Postcard printing offers an inexpensive form of communication that serves many purposes. No doubt, this is why the cards continue to thrive in the digital age. These cards are commonly used as invitations, marketing pieces, and greeting cards. When considering having some printed, planning ahead will help immensely.
How the card "looks" is a major factor in planning a design. Many printers will help customers understand what they need to know for proper layout and design, and may charge a fee if the customer wants to contract for this part of the project. Digital services are likely to provide a template that will walk the buyer through the design process. Contracting the work out insures that basic mistakes, like forgetting to leave trim space, are avoided.
Choosing a size is also necessary. While a small card is probably optimal if the mailer only wants to acknowledge all of one's application materials were received, a larger card may be more desirable if the card is intended to display artwork. Determining the best size includes calculating overall mailing and printing costs.
Generally, larger cards cost more to print and mail. Moreover, in the United States, the size of the postcard determines the mailing rate. If these cards will go through a postal system, confirm in advance that the planned specifications meet all requirements.
Proper planning will also help avoid a card that doesn't translate well visually. A light type color on a light background is as difficult to understand as a dark color on dark background. Contrast is not only important for text; it is for images as well. Moreover, don't think that a dynamic image grabbed off the web insures an exciting look.
Most web images have a low resolution and the pixelation compromises the overall look. Also consider how the fonts will read. Larger fonts are easier to read, but don't make the text so large that it overwhelms the audience.
Staying away from digital colors is as important as using good images. Printers generally use CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) programs. RGB (red, green, blue), while fine on the computer, does not print as accurately.
There are exceptions, so it is good to ask about color specifications during the consultation. Realizing that the coloration does not even remotely match what is desired is a disappointment that is avoidable.
What is being printed and the time frame are some of the variables to consider when weighing offset and digital options. Keep in mind that offset printing is still considered of a higher quality, although digital work continues to improve. Offset is more expensive and more versatile. Digital has a faster turn around.
When setting up a print job, the question of one or two sides is a good one to consider. Choosing two sides often allows the piece to have a longer life. For example, if an invitation is on one side and a picture on the other, any cards that leave of the invitation will never go out of date.
It is also possible to use black and white on one side and color on the other. With an offset printing it is also possible to include some information on portions of a one-sided card that are not printed on all of them.
Some jobs work better on a matte surface, other are enhanced with glossy stock. The weight of the stock is also a consideration. When firming up the details consider how many are needed and what it would cost to have to do the job over (as compared to ordering more than needed).
If the work is needed quickly, will a less expensive option still cover all the bases? Shopping around for prices is also a good idea, since there are many types of services. A colleague who works regularly with a particular company, or several, can also provide leads.
If one has a need to communicate an idea or connect with others, postcard printing is an option to consider. They are quick, they are versatile, and often attractive as well. Indeed, it is amazing to think that door hangers remains appealing even in our digital world.
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