TIME magazine has just published a story “Think Ink: Why Print is Being Embraced By Designers” in which the web, sometimes painted as print’s enemy is introducing new opportunties for designers.
Technology is giving anyone the tools to be a professional designer and have their work displayed on the world stage, but that doesn’t mean that they have the skills to be a world class designer.
Crowdsourcing design is also pushing the limits for many designers, sites like 99designs have sometimes been criticised for devaluing the design industry with Australian Creative publishing a piece last month “Creative crowdsourcing under fire“.
One thing that is overlooked in the whole web vs print debate is that a key part of design is building a relationship with the customer both before and after a job. Design, and particularly print design, is a partnership a fresh set of creative eyes and someone to manage the print process even when things go wrong. DIY and crowdsourced design miss this key element.
Sean has been involved in marketing and printing industries since the early 1990s and since 1998 has had a focus on web design and development working with one of Australia's most experience web development firms.
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A fascinating new field is emerging in print – 3D printing.
Basically using digital files and an expensive piece of equipment known as a materials printer, three dimensional objects can be created in a manner similar to printing images on paper.
The technology introduces new possibililties for rapid prototyping and also mass production of complex designs. Much like the way that foundries were able to meticulously produce moulds for cast iron in the 19th Century that were used on thousands of Victorian buildings. Its kind of like cloning for designers. Designers have been using Computer Aided Design to create 3d objects in the virtual world for many years, but this now crosses the boundary to physical print.
Anyway, here are some nice videos demonstrating the potential of a technology which could present many new opportunities for print designers. Enjoy !
Sean has been involved in marketing and printing industries since the early 1990s and since 1998 has had a focus on web design and development working with one of Australia's most experience web development firms.
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Flyers are a powerful marketing tools for your business or event. Printed marketing materials give you a chance to create an artistic representation of who you are or what you are offering.
When you make a beautifully designed flyer you can very easily attract potential clients through eye catching images and appealing typography, this is your opportunity to dream big and let your imagination run wild.
Attractive flyers, leaflets and pamphlets are great for use at conferences, trade shows and in all of your outdoor marketing efforts. Despite being small in size, they can convey a strong message. A good flyer captures the eye of the viewer and promotes that message.
Now I want you to think about all of the printed promotional materials that you have seen over the last couple of weeks. Do you remember any details about what you saw, or even better yet, did you keep any? What we are discussing is creating a desirable yet unforgettable call to action. To design a flyer that is effective, there are a few things you should include and use correctly for your flyer to reach the maximum intended audience.
• Organize your page with boxes, borders and areas of contrasting colors
• Identify the selling points
• Make your points easily identifiable
• Don’t get too complicated
• Focus on the benefits
• Limit yourself to two different fonts
• Spend time on concise wording
• Choose your printing suppliers well
Here are some designs by Twilight Emerald Print Design
Neeru loves design and blogging. She is currently writes for Online Ink Cartridge company Clickinks. Neeru has been a marketer, writer and blogger for 2 years. She specializes in content creation and design.
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The design of your brochure should be eye-catching and consistent with your branding; the right brochure design can convey a message of luxury or creativity making your products and services very attractive to potential clients and customers.
The two disciplines in creative brochure design are textual content and visual design. A brochure should provide content and information on a topic a potential client or customer will be interested in. It should highlight important features, benefits and call to actions.
It’s very tempting to cram and fill your brochure with as much information as possible. Try to avoid this and make the real goal of your new brochure to get the reader to take action (contact you in some way through the brochure)
Creative brochures are often printed using four colour process on thick gloss paper to give an initial impression of quality.
All of the brochure designs below have been printed with an offset printing press for quality reasons; it makes no sense to hire an expensive creative for your brochure design and then print the brochure with a laser printer. The brochure design examples below are typically used by businesses to promote their products or services.
Here are some designs by Twilight Emerald Print Design
Neeru loves design and blogging. She is currently writes for Online Ink Cartridge company Clickinks. Neeru has been a marketer, writer and blogger for 2 years. She specializes in content creation and design.
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As a graphic designer for a printing company, a lot of my work involves coming up with new and innovative business card ideas. Business cards are a fantastic marketing tool that most new businesses overlook. Over the last few years I have seen some of the most innovative and unique design ideas guaranteed to make a great impression.
Inspiration
The best way to find inspiration is to take in to account your current style of marketing materials, including your website and company logo. If your website is artistic and full of colour, you should try to illustrate this on your business card.
For the more minimalistic and simple websites, you should pay close attention to the fine design. Perhaps invest in high quality printing effects like engraving and embossing.
Remember, your business card is a mini portfolio of your work so it’s important you let your personal style shine through to impress those potential business clients. The sky is the limit when it comes to design, from colours to die cutting so you can be as creative as you like.
Information
The most common mistake made on business cards is the amount of information included. Always keep in mind the primary function of your card is for potential clients and customers to easily obtain your contact information. There is no need for you to include everything, remember less is always more!
You should use the following:
- Company name
- General details of what your company does
- Phone number
- Email
- Website URL
If you use social media to target business, always include your facebook/twitter username. Chances are customers will want to know a little more about you before contacting you, so this will give them immediate access to whom you are and who you interact with.
Innovation
Following are my favourite five examples that run the gambit from scalloped edges and elaborate die cutting, to one that is intended to be planted in the ground. Always keep in mind the message you want to portray to potential customers. Distinctive cards mean that you are about to get noticed and gain business!
