February 25th, 2014
Posted in Book Printing | Comments Off on Book Printing: Avoid Assumptions with Web vs. Sheetfed
I learned something new today about book printing.
A Book Printing Case Study
A client of mine wants to produce a 68-page, 5.5” x 8.5” perfect bound print book of poems. It has a press run of 2,000 copies, and she wants French Flaps (the flaps at the face trim of each cover that fold back into the book, giving the impression of a dust jacket). It’s an upscale “look.” The text is black only, and the cover is 4-color process, printed on the exterior and interior covers. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Book Printing | Comments Off on Book Printing: Avoid Assumptions with Web vs. Sheetfed
February 23rd, 2014
Posted in Book Printing | Comments Off on Book Printing: 2 Print Books That Make You Look Twice
I found two intriguing books in a thrift store yesterday and quickly snapped them up for my fiancee. Both exemplify the element of surprise and the tactile quality only available in a print book. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Book Printing | Comments Off on Book Printing: 2 Print Books That Make You Look Twice
February 20th, 2014
Posted in Offset Printing | Comments Off on Custom Printing: Heidelberg’s “Game-Changer” Press
The introduction of the new Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 75 Anicolor is really quite exciting. In an age of digital custom printing, Heidelberg has made dramatic strides in–of all things–sheetfed offset lithography. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Offset Printing | Comments Off on Custom Printing: Heidelberg’s “Game-Changer” Press
February 15th, 2014
Posted in Wood printing | Comments Off on Custom Inkjet Printing on Wood
You can inkjet print on practically anything these days, from garments to wallpaper to sheetcakes. So I wasn’t surprised when I read an article about custom printing on wood (“Digital Printing for Wood: Advantages in Finishing,” in Woodworking Network, by Karen Koenig, 1/24/14). Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Wood printing | Comments Off on Custom Inkjet Printing on Wood
February 10th, 2014
Posted in Book Printing | Comments Off on Book Printing: Specifying Hardcover Books vs. Galley Proof Books
A print brokering client just came to me by referral. She has a prominent consultancy, and she wants pricing on a hardcover print book. We discussed the specifications today over the phone. She also mentioned needing a galley proof (a lesser quality print book for reader’s comments and edits prior to the final hardcover book printing). Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Book Printing | Comments Off on Book Printing: Specifying Hardcover Books vs. Galley Proof Books
February 3rd, 2014
Posted in Typography | Comments Off on Printing Industry: Designing for the Visually Challenged
We all get older. It’s much better than the alternative. But as we age, our eyes find it more difficult to read text, and perceive color and contrast. I’m going to be 56 shortly, and I’m already noticing this. If you design printed products for a middle aged (or older) crowd, it is even more important than usual to consider the eyesight of the audience when you design brochures, print books, or any other custom printing product. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Typography | Comments Off on Printing Industry: Designing for the Visually Challenged
January 30th, 2014
Posted in Book Printing, Digital Printing | 2 Comments »
I hadn’t thought of it, but it’s a no-brainer. Digital book printing is perfect for yearbooks.
I just read two articles on digital printing that point squarely in this direction: “Sunrise Digital Releases Video Comparison of Book Binding Options, Ideal for School Yearbooks” (PRWEB.com Newswire, press release, 1/9/14) and “I-Sub to Show Off Digi-Foil at Trophex” (www.printweek.com, PrintWeek Team, 1/13/14). Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Book Printing, Digital Printing | 2 Comments »
January 28th, 2014
Posted in 3D Printing | 2 Comments »
I just read an article in Space Daily (www.spacedaily.com, 1/9/14) that gives a sense of perspective to the new technology of 3D custom printing (or additive manufacturing). The article in the Tech Space section is entitled, “3D Printing Poised to Shake Up Shopping.” Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in 3D Printing | 2 Comments »
January 23rd, 2014
Posted in Marketing | Comments Off on Custom Printing: Marrying Print and Digital Marketing
I read two interesting articles tonight about marketing. On the surface, they didn’t seem to pertain to one another. Upon further reflection, however, I saw that they both make the same point: nothing succeeds like cross-media marketing that presents a consistent message. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Marketing | Comments Off on Custom Printing: Marrying Print and Digital Marketing
January 20th, 2014
Posted in Mailing | Comments Off on Commercial Printing: The Upcoming USPS Postage Rate Increase
If you design periodicals for a living, or direct mail, or anything else that must go through the USPS mail stream, you’ll be getting a rate increase on January 26. First Class stamps will cost $.49 (up from $.46); stamps for postcards will cost $.34 (up from $.33); and bulk mail, periodicals, and package delivery costs will rise six percent. This rate increase has a limited life of two years. It is specifically designed to help the Post Office recover from the decrease in mailing caused by the Great Recession of 2008. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Mailing | Comments Off on Commercial Printing: The Upcoming USPS Postage Rate Increase