GCC Printing and Graphics

When nonprofit organizations plan fundraising events, every element matters, from the message to the materials. But what if your beautifully designed invitation never gets opened? That’s exactly what happened to a nonprofit much like HopeBridge Foundation, a fictional organization in this example, based on a real buyer's experiences. Despite having a compelling invitation and a targeted donor list, the response rate from their mailing campaign was underwhelming until one small change made a big difference. The Problem: A Great Invitation Hidden in a Forgettable Envelope The nonprofit had been using the same mailing format for years: a standard white envelope, no design, and no copy to spark curiosity. It looked like another bill—or maybe a generic business letter. The issue wasn’t the message; it was that recipients never saw it. And in mail marketing, the envelope is the first (and sometimes only) hurdle to engagement. The Strategy: Redesign the Envelope W...

Choosing the right envelope isn’t just about fit and function; it’s about designing a print piece that works as hard on the outside as it does inside. If you’re creating a printed marketing envelope, you’re not just buying office supplies. You’re shaping the first impression of your entire campaign. And the decisions you make about format, finish, and message can dramatically affect how your mail is received (or whether it gets opened at all). Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you design an envelope that does more than carry your message; it amplifies it. Step 1: Know Your Purpose Start by answering this: What action do you want the recipient to take after opening this envelope? Are you driving traffic to an event or offer? Choose a layout that gives you room for teaser text or a QR code. Are you sharing information with a high-value client or donor? Opt for a thicker stock and custom printing options that show attention to detail. Whe...

Let’s be honest, print marketing has a bit of a reputation. Not bad. Just... old-school. Or at least that’s what some people think. But here’s the thing: while marketing trends come and go, print is still here. And if you’ve ever quietly wondered, “Do people even read this stuff anymore?”—you wouldn't be the first. We hear these questions all the time. From savvy marketers. From nonprofit directors. From small business owners who don’t want to waste a single dollar. So we thought we’d answer them. Honestly. Without the jargon or pressure. Just real answers to real questions—maybe even one or two you’ve been hesitant to say out loud. 1. Do people still read printed brochures and mailers? Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: They read them when they’re done well. Here’s what we know: when a piece of print marketing is designed to be helpful, visual, and easy to absorb, it gets attention. Especially in...

In direct mail, first impressions happen fast, sometimes in the few seconds it takes someone to sort their stack of mail. The envelope is your campaign’s opening act. If it falls flat, everything inside may never get seen. That’s why a strategic envelope isn’t just a finishing touch, it’s a lead actor in your campaign’s success. Here are seven ways custom envelopes help your mailings get noticed, opened, and acted on. 7 Ways Custom Envelopes Boost Response Rates 1. They Help You Stand Out in the Mailbox. Plain envelopes blend in. Custom envelopes stand out. A splash of color, a unique size, or even a bold teaser line can make your envelope impossible to ignore. The right design piques curiosity and makes the recipient pause. That pause is the first step toward engagement. 2. They Establish Immediate Brand Credibility. Your envelope says a lot before it’s even opened. A polished design, logo placement, or consistent brand colors bui...

Printing terminology can be confusing. Leaves? Pages? Sides? It sounds less like printing and more like assembling a dining room table. But if you’re getting ready to place an order for a booklet, brochure, or multipage project, understanding these terms can save you time and ensure your job is printed just the way you expect. So, here’s a quick, no-jargon-needed guide to help you count it all correctly. What’s a “Leaf”? Think of a leaf as one sheet of paper in your printed piece. If you pick up a book or catalog and flip through it, each “flip” is one leaf. But because it’s printed on both sides, one leaf equals two pages. 1 leaf = 2 pages What’s a “Page”? A page is what you read on one side of a leaf. So, the front side of a flyer? That’s one page. The back? That’s another page. This is why an 8-leaf booklet has 16 pages—it’s all about the number of printed sides. What...

You’ve got the vision. The campaign. The space. Now you need the signage and displays to match. But here’s what most businesses overlook: It’s not just what you print. It’s how you print it. Because large format print isn’t just about filling space. It’s about making an impression that lasts both visually and physically. That’s where technology comes in. Not digital marketing tech, but smart, behind-the-scenes print tech that brings your brand to life in ways you may not even know are possible. Let’s walk through a few of the ways you can elevate the impact of your print, without making it overly complicated. Want to Break Out of the Box? Try Custom Die-Cuts Anyone can hang a rectangular banner. But if you want your display to stand out at an event, in a window, or along a wall, shape matters. Consider precision die-cutting to create custom contours and edges that: Echo your logo or product shape Add depth and movemen...

You've got your booth space locked in. Your banners are designed, printed, and packed. Your table throws and floor graphics are on brand and on point. But here’s the real question: Is your team as ready as your signage? The best trade show displays don’t just look good. They work because the people behind them are prepared to use them. Here’s a quick-read checklist to make sure your team and your visuals are aligned for your next event. 1. Do They Know What the Signage Is Saying? Your banners, posters, and backdrops carry your core message. But does your team understand what that message is and how to build on it? Pro tip: Print out a “Booth Talking Points” sheet. Connect each visual to a key benefit or product. When your visuals and team speak the same language, you create clarity, not confusion. 2. Can Someone Set Everything Up Without Guesswork? Large format signage looks amazing when it’s set up correctly. Retractable banner...

When marketers talk about multichannel strategy, they often mean email, social, web, and maybe a little video. But there’s a big piece missing from that list: a literal, large one. Printed signage, displays, and banners aren't just for brand awareness anymore. When used intentionally, they become launchpads for digital engagement. Let’s clear up some of the most common questions people have when trying to connect their offline visuals with their online goals. “Isn’t print totally separate from digital?” Not anymore. A banner isn’t just a display. It’s a bridge. Window graphics, posters, sidewalk signs, these are real-world media placements that drive people to scan, search, follow, or buy. What matters is the intention behind the design. Are you putting your social handle on that window graphic? Is your QR code trackable? Does your signage reinforce what someone just saw in a digital ad? When your message is consistent online a...

When Elena opened her first storefront, it felt like the next big step for her business. She’d grown her bakery from a home kitchen to a full commercial space downtown. The product was there. The space was beautiful. Her team was ready. But for the first few weeks, the foot traffic just wasn’t. People walked by without noticing. Cars zipped past. She kept hearing the same thing from friends and customers who lived nearby:      “I didn’t even realize you were open!” That’s when she realized something important: the space was ready, but the signage wasn’t. Good Work Deserves to Be Seen A lot of small businesses put their heart into what happens inside, but forget about what people see outside. And in a busy area with limited time to catch someone’s attention, visibility is everything. Elena called a local printer and explained her challenge. Instead of pushing a package or asking her to upload artwork, they a...

Not all signs are created equal. Some blend into the background. Others demand attention. The difference isn’t always size, it’s strategy. If you’ve ever wondered what kind of signage or display is best for your campaign, storefront, or event, it's okay. Most people don’t need to know how something is printed. They just need to know what to use when, so the message gets noticed, remembered, and acted on. Here’s your guide to choosing the right product for the right moment so your brand gets the spotlight it deserves. When You Want to Own the Sidewalk: Go With a Sidewalk Sign or A-Frame You’re open for business. But are you visible? Whether you're a restaurant, boutique, or service provider, A-frame signs are perfect for foot traffic zones. They’re portable, weather-ready, and let you change messages as needed. Use when: You want to drive walk-in traffic You’re running a daily special or limited-time offer You’re l...

Here’s the thing no one tells you before you head to your next trade show or event: Most booths get ignored. Not because the team isn’t great. Not because the products aren’t solid. But because the display doesn’t do enough to earn attention in a room full of noise. At every event, there are two types of booths: The ones people pass by. The ones people walk toward. The difference? It’s not the giveaways. It’s not the clever pitch. It’s the display itself. Let’s look at the real difference between booths that blend in—and displays that captivate. Flat, Safe, and Forgotten Flat banners. Tabletop signs. Posters taped to the back wall. They still have a place. But when they’re the only visual element, they leave your booth doing the bare minimum. Flat displays make your team work harder. They rely entirely on human interaction to start the conversation. They say, “We showed up,” but not, “We ...

This week we celebrate the 4th of July. A day for flags, fireworks, parades, and cookouts. But also a day for reflection. On what we stand for. On the symbols that unite us. On the stories we tell through color, shape, and design. If you think about it, the American flag is one of the most recognized designs in the world. Simple. Bold. Timeless. It doesn’t need to explain itself. It doesn’t use trendy colors or clever fonts. It stands for something. It says something about identity, values, and belonging, without saying a word. Design That Lasts Most marketing campaigns fade the moment the sale is over. The best ones, the ones that stick, are the ones that don’t chase attention. They claim it, by standing for something bigger than the product or the promotion. The most enduring designs in American history—war posters, parade banners, protest signs, national monuments—weren’t focused on conversion rates . They were built to inspire. To g...

You’ve probably seen it or maybe lived it. You spend weeks prepping for a trade show. The team’s locked in. The products are polished. The sales strategy is tight. Then you show up and realize... your booth looks just like everyone else’s. You’ve got a table. A banner. Some printed handouts. Nothing’s wrong with it, but nothing’s making people stop either. Meanwhile, a competitor two aisles down is packed with attendees, taking selfies in front of their backdrop, posting photos, and drawing traffic. Here’s the hard truth: most booths fail before the show even begins. Not because the brand isn’t great. But because the display wasn’t built to do its job: turn heads, pull people in, and start the conversation. Let’s fix that. Most Booths Use Banners and Table Covers. The Smart Ones Use Them Strategically. Banners and table covers are the backbone of a trade show setup, and there's nothing wrong with using them. In f...

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...