GCC Printing and Graphics

When it comes to designing a brochure, most people focus on the words and visuals. But there’s a quiet decision that can dramatically shape how your message is experienced: Which fold should you choose? Your brochure’s fold isn’t just structural. It’s strategic. It controls the flow of your message, how your reader interacts with the piece, and whether the experience feels flat or dynamic. To help, we’ve created a quick-reference Brochure Fold Cheat Sheet to guide your next project. Whether you're launching a bold campaign or explaining a service step by step, the right fold can make all the difference. Flat Brochure (No Fold) Use this when your message is singular and powerful. Think: posters, menus, display pieces, or one-page promos. Best for: bold visuals, direct messaging, minimalism Works well for: handouts, retail settings, takeaways Not ideal for: content that needs flow or segmentation Why it works: Flat brochures are immedi...

You’ve probably asked it halfway through a project—right after the third round of edits, the “urgent” email from sales, or the meeting that left you with more questions than clarity: “Why is this taking so long?” “Who’s actually in charge?” “Why does no one agree on what we’re doing?” Let’s get straight to it: Brochure projects don’t fall apart because of bad design. They fall apart because of unclear collaboration. And if you’ve been stuck between competing opinions, last-minute feedback, and a print deadline that doesn’t care about your internal politics, we get it. The good news? There’s a better way to work together, and better results on the other side of it. When Should We Involve the Printer? (Hint: Not After the Final Draft) One of the biggest time-wasters in brochure design? Waiting until the piece is “done” to send it to your printer. By the tim...

Father’s Day may be behind us, but the dad energy lives on. You know what we’re talking about—classic dad traits: practical, no-nonsense, a little sarcastic, probably wearing cargo shorts, and definitely giving side-eye to your “modern” marketing campaign. And if we’re being honest? Your next print project could probably use a little more of that. So let’s take a moment—post-Father’s Day—to appreciate what dads (and dad-like marketing) have always done best: kept things simple, sturdy, and surprisingly effective. Here’s what your next print piece might look like if it were designed by everyone’s favorite unofficial brand strategist: Dad. 1. Paper So Thick It Could Be a Coaster If your brochure can't double as a shim for a wobbly table leg, your dad would probably question your paper choice. He doesn’t believe in flimsy print. Neither should you. Thick stock = serious message. 2. Fonts You Can R...

There’s something that happens when a person opens a brochure—if you’ve done it right. They pause. Not because they were told to, but because you’ve invited them in. The paper moves. A headline appears. A photograph pulls them forward. They turn a panel. Something else is revealed. Not everything. Just enough. And for a moment, they’re curious. The Point of a Brochure Is Not to Inform Information is cheap. Google has plenty. So do your competitors. If your brochure is just a laundry list of services, what makes you different? No one wants to be “educated” by marketing. They want to feel something. To be seen. To imagine what it’s like to work with you. To belong. That’s what a story does. But This Isn’t About Telling Your Origin Story This isn’t about where you were founded or how many square feet your facility is. That’s not a story. That’s a résumé. A real story starts with the custom...

Walk into any marketing meeting today, and it’s easy to get caught in the digital spiral: “Add a QR code.” “Let’s layer in augmented reality.” “Can we track that in real time?” It’s not that these tools don’t have a place—they do. But somewhere along the line, we’ve started treating every printed piece like it’s incomplete unless it connects to a screen. That’s a mistake. Because the most compelling “technology” in print marketing isn’t new. And it doesn’t need batteries, bandwidth, or a backend. It just needs to be handled. The Original Interactivity Before we turned everything into a pixel, print had its own kind of magic. A gatefold that builds suspense before it opens. A clever die-cut that teases the message beneath. A soft-touch coating that makes your hand linger for just a second longer. These aren’t embellishments. They’re strategic. They...

You want your business to look professional, polished, and trustworthy; but when your brochure doesn't match the quality of your work, that impression takes a hit. The truth is, a lot of brochures are either too generic, too cluttered, or just flat-out confusing. If you’ve ever handed one out and thought, “That’s not really us,” this guide is for you. Let’s break down how to create brochures that reinforce your brand instead of undermining it. Step 1: Clarify What You’re Really Trying to Say Before picking a layout, a font, or even a headline, get clear on the brochure’s purpose. Is it meant to: Introduce your business to new prospects? Highlight a product or service? Serve as a takeaway after a sales pitch or event? Whatever the purpose, commit to it. A brochure trying to do everything usually ends up doing nothing well. Keep the focus sharp, and your message will be clearer to your reader. Step 2: Choose a Format That Suppor...

If you’ve ever handed someone a brochure or left behind a sales sheet, you’ve probably wondered: Did it make an impression or did it hit the trash? Sales collateral can be a powerful tool in your marketing kit, but only if it’s done right. With today’s visual-first buyers, the way your materials look often says more about your company than the words on the page. So how do you design sales collateral that actually works? Let’s break it down. 1. Start With the Goal, Not the Design Too many companies start by picking a brochure layout or choosing colors before they’re even clear on what the piece is supposed to do. Ask yourself: Is this supposed to book appointments? Educate a hesitant buyer? Help a salesperson follow up? Once you know the goal, the design can do its job and support the message. 2. Visual Hierarchy Isn’t Just for Designers If someone glances at your brochure for 3 seconds, what will they notice first? If...

Sometimes the most valuable tools aren’t the flashiest—they’re the ones that quietly support your team across multiple goals, departments, and audiences. Flyers are one of those tools. Easy to produce. Easy to update. Easy to distribute. And when done right, they serve a much bigger purpose than simply announcing a sale or listing your services. To show you what we mean, here’s how one well-designed flyer became a flexible asset for four different teams—all working toward a common goal. 1. The Sales Team: Breaking the Ice and Building Conversations For the sales team, the flyer acted as a door-opener. Instead of leading with a pitch, they used a clean, visual flyer to spark interest at networking events, trade shows, and in follow-up mailers. What made it effective: A strong headline that asked a question, not made a claim A product photo that instantly made the benefit clear A QR code that connected directly to a rep’s scheduling li...

Memorial Day is a time for reflection—a chance to express gratitude, remember those who served, and unite communities around a shared sense of purpose. While print can’t encapsulate the weight of sacrifice, it plays a quiet and important role in how we honor it. Here’s how thoughtful design helped this year’s Memorial Day messages resonate, using a format that reflects the heart of the holiday itself. H — Hold Space for Stillness Not every flyer needs to be loud to be effective. In fact, the best Memorial Day designs created room for the message to breathe. Whether it was ample white space or a single symbolic image—a folded flag, a solitary silhouette, a poppy in bloom—this restraint helped invite reflection. Design takeaway: When designing for remembrance, let stillness speak. Skip the clutter. Choose fewer elements with more weight. O — Opt for Meaningful Color Red, white, and blue are foundational to patriotic design...

Mother’s Day has a way of tugging at heartstrings—and it turns out, that emotional connection matters just as much in flyer design as it does in holiday dinners and flower deliveries. Even though this year’s celebration has come and gone, the flyers we saw leading up to it revealed some smart strategies that deserve more than a one-day spotlight. From the messaging that clicked to the designs that customers actually responded to, here are a few takeaways from this year’s campaigns—and how you can apply them to your future print marketing. 1. Sentiment Over Sale The most effective flyers didn’t just advertise a Mother’s Day deal. They told a story—or at least started one. Whether it was a simple “Thanks, Mom” at the top of the flyer or a heartfelt quote woven into the design, the brands that prioritized emotion over promotion stood out. These flyers reminded people of who they were shopping for, not just what they wer...

Your print materials don’t just share information—they express who you are. Whether you’re designing brochures, business cards, or product packaging, the finishing choices you make can help your brand stand out in ways that are memorable, tactile, and entirely you. But not every technique fits every brand. What feels premium to one customer might feel over-the-top to another. Here’s how to think about pairing your brand’s personality with unique printing techniques that leave a lasting impression. The Bold and Energetic Brand You’re not trying to blend in—you want to get noticed. For brands with a high-energy identity—think entertainment, retail, hospitality, events—the goal is to attract attention fast. That doesn’t mean going over the top. It means choosing finishes that emphasize movement, light, or contrast. Examples to consider: Spot UV that highlights just one element (like a logo or product image) against ...

When Katie launched her small-batch bakery, she knew she needed to spread the word fast—but in a way that reflected her brand’s handmade, high-quality vibe. She tried posting on social media. Some local ads. Even a few community event booths. But it wasn’t until she sent out her first creatively designed flyer that things really started to stick. And not just any flyer. This one was folded like a six-panel recipe card, printed on a textured linen stock that felt warm and familiar to the touch. It opened with a headline that read, “A Little Sweetness Is Headed Your Way,” and featured real photos of her baked goods—with a tear-off coupon at the bottom that invited neighbors to “bring this in for a free cookie.” The response? Far better than she expected. Why Do Uniquely Printed Flyers Work? Flyers might get overlooked if they look—and feel—just like everything else. But the moment they break from the norm, they get noti...

Flyers have long been a staple of marketing. But in a fast-moving, tech-savvy world, today's most effective flyers are doing more than announcing events or listing promotions—they're connecting print with digital. If your flyer isn’t built to engage beyond the page, it might be missing its full potential. Below are some common problems with traditional flyer design—and modern, technology-driven solutions that can take your marketing to the next level. Problem: Your flyer ends the conversation instead of continuing it Solution: Use QR codes to bridge print and digital QR codes are no longer clunky or obscure. Now, they’re one of the most reliable ways to take a customer from physical print to digital action. Tips for making QR codes work: Send people to a mobile-friendly, purpose-built landing page Use QR codes to share more detailed content like product videos or menus Add UTM codes so you can track how many scans you’re getting QR usage...

Flyers have been around for decades, but they’re anything but old news. In fact, when done well, they can be one of the most cost-effective and attention-grabbing tools in your marketing mix. The trick? Knowing what most people miss. Here are five flyer design strategies that often go overlooked—and how you can use them to your advantage. 1. Headlines Don’t Have to Explain—They Have to Stop People Your headline isn’t a label. It’s a hook. A lot of flyers start with something safe: “Annual Clearance Sale” or “Join Us for Our Spring Open House.” That’s fine—but it’s also forgettable. If you want someone to actually read your flyer, the headline has to stop them in their tracks. Some options to consider: Ask a question: “Tired of Overpaying for Car Repairs?” Use urgency: “This Weekend Only. No Extensions.” Go bold: “You Bring the Crowd. We’ll Bring the Firewo...

Print has long been one of the most trusted tools in the sales and marketing toolbox—and for good reason. It’s tangible, memorable, and capable of making a strong impression. But the way print performs depends entirely on how it's used. Too often, materials like brochures, flyers, or rack cards fall short—not because print doesn’t work, but because the strategy behind them wasn’t clear. When print is built on outdated assumptions, it becomes a missed opportunity. Below, we’re busting six common myths about print marketing and replacing them with strategies that actually help you sell. Myth #1: “Everyone's online now—print is outdated.” Fact: Print hasn’t gone anywhere. In fact, the physical nature of printed pieces gives them staying power. According to Adobe, it takes 5 to 7 impressions before someone remembers a brand, and print can be one of the most consistent ways to create those impressions ( Adobe ). Use pri...

Flyers are reliable and efficient. But sometimes, your message deserves more than a quick glance. That’s when folds come in—not just as a design flourish, but as a practical solution. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to move beyond the basic one-sheet—and what kind of folded format fits the job. When One Panel Isn’t Enough Sometimes, your flyer doesn’t need to be clever—it just needs more room. If you’ve ever wrestled with shrinking down text, cramming multiple offers, or leaving out helpful details because space ran out, that’s a sign it’s time to go folded. A tri-fold layout can divide your content into digestible panels. An accordion fold works beautifully when there’s a natural sequence to what you’re saying—like a process or a timeline. And for designs where you want a central reveal, a gatefold offers that moment of visual drama. These aren't upgrades for the sake of appearance....

Think about the last time you received a beautifully designed invitation or a high-quality business card. You likely held onto it, maybe even pinned it to a board. That’s the power of print—it sticks. Businesses often assume that online ads, emails, and social media are the best ways to reach customers. However, studies show that 82% of shoppers consider print ads their most trusted source when making purchasing decisions . The physical act of holding a printed piece triggers emotional and cognitive responses that digital content can’t match. The Power of Touch: Why Physical Materials Stick So, why does print marketing create stronger customer connections? The answer lies in psychology.  The Psychology of Print Touch plays a crucial role in memory retention and emotional connection. People are more likely to remember information when they physically interact with it. Printed materials, such as brochures, business cards, and direct mail, create a tactil...

Earth Day is a perfect opportunity for businesses to showcase their commitment to sustainability. 78% of consumers feel that sustainability is important , and 62% say they “always or often” seek products to purchase because they are sustainable. Print marketing continues to be a powerful and effective way to connect with customers, and today’s eco-friendly printing options make it easier than ever to do so responsibly. Let’s explore how companies can celebrate Earth Day and beyond by making environmentally conscious printing choices. Why Sustainable Printing is a Smart Choice Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a business advantage. Advances in printing technology now offer high-quality, eco-friendly materials without compromising appearance or durability. Supports Responsible Forestry – Using FSC-certified or recycled paper helps ensure forests are well-managed. Reduces Waste – On-demand and short-run printing ...

Customers expect more than generic messaging. They want content that speaks directly to them and are 80% more likely to purchase from companies offering tailored experiences . From variable data printing to custom direct mail campaigns, personalized print marketing can increase engagement, drive brand loyalty, and deliver a higher return on investment. Plus, with today’s advancements in variable data printing, personalized print campaigns are more affordable than ever—meaning you get a higher return on your marketing dollars. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your printed materials more relevant and impactful, this guide is for you. Why Personalization Works in Print Marketing Customers Pay More Attention to Personalized Print Personalization makes customers feel valued. Studies show that people are more likely to engage with direct mail that includes their name, purchase history, or other relevant details. Unlike digital ads that can be easily ignored, a p...