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
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Power Words for Business Cards
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:
____ 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:
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:
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
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:
Next, give the holder a bottom line that is irresistible:
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
Friday, September 11, 2009
Constructing a Quality Letterhead
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!
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!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Top of the Line Printing Receives 2009 San Diego Award
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
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Tips to Remember When Designing & Printing Your Business Cards
- 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.
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