Search Results

Floor decals are adhesive graphics, pressed on a floor surface, used for advertisement purposes across different industries. They are thin and slip resistant, making them durable for foot traffic. Floor decals offer a creative way to get marketers' messages across. Since they stand out and are eye-catching, they can create connections between the customers and the company. The design capabilities are limitless along with the different advertising functions. Continue reading to learn about the benefits of floor decals and how you can implement them into your marketing strategy! Grab Attention In order for an advertisement to be successful, it must attract customers. A creative way to grab people’s attention is through floor graphics. They can promote anything from a special sale to contact information of a business. Floor decals can boost sales by increasing the customer experience! Other advertising collateral can be too flashy or lengthy, which leads to customers overlooking them. Floor graphics are placed in unexpected locations which makes them stand out. Incorporate bold colors and font into the graphics that encompass your brand. They can be cut into any sign or shape, to create an endless amount of designs. Place the floor decals where customers linger the most, such as checkout lines, near elevators, or lobbies. Additionally, floor graphics can be unique by adding a funny message or creating an optical illusion. Provides Direction If a company needs to direct clients to specific destinations, then directional floor decals are the perfect solution! Especially in a retail business, customers want to find what they are looking for as soon as possible. To avoid customers feeling lost and wandering around, businesses often place floor graphics to provide direction to restrooms, checkout lines, help desks, and specific products. Floor decals can also keep customers moving and distancing themselves in busy stores to avoid large crowds gathering. Aside from retail stores, offices or large headquarter buildings, may need floor signage to direct visitors or new employees. If a building is large, with several entrances and exits, incorporating multiple floor graphics into the space is vital. Directional floor signage is essential in creating a positive experience, so guests can easily find what they are looking for. Save Space Traditional signage such as posters, wall decals, banners, and backdrops can be large and take up valuable wall space that you may not have. These types of signage can get in the way and obstruct floor traffic. To avoid these issues, place floor graphics to optimize the space. Floor decals can be placed in the middle of entryways and by checkoutlines, to grab attention, while not getting in the way of the client. Floor signage is effective in the way it can attract customers and utilize space! Cost Effective Other advertising collateral can be pricey due to printing costs and delivery. Since floor decals require no maintenance and can be installed on your own, this eliminates fees and can save money! Temporary floor graphics are inexpensive, and can be used to advertise events or special sales. Other floor graphics can be applied on more permanent applications, which makes them long-lasting, without going over a budget. The price of a floor decal depends on the size, design, material, text, and the quantity of decals your business needs. Floor decals offer many benefits most do not think of! They are durable, slip resistant, and can be placed on any hard floor surface. They offer a creative way to share a message and can incorporate a company’s branding. Since they are placed in the most prominent areas of a building, they can attract attention and provide directions to essential locations. Additionally, since floor graphics are flat and placed on the floor, they take up no space. This allows for wall space to be used for other signage. Floor decals are also easy to install which eliminates fees, making them a cost effective advertising solution. Floor decals can engage customers, increase connections, and boost profitability, while saving money! Written by Omega High Impact Print Solutions’ Digital Marketing Intern, Noelle Reinhardt

Branding is an integral aspect of a company and encompasses the design, identity, and vision. It allows for a company to stand out amongst competition, so customers can identify the brand. In order for a company to be eye-catching, the logo and designs need to encapsulate the brand. The right color palette establishes a distinct identity and adds versatility. Color choices add a visual connection from the business to the customers. The correct colors can be aesthetic, but also connect to consumers on a psychological level. Depending on the company and what industry they are in, they will want to implement a specific color palette to elicit specific behaviors. Below are different brand colors and the psychological meaning behind them. Red A very popular color for branding, red symbolizes passion, anger, and excitement. Perfect for a younger company with a loud and playful identity. Common associations with red include: warmth, love, romance, comfort, and energy. Yellow Encompassing friendliness and cheer, yellow is a warm color to embrace happy emotions. This color is ideal for companies who wish to draw in customers with comfort, warm embraces, and a youthful energy. Common associations with yellow include: happiness, positivity, affordability, friendly, and youthful. Orange A mix of red and yellow, orange is a more energetic version. It creates a more active emotion while using yellow’s mellow tones. Orange is a good choice for companies who want to spike vitality and happiness in their customers. Perfect for traveling companies who wish to inspire their young, traveling patrons. Orange can be aggressive and promote call-to-actions, but also use a friendliness approach. Common associations with orange include: energy, excitement, playfulness, and prosperity. Purple Sophistication and royalty, purple is the color to use to exude this luxury energy. Purple is a good choice for brands who wish to display creativity and showcase a soothing identity. Most cosmetic companies and high-end retailers use purple in their logo and design. On the other hand, deeper purples are designed for practical and broader businesses. Common associations with purple include: luxury, authenticity, truthfulness, and introspection. Green Green is a more restful color because it doesn’t force the eye to make adjustments. It evokes a sense of balance and calm as it connects to nature. With that being said, most sustainable and eco-friendly companies will use green in their logo. Green displays a fresh perspective and security, making the user relax their mind. Since green is more calming, it is not meant for brands trying to portray an energetic statement. Common associations with green include: fertility, nature, wealth, tranquility, and harmony. Blue Similar to green, blue also inspires a sense of calm, awareness, and feelings of trust. A lighter blue is a great color choice for healthcare companies who want to promote calmness and healing. A deeper blue is perfect for corporate brands who wish to be known for their professionalism and confidence. On the contrary, overusing blue can make a brand seem detached and cold. Common associations with blue include: loyalty, sophistication, wisdom, mystery, and respectability. Brown A more serious color, brown can inspire honesty and sincerity. It is a softer color than black and connects to natural tones and remains more grounded. The color brown is perfect for companies who are known for their support and reliability. It can also connect to nature and Earth, which elicits a more warm feeling. Common associations with brown include: security, friendship, seriousness, confidence, and nature. Black A powerful color in branding, black can offer a symbol of professionalism. It can elicit feelings of luxury, elegance, substance, and power. Companies who use black in their branding want to convey a powerful statement, and ensure authority and respect. Common associations with black include: intelligence, glamor, moderness, luxury, and power. While there are many aspects of a company’s branding, the color palette remains one of the most integral. Not only are colors visually appealing and aesthetic, but they also evoke certain emotions. Certain businesses in different industries will use specific colors to inspire feelings, promote their values and mission, and encapsulate their promise. The psychology behind colors are scientifically proven, which is why companies use customized color palettes! Written by Omega High Impact Print Solutions’ Marketing Intern, Noelle Reinhardt

Printing companies provide services and solutions of varying levels, depending on the specs of the job at hand. These jobs could range from a marketing campaign, to large signage, direct mail, or promotional products. The expectations of a project vary from one to the next. Oftentimes, different jobs demand a mix of machines, substrates, paper stocks, inks, etc. All of this equipment is what makes printing possible! Whatever the case may be, Omega High Impact Print Solutions is equipped with a diverse fleet of machinery to complete any job thrown our way. Offset Printing Equipment One of the most popular commercial printing methods, offset lithography, is when an inked image on a plate is printed on a rubber cylinder then transferred to paper. It is called “offset” since the image does not go directly on the paper or material, but rather transferred to another surface. This technique produces high quality, color rich images with fine details and sharp typefaces. Offset is best used for larger jobs as it costs less per piece. Heidelberg The main offset printer Omega uses is the Heidelberg CD 74 5-color Printing Press. This state-of-the-art, technologically savvy machine obtains a tower coater and is computer controlled. It is fast, reliable, and produces professional print quality. It can print up to 18,000 sheets per hour and is a cost effective method. Digital Printing Equipment Digital printing is another method of printing that transfers digitally-based images directly to a variety of media substrates. Since this is completed digitally, there is no need for printing plates. Digital printing can be customized, and if there is an error, the file can be easily modified. This technique is best used for smaller print runs, for a lower cost per unit. Below are the main digital equipment Omega uses. Vutek One of the main digital printers Omega operates in house is the Vutek H5 120” Digital LED Press. This machine can print roll to roll on substrates up to two inches thick. This machine is built for large format jobs such as posters and banners. A highly productive machine, it can print up to nine layers in a single pass and can print 109 boards in an hour. Since the Vutek can print speciality media, projects are high-quality with detailed text. KM-1 The AccurioJet KM-1 digital printer is a full color sheet fed LED UV InkJet press. The KM-1 has the capability to produce Variable data printing (VDP), which allows for the personalization of each printed piece in a single run. VDP can be incorporated in campaigns, to customize elements such as names. This digital printer completes professional pieces in a fast turnaround time. Images are high quality and efficiently printed. Zund While not a printer, the Zund High Performance G3 3-XL1600 Digital Router/Cutter is the large format cutter Omega uses in house. A high performing and precise cutter, the Zund is flexible and efficient. This user-friendly digital cutter can produce small and large runs. Due to its modular design, it only requires a few, quick steps to operate. Jobs are consistently cut at the highest quality due to the precision of the blades. It remains a staple in our facility! Finishing and Bindery Equipment The last stages of completing a project are finishing and bindery, where jobs are handled post printing. Bindery includes the process of binding or fastening individual sheets together. Different bounds include saddle stitch, sewn, comb or spiral. Finishing involves additional decorative touches to finalize the project, such as stamping, embossing, or laminating. Below are a few bindery and finishing machines Omega operates in house. Laminating Machine There are many finishing equipment Omega operates in house to ensure the finalized project is completed. One of the most popular machines we use is the Seal 65 Pro MD Laminator. Like the name says, this machine laminates large and small print collateral in our facility. It operates on precise rollers to ensure smooth, wrinkle-free graphics. It can run 15 feet per minute, making it fast and time efficient. Shrink Wrapper Shrink wrapping is essential for applying a film over packages, prior to shipping, to ensure protection of the products. The machine Omega High Impact Print Solutions uses is the Opti 4500 Hi Speed Automated Shrink Wrap System. This includes an automatic feeding system, error detection, and a fast tunnel speed. We use the shrink wrapper for a wide variety of print collateral projects. These different printing machines are, in part, what makes Omega’s operations possible. Although not all are mentioned here, every piece of equipment we have, holds a purpose. For a full look at our production fleet, head over to our home page & click the capabilities tab! Interested in learning more? Click here to contact us, today! Written by Omega High Impact Print Solutions’ Digital Marketing Intern, Noelle Reinhardt

In today’s digitally dominating world, some believe print is unnecessary. However, print remains a vital asset to many businesses' marketing practices. It is a resourceful method to promote products and services. The correct print collateral and strategic implementation can result in more brand awareness and an increase in sales. The power of print can become a beneficial necessity for businesses across all industries. Read below to learn the benefits of print marketing! High Response Rate The physical elements of print allow for a higher response rate amongst consumers. According to Cascade Print Media , print marketing has a 37% higher response rate than email marketing. It is proven that advertisers receive a higher return when using print! Print Is Tangible and Can Be Saved Since print materials are tangible objects, individuals are more likely to save and hold on to them. It allows customers to refer back to them and remember the company, products or services. This is why it is important for marketers to create the best print collateral and make them memorable. If the print is eye-catching and the brand stands out, then there is a much higher chance consumers will reach out at a later date. Objects that people can touch or hold plays a psychological role in consumer decision making. This is good information when your business is deciding to use digital or print materials for a campaign. No Technological Disruptions Online ads such as pop-up links or banner ads can be disruptive and irritating for a user. Oftentimes, users will become aggravated and click out of the ad immediately. In other cases, users will enable ad-blockers. The great thing about print materials is that technical difficulties don’t exist! Prospects can have all of the vital information at the fingertips— no loading issues or disruptions. Print Stands Out Whether a company is attending a tradeshow or event, or wants their business to stand out, print marketing can do just that! Printed materials are more prominent, while digital ads blend in and can result in clutter. Handing out tangible materials, such as brochures and business cards at events can leave a lasting positive impression on a prospect. Relationships can be created between customers and a business and lead to a higher retention rate. Print Helps Reach Target Markets Direct mail marketing can target local geographies or demographics that match your target market. Placing ads in newspapers, magazines, or circulars can also help reach a target market, whether it be a niche market or the general public. It is essential to know the demographics of your target market in order to correctly place ads in the future. Leveraging data allows a business to place their brand in the right place at the right time. The benefits of print marketing outweigh any drawbacks. Print remains a vital advertising method that makes brands stand out. The right collateral and placement can lead to higher awareness, sales, and positive relationships with consumers. A higher response rate, tangibility, lack of technical issues, a brighter company spotlight, and finding a target market are only a few benefits of print marketing. Implementing print marketing into a business strategy is a resourceful approach to enter. Written by Omega High Impact Print Solutions’ Marketing Intern, Noelle Reinhardt

A printing company can print on hundreds of thousands sheets of paper in a given day, depending on how many jobs need to be produced. Errors, scraps, and test runs can lead to excess waste. Extra ink, toners, and cartridges also accumulate waste. Not to mention, paper accounts for 12,500 tons of waste in the United States alone. Paper is often thrown out or recycled and ends up in the landfill. Despite this, the printing manufacturing industry does everything possible to diminish extra waste and are in the process of becoming sustainable. It’s important for companies to identify what materials and goods are being purchased, used, and discarded. Industries need to develop a strategy to eliminate, reduce, reuse, and recycle materials. Waste prevention benefits the environment, society, and the company’s finances. The advantages are long lasting, including being seen as a socially respected company in the public. Below are different ways the printing industry is reducing waste. Recycling One of the best methods for reducing waste is to recycle! A proven way to easily recycle materials is to choose paper or stock that contains recycled content. White paper is valued highly for the recycling collection due to its plain elements. The printing industry should try to avoid fluorescent and goldenrod paper since the materials do not easily break down. Instead, the use of fiber paper is a more sustainable alternative that has the ability to be recycled. Printing companies are trying to avoid plastic covers and bindings due to the difficulty of recycling plastic. Waste Prevention Sometimes waste is inevitable, which is why preventing waste from the start is a valuable strategy! Book printing companies can implement changes into their manufacturing to prevent waste. For example, they can begin each chapter of a book on the page that immediately follows the previous chapter. Also, they can avoid keeping excess blank pages in books and print double-sided if possible. Printing companies should pay attention to page layouts, such as putting more words on pages to prevent waste. It’s imperative that printing businesses only order materials that they need at the time. Many companies are persuaded by volume discounts and will purchase surplus materials to receive the discount. The printing industry needs to anticipate corrections and changes, to avoid over-purchasing or under-purchasing. Other methods to prevent waste is by using vegetable-based ink, which can prevent air and water pollution. Printing companies that have been attempting to reduce waste avoid using astrobright and goldenrod material. A list of alternative materials include fibers such as kenaf, cereal straw, and sugar beet pulp. Internal and External Outreach A method for any business to remain transparent about their operations is to keep their team members involved and informed. The best way to do this is to provide regular updates about their waste management strategy. That way employees can retain a better understanding about what they can do to help. Companies can send out updates and waste information through digital newsletters, email blasts, and events. A proven method for employees to learn about the company’s operations is through workshops. These hands-on meetings can keep employees informed, while having fun. It is also essential that printing companies effectively train new hires and existing workers. The team should know the proper techniques to prevent waste. Not only can a printing company inform their workers about their waste management efforts, but they can inform the public as well. This information can be distributed through press releases and environmental publications. The printing industry should join the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WasteWise program. This free program is offered to a range of industries that helps meet goals to reduce and recycle waste. Creating customized jobs for clients can result in excess waste. Ultimately, businesses are doing what they can to reduce waste and become more sustainable. Methods for achieving this is through recycling, waste prevention, and different outreach initiatives. A company that is putting in efforts and practices to reduce waste, have high regards for morals and ethics and will be seen as such by society. Written by Omega High Impact Print Solutions’ Marketing Intern, Noelle Reinhardt

Prepress is the process of creating a print layout and performing all steps prior to the finalized project. It consists of converting an idea, such as a photo or sketch, into a printing plate or other image carrier. Digital prepress machines accept information electronically and then transfer the data to a printing plate. It’s important that professional designers catch any mistakes and guarantee pieces are ready to be printed. It is much more costly trying to fix a mistake after prepress. Henceforth, these are the main steps of prepress that produce the finalized piece. Proofread Grammatical errors and typos are minor errors that are easily looked over. A typo will make the piece look unprofessional, which could result in losing sales. Once a grammatical error is on a printed piece, there is no way to undo it. That’s why catching errors prior to printing is vital. Linguistic proofreading checks for grammar mistakes, spelling, and typos. Prepress proofreading includes more of the visual aspect of detecting errors through graphic design. Words may split at the end of lines, length of lines may be uneven, or text spacing may be off. Checking for these errors will ensure the end product is clean and error-free. Image Size and Resolution It’s important to double check the resolution of images before printing. This means checking the resolution from where the final draft is saved. Design files should be saved at the highest resolution possible. Professionals recommend adding pixels after scaling down an image. Enlarging an image 20% more than the original image will result in a blurry resolution. Designs need to be aware of resizing images prior to printing, as the image on the screen may look completely different than the printed image. Ensure Color Accuracy Since images are clear on computers and the brightness of screens can be adjusted, the file image will look clearer. The image may print differently than what is seen on the computer. With that being said, checking the existing color mode of the design is important to guarantee the printed image will look like the design file. It’s imperative to sync the computer screen and printer, as they both view color and light in different spectrums. Since printers offer a fuller range of colors than design software programs, it’s important to note these differences. Define Bleed and Crop Marks A digital file’s bleed, crop, and cuts must be lined up properly. These marks indicate the edges of the design and where the cuts should be made when printed. This cut and finalized piece will give a professional feel, with no blank spaces. The bleed is where parts of text or objects extend past the page boundary. The crop marks indicate where the design will be cut. The slug, on the other hand, is the area that is outside of the bleed that will feature the printer instructions. As processes in prepress, it’s important that these aspects are not overlooked. Ignoring any part will result in white borders or lack symmetry. It’s also important that the preferred stock can be cut through. Imposition This process of prepress is the arrangement of all pages of the design onto the paper. This allows for faster printing and reducing extra paper waste. In the past, imposition would consist of lining up pages to ensure pages are evenly printing back to back. This labor intensive work is now easily taken care of because of Adobe Publisher. This software sets up multi-page designs to be published in a brochure or booklet. Select the Right Paper The last and final step of prepress is selecting the right stock. Different types of paper will create different feels, textures, and visual appearances. Choosing a more cost effective paper can save the company money. It depends on what effect the piece wants to exude. It’s important to take time when considering and choose wisely. The processes of prepress ensure the finalized project is ready to be printed and free of any errors. From the concepts of the design to the final print, prepress is imperative so nothing gets lost in translation. A little error on the screen may become an unfixable mistake on the final print. Prepress is vital as it will save money in the long run and guarantee projects are produced with high standards. Written by Omega High Impact Print Solutions’ Marketing Intern, Noelle Reinhardt

Here at Omega, we’ve processed many rush jobs for our clients. And we get it! There are a multitude of reasons as to why a client might be strapped for time when it comes to receiving their print. However, when tight deadlines need to be met, there are quite a few actions that you can take in order to see your print through to completion as quickly as possible. By taking the measures we’ve outlined below, you’ll be sure to crush those deadlines every time! Early & Clear Correspondence In order to ensure your print is executed as quickly as possible, it is crucial to contact your printer as early on as possible, and maintain a clear and open line of communication. Be sure to ask for their input on your design, approximate delivery time, and any other details that directly impact your production times. Once you are able to ascertain all of this important information, you’ll be able to prepare a work schedule that you should strictly adhere to. Keep it Simple Not every print project is created equally, when it comes to how quickly they can be completed. When faced with tight deadlines, it does not serve you to implement an over-the-top or extravagant design. Instead, you should aim for something more simplistic, and therefore, easier to print. Try to use basic graphics, or, if at all possible, implement designs and/or templates that you already have in your possession. Such can act as a good foundation for new projects, and can be easily modified as needed. Use Standard Paper Sizes You will want to use standard paper sizes for any project that needs to be made post-haste. This often constitutes paper with dimensions that are multiples of 8.5 x 11 inches. More often than not, your printer already has this type of paper in stock, cutting the time it would’ve taken to order the materials your print requires. And if they don’t, standard sized paper is a lot quicker to get a hold of than less common sizes. Proof Your Designs If you want to avoid delays after sending your design over to your printer, be sure to proof it before you do so. You want to steer clear of making any alterations after your printer has received your files, because this will only prolong the time it takes to see your print completed. Once you have thoroughly checked and vetted the design you intend to use, there should be no reason for further revisions, and the production process can start that much faster. Offset vs. Digital It’s important to know what type of printer will give you the quickest turnaround for your particular project. For small jobs, your best bet is Digital Printing. Most modern Digital printers can print roughly 100-200 pages per minute. In addition, this mode of printing takes virtually no time to set up, and is especially helpful for speedily printing multiple originals. However, for larger jobs, offset is definitely the way to go. While it does take longer to set up, the machine itself works exponentially faster than Digital, cranking out up to 4,800 pages per minute. Making sure you receive your print by an impending deadline can be an extremely stressful experience. Sometimes, the need to rush your print job is inevitable, or through no fault of your own. However, it doesn’t negate the possible consequences you could face by not having your job completed on time. That’s why it’s crucial to follow the tips mentioned above. By doing so, you can take a deep breath knowing you have just substantially cut down the turn around time of your print! Written by Omega High Impact Print Solutions’ Digital Marketing Manager, Emily Steel

Paper is complicated- no one sheet fits every project. Here at Omega, choosing the correct paper stock for our projects is crucial. There are many reasons why choosing the wrong kind of paper can impact the project in a negative way. It is imperative to choose the correct paper for a project, because in some instances, choosing the wrong kind can lead to a reprint. This inevitably results in lost time, money, physical labor and the trust of your client. Appropriate Quality Over Highest Quality Going out of your way and picking the most expensive paper is not always the best idea. Our advice would be to pick a paper function, first. Don’t focus solely on how you want the piece to look, but also think about what you’re going to use the final piece for and who’s going to be handling it. It won’t matter that your piece looks great if it doesn’t perform, hold up or hits you with hidden mailing or shipping costs, due to weight. Finding the appropriate quality can be tricky, so here at Omega, we have an extensive selection of paper. This allows us to be prepared for any project thrown our way, especially with the supply & demand crisis we’re currently facing. Finish When thinking about the kind of paper you want to use for a project, you have to keep in mind the finish you want. Some projects require gloss or matte finishes, while others require no finish at all. When producing a project that requires four-color process printing, the natural surface of uncoated paper is ideal for these projects. This process creates a soft and understated image usually sought out for larger corporations. If the project requires a more crisp and colorful image, using a gloss, matte, or silk finish is typically preferred. The Printing Process If your project requires any special printing processes, such as foil stamping, letterpress, or embossing, make sure the paper you use is compatible with such services. One of the most important things to remember is the difference between digital printing paper and offset paper. Digital printing paper is designed to perform under high heat and low moisture, while on the other hand, offset paper is designed to work with low temperatures and liquid inks. Distribution When choosing the correct paper for a project, you must think of how it will be distributed to your clients and intended audience. If this project is being distributed by mail, you will want to select a lightweight paper in order to account for extra weight that will be added through the postal process. In cases where these projects would be distributed by hand, you might want to consider the durability of the paper. With hand to hand distribution, there is a lot of room for human error and opportunities for the project to be damaged. If the project could be damaged by fingerprints, a coating or varnish would help protect against this. As we have seen, many variables can factor into how you would go about choosing your paper for a project. Things like weight, process, distribution, and even quality of paper can all have an effect on your final product. Choosing the right type of paper can really make or break the outcome of a project! Looking for a printing company near you that can make your custom designs come to life? Omega offers an array of printing services that are guaranteed to get the job done right, every time. Contact us, today! Written by Omega High Impact Print Solutions’ Digital Marketing Intern, Ryan Lombardi

What the Future Holds for Lithographic Printing Litho, offset, lithography, plate… this kind of printing falls under the category for all these names. You have probably heard that this style of print is too expensive, out of date, or inferior to digital print. That is where you have heard wrong. Lithographic printing is the best process for anything that requires sharp, vibrant printing in high quantities… whether that be high quality brochures, catalogs, handbooks, magazines, or promotional posters. What is Lithographic Printing? Lithographic printing is where an image of the content you want to produce is placed on a plate which is then covered in ink and used for printing. This process can be used on paper, cardboard, and many other materials. The material that is receiving said print is placed against the plate and the inks are absorbed accordingly. This process takes a large amount of skill to make sure the inks are mixed correctly and placed in the correct order. While it does take longer to set up than a digital printer, it is much faster to perform high quantities of high quality repeat items. What Is Lithographic Printing Used For? As mentioned before, lithographic printing is used best while creating projects like: high quality brochures, catalogs, handbooks, magazines, promotional posters, and anything that requires sharp, vibrant printing in high quantities. It would also be important to point out that lithographic printing is not quite as fast as a quick digital job for a small order, because of the setup involved. If you are in need of just a handful of meeting minute documents, anyone in the industry would suggest a digital print method to be used. But if you need the high quality finish and precise color combinations, lithographic printing can be turned around very quickly. Why Is Lithographic Printing Still Relevant? In today’s age, digital printers and digital media have taken the world by storm. These new methods pose a huge threat to lithographic printing because digital allows for a quicker setup and less manual input. This means the cost can be lower for fast, low quantity jobs. Lithographic printing is still relevant however, when it comes to large quantity printing. Lithographic printing can accommodate heavier weights of paper and in turn is more cost effective when printing in larger quantities. Written by Omega High Impact Print Solutions’ Digital Marketing Intern, Ryan Lombardi

Accurate Proofreading There are two types of proofreading that need to take place before a file is ready to be printed. The first kind of proofreading has to do with checking for grammar mistakes, typos, spelling, and the overall flow of the language. The second form of proofreading concentrates on the visual appeal of the document from a graphic standpoint. This focuses on line breaks, text spacing, color issues, and overall layout of the file. The main thing to be aware of is making sure the entirety of the document stays consistent. Image Size and Resolution It is crucial to double-check the resolution of the images before printing them. This does not only refer to the resolution of the image, but also the resolution of the full scope of design. When thinking about the design of your project, it should be designed at a resolution that will compliment the kind of paper you are printing on. Blurry and pixelated images will drive away the interest of a client, while crisp and clear images of good resolution demand attention from a client. A well-produced document will always succeed in the world of print, so there is no option when it comes to checking twice. Calibrating Screens While printing a project, the true tone of colors can easily be misrepresented by the screen that you are viewing it on. Some screens may not be accurately calibrated which will lead to a different color than intended when you go to print. Graphic designers have a wide range of tools in order to check color accuracy before sending a design to the press. Making sure your image is correct will save you a whole lot of money and time. Lining Bleed and Crop Marks Lining up your bleed and crop marks before taking your digital design and putting it in the real world is a great step to take in looking professional. These marks indicate the edges of your design and where the cuts should be made once it is printed. Making sure these are correct will not only improve your image, but save you time and money not having to deal with misprints. Selecting the perfect Paper Choosing the right paper makes all the difference when it comes to a project. The final step before printing is choosing the paper, so make sure you pick one that compliments the project. Different kinds of paper can change the way your print project looks. For example, you can often get the same result you desire with a cheaper semi-gloss paper rather than an expensive matte paper. Your project could also not look right if you choose the wrong type of paper, so make sure the preparation is thorough. Written by Omega High Impact Print Solutions’ Digital Marketing Intern, Ryan Lombardi

We know, we know… didn’t the school year just end? While this may be true, as any good professor would tell you, procrastination can be a killer. When it comes to planning a university or college’s latest print marketing strategy, this is especially true. As a prestigious institution of higher education, it’s important that you carefully select just what types of print your school will use. While design plays an integral role in ensuring this is the case, it truly starts with making sure you have selected the proper print materials to begin with. Let’s dive into what types of print marketing products are essential for any university or college to have. Welcome Boxes It goes without saying that universities and colleges are expected to encompass modernity, constantly adapting and evolving to match the world around us. That being said, these institutions should have print materials that reflect this. Welcome Boxes are a contemporary twist on the traditional welcome letter. These branded boxes not only contain a warm welcome message for new students, but also contain a variety of small gifts. This print material makes soon-to-be feel appreciated, which strengthens their bond with you. Recipients also have a high propensity for sharing Welcome Boxes on social media, which is a great way to receive organic exposure. In the welcome box shown above, Stockton University capitalizes on this by prompting students to share one of their goodies with the hashtag, “#StocktonU.” Promotional Products As we alluded to in the previous paragraph, branded, functional gifts are a great way to strengthen bonds with and foster positive attitudes about a University or College. The variety of different promotional products a school can offer is extremely wide. They are often much more profitable when compared to those offered by other types of businesses. Clothing, mugs, keychains, bumper stickers and more don’t even need to be given out for free, as people are often more than happy to pay for them due to the special relationship people have with Universities. However, when they are offered for free, like in a welcome box, orientation gift, or graduation gift, they still prove to be an excellent marketing tool, as this only proves to further strengthen a school's appeal. Signage It is extremely important that colleges take advantage of signage, as they serve a variety of important functions. Directional signage, for one, is huge. With college campuses encompassing upwards of thousands of acres, even older students and faculty, let alone freshman and visitors, can find it hard to navigate at times. For this reason, having signage that aids in guiding people around such a large facility is crucial. Signage can also be a great tool for advertising everything from school events, to sign ups for fraternities, sororities, clubs and other extracurricular activities. This means that this type of print is a great way to increase student involvement in everything the school has to offer. Direct Mail Due to decreased enrollment rates, competition for stake in this shrinking pool of potential students is fierce. That’s why it’s important for institutions of higher education to take advantage of direct mail. It’s not enough to hope students come to you on their own accord. Using direct mail allows universities to make the first move, and like signage, are highly versatile. For instance, direct mail used by universities may take the form of invitations to campus tours or school events, announcements of school openings or new programs, reach outs to potential donors, prospect recruitment, or information on college offerings. These are all great ways to boost awareness, increase positive brand image, increase enrollment and garner donations. It’s true that print marketing materials are incredibly important for any industry, but for universities and colleges, they are absolutely crucial. That being said, it’s imperative these institutions implement the proper types of print. Foregoing the above print means that schools could also be foregoing the chance to attract new prospects, strengthen bonds with their students, boost involvements, secure donations, heighten awareness, and so much more. Your school’s printed materials matter, and carefully selecting the most suitable types shows that your school takes your students and their needs seriously. Written by Omega High Impact Print Solutions’ Digital Marketing Manager, Emily Steel

Point-of-purchase signs are marketing tools that are designed to increase consumer interest by drawing attention to an organization's products, services, and promotions. The main objective of these POP signs are to influence the consumer to buy the product that it is advertising. These signs are usually placed next to the product it is advertising, and these are usually found near where a consumer would make their purchase. POP signage gets people to notice the merchandise and gets it sold. Here at Omega, we can help you with all your POP signage needs, and tell you about the advantages of using POP signs as a marketing strategy. Are POP Displays Effective? Point of Purchase displays are one of the most effective strategies when it comes to marketing techniques. POP displays are designed to draw customer’s eyes to the product, even if that product may be mixed among others. When items are noticed and called out, customers tend to be more likely to buy them. Even products that are not on sale, if they have POP signage, will do better than on-sale items with no signage. Having a professional and reliable print provider like Omega, is a crucial step in making sure that your POP signage will be effective. Is POP Signage Expensive? POP signs are actually one of the most inexpensive types of advertising there is. The main reason for this is because the return on investment of these signs is massive without having to expend too much effort or expenses. The materials used to create these signs won’t put a hole in your wallet, and can be customized for every situation possible. Omega’s digital printing services are affordable and we make sure to get your project back to you quickly. Where are POP Displays Found? You can find POP displays in a wide variety of places. From grocery and convenience stores to trade shows and major events, POP signs can be found in more places than you think. There have probably been countless times that you have walked past one of these signs or even been influenced by them and haven't noticed. How many times have you been near the checkout area, just about to purchase your items, and you just needed to grab that chocolate bar with the big sign and basket display right before the cashier. It’s irresistible because you are on your way out, and it's convenient for you to grab something right before you checkout. Ways to Get Maximum Effect with POP Signage Make your message easy to understand Know your audience Make sure your signage is in a visible and easily accessible area Make sure you are using the correct type of signage Be direct and straight to the point Make signs eye-catching Make words legible and easy to read Looking for a printing company near you that can make your custom designs come to life? Omega offers an array of printing services that are guaranteed to get the job done right, every time. Contact us, today! Written by Omega High Impact Print Solutions’ Digital Marketing Intern, Ryan Lombardi