Happy Thanksgiving from Art Litho!

Ahh, Thanksgiving. The time of year we all reflect on things for which we are thankful. Especially thankful we are when our travel plans work out smoothly. We are also thankful when we still have room for that slice of pie after dinner, or when our favorite football team pulls out the win in the end. It's also nice to be be around family and be thankful for those close to us and for the traditions we hold dear year after year.

Here at Art Litho, we are thankful to YOU: Our customers. We are thankful you depend on us to deliver your job on time. We are thankful that we can help you analyze your marketing data, and plan your next successful campaign. We are thankful when we can advise on the proper way to fold a brochure, or suggest a more efficient mailing method. We are especially thankful when we get feedback telling us how successful your campaign went, and how we were a big help. These are the kinds of things we strive to bring to our customers. We know if you aren't successful in what you do, then we haven't succeeded. So, from everyone at Art Litho, a big Thank You for your continued partnership. Have a great Thanksgiving.

How to have a successful Press Check

A Press Check, or Press Inspection gives you an opportunity to really see your printed project come to life! Catching potential errors at this stage can literally save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.  To ensure your next press check is a successful one, please follow the tips below:

• Have the following available: Printed samples if the job is a rerun, printed samples of companion pieces (you should supply these to your printer in advance), printed samples of same PMS colors and photos/illustrations. 
• Carefully scan the entire sheet. Match it against the Prepress proof. Verify that all copy and photos are in place, and that all corrections from previous proofs have been made.  
• Verify register. Examine the copy; check crossovers and backups.  
• Check for any mechanical errors.  You want to make sure that the size is correct and verify that the paper is the same brand, color, finish and weight that you specified. 
• Check registration. Determine if any dots are hanging at the edge of a four-color photo.
• Verify screen tints. Ask yourself, are all screen tints the right color? 
• Verify Colors. For process color, check overall color, neutral colors, memory colors, and contrast ranges against the color (Prepress) proof. Remember to use the correct lighting conditions. Also remember that ink colors used are a reasonable match to the supplied swatch. 
• Verify that small flaws are not present. Look for hickies, ghosting, scumming, roller marks, broken type/tules, pinholes, and other flaws.
• Determine if content aligns properly. Check rule-up for correct fold, trim and alignment of die cuts.
• Evaluate the fine details. Are the separations, halftones, and duotones sharp and clean? Proof read headlines and display type one last time. 
• Ask yourself, are there any last minute corrections to the copy? 
• Ok the sheet. Number each check sheet. Sign, date and note time on the final ok’d sheet. Confirm shipping instructions and delivery dates. Discuss binding and finishing to anticipate any problems or delays. Take several ok’d sheets back with you. 

By simply following these handy reminders, will most likely make your next press check smooth and enjoyable!

Why is the 4th of July Such a Great Opportunity for an Cross-Media Marketing Campaign?

Holidays such as the 4th of July provide an ideal time for getting your marketing message out to your customers. Keep in mind that the message you send doesn't need to carry offers or even sell anything! Customers like to feel a part of a community, and holidays are a time when most Americans share the same spirit of togetherness. Next time you're planning to reach out, consider holiday themed messages and keep engaging your customers with spirit, community, and fun!

Art Litho has claimed it's business page on Yelp!

Art Litho - Baltimore, MD

Surf on over to Yelp! and check out Art Litho business page. Leave a review if you like. Looking forward to Yelping with you!

Art Litho: Overview | LinkedIn

Art Litho: Overview | LinkedIn

Visit Art Litho on LinkedIn. Follow and join in our Discussion Group. Let us know if you have questions, because we have Solutions!

7 Suprising(ly Fun) Facts About Social Media Marketing

7 Suprising(ly Fun) Facts About Social Media Marketing

Canada Post shuts down operations nationwide

Canada Post shuts down operations nationwide

"Like" Art Litho on Facebook

Art Litho is Hiring!

Experienced professional needed with a minimum of 3 plus years of commercial print sales experience or sales experience within the direct mail, advertising, design industry, or similar media.





Requirements:

• Proven self-starter with the drive and initiative to develop new business
• Strong prospecting and closing skills are essential
• Excellent time-management skills
• Proven track record of achievements
• Goal-oriented
• Ability to establish rapport and develop credibility with accounts (value added sales)
• Self-confident and enthusiastic
• Computer literacy and excellent verbal and written communication
• Bachelors Degree strongly preferred

Job Responsibilities

• Maximizing territory/and or account potential
• Exceeding revenue goals
• Representing Art Litho in a professional manner
• Keeping up to date with industry trends and training
• Preparing and making sales presentations
• Analysis of clients communications and print needs

Contact: Outstanding Compensation and Benefit Package. Interested applicants should complete our online application and email your resume to vcrowe@artlitho.com or contact Vincent Crowe at 443-457-7871. 

USPS Announces Mobile Barcode Promotion

Have you seen these? 

2011 Summer Sale!

The USPS has announced a Mobile Barcode promotion from July 1st through August 31st. They have authorized a 3% postage discount for letters or flats that include QR Codes  that can be read by consumer smartphones. They are doing this to increase mail volume and help spread awareness of mobile barcodes. The details are on the USPS website.

Quick facts:

• The promotion runs from July 1, 2011 through August 31st, 2011.
•  Business mailers will receive 3% postage discount on Standard Mail and First Class Mail.
• Letters and Flats only, and must contain a 2-D barcode.
• Mobile barcode must be used for marketing and advertising purposes.

For more information, please contact your Art Litho Account Rep at 1-800-933-3204.

Art Litho wins three Q Awards including Best of Category

At last weeks PGAMA Q Awards Art Litho took home three prizes.  There were three pieces submitted and each was recognized for excellence. Our winners were as follows:

Best of Category Winner

Best of Category    Magazines: Process
Loyola University Maryland Winter Issue

Award of Excellence    Calendars: Process
Freddie Mac

Award of Excellence    Sales Campaigns: Process
American College of Radiology

Thanks to our creative customers for coming up with innovative designs and ideas! Way to go team!

Art Litho now Tweeting!

Follow Art Litho on Twitter to keep up with what's happening. Some new developments coming up: We are now a Full Service Provider with the Post Office, and able to offer larger postage savings on your Direct Mail campaigns. Also, exploring ways to save you time and money on digital print, e-mail blasts and PURLs! -  http://twitter.com/#!/Artlitho

Follow @Artlitho today!