Choosing the Right Paper for Your Next Print Project

People might think paper isn’t a big choice when starting a project. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.


Choosing paper is one of the first things you should decide on when starting your new project. No one sheet fits every project. Paper is three-dimensional and makes all the difference in how your project turns out.


When your rough graphic design is done, the next step should be to talk to your printer about choosing the right papers. Ask them for their paper suggestions so you can decide what would be best.   


Turnaround Times for Paper


Getting your quote early will help you know the turnaround time to expect and when you will need to provide the design to your printing firm to get it on time.


Durability of Paper


When choosing the right paper, evaluate whether it needs to be something that will last or if it’s something meant for a shorter lifespan. If meant for direct mail, you might choose something less sturdy. But if you are working on a marketing brochure, annual report, or a catalog, you will need something sturdier and more heavy duty.


Personality of Paper


Considering the life span, texture, color, and personality of the piece will determine what type of paper you should use. Ask yourself what impression you hope to make with this piece; then make sure your paper represents that well.


For example, if you are promoting the environment, be sure to use recycled paper. A non-profit asking for money probably doesn’t want to invest in top-tier quality because it might make the recipients think they already have enough money. However, if you want to represent quality and luxury, choose a paper that will represent that.


Use a coated, glossy, matte, or silk sheet for colorful, crisp images or photographic reproduction. For more of an understated type of image, use fluorescent inks and the more natural surface of uncoated papers. 


If you want to create a unique look, try a one-color printing job. Pair it with unusually textured papers or specialty papers. This is a huge trend in Europe and is making its way to the United States and Canada.


The Many Whites of Paper


Just when you think your project is easy because you want white paper, think again. There is blue-white, balanced white, natural white, soft white, and much more. You will definitely want to talk to your printer about these options. The blue-white is quite popular right now because it allows the various colors to shine through. Warmer whites are more comfortable for the eyes to read for long periods of time.


Other Paper Considerations


If you are looking to print on both sides with heavy ink, you will want to talk to your printer about choosing a heavier stock. If your project will be mailed, you will need to consider the weight to make sure it fits the USPS requirements; otherwise, it can cost you more to mail.


There are so many variables when it comes to printing your latest marketing project, and that’s why we are here to help. We offer sound advice with solid delivery on our promises. We want to help your business shine. Contact us today!


 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

5 Areas to Focus on for Business and Marketing Success

Image
Did you know that as of early 2023, the share of companies' revenue spent on marketing in the US reached 10.9 percent – a result significantly above the global figure? Why do companies choose to invest so much of their budget and resources into marketing? Because a strong marketing strategy is essential for a successful business! Help your business thrive by looking at five areas of marketing strategy that are key to business success. Pay Attention to These 5 Factors in Your Marketing Strategy 1. Lead Generation One of the most pertinent roles of marketing within a business is to find leads and work towards hooking them in as new customers. Collecting qualified leads takes effort, so it's essential to approach it strategically. Research your competitors and other trends within your field to keep your marketing tactics fresh and exciting for customers. Additionally, use tools to measure the response rate of different marketing products on your customers to determi...
Read more

Effective Copywriting for Print Marketing

Image
Print marketing offers a tangible experience that digital advertising can't replicate. By combining eye-catching design and compelling copy, print ads can create a lasting impression on potential customers. But how do you ensure that your print ad stands out amongst the noise of other ads? The answer lies in effective copywriting techniques. Know Your Audience As with any form of marketing, understanding your audience is crucial for effective copywriting for print. Before you start crafting your message, take some time to research and define your target audience. Consider their demographics, interests, pain points, and values. This information will guide the tone, language, and messaging of your print marketing materials. By tailoring your copy to resonate with your audience, you'll be more likely to capture their attention and encourage them to take action. Highlight Benefits, Not Features When selling a product or service, many marketers make the mistake of f...
Read more

Designing for Impact: The Power of Visual Communication

Image
Humans process unfathomable quantities of information through sight alone. Consider this crazy statistic: The human brain processes images in just 13 milliseconds , with the eyes shifting gaze three times per second. People can recognize and comprehend dozens of pictures in a fraction of a second! This pace is something verbal communication could never match. That’s one reason design is sometimes called the “visual language” that shapes our world. 3 Design Principles to Strengthen Your Marketing Materials If you want to grab attention, evoke emotions, and make complex ideas simple, design is king. Here are three tips for communicating strong ideas in seconds. 1. Differentiate Your Brand Is your brand chic, silly, sophisticated, classic, or dependable? A clear identity distinguishes your company and builds confidence in your target customers. Are your marketing pieces connected through cohesive brand elements? If you removed the business name from your des...
Read more