fbpx

PRINT

SIGNAGE

PEOPLE

COMMUNITY

4 Remarkable Custom Printing Techniques That Are Sure to Get You Noticed

Have you been trying to find a way to elevate your brand through marketing? Well if so, you are in luck, because there are multiple exciting and creative custom special effect print techniques that will set you apart from the competition. Finished print materials not only command attention visually, but also prompt customers to use their sense of touch, thereby creating a longer lasting impression. Here are four custom print techniques that can help you enhance your brand image and take your business to the next level.

1. Letterpress Printing Brings Prestige.

          Letterpress printing is a technique that uses a printing press, a process by which many copies are created by repeated, direct impression of an inked, raised surface against paper. The raised letters or images on the surface pick up the ink from the roller and then transfer it to the paper. It can be likened with how a rubber stamp works. You can use metal plates, wood, and stone for letterpress. This particular type printing brings tremendous quality at a fast speed, but requires the utmost craftsmanship and attention to tiny details. Customers will be drawn to the highly professional prestigious look. The finished product will have a raised effect that is sophisticated, elegant, and of unmatched handcrafted quality.  

 

2. Add Some Sparkle With Foil.

          Foil printing is a way to create visually remarkable materials by applying pigment or metallic foil to paper using a hot die. Adding foil embellishments or accents is a proven way to draw attention to various materials including business cards, information guides, letterhead, invitations, presentation folders, and any other printed piece that you want to have a personal touch. Using this method will generate in increased interest in your brand as your materials will stand out above all others.

3. Get Sophisticated With Silk Lamination.

          It’s no secret that there is a small window of time to make a first impression on a customer–AND to make sure people recognize your brand in a positive light. That’s where silk lamination comes in– a process in which a layer of plastic coats materials, ultimately making them waterproof, tear proof, and about as sophisticated as you can get. Silk lamination creates distinguished looking print with a uniform finish that is subtly textured. You can add even more interest if you change up the shape and use something such as rounded corners.

4. Getting Classy With Die Cutting.

          This process uses a cutting die made out of steel to create specific shapes and designs. It can be likened to the effect the sharp edges of a cookie cutter have on the soft cookie dough. The edges cut away at whatever shape you are trying to achieve to tell your brand story–such as a dentist might want to have a tooth shaped business card to explain his dental practice. A tooth shaped business card is sure to catch the eye and leave a long-lasting impression. Die cut materials stand out from regular business cards so that your customers will always notice.

Print is a powerful tool in developing your brand using unique, top-quality business cards, brochures, posters, flyers, and more—each having the potential to make a first-rate impression with your customers. So, drive engagement with your brand and make it stand out by incorporating special effects into your designs.


Here is How Metrographics Uses Their Strengths to be Successful

In today’s marketplace, if you want to be successful, then you have to know your strengths. At Metrographics’, we know that one of our greatest strengths is our ability to create close partnerships with clients that drive strong business growth. These partnerships allow our customers new experiences—with us right at their side—as we build a solid foundation for future work together. We pride ourselves in having a unique relationship with each individual client, just like how we provide them a buying experience that is tailor made just for them.

Foundation of Trust.

Being able is about being competent. At Metrographics we have the expertise, training, and qualifications to fulfill our individual role. We consistently achieve our goals and have a proven track record of success. Our values are clear and we apply them consistently. We act with integrity and always deal with those around us honestly and fairly. You will never find us gossiping, or stretching the truth—or misrepresenting ourselves in any way. We have a people-first mentality and genuinely care about your well-being. The bottom line is we are there to share our print craftsmanship knowledge and ultimately deliver our customers a superior finished product. 

No Secrets.

We feel strongly at Metrographics’ that the best way to make a connection with our customers is by creating a culture of utmost transparency. We openly share information about ourselves and our organization, and trust others to use that information responsibly. Because we believe so strongly that there should be no secrets, we keep our doors wide open to our customers. We even allow tours of our warehouse so you can see everything firsthand. 

Do What You Say.

It’s important in this industry to do what you say you’re going to do. Even for the little things. We believe that if you don’t follow through on your commitments, you not only lose trust but you miss opportunities. At Metrographics, you will find us dependable, reliable, and that we unfailingly keep our promises. We know the damage that one false promise can cause and continually maintain accountability. We have earned the reputation of being someone you can always count on and who follows through on our commitments. 

Take the Risk.

With all the many changes to our industry over the last few years, there is one thing that kept us from sinking: we are not afraid to take a chance. We embrace new ideas and experiences and believe that our ability to take a risk helps define us. Taking chances is how we have become who we’ve become.

Our Most Prized Asset—Metrographics Human Capital.

The main reason why our organization is so successful today, is because of the employees we have on staff. They have a specialized skill set and great knowledge when it comes to printing. They also fit in perfectly with our company’s goals and values. We believe in taking a positive and transparent approach to communication and encourage collaborative thinking. To us, our employees are as valuable as gold and while Jason (CEO), and I (VP), are the face of the company, our employees are the heart and soul. They make it happen, and we are who we are because of them.

Metrographics is a locally owned company with a strong commitment to our customers, craft, and community. If you’re looking for a printer to collaborate, be creative and brainstorm with — Metrographics’ is the partner for you. 


Who Said Print Is Dead?
This Is Why Print is More Exceptional Than Ever

Has the digital transformation killed print?

Some would say yes, research would say…most definitely not.

There is no question that with the advent of digital, the publishing industry has undertaken some radical alterations. It’s true that thousands of newspapers all around the world were either swallowed up by larger corporations or shut down all together as a result of digital. And as we continue to see eBooks, online newspapers, and audio books emerge, some people say that print is dying.

Other people would disagree and instead say print is more exceptional than ever.

The Digital Transformation.

The media industry is still in the midst of a digital transformation, which is largely driven by consumer behavior. Mobile technology has reshaped the way in which people take in information and consume their content. Many are choosing multiple formats for their reading and may listen to an audio book one day and then switch it up with a paperback the following day. It is important to realize that the digital transformation is not temporary. You won’t wake up one day and find that it’s gone. Instead, consumers (and businesses) should try to find the right balance of digital and print to incorporate into their world. And just as digital is not temporary— print has not vanished— it’s merely changed its role in everyday life. And advertisers still very much believe in the value it has for their product.

Print Has Special Qualities.

Print allows you to have complete control. There is no clutter, no annoying popup advertisements, and no commercial interruptions. Print has specific qualities that digital can’t touch—tangible qualities, such as the texture the card stock is printed on, or how the different weights feel. Print can demonstrate quality above all. Consumers cite preferring print to digital for a number of reasons, including finding it easier to read, being able to retain and understand the info better, and having a more relaxed feeling overall while reading. Others feel they pay better attention while reading print and can drown out distracting noises. The bottom line is that print has the personal touch when digital usual does not.

Paper Books Still the Most Popular

Print books are still the most popular format consumers choose to use when reading. In fact, according to a 2018 Pew Research Survey, 39% of Americans chose to read print books only while 29% will read either print books or their eBook counterpart. A mere 7% of Americans chose digital as their only choice for reading. Based on these results it appears to be safe that print is still kicking strong.

Print is proving to be resilient. People enjoy engaging with print materials and like the tangibility it offers. It stimulates the senses in a unique way. Print has a way of truly taking hold of readers and freeing them from distractions that would otherwise ruin the words. So, the next time someone asks, “Is print dead?”, you can tell them the answer is that print media not only survives—it thrives and always comes out on top.


Crazy Creative Ideas
It makes the job so worthwile

When last I blogged, I talked about Metrographics ability to help customers with any amount of experience and any amount of “crazy creative” ideas. I thought that over the next few blogs I would share a few of my favorites or “proud moments.”  Some of them are memorable for me because they were super complicated and some were not as difficult but resulted in an extremely satisfied customer.  We like providing a Great Customer Experience and many times we are rewarded with a Great Experience with the Customer! It makes the job so worthwhile….

My colleague Amanda recently talked about a large format project we did for a local customer.  We were given the opportunity to provide the wall graphics for the ground floor (and above!) of their new corporate headquarters. Our customer had a definite vision of what she wanted. (What felt like miles) of vinyl, glass walls, acrylic, metal letters and even a larger-than-life Scrabble Board.

Where DOES one find really large magnetic Scrabble Tiles? And how to decide on depth of stand-off letters and size of graphics on a wall that stretches over 130 feet? And what would be a good material to print on to provide visual interest yet make a cohesive project within a reasonable budget?
These and many other questions were asked and answered.  We pooled our resources and found answers to them all. This challenge was further complicated by a short time frame (a prescheduled “Big Reveal” at a customer event and construction delays). The client stayed flexible and so did the team at Metrographics.

The client’s text sums it up. “I’m sure I haven’t said this enough, thank you so much for everything you all have done especially with a very quick turn around. Everything looks so amazing. I’m am so happy we were able to work together on this and you made my ideas come to life. I couldn’t have done it without you! Everyone has had such good things to say about everything as well, you are truly amazing!”

What big dreams do you have? Let us help!


Once Upon a Time
Metrographics is Home

Once Upon A Time in a land many year’s away where the dinosaurs still roamed… Ha! Kidding. I don’t think I’m quite that old even though some days it feels like it! In my younger years I attended CPCC for a graphic design degree. I tried the 4-year college route but just couldn’t stay awake during all those classes about History, Calculus and… zzzzzzz

 

I received my Associates in 1986 and went on to work for a local design house , Hixson Design. I paid my dues over the course of the next 5 years working over a drafting table, hand rendering fonts, pasting up type and learning the tricks of the trade when all at once I  decided the starving artist scene was not going to be my thing. I began working for Mac Papers as a Paper Spec Rep calling on Ad Agencies, Design Houses, and in house Marketing Departments to procure firm paper spec requests on jobs. Since my entry into the sales world I have worked for 2 paper distributors, Mac Papers and Zellerbach (a blast from the past!), and 4 printing companies – Belk Printing, Keys Printing, Hickory Printing and now Metrographics. I have been with Metrographics 10 years as an Account Executive peddling print on paper and a multitude of other substrates.

 

During my printing tenure I have witnessed the dramatic turn technology has brought to our industry. No longer am I responsible for an art board and ensuring all copy and images stay pasted in place but rather the speed of lightning way in which we conduct business these days via the world wide web. Metrographics has grown over the 10 years of my employment embracing the new technologies and expanding our service offerings. It has been an adventure each time a new piece of equipment is added learning how to incorporate the new services into my clients need for print material.

 

I remember so well in the ‘90’s the world was on fire that we were going to soon be a paperless society. I am still waiting for that day to happen! Metrographics proves day in and day out that print technology is alive and well and is here to stay.

 

I am privileged to be a part of such a great work family here at Metrographics!

 

CA Weaver


Exceed the customer’s expectations!
Search no further, we would love the opportunity to show you how we can help.

That is what we, at Metrographics, want to accomplish.  Every customer, every job we want to exceed expectations for every customer.  This goal  is part of what drives me.  I hope to be given an opportunity to meet and work with you the next time you want a printed job to look great, and be delivered on time.  Whether offset, digital, wide format, mailing, kitting or fulfillment, I would look forward to introducing you to a really great, talented team of professionals here at Metrographics.

 

Most of my customers are professional men and women accomplished in their field.  Medical, law, large and small retail, manufacturing, municipalities and government. These are some of the clients I am working with just this month with large goals, limited time.

 

When you are searching for a printer to help you meet the demands of your business, including tight deadlines, I would think you would be looking  for a person with a variety of successful experiences to help you reach that goal. This is my 17th year in printing sales.  Prior to that I had 22 years selling the equipment and technology to help printing companies streamline their manufacturing processes. Give us the chance to exceed expectations on your next print job?

 

Watch for my next blog.  I hope to share important information with you, that will help make your life a little easier working with us as your printer of choice.


Hello and Welcome
No matter your story, I encourage you to take a walk through ours

I wanted to take a moment and personally thank you for taking your time to learn a little more about my team, our craft and our commitment to you, our customer.

Perhaps you have never heard of us before, perhaps you are merely trying to put together a list of print providers for your team and you stumbled upon our page, perhaps you have a great idea for some marketing material and you’re trying to find the right place to help make those ideas come to life…or perhaps you’ve been a partner with us over these past 1, 5, 10, or 40 plus years and you know exactly who we are, we are Metrographics.

Read More


No Roadmap?
We love finding projects that have an interesting twist and need creative minds to make it happen

I admit it… it’s my first blog… and I’m scared. It’s just getting started that is tough. I feel like I have no roadmap. It’s not my area of specialty and I have no previous experience. So what’s a girl to do? Answer: Find a reliable resource. A professional. Someone who has been down the road before. Has seen the potential pitfalls and knows how to avoid them. Isn’t that what we should do when faced with a new challenge? In work? In health? In life?

Read More


New Craft Project
The challenges and rewards from this type of project are what continue to inspire me

There were always new craft projects from my mom, and Mr. Fix-it jobs for my dad growing up, so with no surprise to my family my brother and I took the hands-on approach to life. Due to this, I attended King’s College to pursue Graphic Design and graduated in the top of my class. Little did I know, that was the first stepping stone leading to a career in Print Production. That stone dropped me right in the middle of the path to Metrographics, and more recently, allowed me to help supply a new building with fresh digs. The makeover pushed my knowledge of wide format print, our production programs and our machines to new heights.

Read More