of it. The latter is why your customers pay you. Are they looking for a status symbol, a savings in time or energy, a personal treat or something else?

* Why should customers choose you and not your competition? What can you offer that the competition doesn't?

* How do your customers prefer to buy? Many businesses benefit from the broader market provided by the Internet and mail order, while others do better with a physical presence. Don't assume you fall into one category or the other; customers may surprise you.

Step 4: Identify Your Ideal or Favorite Client

Think about your favorite client - who are they, name them, write down everything you know about them, their family status, age, sex, marital status, where they live, where they work, possible income level, their shopping characteristics.

* Do they like to use coupons or shop on certain days? � Do they call you at the last minute to get something from you?

* Do they value your service/product? � Is that type of client the most profitable type you have or the most non-profitable and you just like them?

Step 5: Determine their profitability to your business

Which type of clients will make you the most money, bring you joy and refer you tons of business? These are the types of clients you ultimately want, now where are they?

Ask Yourself:

* Who is the most profitable type of client? The one who will make you the most amount of money the fastest and with the least effort - do you like working with them? If not, you won't be totally happy with only this type of person, maybe you need a combination of the two.

* How often will they be able to buy or consume your product or service? If they can only possibly purchase your services every 10-20 years (getting a new roof for example), do you never market to them again after the sale or do you heavily market to them after the sale by every means possible for at least 1 year to get all the referrals you could possibly get out of them in that time?

* How likely are they to know others like them they can refer to you? Normally, very likely, in which case following up with them before, during and after the sale is huge - and if you don't ask for referrals in each stage of the sale continuously then shame on you.

* What is really important to them when it comes to your product or service? Not what you think they should know or like, but actually what they care about, like, ask for, thrive on, are passionate about, etc. These are your target market's "Hot Buttons" and these are what you should be addressing in your headlines, letters and marketing efforts at all times because these are why the client would choose to buy.

Defining your business' target market is absolutely critical to any small business. Everything you do in your marketing, advertising, design, publicity and networking will depend on who your target market is and what matters to them. Making decisions on your marketing and advertising without fully defining your target market or knowing them in depth could be detrimental to your business and you could be making some costly mistakes!

Author: Katrina Sawa

SIGGRAPH 2007

2007-04-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

Location: San Diego Convention Center
Dates: August 05 - 09
Description:

Digital innovators, creative researchers, award-winning producers, provocative artists, energetic executives and adventurous engineers.

The worldwide SIGGRAPH community gathers in San Diego to explore the products, systems, techniques, ideas, and inspiration that are creating the next three generations of computer graphics and interactive techniques.

The conference runs August 5-9 and the exhibition August 7-9.

Email us for more information: contact@totlpg.com

Canstruction San Diego 2007

2007-03-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

Canstruction is an international charity of the design and construction industry created by the Society for Design Administration. Architects and Engineers in cities across the country compete in a design-build competition to create giant works of sculptural art, made entirely out of canned and packaged foods. Canstruction provides the opportunity for the design industry to become involved in a pressing social issue, while their creativity involves them in a national competition that brings recognition, offers team bonding opportunities, and instills a sense of pride knowing “one can” really make a difference.

This year Canstruction San Diego will be held at the New School of Architecture and Design (1249 F Street, San Diego, CA 92101) in March 2007. The build-out begins on 16 March, so visit the site now and let them know that you want to play!

Adobe Unveils Plans for Two Editions of Photoshop CS3

2007-03-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) show that it will expand its digital imaging product line, offering two editions of Adobe® Photoshop® CS3. In addition to the highly anticipated Photoshop CS3 software for designers and professional photographers, Adobe will also deliver Photoshop CS3 Extended, a completely new edition of Photoshop which allows cross-media creative professionals to stretch the limits of digital imaging. Photoshop CS3 Extended includes everything in Photoshop CS3 plus a new set of capabilities for integration of 3-D and motion graphics, image measurement and analysis. Photoshop CS3 Extended also simplifies the workflow for professionals in architecture, engineering, medical and science.

Both Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop CS3 Extended software will be formally introduced on March 27, 2007 - as part of the company's launch of Creative Suite 3, where further details will be disclosed. The software is expected to ship in Spring 2007.

"We never imagined that Photoshop would someday help make major motion pictures, let alone save lives," said John Loiacono, senior vice president of the Creative Solutions Business Unit at Adobe. "Whether it's a video producer texture editing the backdrop of a movie or a researcher counting hundreds of cancer cells, diverse industries are already relying on the professional standard in digital imaging."

Breadth of Advanced Features in Photoshop CS3 Extended
With Photoshop CS3 Extended, film, video and multimedia professionals, and graphic and web designers can leverage the power of the Photoshop image-editing toolset and paint engine when editing 3D and motion-based content. Film and video specialists can perform 3-D model visualization and texture editing, paint and clone over multiple video frames. Animators can now render and incorporate rich 3-D content into their 2-D compositions. Graphic and web designers can create an animation from a series of images - such as time series data - and export it to a wide variety of formats, including QuickTime, MPEG-4 and Adobe Flash® Video.

Adobe Unveils Plans for Two Editions of Photoshop CS3
"The National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) is over 60,000 members strong and as it continues to grow, so do the variety of uses for Photoshop," said Scott Kelby, president of NAPP. "Photoshop CS3 Extended will further redefine who the 'creative professional' is, allowing cross-media professionals to really push the limits of their craft, while also inviting engineers, scientists and architects to add the power of Photoshop to their arsenal."

Photoshop CS3 Extended also enables users to extract valuable quantitative and qualitative data from images. In addition to measurement and analysis tools, architects, medical professionals and scientists will enjoy increased support for specialized image formats so they can easily view, annotate, and edit images in their native format. Radiologists can closely monitor a patient's progress over time, scientific researchers can create animations from medical images for presentation purposes, and architects can make accurate measurements of objects in their 3-D images.

"With the release of two new editions of Photoshop, Adobe continues to push the boundaries with innovative tools that empower people to communicate visually in powerful new ways," said Alexis Gerard, author of "Going Visual" and president of Future Image Inc., hosts of the 6Sight® Future of Imaging conference. "While Photoshop CS3 will remain the digital imaging standard for photographers, Photoshop CS3 Extended is bringing to new audiences the proven benefit of Photoshop, and also exploring feature sets that eventually may benefit a broader market."

Availability
Announced in December 2006, a beta version of Adobe Photoshop CS3 for Macintosh and Windows is currently available for download for Photoshop CS2 users on the Adobe Labs Web site: http://labs.adobe.com. Both Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop CS3 Extended software will be formally introduced on March 27, 2007. Available as Universal Binary for the Macintosh platform as well as for Microsoft® Windows® XP and Windows Vista® computers, the final shipping releases of Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop CS3 Extended are planned for Spring 2007. For more information, please visit the Adobe Web site: http://www.adobe.com/go/photoshop.

Adobe Photoshop Family
Adobe offers the right Photoshop for all types of users. Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop CS3 Extended are at the heart of the Photoshop family. The portfolio also includes Adobe Photoshop Lightroom(tm), which provides a complete digital darkroom for professional and serious amateur photographers; Adobe Photoshop Elements with editing and sharing options for photography enthusiasts; and the free Adobe Photoshop Album Starter Edition, which meets the needs of the casual photographer.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated
Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information - anytime, anywhere and through any medium. For more information, visit www.adobe.com.

Adobe Design Achievement Awards

2007-02-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

Adobe has asked design students to enter the seventh of its Design Achievement Awards (ADAA).

The Adobe Design Achievement Awards are aimed at talented student graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, animators and digital filmmakers from around the globe, who are enrolled on higher education programs.

For 2007, the competition will accept entries from 30 different countries. This year Adobe have enabled entry for designers from a number of new countries including; Croatia, The Czech Republic, Hungary, India, Mexico, Portugal, Spain and Turkey.

Design students from these new countries will join designers from many other regions, including North America, the United Kingdom, many parts of Europe, Canada, China, Ireland, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore and South Africa as participants in the competition. The 2007 design competition has nine project submission categories:

animation

digital illustration

digital photography

interactive and Web design

live action

motion graphics

environmental graphics and packaging

multiple page print design

single page print design

Newly introduced for this years awards, is that Adobe will be accepting submissions online until April 27, 2007. Design students submitted projects must have utilized Adobe design software tools, such as the Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Production Studio and the Macromedia Studio bundle of tools.

Finalists will receive a trip to the design awards ceremony in San Francisco, on August 2, 2007, which will provide the students with an opportunity to showcase their designs. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, which will be held at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco. Winning entries will receive a prize of $5,000.

San Diego Post Office Tour

2007-01-22T12:48:00.000-08:00

Get an inside look at how direct mail pieces are processed so you can avoid the unexpected delays, costs, and frustrations associated with rejected mail pieces. See first-hand how the automation system works so you’ll know what kind of design doesn’t work and why. Learn all the factors that affect the success of your direct mail piece at this 1-hour seminar developed specifically for the graphic arts industry.

Monday, February 5, 2007
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
11251 Rancho Carmel Drive
San Diego, CA 92199
$15 per person, reservations required

Meet at the Main Administrative Office, in parking lot 3.
Space is limited, register early!

Top of The Line Printing & Graphics offers products and services that meet direct mail and postal office standards and compliance.

Email us at contact@totlpg.com for more information.