CMYK versus Spot Color

Knowing how a file is produced helps you decide how it ultimately has to be printed. Knowing and understanding the difference between CMYK files and two-color files is important.

Recently, we had a print job come up with this difference.  Heather Hunt, project estimator at Executive Press, came to our rescue.

"While there are many advantages to both of the processes, the biggest difference is in the final color,"Heather explained. "While CMYK uses multiple colors to achieve the finished result, many times it is not an exact match," she said.

In a nutshell, CMYK uses a combination of cyan, magenta, yellow and black to make up the final design colors.  Two-color or duotone process uses one color (usually a customized ink color) and black to match the main color exactly.

"Many times we will encourage our customers to go with the duotone option," Heather continued. "It is lower cost, both initially and in the long run, and it is easier to set up and the inks usually match exactly.  However, photos and other detailed features usually suffer," Heather said.

Having a printing partner who knows the difference in how a file is produced and being able to print that file is critical.  Executive Press has the capability to understand and counsel with their clients on what to choose and which direction to go.

For more information, contact Executive Press at 214-217-7000.

The Executive Pressman

Choosing Paper

Choosing the right paper makes all the difference in the world when it comes to the appearance and acceptance of your printed piece.

"Consider that the touch and feel of your brochure is a first impression just as much as the color and size of the item," Jennifer Beaty said. Jennifer is a principal in the Executive Press.

"When it comes to paper, we consider the choice as much as we do the ink color and design," Jennifer continued. "If we've done the design, then we've chosen the paper based upon how it fits the rest of the design. If we aren't the designers, then we work closely with the outside designer to ensure the finished product looks and feels the way they envisioned it would be," she said.

Based in Richardson, Texas, Executive Press is a leading provider of printing and printeing related services, mailing and distribution services.

When choosing paper, consider some if not all of teh following:

• Weight.
• Color.
• Surface finish.
• Texture.
• Adaptability to ink.
• Final use.

Papers come in many weights, usually measure in pounds (lb). A 100 lb stock is heavier than a 50 lb stock, for example. The weight is based upon the weight of a specific number of pages of a certain size.

Color is usually white. Ink will be used to change the look of the paper based upon the final design. Colored papers are usually used in office situations and not in custom printing jobs.

Coated, uncoated, coated one side are all considerations for the surface of the piece. Will you be writing on it? Will it have to be folded?

Some coated stocks are resistant to certain inks and some specialty inks dry from the top down to the paper and some from the paper up.

Will teh final piece be a brochure or a mailer? Will it be kept in a file or used daily?

Lots of considerations, so consult a professional. For more information, contact Jennifer or any member of her team at Executive Press at 214-217-7000.

The Executive Pressman

The Elements of Direct-Mail Marketing

When it comes to direct-mail marketing, there are several things to think about as you put together a successful program:

• What is your offer?
• Do you have a targeted list?
• What does your package look like? Is it appealing?
• Have you tested it?

Unless you know what your specific offer is, don't create a mail piece. Example offers include: half price, buy one get one free or 50% off. The more specific you can be, the more return you will get.

The more you know about your list and the more accurate and up to date it is, the more return and response you will get.

Consider the shape and size of your package or piece with reference to US Mail regulations as well as memorability. Color, shape, size are all important. Think "will this get past the executive's secretary?"

Trying things out in advance of the actual mailing is key to success. Just like a car test drive, if you can send a sample to 5 or 10 test subjects and record their responses, you can be assured that the item will work.

For more information about successful direct-mail campaigns, call Jennifer Beaty at Executive Press, 214-217-7000. Or check out this story on Answers.com, which was the inspiration for this post.

The Executive Pressman