Recent events around the world have reminded many people of the importance of connection, and whether it’s a global pandemic that forces “social distancing” measures to try and slow the spread, or simply a desire to stay in touch, personalized greeting cards are one of the best ways to…
3 Ways to Impress Your Boss with Custom Printing
February 11, 2020
Printing is one of the things that many businesses take for granted, but the right printing can make any job go from mediocre to incredible in an instant. Letterpress printing is one of the oldest printing techniques around, and it’s seen a resurgence lately as more people realize the…
3 Things to Make Your Business Cards Stand Out from the Crowd
January 14, 2020
If you have heard that the smartphone and business networking apps like LinkedIn have rendered the business card a relic of the past, you’re not entirely wrong. The problem is that most people settle for the cookie-cutter 2-inch by 3.5-inch cardstock that is more likely to end up buried…
Understanding the Difference Between Letterpress and Other Print Methods
December 10, 2019
You’re ready to get something printed, but unless you have been in the printing business, the wide array of choice for the exact printing type you want or need can be confusing. However, the type of printing you choose can have a significant impact on how satisfied you are…
3 Reasons to Choose Letterpress Printing for Business Stationery
October 8, 2019
If you’re looking for letterhead and business stationery that sets you apart from the competition, explore the option of custom letterpress printing.
The exceptional quality of letterpress printed letterhead, business cards and stationery is unequalled. Anyone who receives your correspondence will instantly recognize that you mean business and nothing but the best will do when it comes to your branding.
And, thanks to today’s advanced technology, you don’t have to bust your printing budget to have the best business stationery and letterhead available today.
No. 1: You Only Have One Chance to Make a First Impression
Prospects and potential customers form their opinion of you and your business within seconds. Whether that opinion evolves from meeting you in person or from looking at your business card or letterhead, those initial impressions will guide the future of their buying decisions.
If you want your correspondence to make as strong of an impression as you could make in person, letterpress printing is the answer.
Substantial papers and custom imprinting invites the recipient to touch the surface, allowing them to experience the luxury with their fingers as well as their eyes. The result is a strong sensory memory that will endure, and that the recipient will always associate with you and your company.
No. 2: Quality Matters to You & Your Business
Our society has become fixated on disposable products. Ultra-low production costs and short attention spans have led us to expect little in terms of quality. Cheap printing ordered from overseas printers are the norm today.
But is that what you want your business to be about?
Letterpress printed stationery and letterhead look and feel anything but disposable. And, in our quality-hungry world, that will set you apart from the competition.
No. 3: Today’s Technology Makes Letterpress Printing Affordable
After the renaissance of letterpress began in the 1980s, this printing technique quickly got a bad reputation for being expensive. And, at that time, it was, as the required printing plates had to be setup by hand, one letter at a time, the same way Gutenberg did it.
Fortunately, once technology advanced to the point that printing plates could be produced through digital processes, the costs realigned with other high quality printing methods.
With you trust the Mandate Press to assist you with your business cards, presentation folders and other business suite printing, you can rest assured that you will receive the best quality printing and customer service in the industry, all at a surprisingly affordable price. Contact us today to discuss all of your letterpress printing needs, including business stationery and letterhead.
How to Design Unique Letterpress Business Cards
September 24, 2019
For making a powerful and memorable impression, nothing tops letterpress business cards.
By itself, this venerable printing method – which has been used since the 15th century – speaks volumes about who you are and what you have to offer. But, when you combine letterpress printing with great design, your business cards will truly stand out for anyone who sees or holds one in their hand.
So how do you go about designing a custom business card that is as unique as you are? Today, the design team at The Mandate Press shares some of our best pro tips with you.
Think About What You Want to Convey
The first step to creating a unique business card design is to look beyond the obvious.
Sure, you know your cards need to have your name, your contact information, etc., but what do you really want them to say, from a design perspective. Fonts, graphics, paper or cardstock, ink colors, embellishments, etc., all speak volumes as compared to the letters and numbers your cards will include.
Even the way your cards lay out is important. Landscape or portrait orientation? Do you want a logo or graphic of some type? If so, where does it go and how large should it be? You want your cards to tell the world who you are and what you stand for. This will make them read the phone number or email address and reach out.
Remember That Less Is More in Custom Business Card Design
As tempting as it might be to fill up your card design with pertinent info, stick with the KISS principle and Keep It Simple, Stupid.
The power of white space (those areas without printing) not only makes your card easier to read but it sets a clear tone and directs the viewer’s focus where you want it to go. Whether you want to convey a tone that suggests luxury, artsy, modern, understated, etc., the way your design lays out makes that possible.
Identify the absolute minimum information you can get by with on your card and don’t be tempted to overshare.
Check out our custom letterpress printing portfolio for some great examples of how powerful a clean, simple design can be.
Find a Letterpress Business Card Printer Who Gets You
Unless you’re a legit graphic designer, it’s probably safe to say that you don’t have the full “secret sauce” recipe for outstanding letterpress printing design – nor do you need to, if you work with a print studio that does.
Small, locally owned letterpress printers – like The Mandate Press – approach every design and print job with the diligence and care of a true craftsperson. So much so, in fact, that you can pick up the phone and chat about what might work best.
Our team can assist you as much or as little with your design as you’d like, including layout, paper selection, ink colors and more. Or, if you’d like something a little more simple – yet just as impactful – check out our custom business and calling card templates.
When making the best possible impression matters, call on The Mandate Press for help with your custom letterpress business cards.
Creative Ideas for Custom Wedding Invitation Printing
September 10, 2019
If you’re not the kind of person who is content to follow the status quo with your wedding invitations, you may be in search of some practical tips for customization.
Although the internet is rife with cutesy, Martha-esque ideas for customizing all things wedding (invites tied around mason jars, anyone?), they all start to look alike after a while.
At the Mandate Press, we work with couples every day to help them create unique custom wedding invitations. Here’s what we recommend for creating invitations that reflect your and your partner’s true essence.
Create a Design That Reflects Your Personality
You can always browse through a printer catalog or website to choose an invitation design. If you do, however, your invitations will look just like those of thousands of couples before you – and after.
Instead, consider starting your design from scratch. Choose a theme that reflects your personality as a couple or that ties into something meaningful for you. If you got engaged at the beach, use that as your theme. If you’re having a destination wedding, choose a theme that befits that location.
If you aren’t a designer, don’t worry. Sketch your ideas out on paper and let your printing house put together a design for you.
Use Letterpress Printing for Your Custom Wedding Invitations
Nothing says custom wedding invitations like letterpress printing. This historic printing technique has been reborn today, combining digital technology with vintage printing presses and techniques.
From light impressions to deep imprints (sweetly known as kisses and bites, respectively), letterpress creates a feeling of substance and legacy. But, with the right design, ink and font choices, it can at the same time feel light, fun, whimsical – or whatever feeling you want to convey with your invitations.
Based on the paper and design you choose, you can create something that has never been done before, nor will ever be duplicated.
Customize Your Invitations with a Bit of Bling
Adding a little flourish or embellishment to your letterpress invitations will make them even more personalized and memorable.
For maximum impact, consider printing your materials with gold foil or another eye-catching metallic print finish. You can choose foil in virtually any color, from flamingo pink to sapphire blue, allowing you to coordinate with your colors in an elegant and unique way. Another fun flourish to consider are envelope liners. You can use a coordinating foil color, any textured or patterned paper, custom printed liners, or even fabric that coordinates with your theme.
For an unforgettable presentation, use sealing wax and a customized stamp on the envelopes. Or, if you prefer something a little lighter and more whimsical, add a twine bow or a satin or grosgrain ribbon belly band.
The Mandate Press can design, print and ship your invitations anywhere in the world. Ask us about save the date cards, notecards or any letterpress printing job you can imagine. We look forward to showing you what we can help you do with custom wedding invitation printing.
Prints & Pints: Art + Works
September 27, 2017
Art + Work, October 16, 2017, 7PM The Mandate Press and AIGA SLC is kicking off design week with our next Prints & Pints show. Exploring the place where art and business meet. Graphic design, architecture, advertising, environmental design, we could go on but you get it. These are…
Mandate Artist Print : Solar Eclipse
August 15, 2017
Mandate Artist Prints : Solar Eclipse We are all excited for the upcoming eclipse, so excited that we made a new, limited edition Solar Eclipse Print. It’s nicely sized for your wall at 18×24, and in a tasteful silver and gold ink, on 100# Neenah Environment Wrought Iron paper,…
National Poster Retrospecticus Pop Up – August 8th
July 24, 2017
We’re excited to be hosting an event with The NPR (not to be confused with the other NPR, but they are welcome too). The NPR is an amazing traveling poster show from some serious bad ass illustrators & talented designers. You should definitely come, it’s free and open to the…