Design of the Month: October 2018

1. Name: Caitlyn Humphreys

2. Company Name: The Same

3. Website: Portfolio- chumfries.brushd.com
Store- hazya.etsy.com

4. Business Contact Email: chumfries@gmail.com

Design of the Month October 2018

5. Please give us a brief history of your business and some of the services you provide.
Hi! My name is Caitlyn Humphreys, and I work as a freelance animator and illustrator! I also own my own etsy store, where I sell enamel pins!

6. What was the inspiration for your design?
For my branding, I’ve been using concept art from my film, Brambles- it’s one of my favourite illustrations, and the colour scheme suits me quite well. It has a good ‘feeling’, I feel like the piece appeals to people, so they remember my card and are interested in picking it up when I’m at conventions.

7. We get many questions about our Spot UV. Would you like to share your opinion about the final result of the Spot UV?
I love Spot UV for creating depth in illustrations! The difference in colour between coated printing was on coated paper, so I wanted to try a variation that used Spot UV selectively.
Coated paper really makes darker colours pop, but I like how lighter colours are in uncoated paper, so Spot UV gives me the best of both worlds. I love how it turned out!
I’ve also used Spot UV a few times in other projects as well to create ‘invisible’ elements, that are present in Spot UV and not present in the actual printed design, and I love how interactive the experience of looking at the card becomes – it kind of feels a little more like a secret shared between the giver and receiver of the card. ๐Ÿ˜‰

8. What do you think of the Standard Coated 14pt Matte paper? Do you like the soft touch feeling?
I love it! The contrast between it and Spot UV is fantastic.

Design of the Month October 2018 Faraway

9. How did you choose Hologram Foiling over Silver?
I wanted silver, but I wanted it to have a little more pizazz! The different colours you can find in the foil makes it more fun for the person who has your business card, which encourages them to interact with it more!

10. What is your favorite part of your business card?
I love how the illustration turned out with the Spot UV

11. What made you choose MorningPrint?
Your huge range of options Many places only offer gold silver foiling, and you have an enourmouse variety of options, and each is very clearly laid out! It makes it easy to know what is achievable, and what you should plan for in your design. Also your turnaround is fantastic! Thank you for all your hard work.

12. How was your experience with MorningPrint? Would you recommend us to others?
Of course! I already have ๐Ÿ˜‰

Design of the Month October 2018 Cards

Inquiry: info@themorningprint.com

What You Need to Know: The Difference Between Raised Ink and Spot UV

Our custom center and phone calls tend to ask similar questions regarding Spot UV and Raised Ink. Many assume these two different techniques are the same thing, when the truth is, they are not.

What is Spot UV?
Spot UV is a glossy, transparent lamination that lies flat on the designated portions of your text or design.
Spot UV is created by applying a glossy clear coating . We use a UV light to dry the Spot UV instantly.

Can I have a raised Spot UV?
There is no raised Spot UV. Continue reading because you could be looking for Raised Ink.

Differences Between Raised Ink and Spot UV Red Spot UV

What is Raised Ink?
Raised Ink is a raised glossy transparent material which is placed over designated portions of text or design. Raised Ink can be clearly seen and felt.
Raised Ink is created by placing powder on designated portions of the design and text. The card with the powder then passes through a heater which causes the Raised Ink to turn into a transparent, glossy, raised gel.

Is your Raised Ink actually raised?
Yes it is.

Differences Between Raised Ink and Spot UV Raised Ink Colorful

Can I have colored Raised Ink or Spot UV?
Raised Ink and Spot UV are both transparent material. They do not bring color into your design or text. However, you can print your colorful design/text with ink with Raised Ink or Spot UV placed over the colorful design/text. The transparency of both Spot UV and Raised Ink will allow the printed color to shine through.

Can I have Raised Ink or Spot UV on both sides of my card?
Raised Ink can only be done on a single side of a card.
Spot UV is able to be placed on both sides of the card.

What paper choices do I have for Raised Ink or Spot UV?
Raised Ink is available on many paper choices, with the most commonly choices being Heavy Nouveau, Heavy Linen, Heavy Silky Matte, and Vintage Kraft.ย  All paper business card choices EXCLUDINGย for the following: All Coated Stocks, Cameleon, Yupo, Sumo Nouveau, Sandwich Cards.
Spot UV only comes on a single paper choice, Standard Coated 14pt Matte.

Differences Between Raised Ink and Spot UV Green Spot UV

Will Spot UV or Raised Ink crack or break?
No, our finishing options are durable and can withstand wear and tear.

Can I have both Spot UV and Raised Ink?
No, because they are not possible on the same papers.

How will Raised Ink or Spot UV affect the colors on my card?
Since both Raised Ink and Spot UV are transparent, you will be able to view the printed colors underneath the lamination. But, because both these finishing options are glossy, the colors could appear slightly darker because they will be more saturated compared to the rest of the card.

What is Raised Ink or Spot UV used for?
Most people use them on their texts. But Raised Ink and Spot UV can be used to create designs. They can also be used to draw attention to a design element, let’s say a red circle.

Differences Between Raised Ink and Spot UV Orange Raised

How do I tell you where to put the Raised Ink or Spot UV?
The short answer is: Through your design files. However, the instructions change slightly depending on which design method you are using on our website.

-If you choose ‘Customize Designs’ (our Self Design tool)
This method is for those who do not have design programs, or only part of their design completed (like just their logo).
Once you choose this method you will be sent to our online template. Simply fill in your text and arrange the layout to look the way you wish. Make sure to upload any picture using the ‘Image’ button right above the template. When you finish, continue following the instructions until you reach the Finishing Options page. Make sure to select specific finishing option you want: Spot UV or Raised Ink. In that same section you will be able to specify what should have Spot UV or Raised Ink.
If you are selecting Spot UV, you can also select Single or Double Sided.

-If you choose ‘Upload a Complete Design’ (for someone who has a completed design file)
You will be submitting two design files. One labelled “Printing file” and another labelled “Raised Ink file” or “Spot UV file”.
On the ‘Printing File’ you will be putting everything that you want to have ink printed (this includes all colors and black/gray). On the ‘Raised Ink file’ or ‘Spot UV file’ you will be showing in an all black design what you would like done in Raised Ink or Spot UV. Make sure that the Raised Ink or Spot UV files align with the Printing file.
*If you are going to do double sided Spot UV, then you will be submitting a total of 4 files.

Inquiry: info@themorningprint.com

Getting into Sticker Details

 

Stickers Matte Gold with Blue and Pink

Left to right: Uncoated Square Round Corner, Coated with Matte Gold Foiling, and Coated Rectangle Round Corner

Some time ago MorningPrint did an introductory article called Stickers which described each sticker we offer. It is a good introductory piece to all our sticker collection. If you have not read it, we recommend doing so before proceeding with this article.

Stickers Thank You

Left to right: Clear Circular with Glossy Gold Foiling, Uncoated Circular, Uncoated

 

What are the actual differences between Uncoated and Coated Stickers? What is the coating? Is there a shine?
-Both Uncoated and Coated stickers are made with the same kind of smooth paper. The only real difference between both of them is that one is coated, while the other is not. But this coating does lead to differing characteristics for each sticker, even though they are made with the same kind of paper.

-An Uncoated Sticker has no coating. It is a true matte sticker, without any shine or reflective qualities. Without any coating, there is also no protection against moisture, the weather or tearing. The original color of this sticker is a crisp, bright white, which makes any color pop. This sticker also has the ability to have very saturated colors.

-A Coated Stickerย is the made of the same type of paper as the uncoated sticker, except it also has a laminate coating. This laminate coating has a high shine while making the sticker tear resistant. The coating also gives it some protection against moisture and the weather. While it has the same bright white of the original paper, the coating will make any printed ink more saturated.

Stickers Cluster

Clockwise: Uncoated Square Round Corner, Uncoated, Coated with Matte Gold Foiling, Coated with Green Foiling

How large can the stickers be?
MorningPrint offers standard sizing from 2.36 x 1.96 inches to 3.54 x 5.90 inches. However if any of your designs are outside these standard sizing, then we can print those as well.

Stickers Pink Cluster

Clockwise: Coated with Matte Gold Foiling, Coated with Glossy Gold Foiling, Clear Circular, and Uncoated Circular

Is Foiling possible on stickers?ย 
Yes, Foiling is possible on most of our stickers. We are also able to do Oversized Foiling on our stickers. The sticker options which do not allow Foiling are Metal, Hologram and Vintage Kraft Stickers.
Not all of our Foiling colors are available to do on Stickers. The following Foiling colors are able to be added to our stickers:
Glossy Gold, Matte Gold, Glossy Silver, Matte Silver, Blue, Red, Green, Black, and Hologram
– Watch a video of Matte Gold Foil on a Coated Sticker
– Watch a video of Glossy Gold Foiling on a Clear Circular Sticker
– Watch a video of Glossy Silver Foiling on a Clear Sticker

Stickers Vintage Kraft

Left to right: Clear with Glossy Silver Foiling, Uncoated Circular, Coated and Vintage Kraft

Eco-friendly Stickers
MorningPrint offers a selection of environmentally friendly stickers. They each have their own characteristics.
Vintage Kraft Stickers is made with recycled paper, making it completely eco-friendly. By being made of recycled paper, Vintage Kraft Stickers have a natural light brown color.

Durable Stickers are made of Yupo, a synthetic paper, which makes it water proof and tear proof. Durable stickers are more of a creamy white coloring, and completely matte. To view the effects of water on a Durable Sticker, click here.

Stickers Blue and White

Left to right: Uncoated with Matte Gold Foiling, and Coated

Clear Stickers are completely clear, like our PET plastic business cards. Our stickers are made of pp material, which is an environmentally friendly plastic. These stickers are highly reflective. These stickers can also be placed facing a car window, but your design will need to be inverse.

Silver PET is made of a PET material, which is an environmentally friendly plastic. The Silver PET has a light gray coloring with a slight reflective quality.

-Gold PET is also made of a PET material, an environmentally friendly plastic. It is only
available with our custom shape sticker.

Stickers Red and Black Foiling

Left to right: Uncoated with Red Foiling and Uncoated Circular with Black Foiling

One of our most frequent inquiries is what kind of sticker has the best tolerance to the weather?
The answer really depends on what you want the sticker to be used for and what kind of resistance you are looking for

If your priority is the paper part of the sticker itself, you should consider our Durable Sticker. Since it is made of Yupo Paper, it is both tear proof and water proof. That means the ink will not run if it gets affected by water, ensuring a perfect design.
For example, if you want it to go onto products which will be around humidity and water, like a shampoo bottle, we recommend our Durable Sticker.
Here is a video of a durable sticker being placed under water.

If the sticker is meant to be a label on a package, then we recommend Strong Adhesive Sticker. It is extra strength glue. Keep in mind the actual paper of the sticker will be our Uncoated stock.

If you want to use the sticker as a sign and just want the most use, then aย good combination is Strong Adhesive Sticker and add the Coated Sticker glossy coating: The strongest glue with some protection against the elements.

What You Need to Know Stickers Gold Sticker

What is the Latest News on Stickers?
MorningPrint now offers Gold Stickers. However, it is only available with our Shaped Stickers. It will be one of the products listed that you can choose from. It is a PET sticker, meaning that it is also environmentally friendly.

New Product: Foil Edge Business Cards

With great pleasure we wish to announce our newest products, Foil Edge Business Cards. Available in colors Gold and Silver, Foil Edge Business Cards are by far, the most requested new product of this year. Two of the most important production details for this brand new product are the following:
1. Production of Foil Edge business cards is only 3-4 business days, not including delivery.
2. Most post processing options, such as embossing and foiling (on the front and back of the card) will not be possible on this product.ย However, punches and laser cutting will be possible

Foil Edge Gold and Silver

Foil Edge business cards are automatically processed using our Heavy Nouveau paper. Heavy Nouveau is a thicker business card with it’s natural paper texture and creamy white coloring. Now if you prefer a different type of paper to be used for your Foil Edge business cards, there are additional paper options ofย  Heavy Linen, Heavy Silky Matte and Heavy Star Dream. However, one must request these papers to be used in their order instead of Heavy Nouveau.

Since Heavy Nouveau is a little thicker, heavier and more rigid than a standard business card, it is able to reflect the Foil Edge better than other papers. The Foil Edge is even visible on an individual card.ย But, it is important to know that while the Foil Edge is visible on an individual card, it is not as apparent as when the cards are in a stack. The reason for this is not because of a lack of quality, it is because this is paper.

Foil Edge Individual Gold

Also, it should be known that Gold Foil Edge is more visible than the Silver Foil Edge. This is only because the Silver Foil Edge is close to the color of the paper, while Gold has a tendency to stand out a little more. This does not mean that Silver Edge Foil is nonexistent, it just means that depending on the light and the colors that is chosen to print on the cards, it can look as though the Silver Foil Edge blends with the paper a little more.

Videos of Foil Edge Business Cards:
Watch this video to see both Gold and Silver Foil Edge Business Cards in a stack
Watch this video to see Gold Foil Edge Business Cards
Watch this video to see Silver Foil Edge Business Cards

Foil Edge Individual Silver

Design of the Month: June 2018

Design of the Month June 2018 All 4

1. Name: Mandy Schmall

2. Company Name: agf creatives

3. Website: www.agfcreatives.com

4. Business Contact Email: mandy@agfcreatives.com

5. Please give us a brief history of your business and some of the services you provide.
agf creativesย is a re-brand and rejuvenation of my past graphic design business. For the past 7 years I was in director in the retail creative environment and last year I happily stepped away to start my own businesses. agf creatives focuses on branding design and creative consulting, specializing in bringing brands to life starting with the roots,ย the brand/identity, including logo, business cards andย brand guidelines to ensure a brand is consistent on all platforms. agf creative also offers brand strategy sessions and consulting on creative process work flow for companies.


Design fo the Month June 2018 Foil Close Up

6. A big trend we have been noticing this season is to have small business cards, for example 2×2 inch business card. The unique part of your business card, is while the whole card is our standard business card size, the main portion of the design is within a 2×2 space. This gives your card the practicality of the standard size business card and also the pop of a small business card. Can you talk to us more about that?
I maintained the standard business card size because although my work is rooted in design, myself and many of my clients/potential clients are industry leaders and appreciate the โ€œstandard cardโ€ size, for functionality and professionalism, especially on the consulting side. I like to convey to everyone that I meet that I am strong in designing, but I am very operational and professional in all my businesses. I am not the designer that takes a week to reply or asks a question already answered, I respond in 24-48 hours with articulate clear answers and next steps In whatever process we are in. The short answer is, I am a blend a creative and operational expertise and I designed a card I felt emulated that idea.

7. Since your design is within such a small space, you used smaller font. While we usually recommend larger font, smaller font is the topic of most of our design questions to customer service. Your font was executed so well, can you explain how you ensured legibility?
If I use small font, as I did, I ensure it is highly contrasted with the background. Black copy on white background or white copy on a deep colored background. I also take into consideration the font type, the cleaner the font (san serif/not a script) the easier it is to read in small point size. Kerning is an important element not to forget, I increase the spacing to ensure the small letters don’t jumble together when viewing from a distance.

Design of the Month June 2018 Front and Back

8. The Blind Press Embossing of your business cards came out looking exceptionally well with the raised effect on one side and the indented pattern on the back. We can feel that clients do not feel comfortable knowing how to incorporate the indent into their back design. They either avoid embossing or they ignore the effect the indent will have on their design. Do you have any advice for those wanting to do embossing?
I LOVE embossing, but yes, itโ€™s dangerous because it flips your logo when viewed from the back. If your logo can be mirrored, like a โ€œbdโ€ then I would totally incorporate it embossed by designing that as a key element, and letting the print support the embossing area. I design the front and back of the business card at the same time next to each other on my screen and I try to get them to work together, vs. being separate designs and embossing supports that the best. When I have an embossed area on the front I show it in light gray on the back and use it as an element to design from.

9. What were the reasons behind your choice of Heavy Nouveau paper?
Honestly I wanted to try this paper. I just designed my husbands cards and used another paper which I really like, so it was more of a comparison call.

Design of the Month June 2018 Close Up

10. What made you choose Glossy Gold Foiling over our Matte Gold Foiling?
I like shine, so that was an easy call for me, it supports the personality element of, me, in my card.

11. What made you choose MorningPrint?
I have used you to print many cards and recommend you to everyone. My experience is always great and you are wonderful to work with. I appreciate the shipping speed and the exceptional results I get with each card.

12. How was your experience with MorningPrint? Would you recommend us to others?
See above ๐Ÿ™‚

Small Business Spotlight: Kristin Wadsworth Designs

 

1.ย How did you decide to study interior design? And how long have you been an interior designer for?
For ten years, I worked in commercial real estate which had a large focus on design.ย  However, the hours and travel were demanding.ย  My husband, Mike, is a homebuilder and I had been helping his business with interior and exterior finishes on the side and always enjoyed it.ย  After our second child arrived in May 2017, I decided to pursue a career that I not only loved, but would offer more flexibility.

2. Can you walk us through the design process?
For ten years, I worked in commercial real estate which had a large focus on design.ย  However, the hours and travel were demanding.ย  My husband, Mike, is a homebuilder and I had been helping his business with interior and exterior finishes on the side and always enjoyed it.ย  After our second child arrived in May 2017, I decided to pursue a career that I not only loved, but would offer more flexibility.

Small Business Spotlight Kristin Wadsworth Kitchen

3. What is your favorite type of space to create for?
Hmm, thatโ€™s a tough one.ย  When designing a new construction or remodel, I love having influence over the kitchen and master bath.ย  I think these are both spaces that are most widely used and want to put careful thought into not only how the room looks, but also how it functions to make it as effective as possible for its homeowner.ย  ย Before making a room beautiful, it should be practical.

4. What type of material is your favorite to work with?
I love a good marble mosaic

Small Business Spotlight Kristin Wadsworth Bedding Details

5. Do you have a design philosophy? If so, what is it?
You shouldnโ€™t buy it if you donโ€™t love it.ย  People usually like something the most in the beginning, so if you do not love it then, you wonโ€™t later.

6. What is the hardest part of being an interior designer?
Understanding what the client wants โ€“ many people that use an interior designer know they need help, but their tastes can be all over the board and can waffle back on forth with their goals.

Small Business Spotlight Kristin Wadsworth Samples

7. Do your clients go shopping with you when looking for materials or furniture?
Yes, sometimes.

8.ย For those who want to become interior designers, what kind of experience do you think they should be trying to get?
I think first and foremost, you have to have a natural eye and love for it.ย  If they have that, then working with different builders will help to from a foundation for different materials and styles.

Small Business Spotlight Kristin Wadsworth Giraffe

9.ย Where do you see trends of interior design heading?
I think people are going to see less use of plain whites and grays and more use of color.

10.ย Many people have a hobby or project that they feel might turn into a good business, but they are uncertain of knowing when it would be a good time to take that big step. How did you decide you were ready to have your own interior design office rather than working for a larger company?
(I sort of answered this in #1). ย Stepping out on your own can mean an initial financial set-back.ย  I think itโ€™s important for that person to feel financially secure with the idea of taking a vast pay cut in order to invest in their business and skillset. For me, I was able to save from my corporate job and have a good โ€œnest eggโ€ to fall back on while I get my business off the ground.

Small Business Spotlight Kristin Wadsworth Chair Close Up

11.ย What type of advice would you give other designers who are just starting out?
Be patient.ย  Remember this is a referral-based business โ€“ create a customer who will create customers.

12.ย How long is a typical work day for you?
There really isnโ€™t a typical work day. My schedule revolves around my clientโ€™s needs and they vary on a daily basis.ย  I spend about 50% of my time in the office, and 50% at site visits.

Small Business Spotlight Kristin Wadsworth Bed

13.ย How important is social media to your business?
Very important.ย  Future clients rely on visuals to understand my style and how I can help them โ€“ Instagram is a great tool for this.

14.ย What kinds of questions should homeowners be asking their perspective interior designers?
How much time (i.e. budget) does the designer anticipate for their project?ย  Does the designer share their trade discounts?

New Products: Hologram Paper and Hologram Plastic Business Cards

Announcing our newest products, Hologram Paper and Hologram Plastic Business Cards.

About Hologram Paper:
Hologram Paper is a creamy white paper with a hologram coating on both sides. The hologram has all the colors of the rainbow, just like our other hologram products, Hologram Plastic and Hologram Plus Plastic. However, compared to them, the hologram is much softer.

Hologram Photograph

The hologram will be especially noticeable against dark backgrounds and dark colors.
This paper is especially good at printing photographs, but keep in mind that these photographs will have hologram finish placed on top of them.

Hologram Dark Background

At 14pt, which is the standard thickness of a business card, however Hologram Paper feels a little thicker in your hand due to it’s hologram coating. The coating also ensures that it will be durable and not easily torn.
To view the hologram on our paper business cards, click here

About Hologram Plastic:
Like our other plastic business cards, Hologram Plastic is made of PET plastic, which is a recyclable plastic. It is quite thin, being the same thinness as the plastic of a water bottle.
This plastic is made with a sharp, gridlock pattern of hologram on both sides of the plastic. The hologram pattern is similar to the pattern of our Hologram Plus Plastic.

Hologram Plastic

Instead of having a white rectangle, like what is found on Hologram Plus Plastic, the Hologram Plastic has custom white ink. The custom white ink can be placed wherever it is necessary in the design. However, it is important to note that the hologram is quite strong and can show slightly through the white ink.

Die Cuts: A Custom Shaped Business Card

MorningPrint offers 58 shapes, under our 58 Standard Die Cuts. Die Cuts require a total of 4-5 business days for processing, not counting delivery. No set up fee will be necessary for any of our Die Cuts.

Die Cuts Circles

Shape 07 with Spot UV, Shape 07 with Blind Press Embossing, Shape 06, and Shape 07 with Spot UV

All Die Cuts are automatically printed onย Standard Coated 14pt Matte and as such will have the same finishing options as theย Standard Coated 14pt Matte business card. That includes the following:
Foiling
Embossing
Spot UV
Laser Cutting
Punching
Die Cuts can be done on another paper, such as Nouveau and Vintage Kraft,ย but you must consult our printing team prior to making an order.

Die Cuts Round Corner

Left to Right: Shape 05 and Shape 22

Some of our most popular shapes are the following:
-Shape 06 and Shape 07: Circle; one of our most popular options from our Die Cut Shapes.
-Shape 08: Tag; one of the most versatile die cuts, this shape has been used as a price tag, an advertising tag and as a luggage tag for destination weddings.
-Shape 12: Camera; mainly ordered by photographers
-Shape 41: House; one of the top choices among realtors
-Shape 42-:Comb; a popular choice for hair stylists. Especially if all business cards must be kept on the same front desk, the comb will stand out from the other business cards

Die Cuts Tags

Shape 08

How to Order:
For those who have a designer or have a professional skill level on Photoshop/Illustrator, there is an option to download Die Cut templates in order to create a design. If you do not have that skill level or a designer, there is the option to work off the template under the Customize Designs option on the page.

Die Cuts Comb

Shape 42 with Spot UV

For Customized Die Cuts:
Any customized shapes must be sent in to our customer service representative for any questions and pricing. The design files including the trim and bleed lines must be submitted with the inquiry. Custom Die Cuts include even slightly altered versions of our 58 Standard Shapes. The plates to create our Standard Shape Die Cuts are already created, therefore any slight alteration will require a new plate.