Sometimes you have to go big to really stand out. Large Format Printing attracts the attention of onlookers at trade shows conventions, presentations and other events. Large images and graphics deliver content in a big way and get results.
Fast and effective, Large Format Printing can be done with any image or logo as long as it’s produced from the correct file format.
Banners, floor graphics and billboards are examples of Large Format Printing. Our creative team knows what it takes to deliver quality large format printing.
Here are some basic guidelines:
Artwork: In general you should use vector graphics in the artwork wherever practical, and deliver final artwork saved as a PDF. To avoid pixilation, provide high resolution files.
Material: Choose a material appropriate for the conditions. Indoor displays don’t need to be waterproof, while windy conditions require reinforcement.
Usage: Many large displays are designed to be used repeatedly, sometimes for many years, like a Trade Show Booth. Street Banners, however, may only be needed for a month to announce and event in the park. Choose wisely and don’t overspend.
Get noticed and draw attention to your Trade Show Booth with this impressive display that’s surprisingly easy set up.
Where to Go Big on Printing:
Roadside Banner Flags
Posters for Advertising
Retractable Banners for Events
Sandwich Boards for Directional Signage
Get a Quote on Custom Large Format Printing Today!
Rick Garrett, CEO and founder of Markit Motion, Inc.
Creative copy and stunning photography utilized to tell your story leaves a (hopefully) lasting perception of your company. The words and images convey throughout both digital and printed communications the same as when they are viewed by your audience.
Sight, however, is only one of our 5 senses, leaving us with other opportunities to convey our brand.
The FINISHES on a Direct Mailer, Brochure or Invitation can send a message to the end user in a more subtle, lasting way.
We’re programmed to block out advertising images and words because of the constant bombardment we experience daily. But if you add a soft coating or interesting shape to your message will get in through the sense of ‘touch’. And aren’t we trying to get our customers to feel something about us in our marketing efforts?
Here are some simple finishes that will add a tactile experience:
Coatings
Some of the most common coatings used to stimulate the reader’s senses are Aqueous, Varnish and UV.
Aqueous Coatings are applied in-line on some printing presses, so it’s a reasonably priced and very effective option. These finishes can add a gloss, satin or soft touch experience to your print. It is only available in an overall coat.
Varnishes are applied on the press as well, but printed with a plate like laying down an additional color of ink. These finishes are available in gloss or matte. Varnishes are the least obvious coatings and not recommended for a high sheen.
UV Coating is applied off press as a secondary process. It can be applied as an overall finish or as a spot finish highlighting only chosen parts of the brochure. This process provides the highest contrast of coating and will make the coated images pop off the sheet.
Die Cutting is used to create a shape. A die for the shape is made and each sheet is cut one piece at a time on a separate press after it’s printed.
Round Corners, Business Card Slits and Index Tabs are the most common examples of die cutting but you can let your imagination run wild with this one and cut any shape you can think up.
Careful with the mailing pieces though, the post office has very strict rules about die cut mailings.
Folding creates anticipation. The process of unfolding a creatively designed piece is stimulating because the reader anticipates the next step. They are lead to read the next page as it’s revealed to them.
Your customer can hear and feel the quality of the paper as they unfold your message. Here are some creative, cool folds that you don’t see every day.
Packaging generates excitement. Ever since we were kids, receiving a gift has always been exciting. And opening that package has been a big part of that titillating experience. Presentation is everything.
A catalog sent in a FedEx Mailer is way more fun to receive than someone handing it to you in person. That “ZIP” when the package is opened creates just a little more emotion that adds to the message.
Package your message to create some feeling before they begin reading the message inside.
Envelopes are the most common form of packaging so don’t forget their importance. Increase your open rate by adding a message to the outside. Consider paying full first class postage- use a live stamp and hand-write the address. Your Grandma does and you never throw her stuff away.
Chipboard Mailers, like the FedEx Letter mailer mentioned above, can be customized with your message. We guarantee that it will be opened and involves a recognizable sound when it’s unzipped.
Boxes of all shapes and sizes can be sent to hold dimensional or heavy pieces like samples, catalogs or promotional products that enhance your message. Boxes offer the most secure delivery of your message without damage.
The next time you put together a marketing campaign, consider the other 4 senses that are available to tell your story. And yes, you can add candy hearts to your box with your logo on them to involve taste too.
When I was visiting my hometown of Niles, Michigan, I went on a tour of the French Paper Company’s paper mill with 6th generation paper maker, Brian French. It was an exciting field trip while Brian showed me enormous vats of pulp and huge hot machines all powered by hydro.
Established in 1871, French Paper is a sixth-generation, family-owned American company. French Paper Company has been manufacturing paper for more than 150 years in the same community of Niles, Michigan. In an industry known for corporate acquisitions and shutdowns, French Paper has persevered, emerging as one of the strongest, smartest, and most consistent paper brands around.
Remaining as one of the last, small, independent mills in America, French Paper has learned to take their direction from customers, not corporate consultants. They keep their eye on the bottom line by improving their product lines, and when they talk about stock, they mean papers, not shareholder value.
Recycled paper is the end product of paper recycling. The production of recycled paper has significant environmental advantages over non-recycled paper production.
These environmental advantages include:
Less Water Consumption – production of recycled paper uses 60% less water.
Decreased Energy Usage – recycled paper manufacturing uses 50% less energy than non-recycled paper.
Reduces Landfill Space – One ton of paper sent to the landfill requires 3.3 cubic yards of space.
Saves Trees – One ton of paper recycled saves 17 trees.
Recycling paper has had a positive impact on the environment and it’s estimated that 65% of all paper in the US is recycled, diverting it from the high environmental cost of its disposal in landfills.
The Smart Choice for you –
No Added Cost – The cost of recycled paper has plummeted in recent years due to increased production. You won’t pay more for your choice to use recycled paper for your next project.
High Quality – Improvements in the manufacturing of recycled papers has created stunning results. You will not be able to tell the difference in a side-by-side comparison to non-recycled papers.
Availability – Increased demand for papers with recycled content has driven all of the paper mills to offer recycled options in their line of products. All grades of paper are available with recycled options with inventory to match the demand.
It’s estimated that there are now 20% more trees in the US than there were 25 years ago. Paper recycling and tree planting efforts are responsible for saving this precious natural resource.
You can do your part too by asking for recycled paper to be used on your next project. Chances are that recycled paper is already being used and you don’t even know it.
Manuals, catalogs, and other books used in business, are generally manufactured using one of two binding methods. To determine the best option for your book here’s a brief description of each process:
SADDLE STITCHING
Saddle Stitched books are created by nesting folded pages that have wire staples on the crease of the book’s spine.
PERFECT BINDING
Perfect Bound books are created by gluing the pages inside of the cover at the spine with a strong, flexible adhesive.
Page Count is often a determining factor in choosing between the two. There is some overlap in page count, so other determining factors are listed below.
Saddle Stitching is limited to thinner books with a lower page count because the wire staples must be pushed through the paper. 8 – 64 pages is ideal depending on the paper thickness.
Perfect Binding is limited to thicker books because it needs a thicker spine for the glue to adhere to. 36 pages and higher is ideal for perfect binding. As long as the book is over 1/8″ thick, it can be several inches thick like a phone directory.
Spine printing – Each of these options is very different.
Saddle Stitched books do not have a flat surface to print on so spine printing is not an option.
Perfect Binding books allow for printing on the spine so that when the book is on a shelf it’s more easily identifiable.
Lay Flat Pages – Consider the reader’s experience.
Saddle Stitched books generally lay flatter when the book is opened, allowing for better crossover artwork viewing.
Perfect Binding books tend to close back up unless you hold the pages open. A hinged, lay-flat option is available on perfect bound books that costs more and adds to the production time.
Shelf Life – Your choice in binding options can mean the difference between getting one order or saved for future orders.
Saddle Stitched catalogs are frequently mailed for the quick, one time Holiday orders. Then they are typically tossed in the recycling bin.
Perfect Binding catalogs for B2B products are intended for use throughout the year. Perfect Binding creates a sense of permanence. Consider how many old National Geographic magazines you can still find at garage sales vs. old Popular Mechanics magazines?
Production Time – Saddle Stitched books are quicker to manufacture
Cost – Saddle Stitching is typically the more affordable of the two options.
Rick Garrett, CEO and founder of Markit Motion, Inc.
