Brand Archives - Printing Solutions https://printingsolutions.com For Every Message Mon, 07 Dec 2020 14:52:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 10 Things You Never Knew About the Color BLUE https://printingsolutions.com/10-things-didnt-know-blue/ Wed, 24 Aug 2016 22:00:16 +0000 http://printingsolut.wpengine.com/?p=7933 Here at Printing Solutions, we’re big fans of color. Each carries its own special meaning and can be a tool to influence an audience just by how it’s used in your branding materials. But one color we’re particularly fond of is blue … in case you couldn’t tell from our own brand! As it turns out, […]

The post 10 Things You Never Knew About the Color BLUE appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
Here at Printing Solutions, we’re big fans of color. Each carries its own special meaning and can be a tool to influence an audience just by how it’s used in your branding materials. But one color we’re particularly fond of is blue … in case you couldn’t tell from our own brand! As it turns out, there’s a lot more to blue than meets the eye. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about the color blue.

1. The human eye can see 65,536 different colors of blue.

Blue Color Wheel

Need to choose a specific one? The best way is to consult a palette book, which printers and graphic designers rely on for accuracy.

2. Each one has 52 shades.

Blue Shades

Different shades are created by mixing different amounts of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CYMK) inks. The color above is C100 M30 Y0 K0.

3. Blue is the most popular favorite color in the world.

Blue Pencils

In a recent survey, 49% of men and 29% of women said their favorite color was blue.  

4. In color psychology, blue symbolizes trustworthiness and inspires confidence.

Blue Trust Confidence

This is why so many medical professionals wear scrubs in this color.

5. Studies show that the color blue serves as an appetite suppressant.

Blue Berries

Red does the opposite — just think of every fast food chain ever!

6. Printing Solutions’ brand colors weren’t always blue.

Blue Logo

They were originally yellow, but were changed to blue because it has a more soft and playful feel.

7. Chemists recently discovered a new color of blue … by accident.

New Blue

Oregon State University discovered the pigment “YInMn blue” by heating a mixture of manganese oxide and other chemicals to over 2,000° F.

8. Only 8% of the world’s population has blue eyes.

Blue Eyes

Light-colored eyes are produced by recessive genes that cause an absence of pigments in the iris.

9. In ancient times, blue pigments were so rare that they reserved for royalty.

Blue Pigments

This is where the term “royal blue” came from.

10. Blue is a popular color for branding and marketing.

Blue Mailbox

Thanks to the significance it carries, this is the most popular color for direct mail marketing and branding.

Looking for the perfect colors to use in your branding and marketing? Printing Solutions would love to help you find your new color identity. Give us a call at 480-595-6300 to get started.

The post 10 Things You Never Knew About the Color BLUE appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
Before and After the Creative Process: See the Life Cycle of a Branding Project https://printingsolutions.com/before-and-after-the-creative-process-see-the-life-cycle-of-a-branding-project/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 16:08:59 +0000 http://printingsolut.wpengine.com/?p=7895 Here at Printing Solutions, we love helping businesses refine and share their brand through print. Our branding package is a popular choice among business owners who are looking for a little guidance in how to put their company out there and want us to work our magic. A banding package can be a major undertaking […]

The post Before and After the Creative Process: See the Life Cycle of a Branding Project appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
Here at Printing Solutions, we love helping businesses refine and share their brand through print. Our branding package is a popular choice among business owners who are looking for a little guidance in how to put their company out there and want us to work our magic.

A banding package can be a major undertaking and last for a few weeks, but in the end, our clients invariably decide it was all worth it. Here’s the life cycle of a branding package.

Each project is unique, and its timeline depends on the client and what you are looking for. We offer a good, better, best model for design when it comes to projects like this:

  • Starter Package offers the basics to a strong brand identity
  • Essentials Package comes with a more detailed timeline and expanded print options
  • Pro Package includes digital services like email signatures and social media page creations

Strategy Session

All of our branding projects begin with a strategy session, where we sit down with you to learn the ins and outs of what you like about your current brand and what you want to improve on. During these meetings we make sure we get as much input as we can from the team. Our Creative Director, Justin Ketchum, is involved in every branding project that comes through our doors. We also have Chris Danner, our graphic designer as a second hand in these projects. And lastly, a project manager facilitates pricing and is the main contact for you.

Before and After the Creative Process: See the Life Cycle of a Branding Project

Foundation, Development & Refinement

“One team member will take the lead and serve as the liaison between the team and the client, but a typical brand can have as many as five to seven people working on their project at any given time,” Justin says.

After the strategy session, we jump into the three main steps to a branding package: Foundation, Development, and Refinement. Most of the work is done during the foundation phase, which allows for a fun and easy transition through the development and refinement stages.

The revisions depend entirely on the client. As long as you are OK with the time being spent, revisions can happen as often as you would like — our job is to provide the best possible solutions for our clients, so we want you to be involved in this process as much as possible.

“Typically, a company will have their new logo in use within the month,” Justin says.

get involved

Once a project is completed, we still have follow-up calls and meetings with you. We learn something new with every project, and we use these learning experiences as tools to better improve our system, as well as the experience for the next project.

If your brand is in need of a reboot, we would love to help. Give us a call at 480-596-6300 to get started.

The post Before and After the Creative Process: See the Life Cycle of a Branding Project appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
5 Fun Upgrades to Your Business Cards https://printingsolutions.com/upgrades-business-cards/ Wed, 03 Aug 2016 21:39:25 +0000 http://printingsolut.wpengine.com/?p=7835 Here at Printing Solutions, we firmly believe that people should be impatient to hand out their business card. Once you start to lose that spark, it’s time to consider upgrading to a look that is more current and eye-catching. We provide the best solutions for our clients, and often, they include one of these 5 […]

The post 5 Fun Upgrades to Your Business Cards appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
Here at Printing Solutions, we firmly believe that people should be impatient to hand out their business card. Once you start to lose that spark, it’s time to consider upgrading to a look that is more current and eye-catching. We provide the best solutions for our clients, and often, they include one of these 5 business card upgrades. Take a look:

1. Cotton Cards

cotton cards 5 Fun Upgrades to Your Business CardsOne way to give your business cards some extra oomph is as simple as changing the paper they’re printed on. One of our current favorites is a cotton card. Cotton cards have a very natural and sturdy feel to them. They make a big impression — they’re a very thick 45pt paper with actual cotton fiber pressed in — and they have such a soft and elegant feel.

“This is something really unique and can give your business a high-end presentation just based on the stock,” says Kristyn Dingman, Printing Solutions’ Director of Marketing.

2. Foil Elements

foil cards 5 Fun Upgrades to Your Business CardsIf your business card could use a little pizzazz, then foil might be your answer. Adding a stamp of foil to your cards can not only make a lasting impression, but it can make certain aspects of your card really stand out for that high-end look.

Most people think of the traditional gold and silver when they think of foil, but it is actually very versatile in its array of color, size and overall visual appeal.

“It’s a nice, inexpensive solution for someone who is looking to take that next step in design,” Kristyn says.

3. Embossing or Debossing

embossed cards 5 Fun Upgrades to Your Business CardsEmbossing (or debossing) is a newer trend in print that is a great way to add both visual and tactile interest to your business cards. This technique indents certain areas of the paper so that as you go over the surface of the card with your fingertips, you can feel the imprint of your company’s logo (or other area that is embossed).

Many companies have a Spot UV or specific feel to their cards, but want a new, modern upgrade that will really make their business something to remember. Having a certain part of the card physically pop out or sink in can make a big impact.

“Many clients use this on their logo or another aspect of the card that is important,” Kristyn says. “It’s a great upgrade for someone looking to rise above their competition.”

4. Colored Edges

colored edges 5 Fun Upgrades to Your Business CardsFor a simple and affordable way to make your cards stand out, you might want to consider adding color the edges. Not only does this technique make your entire card look more cohesive and pulled together, it also gives some love to an often-forgotten area of the card.

“We love seeing clients take their main logo colors and add that sleek edge to their cards,” Kristyn says. “This works best with thicker cards.”

5. Unusual Sizes & Shapes

5 Fun Upgrades to Your Business CardsNot only do you want your business cards stand out, but it’s important to do it in a smart way. A new trend is changing the size from your standard 3×2.5 business card and making it into a circle or square card.

“It looks unique and is a great solution for someone looking to change a small part of their card without changing the entire feel or brand,” Kristyn says.

We can also make custom die-cut business cards for your business. If you want your business card to be a unique shape — like the gift box shape above — then we can do that too.

If you’re considering an upgrade to your business cards, there are a few things to consider first.

1. Do you have the right budget?

While the options above are each great for different businesses, they may not all be the best solution for your budget. Some business card upgrades are only a few dollars, while others may be double or triple that price. Many of the upgrades range anywhere from $30.00 – $200.00, but your final cost depends on which upgrade you want to go with. There are so many different combinations you can do that will fluctuate the price.

2. What’s your deadline?

We love creating new and improved cards for an event or conference a client plans to attend, but things get difficult when they need the upgraded cards in only a couple of days. Many of the business card upgrades above require extensive time for cutting, gluing, drying, and quality assurance checkpoints. For your new cards to look flawless, most of our upgrades simply can’t be rushed.

Here at Printing Solutions, many people want to know how we can improve their cards. We can suggest certain business card upgrades based on a client’s budget and deadline, but to really provide the best solution for your business, it’s best to meet with the Printing Solutions team. Come by our offices, or give us a call at 480-596-6300 to set up a meeting.

The post 5 Fun Upgrades to Your Business Cards appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
How to Use Print to Brand Your Office Space https://printingsolutions.com/use-print-brand-office-space/ Wed, 20 Jul 2016 19:31:18 +0000 http://printingsolut.wpengine.com/?p=7562 Here at Printing Solutions, we print a lot more than business cards and direct mail. From wall clings to custom canvas prints, our products have found their way to the offices of our various clients as permanent decor. That’s right, print is a great way to brand everything … even your office space! Here’s how […]

The post How to Use Print to Brand Your Office Space appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
Here at Printing Solutions, we print a lot more than business cards and direct mail. From wall clings to custom canvas prints, our products have found their way to the offices of our various clients as permanent decor. That’s right, print is a great way to brand everything … even your office space! Here’s how to use it.  

The best place to start branding your office space would be to come up with a budget. “Find out how much you can spend on branding. Once you have that, you can determine what materials to go with,” Kristyn says. It is also a good idea to really look at your space to determine your best branding solution. The Printing Solutions team is always happy to assist a customer with suggestions, or even make a trip out to take a look at the space in person.

On the Windows

They eyes many be the window to the soul, but your office’s windows are the eyes to your business. Window clings are the perfect way to dress them up and show off your brand before anyone even comes in.

“I have seen plenty of clients do outdoor window clings to identity their brand, taglines, or even inspirational quotes,” Kristyn says.

But outside isn’t your only option when it comes to window clings. If the inside of your office space doesn’t offer the seclusion you need, window clings can be a great solution.

“We have a great frosted vinyl graphic we used to give our conference room a sense of privacy,” Kristyn says. “Many people think it is the glass itself, but you can really give that effective with the vinyl.”

use print to brand your office space

And if that’s not reason enough, window clings come without the hassle of strings and cords, like traditional drapes or blinds:

On the Walls

The walls of your office are one of the most ignored spaces when it comes to branding, but these vertical spaces hold a ton of potential.

“We really love the large wall graphic that is in the hallway of our office,” Kristyn says. “It says ‘Long Live Print’ and really rings true to our industry. We love it not only for the visual representation, but because it is what we live by in this business.”

use print to brand your office space

Copy a page from Printing Solutions’ book and opt for a wall cling of your business’s tagline, or if you want something a little less permanent, a custom canvas print is another great solution. Use these to display your company’s core values, a photo of your team, or each step of your business’s customer journey. Your company’s walls hold more combined space than anywhere else in your office, so don’t forget to include them when branding.

On the Surface

Decorating your office walls and windows are a good start, but it’s all in the details when it comes to branding your space thoroughly. Even the items on your employees’ desks play a role in the image your office projects, so it’s a great idea to invest in branded promotional items and office supplies that they can use in meetings and consultations.

“We have the ability to print several promotional product item,” Kristyn says. “We print solutions for our customer so anything you are looking for when it comes to branding, just let us know.”

Our table throws are also popular choices for offices that want items to serve double duty. Table throws are just as perfectly suited for your trade show booth as they are for your front reception desk or in place of a wall graphic, and they’re great way to make a strong, high-quality statement about your brand.

use print to brand your office space

Want to use print to brand your office space? The Printing Solutions team would love to help. Give us a call at 480-596-6300 to request a quote.

The post How to Use Print to Brand Your Office Space appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
How Should I Promote My Upcoming Event? https://printingsolutions.com/promote-upcoming-event/ Wed, 29 Jun 2016 15:50:19 +0000 http://printingsolut.wpengine.com/?p=7317 It’s always a treat when we get to help clients plan and promote upcoming event. Here at Printing Solutions we love being able to help people visualize a beautiful table or booth that brings great engagement and continued profit. We always want to make sure we are giving our clients the type of exposure they […]

The post How Should I Promote My Upcoming Event? appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
It’s always a treat when we get to help clients plan and promote upcoming event. Here at Printing Solutions we love being able to help people visualize a beautiful table or booth that brings great engagement and continued profit. We always want to make sure we are giving our clients the type of exposure they are looking for at an event.

If you have an event coming up, here are some guidelines to help you promote it in the best way.

1. What’s your budget?

It’s important to allot a large enough budget to promote upcoming event effectively. It’s always good to have a few different branded visual references at your table. Use these basics as a guideline:

  • A table throw: about $179
  • A retractable banner: about $249
  • At least 1 handout (brochures, postcards): $79
  • A Business card: $39

Total: $546

When planning your budget, remember that these promotional materials aren’t a one-time investment. Most of Printing Solutions’ customers reprint their signs and banners only once a year at most. So you can invest a few bucks into something big and high-quality that other marketing material just cannot do.

2. What functionality do you need?

Consider your purpose for attending the event when you plan your promotional materials. Do you want to connect with potential clients, or are you there to look for new companies to partner with? Tailor your materials toward your end goal.

Certain materials are essential regardless of your end goal — you’ll always need a large sign or banner to attract the most attention possible. But if your booth doesn’t include a table front and center, you might want to skip the table throw and put your budget toward more interesting freebies to hand out at the event.

Keep in mind that just because you purchase these materials for a specific event doesn’t mean that they’re useless between trade shows. A lot of wide format printing is very versatile in that you can use it for many different occasions. Once your event is over, displaying your signs or banners in your office or conference room just adds additional branding to your workspace.

3. What products do you already have?

It’s always a good idea to go through your existing supplies before an event and take inventory of what you already have. If you’ve attended trade shows or tabled other events before, chances are you can repurpose some of your existing materials, like table throws, business cards, and banners. But if the materials show signs of wear or are of a low quality, you might want to consider reprinting.

“We take print and see how we can design something specifically for it. The two go together,” says Kristyn Dingman, Printing Solutions’ Director of Marketing. “You can have a high-end retractable banner that has an unattractive graphic on it, or you can have a really solid design of your logo that is printed on a cheap material. The two are essential to one another. Printing on a high-quality material with a high-quality visual is the best route to take.”

“We take print and see how we can design something specifically for it. The two go together.”

If you’re planning your first event and need to start from scratch with promotional materials, our On-The-Go Package was created just for your. It includes over 6 different print marketing options for one price and is a customizable and comprehensive solution to that helps to promote upcoming event.

For us, the best part of planning any event is seeing the customer’s face light up when we have the display set up in our office for them to pick up. Seeing that end result and the reactions we get are priceless.

Need Help To Promote Upcoming Event?

If you need help planning and to promote upcoming event or trade show, let Printing Solutions help. Give us a call at 480-596-6300 to get started.

The post How Should I Promote My Upcoming Event? appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
4 Secrets Of A Successful Project Manager https://printingsolutions.com/4-secrets-successful-project-manager/ Thu, 16 Jun 2016 22:45:34 +0000 http://printingsolut.wpengine.com/?p=7271 At Printing Solutions, we work on projects a day to produce high-quality print pieces for our clients. With hundreds of successful projects under our belts, we’ve figured out what it takes for a job to run smoothly and turn out exactly as our client pictured it. A great project manager. Whether you’re thinking of hiring a […]

The post 4 Secrets Of A Successful Project Manager appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
At Printing Solutions, we work on projects a day to produce high-quality print pieces for our clients. With hundreds of successful projects under our belts, we’ve figured out what it takes for a job to run smoothly and turn out exactly as our client pictured it. A great project manager.

Whether you’re thinking of hiring a project manager for your business or you’re new to the role yourself, we have some tips to help you on your way to success.

1. Communicate Effectively

First of all literally every job requires effective communication. Perhaps nowhere is it so important as in the role of a project manager. On any given day a project manager is talking to several clients across multiple projects and coordinating with designers and production staff. Any gaps in communication could derail an entire project.

Remember that each client communicates differently, so your approach must change accordingly. The best project managers are understanding of clients’ communication preferences and can easily adapt to whatever method works best.

2. Stay Organized

Additionally, exceptional organization is key to project management success. Take it from Autumn Iversen, our Project Manager here at Printing Solutions. She manages every project that comes through the company, and she’s awesome at it because she’s so on top of things.

“For me to do this successfully, I MUST manage my time and make sure our customers get everything they need,” Autumn says. “A big portion of my day is about making sure each one of our clients are getting the responses and attention they need in a timely manner. Blocking out my day in my calendar is a really great way to manage my tasks, meetings, and reminders.”

color coded leslie

3. Catch Things Early

Sometimes mistakes happen, but the job of a project manager is to identify those risks and nip them in the bud.

stopthemadness

A good project manager can usually catch these mistakes by learning from previous ones. Considering what happens and why gives you an upper hand in identifying an approaching situation. It arms you with the knowledge of how to stop it before it unfolds.

4. Resolve Conflicts Quickly

Additionally, good project managers are great at customer service. Especially in difficult or sensitive situations where a client is upset or there was a gap in communication. Knowing how to approach a client who is upset in a way that will calm the situation and leave them happy comes after a lot of practice, and it’s never easy. A project manager who can do this well is a valuable asset to any team.

In conclusion, client satisfaction is our No. 1 priority at Printing Solutions. We accomplish that thanks to a fantastic project manager. Are you looking for a company to manage your printing and design needs? Give us a call at 480-596-6300 and let us know how we can help you.

The post 4 Secrets Of A Successful Project Manager appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
How Can a Branding Package Help My Business? https://printingsolutions.com/branding-package-help-business/ Wed, 30 Mar 2016 19:18:52 +0000 http://printingsolut.wpengine.com/?p=6754 In today’s competitive economy, nothing hurts a business more than weakness or lack of clarity in their brand. But most business owners struggle to really nail down a clear brand identity, instead leaving their business cards, brochures, and social media channels with an inconsistent look. If this sounds familiar, a branding package from Printing Solutions […]

The post How Can a Branding Package Help My Business? appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
In today’s competitive economy, nothing hurts a business more than weakness or lack of clarity in their brand. But most business owners struggle to really nail down a clear brand identity, instead leaving their business cards, brochures, and social media channels with an inconsistent look.

If this sounds familiar, a branding package from Printing Solutions could be a great step in creating your business’s identity. We sat down with our Director of Marketing Kristyn Dingman to learn how it works.

What is a Branding Package Anyway?

Our branding packages are an easy, effective, and detailed solution for businesses looking to start from scratch or to rebrand their current identity. This is a great step for someone who is looking for a brand new start with a whole new identity — and it all starts with your logo.

We have developed a “Good, Better, Best” model for how these packages are offered. Our “Good” option is our Starter Package, which offers the basics to a strong brand identity along with special print marketing offers to show off your new brand.

branding package show off

The “Better” option is our Essentials Package, which says it perfectly. It’s a better version of the “Good” option, but with a more detailed timeline and expanded print options. You’ll also get an in-depth brand identity guide to help you implement your brand anywhere.

Lastly, our “Best” option comes in the form of our Pro Package. The perks with this bundle skyrocket, and include digital services like email signatures and social media page creations for your brand identity.

Each package begins with a strategy session, where we’ll sit down with you to learn the ins and outs of what you like about your current brand and what you want to improve on.

“No one knows their company better than the people who make it tick, so it is important that you are closely involved in your brand’s development,” Creative Director Justin Ketchum says.

How Do I Know if I Need a Branding Package?

A company brand is the foundation in which it grows upon — your business’s true North. If you’ve ever wondered whether your brand is pointing you in the right direction, a consultation may be great for you!

branding package compass

It’s also a great option for new companies looking for a way to distinguish themselves from their competition.

“The number of logo designs in the world to date is staggering,” Justin  says. “To be original and stand out from the crowd is becoming more and more difficult, but that is the precise reason why it is so imperative to build that successful brand.”

How Does it Work?

Building or even re-building a brand is a very labor intensive process. Our team at Printing Solutions can typically develop about two brands per month. One team member will take the lead and serve as the liaison between the team and the client, but a typical brand can have as many as five to seven people working on their project at any given time.

branding package pit stop

There are three main steps to a branding package: Foundation, Development, and Refinement. Most of the work is done during the foundation phase, which allows for a fun and easy transition through the development and refinement stages.

“This process has allowed us to significantly cut down on over 60% of the work, not only creating a better product but saving time and money,” Justin says. “I know this sounds too good to be true but the results will tell you that it works!”

“This process has allowed us to significantly cut down on over 60% of the work, not only creating a better product but saving time and money.”

Typically, a company will have their new logo in use within the month. However, there are many factors that go into building a brand, so that will depend entirely on the depth and size of the company.

Wondering how Printing Solutions can help your business find some branding clarity? Complete a brand questionnaire today, or give us a call at 480-596-6300 to get started.

The post How Can a Branding Package Help My Business? appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
How to Create the Ideal Company Culture https://printingsolutions.com/company-culture/ Wed, 16 Mar 2016 18:35:16 +0000 http://printingsolut.wpengine.com/?p=6657 Company culture is rapidly becoming a focus for many executives. Most working adults spend the majority of their week at work, and workplace culture can make or break the experience. But what goes into creating a company culture that encourages quality work and healthy employee relationships? We sat down with Director of Marketing Kristyn Lechwar […]

The post How to Create the Ideal Company Culture appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
Company culture is rapidly becoming a focus for many executives. Most working adults spend the majority of their week at work, and workplace culture can make or break the experience.

But what goes into creating a company culture that encourages quality work and healthy employee relationships? We sat down with Director of Marketing Kristyn Lechwar to find out how Printing Solutions does it.

Q: What is Printing Solutions’ company culture like?

Kristyn Lechwar: We always strive to have fun in the office. We have a basketball court, ping pong tables, and a relaxing place to lie down to take a break. Google’s atmosphere inspires us.
We encourage disruption in a positive light and taking break when needed.

we were on a break

Trying to force creativity at a time when you are not inspired is very unhealthy. When you walk into our space, we always have music, snacks, and occasionally need to send out a funny YouTube video to everyone.

Q: How does Printing Solutions maintain such an upbeat company culture?

KL: We make sure to maintain our culture by starting off the morning with a few fun exercises to get the team’s energy high. Every single morning, we hold stand-up meetings where each department goes around and explains their wins from the previous day as well as one big goal for the day. That goal gets written up on the whiteboard, and once complete, we make sure to cross it off and congratulate the department on the completed task.

the highest of fives

Once the stand up meeting is over, we make sure to play a competitive game or activity — anything from free throw shots on the court, to fun games like Hot Potato, and improvisation exercises. While we have these meetings, we have music playing to inspire our moods.

Q: A big part of the company culture is the people on the team. How does Printing Solutions maintain its work culture even with new hires?

KL: Printing Solutions believes in a strong foundation. We make sure that everyone on the team is in a good place. We have such a fun environment that it is easy to spot someone who is not in the best mood.

not cranky

What makes us different from other companies is that we are more than just a few people who are at work. We are a strong team who has to work together to be successful. We understand that if we fall apart, the entire business falls apart. For a lot of us, this business is a part of our family and passions. We refuse to settle and we always make sure each and every person on the team knows how important he or she is. We make sure to have constant team evaluations and reviews.

The key is allowing the space to be safe. If there are issues or problems, everyone knows we have a space where these issues can be resolved.

Q: Creating a culture also has a lot to do with the company’s core values. How do Printing Solutions’ core values play into its atmosphere?

KL: Our core values — We refuse to settle, We invite fun and adventure, and We invest in honest relationships — are something that ring true to us. We run our entire operation based on them.

“We refuse to settle” ties in with the idea of being the best we can be. We always want to push ourselves and make sure we don’t just accept a result or outcome due to laziness or fear of conflict. We’re fighters, and we know that settling for the minimum is not an option.

“We invite fun and adventure” is something anyone can see as soon as they talk with us or step into our space. We hired based on personalities, and those personalities must be fun and adventurous. Being able to work with clients who encourage us to be fun and adventurous allows for big results.

adventure

“We invest in honest relationships” says it all. We make sure we put our best foot forward. Being real and honest with our customers is the key to success. We love investing our time into learning about our customers as well as having genuine conversations with them — even if it’s not print-related.

Struggling to create the ideal company culture? Printing Solutions is happy to help with your business and printing needs. Give us a call at 480-596-6300 to get started.

The post How to Create the Ideal Company Culture appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
Why the Most Successful Companies Use Print Marketing https://printingsolutions.com/why-the-most-successful-companies-use-print-marketing/ Thu, 03 Mar 2016 19:14:51 +0000 http://printingsolut.wpengine.com/?p=6594 Nobody goes into business wanting their company to fail. Business owners want to be successful, and there are certain steps that one must take to get there. But if you’re not investing in print marketing, you’re missing a crucial step. “Customers need print marketing materials, but the reason as to what it is being used […]

The post Why the Most Successful Companies Use Print Marketing appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
Nobody goes into business wanting their company to fail. Business owners want to be successful, and there are certain steps that one must take to get there.

But if you’re not investing in print marketing, you’re missing a crucial step.

“Customers need print marketing materials, but the reason as to what it is being used for varies,” says Printing Solutions’ Director of Marketing Kristyn Lechwar. “Not every company does well online, and email campaigns will only get you so far. That’s where print marketing comes in.”

We’ve put together a list of why use successful print marketing strategies to grow their business, and why you should consider it too.

1. It’s Tactical.

One of the great things about print marketing is that you can be very strategic with it. The products you use and even how you use them can all influence your marketing results. Hosting an event with large graphic banners, signs, and informative pieces is a great tool for branding and promotions, while sending out direct mail postcards or flyers is better suited to advertising specific offers and products.

The entire goal of marketing is to present your company well so that you can get more customers.

“We always get super excited when we get to design an entire trade show display, meaning the large format graphics, signs, banners, marketing material to hand out, and of course, the business cards,” Kristyn says. “These projects allow us to really go all out and produce some really impressive work.”

impressive

Print marketing gives our clients a great presentation of their company. At the end of the day, the entire goal of marketing is to present your company well so that you can get more customers. Having a great business card to hand out can make all the difference for closing a new lead.

2. It’s Versatile.

Most people hear the words, “print marketing,” and immediately think only of flyers. In reality, print marketing encompasses so much more. Anything from business cards, to brochures, flyers, car wraps, wall graphics, trade show material, and mailing services is considered print marketing.

Though not as prevalent as in previous decades, print is just as necessary as it has always been.

A true testament to print’s staying power is how it has evolved over time. As our smartphone and tablet technologies continue to grow and develop, so too has the interactivity of print media with the aid of QR codes and social media integration. Though not as prevalent as in previous decades, print is just as necessary as it has always been.

3. It’s Tangible and Personal.

Print marketing brings something extra to the table that digital marketing cannot. Though digital marketing is a valuable and necessary tool in today’s computerized age, it cannot stand alone.

penguin_falling

The problem with relying solely on digital marketing is that you need to get extremely creative to stand out from everyone else. A computer screen looks and feels the same as the next screen and the next. No matter the image you have displayed on the screen, it’s going to look essentially the same everywhere.

The entire goal of marketing is to present your company well so that you can get more customers.

But when you are able to stand in front of a huge banner or get to feel that postcard in hand, it actually triggers emotions that screens do not. We are meant to send and receive messages to our brain by nonverbal communication and touch.

“It is our job as a print company to trigger high emotions to our clients without the need to speak,” Kristyn says. “We are able to speak to certain senses that digital marketing just cannot do.”

From banners to business cards, we specialize in meeting hundreds of business owners’ successful print marketing needs. Give Printing Solutions a call at 480-596-6300 to get started.

The post Why the Most Successful Companies Use Print Marketing appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
Why Graphic Design is Vital for Your Business https://printingsolutions.com/why-graphic-design-is-vital-for-your-business/ Thu, 25 Feb 2016 16:00:35 +0000 http://printingsolut.wpengine.com/?p=6568 Why Is Good Graphic Design Important? Having a strong graphic design for your ad or logo can either make or break your business. But if you are trying to just throw something together quick and cheap, you are going to end up wasting not only your time, but also your valuable marketing dollars. Poor design […]

The post Why Graphic Design is Vital for Your Business appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>
Why Is Good Graphic Design Important?

Having a strong graphic design for your ad or logo can either make or break your business.

But if you are trying to just throw something together quick and cheap, you are going to end up wasting not only your time, but also your valuable marketing dollars. Poor design can lead to an unclear message or brand representation. In the end, it can result in a false image of your business to your designed audience.

If you’re thinking of adjusting your company’s graphic design, here are some things to consider before you jump in.

1. It Makes a Good First Impression.

We all know the importance of a first impression in our personal appearance — it takes approximately one-tenth of a second for an interviewer to form a first impression of a job candidate — but did you know that the same goes for your printed materials?

Handing someone a business card with an outstanding design is the print equivalent of showing up to a job interview in a shirt and shoes that have been ironed and polished. Giving them a card with a design that is lackluster or nonexistent is like forgetting to put on deodorant.

“You only get one first impression — it never comes around twice,” says Kristyn Lechwar, Printing Solutions’ Director of Marketing. “And customers naturally tend to gravitate toward an attractive company, brand, and product.”

So having good graphic design will not only give your audience a clear image of who you are, but it will leave a lasting impression with them. Next time they are ready to buy, they know exactly who they are going to buy from.

2. It Creates Brand Recognition.

What do brands like Apple, Google, and Coca-Cola have in common? They all have a clean, strong design that is instantly recognizable.

Even if you never plan to be the next Google, it is still essential for your business to have strong visual reference. Being able to instantly distinguish a company based on their logo or the way their website may look is a win. Having your audience know who you are without having to think twice about it comes from great graphic design efforts.

Brand recognition starts with your logo. You may choose to use only text, like Google, or you may decide that using a symbol that correlates with your company name, like Apple, is the better choice for you. You’ll want to include colors that convey your brand message, and you’ll need a font that fits your company’s personality.

We strongly suggest hiring a professional to design your logo and marketing materials. Our designers are not only very talented, but they also are experts at identifying exactly what each business needs to succeed.

3. It Makes Communication Easier.

Think of the last time you met someone new. Perhaps it was at a conference or networking event, or perhaps it was someone who walked through your company’s door. Likely you talked for a few moments and then decided to exchange contact information.

If you had an attractive business card, you reached for it proudly and handed it over with a little added glow.

If you had a business card with a design that left something to be desired, your glow fizzled out when you handed it over. You may even have pulled out your cell phone and entered the person into your address book like an awkward eighth grader.

When it comes to effective communication, it all starts with a strong foundation of graphic design.

In a nutshell, you are giving a formal presentation to your audience. To grab and hold their attention, you need an attractive, cohesive design. Attractive visuals convey information better, especially when it is something tangible like a business card.

How Do I Start?

At Printing Solutions, we begin the design process by identifying a customer’s pain points. Where are you seeing a gap? Where are you struggling? What’s does your competition look like? Who do you look up to in the industry? Once we can figure out the problems, we find a solution that will work best for your business.

Most companies initially design on their own or purchase a logo template. Creating something simple and cost effective is simply a placeholder and can temporarily work for your company. But again, this should be temporary and not a permanent solution for your company. Graphic design falls into the notion that “you pay for what you get.” We give you thought-out design work.

“We make sure to take our time in producing some of the best work out there,” Kristyn says. “It is all about winning over your competition. We not only give you a strong finish, but we make sure to take the time and understand each of our customers needs and give them what they need to be successful.”

We always enjoy working with customers who need a transformation in their logo and brand. When we meet with a client who is either frustrated or believes an upgrade is in order, we like to step in. We make sure to go through an entire evaluation of the client’s wants and needs before we suggest anything.

“Once we get a feel for the client and their end goal, we can begin to break down the design and rebuild it,” Kristyn says. “It’s a fun and easy process for our clients to go through.”

Looking for an upgrade in your printed materials? Printing Solutions is happy to help. Call 480-596-6300 to meet with one of our experienced designers now.

The post Why Graphic Design is Vital for Your Business appeared first on Printing Solutions.

]]>