Silver and Gold Business Cards

1. What is Gold Plastic and Silver Plastic?
Gold Plastic is a solid metallic gold plastic in a business card size of 3.39×2.12 inches. The Gold Plastic has a strong coloring similar to a shade known as old gold. Silver Plastic is a solid metallic silver plastic in a business card size of 3.30×2.12 inches. Silver Plastic has more of a silver gray color. Both Silver and Gold plastic automatically have round corners.

Gold and Plastic Promo

2. What type of plastic is the Gold and Silver Plastic?
Both the Gold and Silver Plastics are made of an environmentally friendly material, known as PET. The PET material makes them ultra thin, waterproof, bendable and difficult to break. However, since they are made of PET plastic, these cards are prone to scratching. Scratches on Silver Plastic tend to be more visible than the scratches on Gold Plastic so they will need extra care.
Cleaning these business cards is easy. Simply use a soft fabric to remove any extra fingerprints which show up.

Gold and Plastic Dance Promo

3. How reflective are the Silver and Gold Plastic?
Both plastics look metallic. However, the Silver Plastic is the most reflective. It has enough shine to be used as a mirror. The Gold Plastic has a soft glow/shine. It is no where near as brilliant as the Silver Plastic.

Gold and Plastic Silver Promo

4. What type of design styles work well on Gold and Silver?
In general, simple and large designs work best on both the Gold and Silver plastic. Their natural coloring is so bold that simpler designs complement the color without overwhelming the cards.

Gold and Plastic Family Promo
The type of styles which go best with the Gold Plastic are geometric, or text based designs, where the color is the central focus. Simplistic and angular designs allow the boldness of the card to stand out without creating an overwhelming effect. A complex design looks best when it is not filled in.

Gold and Plastic Silver Family Promo
The styles which go best with Silver Plastic are modern, edgy, tech-y, and high end. A design concept we usually see with the Silver Plastic is to print a background color, and have the text shine through in the original Silver.

5. What colors look best on them?
Both plastics have strong coloring, and the final printing of colors will be altered. Black is the best color to use on both the Gold and Silver Plastics.

Gold and Plastic Complex Design Promo
It would do well to keep in mind that bright greens and reds print well on the Gold Plastic.

Gold and Plastic Orange Silver Promo
Silver is able to print colors better than Gold. Blue tends to create an edgier and more modern look on the Silver Plastic. Orange and red also print well, but they do not come up often in designs.

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 Sticker 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? 
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 a 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. 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 of  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. 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 creatives 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, the brand/identity, including logo, business cards and 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 “standard card” 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, it’s dangerous because it flips your logo when viewed from the back. If your logo can be mirrored, like a “bd” 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 🙂

Small Business Spotlight: Kristin Wadsworth Designs

 

1. 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.  However, the hours and travel were demanding.  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.  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.  However, the hours and travel were demanding.  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.  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, that’s a tough one.  When designing a new construction or remodel, I love having influence over the kitchen and master bath.  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.   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 shouldn’t buy it if you don’t love it.  People usually like something the most in the beginning, so if you do not love it then, you won’t later.

6. What is the hardest part of being an interior designer?
Understanding what the client wants – 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. 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.  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. 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. 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).  Stepping out on your own can mean an initial financial set-back.  I think it’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 “nest egg” to fall back on while I get my business off the ground.

Small Business Spotlight Kristin Wadsworth Chair Close Up

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

12. How long is a typical work day for you?
There really isn’t a typical work day. My schedule revolves around my client’s needs and they vary on a daily basis.  I spend about 50% of my time in the office, and 50% at site visits.

Small Business Spotlight Kristin Wadsworth Bed

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

14. 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?  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 on Standard Coated 14pt Matte and as such will have the same finishing options as the 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, 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.

Design of the Month: May 2018

  1. Name: Natalie Forder
  2. Company Name: Lost Kiwi Designs
  3. Website: www.lostkiwidesigns.com
  4. Business Contact Email: natalie@lostkiwidesigns.comDesign of the Month May 2018 All
  5. Please give a brief history of your business and some of the services you provide.
    I am a young, but vibrant business with roots in Graphic Design. I started a jewelry label as an extension of my business and have never looked back! I still offer graphic design solutions for startups but have found my passion in the creation of truly unique accessories inspired by tranquility, minimalism and living the slow life.
  6. After looking at your cards, it is clear you incorporated your branding into your card. Can you discuss your branding between all the cards?
    My whole branding really comes together in a vibrant display mimicking the rainbows of colours one can expect from my shop. I made the watercolour myself to create the textures and offset it with the clean, fine lines of the gold foiling for a fresh and modern look.Design of the Month May 2018 Back
  7. Why did you choose this specific size, European size, for the business card?
    When it came to sizing, I went with the size that is most popular in Australia. It just so happens that the size is large and able to fit a great amount of detail on, offering a perfect canvas to work with.
  8. The kiwi logo is so charming. How did you come up with the design of a geometric bird?
    My little origami kiwi is a fusion design piece bringing two worlds together that inform my creations. It is a cute expression of myself as a kiwi and the Japanese influences from my travels that influence my growth as an accessories artist.Design of the Month May 2018
  9. What is the backstory behind your business’ name, ‘Lost Kiwi Designs’?
    I am a New Zealander at heart but have found life to be full of crazy adventures that have driven me to where I am today. I have always embraced getting lost and have found it a constant theme in a lot of my creative processes.I take all my inspiration from my adventures and enjoy supporting artists wherever I may get lost.
  10. Why did you choose Glossy Gold Foiling?
    This was a hard decision. I ended up with glossy gold foiling after picking up on some themes in my shop. I have quite a few gold pieces in my shop and find the colour stands out beautifully.Design of the Month May 2018 Front
  11. What was the reason behind choosing our Nouveau?
    I have always loved paper as you an see by some of my paper jewelry. I wanted a luxury uncoated paper that woudl represent the vivid colours of my design but is soft to the touch. Nouveau is just a joy to hold.
  12. You have several different cards and also stickers made with us. What are the uses for those different products?
    My product packaging is essentially a double sided business card! It saves on costs for my small business but doesn’t sacrifice quality. I got a bit creative and also created triangular cards that fit two on a business card, then I just cut them down. The stickers are used on my bags as well as sealing shipped products. It just strengthens the brand nicely and makes me that much more proud of my product.Design of the Month May 2018 Close Up
  13. What made you choose MorningPrint?
    I used to have a domestic printer, but their customer service and turnaround were shocking! I moved to getting my works printed in Europe as they offered the convenience, customer service and fast shipping but ultimately I had very little options for my designs through them. I found MorningPrint before my Christmas rush and absolutely love everything you offer and the options my designs now have.
  14. How was your experience with MorningPrint? Would you recommend us to others?
    I have already sent all the people that come my way for printing to you. I am ahead of the ball on that one!