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PAPERGRAPHICS PRINTING PRESENTS
JUL
1
PRINTING IS OUR PASSION.
WELCOME TO TEN MINUTES OF GOOD NEWS AND FUN STUFF FROM YOUR FAVORITE PRINTER!
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Message
A Message from Doug Smith
The Way I See It
 

There’s a small story that gets shared often in customer service circles:

A regular walks into a coffee shop. Before they say a word, the barista smiles and says, “The usual?” and gets it exactly right.

It’s not just the coffee that makes the experience memorable. It’s the feeling that someone noticed.

In customer psychology, this is called recognition value, the powerful emotional boost people get when they feel remembered. When customers feel seen, they come back. When clients feel like more than just a transaction, they trust deeper and stay longer.

And the best part? This doesn’t require huge budgets or sweeping changes. A personalized print piece, a well-timed reorder reminder, or even a hand-signed note can deliver that same sense of value.

Here’s the way I see it: The businesses that make people feel noticed are the ones people never forget.

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Idea
Idea of the Week
Precision in Print: Mastering Cutting and Micro-Perforation Techniques for Impactful Designs
CUT INTO CREATIVITY

Print design offers endless possibilities for creating memorable and tactile experiences.

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By integrating techniques like cutting and micro-perforation into your designs, you can elevate printed materials into impactful works of art. Here's how to make the most of these advanced methods.

Understanding Die-Cutting and Laser Cutting Techniques

Die-cutting and laser-cutting provide precision and creativity for intricate designs.

Die-cutting uses steel molds to cut through materials, offering efficiency for repetitive designs. Laser cutting, on the other hand, uses beams for precision, making it ideal for more intricate, one-off projects. Choosing the right technique depends on your project’s complexity and desired aesthetic.

While die-cutting suits high-volume production, laser cutting shines for details like lace-like patterns or delicate typography. Carefully consider the scale and intricacy of your designs to determine the most suitable approach.

Micro-Perforation: A Functional and Creative Element

Micro-perforation adds functionality to printed materials by creating small punctures for easy tear-off sections.

This technique is ideal for coupons, event tickets, or forms that require detachable parts. Beyond functionality, perforation can also be a creative element in your design, guiding users to interact with your printed piece in a meaningful way.

For maximum effectiveness, test perforation placement carefully to ensure the tearing process is smooth and doesn’t damage the design. To guide user interaction, highlight the perforation with visual cues like arrows or bold text.

Practical Tips for Successful Cutting and Perforation Projects

To ensure your cutting and perforation projects are executed flawlessly, planning carefully and collaborating closely with your printer is essential.

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By considering a few key considerations, you can avoid common pitfalls and create polished, professional results.

  • Shape Selection: Avoid overly intricate shapes for die-cutting, as they can catch or bend during production. Simpler shapes maintain structural integrity and streamline the process.
  • Testing Matters: Always test cuts with your printer to address potential issues. Testing ensures your chosen technique achieves the desired outcome without compromising quality.
  • Budget Awareness: Be mindful of additional labor costs for manual adjustments. For example, intricate die-cutting shapes might require manual weeding, which can increase expenses.
  • Material Considerations: Use high-quality paper or cardstock that can withstand the chosen technique without tearing or fraying.

Elevate Designs with Layering and Texture

For a unique tactile experience, think beyond the flat plane of paper.

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Incorporate contrasting textures or layer multiple materials to create a sense of depth. Using techniques like embossing in combination with cutting or perforation adds further dimension, ensuring your printed piece stands out.

Ready to Cut Into Creativity?

Cutting and micro-perforation techniques bring a dynamic edge to print materials, turning functional designs into engaging, interactive pieces. By experimenting with these methods and working closely with your printer, you can achieve visually stunning and highly functional designs.

See more great ideas like this!
Click here to visit the PaperGraphics Printing - Ideas Collection.
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MARKETING
Marketing Tip
Give First to Get Noticed
RECIPROCITY IS A MARKETING SUPERPOWER

There’s a reason why free samples work, and it’s not just about the product.

It’s about reciprocity, a psychological principle that says people are more likely to respond positively when they’ve been given something first. When someone receives a gift, a tip, or a helpful resource, they naturally want to return the favor, whether that’s through a purchase, referral, or engagement.

Here’s how to use reciprocity in your marketing:

  • Send a helpful tip postcard, like “5 ways to get better ROI on direct mail.”

  • Offer a free guide, checklist, or print sample pack with no strings attached.

  • Include a small surprise with your next order: a sticker, thank you card, or quick-start design tip.

  • Deliver value before asking for a sale, especially in new customer interactions.

The best print marketing doesn’t just announce, it gives. And when you lead with generosity, customers tend to follow.

Want ideas for print pieces that surprise and delight? Let’s create something worth sharing.

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Uncommon Product
Flip Cards for Customer Interaction
ENGAGE MINDS (AND HANDS) WITH EVERY FLIP

Want your message to be more than just seen? Try flip cards: a compact, interactive print format that invites action and sticks around longer than a flyer.

Here’s what makes flip cards so effective:

  • They’re built for movement. Whether spiral-bound or riveted, customers flip through card after card, each one a chance to showcase a service, tip, testimonial, or featured product.

  • They tap into tactile memory. Studies show people remember more when they physically interact with something. That flip motion increases engagement.

  • They’re perfect for bite-sized content. Use them as “quick tips,” “FAQs,” “mini lookbooks,” or “before-you-order checklists.”

Popular formats include:

  • Branded health & wellness tip decks for clinics or gyms

  • Flip-through service menus for salons and spas

  • Mini product catalogs for tradeshows or client onboarding

  • Step-by-step install or care guides for product-based businesses

Want something portable, durable, and packed with value? Flip cards are a smart way to keep your brand literally in customers’ hands.

Let us know if you'd like help designing a custom set that flips the script on your next campaign.

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TECH
Tech Tip
Use the “Focus Filter” to Get More Done
TURN DIGITAL NOISE INTO FOCUSED WORK TIME

Ever open your laptop to send one quick email, only to find yourself 30 minutes later reading articles, checking the weather, or watching a “just one more” video? We’ve all been there. It’s called attention residue, and psychologists say it's one of the biggest reasons we lose momentum.

That’s where browser extensions like BlockSite, Freedom, or StayFocusd come in. They act like a digital “focus filter,” automatically blocking distractions and limiting access to tempting sites during work sessions.

Here’s how to use one effectively:

  • Install StayFocusd (Chrome) or BlockSite (multi-browser).

  • Set up “focus mode” for 25, 50, or 90 minutes—whichever suits your work rhythm.

  • List your top distractions (news, social media, video sites) and let the app limit or block access during those times.

  • Use the built-in scheduler to automate quiet blocks in your day.

Want to level up? Pair this with a timer (like the Pomodoro Technique) and use the breaks for creative brainstorming, sketching ideas, or jotting down content for your next print campaign.

When you're ready to turn those focused ideas into finished print pieces, we’re here to help bring them to life!

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Fun@Work

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