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...