2020 is already shaping up to be another exceptional year when it comes to cutting-edge product package printing trends. Packaging design is looking to push the boundaries of design from the actual function of the box to the overall aesthetics of the package. Custom boxes make a statement about a business and serve as a marketing and branding tool to those receiving the package. Package printing is a term for the design work and technology that goes into storing, enclosing and protecting products that are shipped to customers. The way custom boxes look represents the brand of a company which makes packaging design an essential element of the business model for companies of all sizes. Read on to learn more about the top product packaging trends for 2020 when it comes to form, function, color, and other exciting packaging design elements.
Top Packaging Design Trends for 2020
Top package printing trends for 2020 include:
Digital printing allows package printing personalization so companies can tell the story of their brand through their packaging choices.
Playful colors and designs stand out and custom boxes increase the sales volume of a business. Customers respond to packaging that has unique colors and designs.
Statistics show people experience 80% of their awareness from sight so strong colors, as well as reflective surfaces and a metallic sheen, get the attention of consumers.
Flexible packaging is easier to open and close, easier to store, uses less material and weighs less than other packaging options.
Minimalist product packaging is proof that “less is more” as many consumers prefer products that don’t have extra wrapping or package protection that makes it difficult to reach the product. Minimalist product packaging includes packages with simple labels that tell what the product is without information overload.
Custom Boxes Brand a Business
Custom boxes, with well-designed and eye-catching packaging, make an impact and tell the story of a brand. The packaging should tell a story as the customer starts unboxing the product. This is especially true of online products because eCommerce products don’t have the advantage of being seen and held in real life. They need to be able to create a connection with their audience and this starts with the packaging. Services such as subscription boxes rely on branded package printing since it is the main representation of the brand as the actual box might contain contents that have multiple brands and products. Packaging design looks to be taking a more comprehensive approach to the design process in 2020 to effectively communicate product messaging and create a connection with customers.
Put the product packaging trends of 2020 to work for your business by contacting our experienced design team today.
Finding the right print solutions for your business can sometimes be a frustrating task. There are times you have to choose one vendor for signage while another vendor is a better choice for business cards or business folders and forms. Save yourself time and money by choosing a one stop printing company that can handle any print projects required by your company. From discussing the needs of the project to supplying the artwork in the proper format and determining the best printer for the job, a one stop print shop creates a relationship with you that speeds up the print process and helps the printer to learn more about the marketing goals of your company. Want a trusted partner that understands how to build your brand with high quality printed materials? A one stop printing company supplies the print solutions your business needs!
Four Benefits of Using a One Stop Print Shop
The benefits of using a one stop print shop include:
Save time and money – Dealing with a one stop printing company means you are dealing with one business and don’t need to get quotes from multiple vendors via phone calls or emails, Plus, working with one company means they have your artwork on file which saves you money on buying supplies or equipment.
Production made easy – Working with a one-stop print shop means they will monitor the print process for you from start to finish.
Coordinate your marketing materials – Sending your print projects to multiple print companies means you run the risk of your colors not matching or different logos being used. A single printer can guarantee a coordinated and successful final product.
Streamline your printing efforts – A one-stop print shop allows you to streamline your print needs and avoid duplication of printed materials.
Print Solutions for all your Marketing Projects
There are print solutions available for all of your marketing projects. Some of the most popular print projects available to companies of all sizes include indoor and outdoor signs, posters, banners, vehicle graphics, trade show graphics, and point of sale graphics. Save time, money, and stress by developing a relationship with a one-stop printing company that understands your business and knows the way to deliver your marketing message thanks to their history of creating high quality printed materials that accurately reflect your company.
Call us today about handling all of your print needs with our state of the art printers at our modern facility.
When it comes to your print projects, a fast print turnaround that produces quality results is a key skill that is necessary for print materials of any size. In case you are not sure what “print turnaround” means, it is the estimated amount of time that will be needed to complete a print project. This includes the actual printing of the materials as well as other post-printing tasks that need to be completed before the final results are delivered to you. Large format printing, created by digital printing services, requires an accurate and realistic timeline for the print process as well as the delivery of the printed materials. A realistic timeline allows printing companies to provide fast print turnaround estimates based on the available materials. You don’t want to deal with a company that simply throws out a random date to secure your business in the New Year. Go with a respected company like ACL that meets or beats your promised print deadline.
Digital Printing Services Fast Print Turnaround Benefits
Here are just a few of the benefits of a fast print turnaround for digital printing services in 2020:
Digital printing that is performed with a fast print turnaround is eco-friendly as it creates minimal waste since there is no need for printing plates or the amount of ink that is normally used by plates
Since digital printing doesn’t need plates, molds or screens, there is less prep time which speeds up the actual print process
Digital printing utilizes variable data printing to group materials containing different info, such as prices on different pages, to print the materials as one large print project without the need for new graphics for the different info
Digital printing can produce flyers, banners, posters, brochures and more without a change in the speed of its fast delivery capabilities
Large Format Printing Produces Quality Results
Large format printing handles print materials that are too large for printing on readily available commercial printing press sizes. Large format printing using fast print turnaround means your proofs are quickly developed to be shared with others for their approval. In addition, you are able to print only the amount of materials you need as opposed to the “old days” of printing presses that were only able to produce large numbers of printed materials which often meant you had excess printed materials. Professional looking results from large format printing is easy to achieve with fast turnaround times that don’t impact the final quality of the product.
Interested in learning more about fast turnaround times for your print projects in the New Year? Contact our experienced team today!
Even if you have the most eye-catching design for your graphics, your dynamic images will not maintain their impact on consumers if the banner styles are all the same. Banners and signs for businesses of any size or category should include different print textures and styles as part of the marketing plan. The public will take notice of the various print textures used in creating banners and signs and they will want to examine the marketing message delivered by the multiple banner styles even further. Different textures and banner styles are important because the public is subject to so much visual stimulation that they can easily start to ignore or not acknowledge banners that all look the same/are created just alike. Use different textures to create interest and entice consumers to engage with the printed materials.
Textures and Styles that Create Eye-Catching Banners and Signs
Popular textures and styles for the creation of engaging banners and signs include:
Gradients allow an extra level of creativity thanks to the gradual blending of one color to another. Objects on the banner stand out and a new depth is added to the design for additional realism.
Soft-touch coating applications create a velvety, soft texture that draws the attention of the eyes.
A more rugged effect is produced by metallic sheens that are shiny and bold. A grit coating gives a coarse appearance. Sandpaper coatings provide a texture that is somewhat rough and edgy in its appearance.
Die-cutting gives print pieces unique cutouts for shapes and letters that draw attention to the substrate and nature of the piece.
Add depth of field by blurring the background image and then putting it behind the main elements so it drops out of focus for the consumer.
Print Textures that Add a Professional Touch
The printed materials of a company create a professional image in the minds of consumers. Print textures add an extra “something” to banners and signs and get the attention of customers. Different banner styles vary the way the marketing message is delivered to the public while still branding the business in the eyes and minds of consumers. While print textures might not be top of mind to companies working on a marketing strategy, the use of multiple banner styles can make all the difference in the success or failure of banners and signs that promote a business.
Learn more about the marketing power of texture and banner styles when you contact our experienced design team today.
Poster printing is a popular and versatile marketing method that brands your business and gets you noticed. A custom poster displayed indoors delivers the desired information to people attending an event or those that simply need some guidance once they arrive at a business or a school. Some poster printing Austin TX customers need to display a custom poster outdoors without the weather impacting the life of the poster. No worries! They can be laminated to protect them from the elements.
In general, the two types of poster printing include:
Digital Poster Printing – A print method that involves giving ink particles a charge and then directing the charge to a targeted place located on the cardstock or paper that is being used.
Lithographic Poster Printing – A print method that uses large steel plates spread with ink. This style is ideal for high-volume poster print runs because of its ability to print large areas of solid color in high quality.
Custom Poster Options
Custom poster printing offers a variety of options. Check out some of the most popular choices below:
High gloss poster printing provides Austin TX customers the widest possible range of eye-catching colors to make a lasting impression (although there is a chance of some glare in certain lighting)
Semi-gloss custom poster printing provides a wide range of color and PANTONE matching while reducing the amount of possible glare off the finished poster along with fewer fingerprint smudges
Matte poster printing produces an elegant, finished product. It has the least sheen after the poster is printed, which means the colors will “pop” off the poster
Crystal lamination is ideal for trade show displays since it is an extra heavy material with a textured surface that allows colors to show through without the worry of any glare from trade show lighting
Quality Poster Printing Austin, TX.
Quality poster printing produces results that gets the attention of the public while also creating increased interest in the event, services, or information the poster shares. Poster printing needs to be performed by an experienced design and production team that keeps the marketing goal of the poster in mind when designing and creating the finished product. Quality poster printing brands a business and makes the company or event top of mind to consumers that view the posters regularly.
Discover which type of poster printing is right for your business by contacting our experienced team today.
Outdoor signs are one of the main calling cards of your business. They should be eye-catching and entice customers to learn more about your business. The effectiveness of your outdoor signs often depends on the materials from which it is made AKA sign substrates. There are multiple choices when it comes to the materials available to produce custom outdoor business signs. We will discuss many of them in the next section, but it is important to decide where your outdoor signs will be displayed to determine the best sign substrates for producing your custom outdoor signs. Your outdoor signage might be yard signs, an awning, billboards, sandwich boards, or a traditional outdoor sign that hangs over the entrance of your business.
Outdoor Sign Substrates & Description
Here are some of the most popular sign substrates for outdoor signs:
Acrylic/Plexiglass – These sign materials are made from cast polymer which is a plastic often substituted for glass. The results are transparent and upscale in appearance, while also long-lasting.
Vinyl – A good option for custom outdoor business signs, vinyl can be calendared vinyl that resists abrasion on flat or gently curved surfaces or cast vinyl that is best for irregular surfaces.
PVC Foam – This rigid and smooth plastic, known as polyvinyl chloride, is ideal for outdoor use on menu boards and yard signs.
Wood – Medium density overlay plywood (MDO) is an outdoor sign option that features laminated wood-and-resin layers ideal for construction sites and real estate signs that handles all types of weather.
Custom Outdoor Business Signs Attract Attention
Custom outdoor business signs are designed to attract attention from consumers. They range from big, bold, and vibrant to smaller and more intimate outdoor signs. The variety of sign substrates available to create outdoor signs means the custom outdoor business signs can reflect the personality of your business while also being visually interesting to the point that customers want to learn more about the products and services you offer. Outdoor signs share your brand and, thanks to their strategic placement, increase the amount of foot traffic that enters your business daily.
Discover the signage material that best promotes your business by contacting our experienced outdoor signs design and installation team today
Sending a file to the printer that is not ready to print can cause a delay in starting the print project. It can also cost you extra money as the printer will need to make the necessary adjustments to the file to create a print-ready PDF. Are you worried because you’ve never created print-ready files before? No worries! Let us show you how to ensure all of the elements of the document are in their proper place with these easy to follow steps for creating a print-ready PDF!
InDesign
If you are using InDesign, go to File > Export. Name the file and then select the file destination. Before you press Save, be sure and change the format to Adobe PDF.
Illustrator
For Illustrator, select Go to File > Save As. Name your file and then select the file destination. Change the format to Adobe PDF and press Save.
Photoshop
The color mode must be CMYK. In addition, the resolution must be 300ppi and the layers must be flattened.
After the above steps are completed, go to File > Save As. Name the file and then select the file destination. Change the format to Photoshop PDF and press Save.
Setting Up Print Ready Files
Ready to set up a print ready file? Follow the tips below!
Bleeds
Bleeds are used to show any objects in the document that are intended to go all the way to the edge of the printed page. A standard bleed (125”) gives you some breathing room to make sure the printed piece is correctly cut down to size. Here is how to work with bleeds in different Adobe programs:
InDesign requires you to click the “More Options” button in the new file dialog box to display your bleed settings. Simply enter “Op9 or .125”. Once the document opens, the bleed will be a red box that surrounds the page area. The object you want to bleed needs to extend all the way to the red box as opposed to the edge of the page.
Illustrator uses the same setup steps like the ones listed above for InDesign.
Photoshop does not have bleed settings in the program when you are creating a new document. It is possible to create a bleed by adding the bleed size to the document size. In other words, add .25” to the width and height to make sure you have an extra .125” on each side.
CMYK Color
Your document should be created using CMYK for the most accurate color available. Most images use RGB color to look brighter than their actual appearance after being printed. Simply use Photoshop to change your images from RGB to CMYK quickly and efficiently.
Open the file and click Image > Mode > CMYK color to convert the color values and also make the image more printer-friendly.
Image Resolution
Make sure you are using high-resolution images to create a printed piece. Higher resolutions mean the image will look sharper. In general, the ideal image resolution is 300dpi.
Need to check or change the image resolution? Open the image in Photoshop and then click Image > Image Size. A dialogue box will appear that lets you know the size of the image. Please note that changing the resolution of the image also changes the size of the image.
Saving Your Print Projects In These Popular Design Programs
Now that you’ve set up your print-ready files, as well as created the PDF, it’s time to save your changes.
InDesign – Open the dialogue box and select Adobe PDF Preset: Press Quality. If the document has a bleed, click on Marks and Bleeds and then check off Use Document Bleed Settings. Finally, “Click Export” to finish the task.
Illustrator – When the dialogue box appears, select Adobe PDF Preset: Press Quality. If the document is using a bleed, click on Marks and Bleeds and then enter a value of .125” on the top and bottom as well as the left and right. Click Save PDF
Photoshop – Once the dialogue box appears simply select Adobe PDF Preset: Press Quality and then click “Save PDF”.
Now that you’ve created a print-ready PDF, contact us about handling your next print project for you!
While outdoor business signs tell customers where you are located and welcome them into your business, indoor business signs are useful in branding your company to customers once they enter the building. Indoor signage spotlights products and promotions that you want consumers to notice and browse. Interior signs can also deliver information about your products and services that give customers a clear idea of what you offer as well as how much your company values their business. Indoor business signs create an inviting atmosphere that welcomes customers and makes them relaxed and more open to making a purchase. Indoor signage can also extend to your employees as interior signs located in your lobby, conference room or break area can share and promote your company culture.
What Are Some Popular Types Of Indoor Signage?
Here are some of the most popular types of indoor signage:
Wall murals can be a piece of art and inspire employees by sharing your company values and culture in its design. They can help your office be relaxed or boost creativity and morale among employees.
Wall graphics spotlight your products and services as well as direct customers to areas of the store where you want to drive traffic when they enter the building.
Dimensional letters and logos are made of various materials including acrylic, wood, PVC or metal. They can boost creativity or they can simply be used to generate ideas and start brainstorming sessions.
Architectural displays share information in an eye-catching visual manner about your business goals and company culture.
Mounted acrylic prints can be installed on walls and doorways to share information about past accomplishments and what you can do for the future success of clients.
Why Interior Signs Are Important For Your Brand
Interior signs are a creative and visually appealing extension of your company brand. By including such information as your logo, company slogan, and product or service info, you brand your business each time a customer sees and/or reads your indoor business signs. These signs also create a level of trust between consumers and your company as indoor signage makes customers remember you and also keeps your company top of mind among consumers. Interior signs create a memorable first impression and assure customers that you care about their needs and will deliver the desired products or services to them. Interior signs differentiate you from other businesses and make you a trusted consumer choice to those viewing the signs.
Put the branding power of indoor signs to work for you by contacting our experienced design and installation team today.
A trade show is a perfect opportunity to showcase your services. A trade show is also a highly competitive situation where hundreds of businesses and vendors are competing to capture the attention of the same audience. Trade show displays help you stand out in a sea of competition thanks to high-quality trade show graphics.
Five of the most popular trade show displays include:
Hanging structures that get you noticed from a distance
Hop-Ups which are displays with lightweight aluminum frames and colorful graphics that are also collapsible for easy storage
Table runners decorate the table and create a theme for your display
Outdoor displays get your message in front of trade show attendees before they even enter the trade show building
Retractable banner stands can be displayed in different areas of the event thanks to a mechanism that winds the banner around a roller in the base of the stand which allows it to easily be moved to other locations at the trade show
Trade Show Exhibits & Graphics That Steal The Show
Check out these trade show exhibits and trade show graphics that steal the show:
Pop-up displays are booths that are portable and have graphics on one or both sides of the display. These displays allow you to showcase high-quality graphics in a larger format than banners or table throws.
Truss trade show display systems contain graphic panels of various shapes and sizes that display custom graphics. Most truss display systems can display the graphics at 360 degrees so they can be viewed by everyone. Plus, the displays can be changed and reconfigured according to the specific needs of the trade show.
Trade show accessories enhance your brand with items such as table covers, replacement graphics that can change according to the show and brochures, flyers and handouts that consumers can take with them for further information.
How Trade Show Graphics Will Bring People To Your Booth
Trade show graphics are essentially a giant calling card for trade show attendees to stop by your booth. Trade show graphics display your branding message to those attending the show and share important information such as your name, social media platforms, and your slogan or tagline. These branding elements make your business top of mind to those in need of your products or services. Plus, they get attention thanks to high-quality images that attract attention and make those viewing the graphics want to learn more about your business.
Stand out with trade show graphics and displays that get attention when you contact our design team today.
No matter the company or charity holding an event, the main goal is to get people to attend and interact with the group holding the event. Signs filled with colorful and eye-catching visual graphics, created using wide format printing, get the attention of others and make them want to attend your event. Once they arrive at the event, large format printing helps people figure out what direction they need to go, and what activities and interesting items are waiting for them. In addition, event printing reinforces your brand message and markets your company or charity thanks to repeated exposure created using wide format printing.
What Types Of Events Benefit From Large Format Printing?
Large format printing benefits multiple events:
Community events such as blood drives use event printing services to raise awareness and interest the public in supporting the event.
Festival event signs are highly visible outdoor signs that can withstand all types of weather conditions. Wide-format printing also delivers information about event activities and attractions.
Private events market businesses through posters and special event item packaging as well as custom backdrops.
Pop-up events are popular as attendees realize they have a limited time to attend the event. Pop-up events utilize banners, posters, and point of sale materials to market the event.
Wedding event planning uses signs and graphics to add to the wedding decor while also directing guests to the locations they need to visit such as their seats or the reception area.
Campaign events ask people to donate to charities and educate consumers about the charity campaign.
Event Printing Solutions That Will Get Your Event Noticed
Event printing solutions are vital in getting an event noticed by the public. Planning and executing events doesn’t do any good if the public is not aware of the event. Wide format printing creates large signs that serve a variety of purposes.
They can promote the event, deliver information to those interested, and guide people in the direction the event planners want to lead them.
Large format printing can brand an event, or the company that is sponsoring the event, and make the event organizers and their products or services top of mind to the event attendees.
Use wide format printing to brand your event by contacting our experienced design team today.
