CMYK and RGB are acronyms that refer to color models used to create images and files. CMYK color mode is used for printing. RGB color mode is used to display images that are intended to be viewed on monitors and screens only.

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. These four basic ink colors are combined together in varying amounts to create a wide variety of colors for printing. You should always request a CMYK copy of your logo or any other file that you would like to have printed from your Graphic Designer. The above Blissful Bicycle logo and marketing materials look as though they were just printed with blue ink but in actuality, the blue color is made up of 55% Cyan ink and 22% Magenta ink. When the two color values are combined for printing the above blue is the result. 

RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue. These colors are actually lights that are mixed to create and display digital images on screens and electronic devices. Images created using RGB color mode are able to display very vibrantly, but those bright neon colors are not able to be reproduced using CMYK inks.

When you try to print files that are intended to be viewed digitally on a screen, the print color outcome will be much different than what appears on your screen. Here is an example of what an RGB file looks like on screen in comparison to how it looks when converted to CMYK for printing.

If your file is going to be printed, it needs to be set up in CMYK color mode. How can you make sure your file is set up in CMYK? Below are the steps to check your print files using popular Adobe design software. 

Adobe Photoshop – Image > Mode > CMYK Color
Adobe Illustrator – File > Document Color Mode > CMYK Color
Adobe InDesign – File > Document Setup > Intent: Print

Close –

Your business card may be the last impression you leave on a customer after your initial meeting. That is the piece of you that represents you and your brand. A well designed business card clearly conveys all important information necessary for someone to reconnect with you.

Creative Business Card Tips

You can design your own business card or have a graphic designer who specializes in designing logos, letterheads, signage, and other personalized components necessary to present your image in a cohesive and professional manner. Either way, there are some basics you will need to focus on.

Card Stock and Colors

Start by choosing a sturdy card stock that will fit into someone’s wallet or a card stock that is tear and water resistant and prevents chipping along the edge of the cards.  Take a moment and decide on whether you want the finish of the stock to be glossy, matte, or textured for you and your business. Business cards are available in a variety of sizes, allowing you to pick out a card that is as unique and distinctive as you are.  You don’t have to select the standard 2” x 3” business card, even though they may not be able to easily stored as they are bigger. Printing a magnet card is another popular choice, especially if you are in a service industry, such as appliance repair, because the card will always be right there on the face of the appliance for easy access. If you truly want to make a great first impression, selecting a thick business card or edge painted card can do the trick.

Select the color of both the background and the font. You will have to play around with this by superimposing text over background. You can easily do this on most basic word processing programs using the available color wheels to create backgrounds and texts in a variety of color options. You want your colors to work well together, not to clash. If you don’t have an eye for color, ask colleagues or friends to offer opinions. Stick to just 2 colors if possible. If you already have a logo, that should be your starting point when choosing colors.

Font Selection

Once again, if you already have a logo, try working with the fonts on the logo as a starting point. Otherwise, go back to your word processing program and play with the many fonts available. Make sure that the font you select is very easy to read. It doesn’t matter if it is serif, sans-serif, or calligraphic. It just has to read well. You don’t want someone to have to ask you what a word is because the font is too elaborate or whimsical.

SEE ALSO: How to Select The Right Fonts for Your Print Materials

Printing Options

There are a few printing options to enhance the look and feel of your card. You can select foil stamping, which is a method used to inlay a metal finish into the text and image areas. Popular colors for stamped foil include silver and gold. Another popular option can include Spot UV which is great for highlight a logo, image, photograph or pattern. Inline foil is a simple and an affordable way to make your card stand out from the crowd. You can turn a wide range of CMYK colors into multi-colored foils.

SEE ALSO: Inline Foil – Get Noticed with This Beautiful Print Option

Card Information

All the important information needs to be included front and center on the card’s front. Sometimes having a clean and simple design is better than a card full of information, making it difficult to read and understand. Try to include the following in the design:

• Name, include title if appropriate
• Company name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Website address
• Physical address, only if relevant
• If the business is active on social media, you may want to include the accounts on the back.

SEE ALSO: 10 Crucial Parts of an Effective Business Card Design

Try not to clutter the card with too much information.

When receiving a business card, look at it closely. Make note of what impresses you about a card and what leaves you bewildered. Take a look at some cards designed in-house by viewing our gallery. One of the most important job in designing a business card is to engage your audience and to leave a positive impression. Plus, they need to be done creatively, and they concisely must tell someone exactly who you are and what you do.
Shop Now

Close –

Postcards are a great way to grab attention and promote your business, product or services. Creating a strong postcard is key to successfully attracting interest and new customers. It can be challenging to design one.

Postcard Design Tips

Keep Your Audience in Mind

It is important to remember your target audience when creating the design.  Make sure you understand the tone and style of a design, as it may attract some and possibly repel others. Finding the right tone and style of your target audience will be most effective. When thinking about the tone of the card, it should match your business to create a coherent whole. Provide the audience with the information you want to pass along; this may include useful text, coupons and a call-to-action. By including a CTA, it take the guessing out allowing recipients to understand their next move.  This can ultimately increase customer response.

SEE ALSO: Marketing Ideas and Tips for Printing Postcards

Maximize the Space

Postcards are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs; for either a small or large business. Depending on the size of the postcards selected, it can be challenging to communicate your complete message. Work to maximize the space by using images that complement your text; the imagery and text should together reveal the message. Including hi-res pictures, logos, and bright color all can help add interest and can show what you are trying to communicate. Try to keep the text limited to one or two font types and avoid large blocks of text and light colored text that can be difficult to read.  You want to make sure the recipient is able to understand your message, but most importantly, be able to read it. The goal of a postcard should be to capture the reader’s attention and make them want to find out more.

SEE ALSO: Helpful Tips on How to Market Your Business with Postcards

The Format

Keep your postcard clean and simple, without overload of visuals or text. Use contrasting elements such as light and dark, large and small, and opposite colors to catch attention, but try to keep the elements balanced overall by distributing them relatively evenly in the design. Make sure any colored backgrounds or images fully extend into the bleed area for a professional look. Rounded corners, matte finish, velvet laminated, and other options including spot UV and stamped foil, can give your postcard a unique feel and look making it stand out from competitors.

SEE ALSO: Not Sure Which Option to Select? Request a Free Sample Packet

Remember the Back

Depending on how the postcard was delivered in the mail, sometimes the back displays first, so consider using that space to grab the attention of your audience. Both sides should work together to attract the reader’s interest and convey your business message.  Always proofread your text and review the details of your postcard before finalizing. Postcards are a great way to attract the interest of your audience; spending time carefully designing a postcard can let you reap the rewards later.

If you would like to request a custom design, contact one of our in-house graphic designers. They will be happy to assist with your project. Take a look at some of our custom designs by viewing our design gallery.
Shop Now

Close –

Business owners can sometimes become overwhelmed with all the marketing options they have available to them, particularly in this age of digital advertising and social media. One option that is too often relegated to the sidelines is the letterhead.

Classic, well-designed customized letterhead and stationery can take the mailings and printed materials you’re already producing from uninteresting to eye-catching. Additionally, they can make your clients and potential clients remember you long after the envelope is opened.

Besides making a polished and memorable first impression, a customized letterhead conveys a particular message to all who see it. It says that your company is solid and assured. It conveys a sense of professionalism and commitment to excellence that gives customers the peace of mind that comes from doing business with a company they feel they can trust.

It also gives you the opportunity to express the culture and personality of your organization by creating a custom design. Add the company’s tagline that perfectly captures the essence of the services you offer. It would be a mistake to underestimate the significance of being able to say so much with so little, especially for small businesses whose marketing budgets are often very tight. View some letterhead designs that may inspire you.

Using branded and customized letterhead and stationery provides many benefits for you as a business owner. Even one-person companies can appear to be much more substantial when they use their brand across all of their digital and printed materials, including business cards, brochures and more.

SEE ALSO: Why Print is Important for Your Marketing Plan

This appearance of greater size and strength in the market solidifies your potential clients’ confidence in your ability to handle their business. Letterhead also makes all of your contact information available to them in one place. The easy accessibility of the information included makes it more convenient for your customers and prospects to contact you when they’re ready to discuss how your business can help their business succeed.

Marketing your business does not have to be an overwhelming prospect, even in this age of seemingly endless options. It’s easy to create a line of fully customized and branded letterhead that can greatly benefit your bottom line.

Benefits of Letterhead:

• Improve Business Image
• Increase Brand Recognition
• Increase Business Website Traffic

Customized letterhead can be created in an efficient and cost-effective way that will make the most of your company’s marketing budget. It also lets your customers know they can trust you to treat their business with the same respect you have for your own. If you need assistance in creating a custom design, please contact one of our in-house graphic designers. They will walk you through the entire design process.
Shop Letterhead

Close –