While stock art, stock layouts, templates, and impressively good starter layouts in consumer applications have sped along the democratization of design, I was recently reminded, as a designer, I still have some special knowledge and experience. I’m not pompous, I’m merely acknowledging that, as a professional, I have specific knowledge within my field and industry.  »

One of the most recent – and high profile – cases involving a product that “misinforms” consumers by using oversized packaging that makes the product appear larger, ended with Proctor and Gamble (P&G) settling for $850,000, and committing to changing the packaging for many of its Olay skin care products. It was interesting to read the comments and opinions online in response to this case. Some readers were outraged at many companies who seem to employ such tactics, while many others (correctly) pointed out that the packaging in question clearly stated the number of ounces of product, and that the size of the packaging is only a part of the overall picture. »

There are several challenges you’ll encounter when printing packaging across the U.S. and overseas. Time zones, language barriers, and the inability to go on press quickly or consistently are some of the most obvious. But recently, we encountered a new issue – our package design involved some unique hot stamp foil colors. »

Products are often regulated and require specific information or warning labels depending on Federal, State, or local laws. Of course, always consult an attorney for definitive answers, but evaluation of existing products can often illuminate the requirements. »

That may read like a self-serving bit of advice, but it’s actually simply a retailing axiom. If your product packaging, ecommerce website, or retail store is attractive there’s a very good chance you’ll be more successful. »

Liquid print coatings are finishes used on printed pieces to not only enhance a design and create interesting visual effects, but also to protect your piece from scuffs, scratches and sometimes finger prints. There are 3 typical coatings used in printing to accomplish this. They are varnish, aqueous, and UV coating. There are different advantages/disadvantages to using each one, and your particular project will most likely dictate which is the best one to use. »

At the start of my career, I was a graphic designer. Then a few years or so in I began to dabble in the early days of web design. After diving in fully I became a graphic and web designer. But eventually, I wanted my pretty sites to do more. So I started programming. Which made me a graphic designer and a web designer/developer.  »

That’s a seemingly simple question we’re asked all the time when working with clients who’ve developed a new product. But it’s not always easily answered. Though most of the time, the eventual answer is yes, you’ll probably need a box. »

That’s a difficult question to answer, but one we’re asked all the time. And we generally respond the same way each time... “how much does it cost to build a house?” That is, do you want a mansion, a town home, or a van down by the river? Where are you building it? How fast do you want it built? Do you know anyone who can help you build it? Oh...and do you have a plan for building it? »

​One of the things we design a lot of here are foils and labels for products. There is a good chance that, if you are printing a product foil or label, you will be using a method of printing called flexography. Because of the process in which flexography works, there are things you will need to know in order to create a design that will work well with the technology. »