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Stories, Ideas and Advice — Page 47
story Make A Cube Box Easily with an Origami Paper
Box Packaging A fun way to create simple boxes in the comfort of your home. With so many styles of custom boxes out here, it should become clear why having the right one is so important for the particular message you want to convey. Think hard about what your cube box will communicate what your brand is about and help you seal the deal with your clients. Don’t be afraid to get an original cube box just like the one we’ve shared here. After all, the right one might just be what sparks the interest of a new customer! Cube Box Designs Let your creative self shine by displaying all your amazing ideas on a blank cube box that you can customize with different designs and get a feel of what the final look will be.
Mar 3, 2021 
story Make a Statement With Amazing Custom Mousepad
Mousepads have got to be the most common things out here because in this digital age, a majority of people have a mouse and with this comes the need for a mouse pad. If you think about it, a mouse pad is the best way to get your brand in the corporate society because all firms will have more than one mouse on their desks. Custom Mousepad Templates With so many styles of mouse pads out here, it should become clear why having the right one is so important for the particular message you want to convey. Think hard about what your custom mousepad will communicate what your brand is about and help you seal the deal with your clients. Don't be afraid to get an original mouse pad template design just like the one we've shared here. After all, the right one might just be what sparks the interest of a new customer! Let your creative self shine by displaying all your amazing ideas on a blank custom mousepad that you can customize with different designs and get a feel of what the final look will be. How to Create a Custom Mouse Pad Using Free Templates Designing a personalized mouse pad is a fun and creative way to add a unique touch to your workspace or gaming setup. By utilizing free templates, you can easily create a custom mouse pad that reflects your style and personality. Choosing the Right Mouse Pad Template Before starting your design process, it's important to choose a mouse pad template that suits your preferences. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or a bold pattern, selecting the right template is the first step in creating a custom mouse pad. Downloading the Template for Free Once you have identified the perfect template for your mouse pad, you can easily download it for free from various online platforms. Click on the download link or button to save the template file to your computer for editing. Customizing Your Design with Photos and Images Personalizing your mouse pad design is where the fun begins. Add your favorite photos, images, or graphics to the template to make it truly unique. Use editing tools to adjust colors, add text, or incorporate different elements to enhance your design. Where to Find Printable Mouse Pad Templates There are several resources available online where you can find printable mouse pad templates for free or purchase. From websites like 4over4.com to Canva and online marketplaces like Etsy, you can explore a variety of design options for your custom mouse pad. Reviewing the Best Canva Templates for Mouse Pads 4over4.com is a popular platform known for its user-friendly design tools and vast template library. Browse through a collection of mouse pad templates to find the perfect design that fits your style and requirements. Exploring Mouse Pad Templates for Personal and Commercial Use Depending on your needs, you can explore free mouse pad templates for personal use or commercial purposes. Be sure to review the licensing terms and usage rights before downloading or purchasing a template for your custom mouse pad. Finding Instant Download Designs for Custom Mouse Pads If you're short on time and need a quick solution, look for instant download designs that are readily available for customization. Instant download templates save you time and effort in creating your custom mouse pad design. Customizing Your Mouse Pad Design Customizing your mouse pad design allows you to add a personal touch and make it truly your own. Experiment with different elements, colors, and styles to create a unique mouse pad that stands out on your desk or gaming setup. Adding Your Personal Touch to the Template Injecting your personality into the template is key to creating a custom mouse pad that resonates with you. Whether it's your favorite quote, logo, or symbol, adding your personal touch makes the design truly yours. Choosing the Right Images for Mouse Pad Customization When selecting images for your custom mouse pad, consider choosing high-quality photos or graphics that align with your design theme. Ensure the images are clear, well-suited for printing, and enhance the overall look of your mouse pad. Creating a Unique Mouse Pad for Your Desk or Gaming Setup Whether you're designing a mouse pad or table mat for work or play, aim to create a unique piece that reflects your style. Incorporate elements that inspire you or simply make you smile every time you use your custom mouse pad. Tips for Designing a Unique Mouse Pad Designing a custom mouse pad may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and inspiration, you can create a stunning design that showcases your creativity. Here are some tips to help you design a unique mouse pad: Utilizing Design Tools for Mouse Pad Creation Design tools offer a wide range of features and templates specifically tailored for mouse pad creation. Take advantage of these tools to simplify the design process and bring your ideas to life Exploring Different Themes and Styles for Mouse Pad Designs Experiment with various themes and styles when designing your custom mouse pad. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern look or a whimsical and colorful design, exploring different options can spark creativity and lead to a unique end product. Personalizing Your Mouse Pad with Fonts, Colors, and Graphics Personalization is key to making your mouse pad one-of-a-kind. Play around with fonts, colors, and graphics to customize your design further. Consider incorporating your favorite colors or choosing a font that complements your overall theme. Commercial Use and Printing Options for Custom Mouse Pads If you're considering using your custom mouse pad design for commercial purposes, it's essential to understand copyright and usage rights. Additionally, choosing the right printing options and materials ensures a high-quality end product. Understanding Copyright and Commercial Use Rights for Mouse Pad Designs Before selling or distributing your custom mouse pad designs, make sure you have the necessary rights to use any copyrighted materials. Respect intellectual property laws and seek permission when needed to avoid legal issues. Printing Your Custom Mouse Pad Design for Personal or Business Use Once you have finalized your custom mouse pad design, it's time to bring it to life through printing. Whether for personal use or business promotions, choose a reputable printing service that can reproduce your design accurately and with high-quality results. Choosing the Right Material and Printing Process for Your Mouse Pad Consider the material and printing process that best suits your custom mouse pad design. Whether opting for a durable fabric mouse pad or a smooth plastic surface, selecting the right material enhances the usability and longevity of your mouse pad.
Aug 20, 2020 
story Make Reward Programs Work for your Business
When customers choose and remember your brand first, that's loyalty. When they can't imagine their lives without it, that's advocacy. Reward programs exist solely to engage clients into going back to a specific brand or store for more with promising prizes, discounts and free merchandise that makes them feel special and acknowledged. After all, they do spend their valuable time and money- which in turn makes them think twice before buying from someone else. How Do Loyalty Programs Work? Usually people are awarded points for a number of purchases, those points are then exchanged for values, or rewards. But you don't necessarily have to award points just keeping track of a number of purchases or giving exclusive access to something special after a specific purchase is made (under certain criteria, over x amount, in a specific time window, before or after some season, etc.) is essentially a rewards program. However, most of these popular marketing strategies are based on subscriptions, they either give regular customers a card where they can accumulate said points and later exchange those points for prizes or discounts. This is where everything can go wrong, companies need to have a specific list of the items or rewards the company can afford to give away that will please participants or repeat customers. People don't like being surprised when it comes to a reward program, leave those for anniversary events -most of the time they are looking forward to having enough points to exchange for a particular prize that satisfies their needs and taste. How to make customers stick to reward programs? Create a specific set of clear goals they can achieve in a few simple steps. Decide what counts and what doesn't to accumulating points, for example, purchasing more products of a specific brand or spending more than a certain amount of money, let's say for each $5 they get 100 points. Communicate the rules clearly to staff and clients. Comply with those rules. Many businesses find that when many people get the necessary points to claim rewards they are in over their heads! Make sure what you spend on rewards is compensated by what you are getting back from your customers, be it referrals, repeat purchases, moving backed-up inventory, etc. Keep track along with the customer, digitally or by hand. Encourages consumers into expending those extra bucks in your store, in order to get those extra points to exchange for that latte or cappuccino machine they want. Using creativity can also help in consolidating your customer loyalty program. There has been a good rate of success in the past with companies and stores that have offered out of the box rewards, such as a convenience store that offer an all you can grab in 20 seconds for 500 points, etc. Get Started With Your Own Reward Program: If you're on a Budget, start small: Claim or add your business to Foursquare and offer rewards for walk-ins, mayors and badge lovers. Don't know what that means? Head over to Foursquare for business and check it out yourself. Also for brands . Not techy? Order a Dry Erase Vinyl Board and set up the rewards on the board, if customers are down with it add names to show who's in the lead. Make it a BIG deal when somebody wins. Print company T-Shirts or Pin-back Buttons with an "Ask Me How" campaign -get people excited! Try, "YOU Can Win an iPad -Ask Me How!" Use Yard Signs creatively around the store or on the street to get people to walk in as well. Super techy? Try modern apps, Facebook contests, Rewards for Retweets and QR Codes! Hve a big bugdet? Order custom plastic cards (like the credit cards or hotel key ones)* and give them out to those who sign up and look for a system or mobile app to handle your entire reward system with software. Think ourside the box! Which ever reward program you decide to implement, it's essential that you adapt it to your company and offer prizes according to your buyers likes, dislikes and needs, instead of trying to use someone else's strategy. Let us know how your loyalty program is working for you, we'd love to hear from you. If you're interested in plastic cards like that, contact us for a custom quote , we got your back,
Apr 1, 2014 
story Make Unique Custom Sticker At Home: How to Set up a Sticker Sheet
Sticker Printing Here are easy steps you can follow to custom make your own stickers. With so many styles of personalized stickers out there, it should become clear why having the right one is so important for the particular message you want to convey. Think hard about what your sticker will communicate what your brand is about and help you seal the deal with your clients. Don’t be afraid to get an original custom sticker just like the one we’ve shared here. After all, the right one might just be what sparks the interest of a new customer! Custom Sticker Templates Let your creative self shine by displaying all your amazing ideas on a blank custom sticker that you can customize with different designs and get a feel of what the final look will be.
Mar 16, 2021 
story Marketing for Nonprofits: Where to Start?
Most people believe investing in marketing strategies to be unnecessary for non-profits, as these organizations use their funds for charitable causes instead of their own benefits. Nevertheless, as a non-profit organization founder, you’re surely aware that marketing is crucial for NPOs. It is highly advantageous for a non-profit organization to market itself. Therefore, if you want to succeed, you must rely on a variety of marketing tactics to ultimately grow. As you may know, we started the 'Operation Giveback' program to provide nonprofit organizations with an all-around printing service. Now, to help you get started, we’ve come up with a few simple steps you should consider when it comes to marketing or promoting your organization. Without taking these into account, the mission of your non-profit could be diminished. Marketing for Nonprofits: A Quick Guide Define Your Target Market As every business , Non-profit organizations must define their target audience first. Founders should have an idea of the person who would be likely to support their cause while creating promotions around that target market and assign an advertising budget to attract new donors. Build Your Brand It is imperative for any non-profit organization to build its brand with a logo, message, design or color combination that perfectly identifies that group. The look of all communication, service, leadership, office, events and alliances should showcase the brand of the NPO. Thus, the experiences that donors and clients have with the nonprofit also lead to the brand. Boosting brand awareness helps supporters remember and trust your organization. By building your brand, you keep your NPO ahead of its competitors. That’s the bottom line. Take Advantage of Offline Practices Common offline marketing practices for nonprofit organizations include upscale events with fundraising opportunities, networking and alliances. Print is highly relevant for promotional and educational purposes. Why is that so? They make a big impact and generate awareness! One of the best practices to promote your NPO with print marketing is handing out business cards featuring a call to action. Perhaps, you can also send out personalized postcards to potential donors. Go ahead and check our extensive postcard selection with a same-day print turnaround. Develop Your Social Media Presence Many NPOs are developing their social media presence to reach donors at a more personal level. Social media, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can help you reach anyone who is interested in your organization in a cost-effective manner. Social media is perfect for reaching those individuals who are truly passionate about charitable causes. Tip: Hand out personalized items like our custom t-shirts and ask everyone to post a picture of them wearing them to promote your cause. Come Up With a Dynamic Website A primary focus of your marketing strategy is a dynamic, user-friendly website designed to share the group’s mission, allure new donors, display images, educate the public and build awareness of the cause while establishing credibility. Additionally, try to take advantage of email communication with potential and current donors – it builds loyalty! Rely on Public Relations Both Individual groups of people and the community can benefit from non-profits. Hence, public relations should be part of your marketing strategy. The local press should know all about your NPO. As a matter of fact, nonprofit organizations should take advantage of newspaper stories to provide pictures, share statistics as well as advertise community services and fund raising events. As a nonprofit organization founder or manager, keep in mind that you must also invite media outlets to events, no matter the size. Besides, you must keep local news outlets on your mailing lists for newsletters, postcards, and other informative mailings. We hope this information comes in handy and that these insights will help your nonprofit organization thrive. To start, browse our website for high-end, cost-effective print marketing materials and start promoting your NPO. What are you waiting for?
Oct 31, 2016 
story Marking Progress with Amazing DIY Custom Bookmarks
source The beauty of reading is hid in a bookmark that tells you where you were and the progress you have made so far. Make your own custom bookmarks With so many styles of custom bookmarks out here, it should become clear why having the right one is so important for the particular message you want to convey. Think hard about what your bookmark design will communicate, what your brand is about, and how it will help you seal the deal with your clients. Don’t be afraid to get original custom bookmarks just like the ones we’ve shared here. After all, the right one might just be what sparks the interest of a new customer! We offer great discounts and hundreds of free templates that will make your brand stand out. Let your creative self shine by displaying all your amazing ideas on blank custom bookmarks that you can customize with different designs and get a feel of what the final look will be.
Sep 9, 2020 
image Marking your Progress with Stunning Custom Bookmark
Bookmark Printing Give your customers' reading progress a new impetus with these specially crafted customized bookmarks. With so ma...
Apr 9, 2021 
image Masako Wakamiya: It’s Never too Late to Learn How to Code
Are you one of those people who think technology is just for the young? Masako Wakamiya is going to set you straight! When this 82-year-old Japan...
Jan 1, 2018 ![Mastering the Subtle Art of Photo Retouching with Photoshop [TUTORIAL]](https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2014/01/Tutorial-2-psdfan.jpg)
story Mastering the Subtle Art of Photo Retouching with Photoshop [TUTORIAL]
Photoshop is probably the software with the most controversial reputation out there. Photo retouching has been taken to an extreme by some industries, the fashion one in particular. We all remember the famous Dove Transformation where a woman is retouched to an unrecognizable level. However, photo editing does not need to have a negative connotation. You can apply photo filters to change lighting, focus or placement. Fashion photography involves more than making a model skinny or give her a flawless skin. Improving backgrounds and colors to make them more editorial are also useful effects you can obtain from photoshop. If you have some experience in photoshop or are eager to get some practice, take a look at these 3 retouching tutorials of what you can do with Photoshop CS6 tools: 1. Retouching a Fashion Photo The first tutorial shows you how to retouch a fashion photo to give it an artistic feeling. Aaron Nace from Phlearn.com goes over an image to fix lighting, make up, skin tone and photo colors with layers. 2. Make the most of the Sharpen Tool This next tutorial shows you how to use the sharpen tool to make images clearer and what excesses to avoid. It has practical examples for sharpen filters and masks. What’s great about it is that they show you how to use the tool to make images their best without completely changing them. Click on the image below to go to Psd.fanextra.com for the full tutorial. 3. Full Headshot Retouching The last tutorial is great practice for what a headshot retouching might involve. It’s a good example for model headshots and aesthetic improvements they would require. The video shows you how to remove skin blemishes, create a contrast between background and model, work with eye brightness and teeth shape. Basically everything you would need to make great headshot prints, which are the ultimate job hunting tools for actors and models. The best retouched images are the ones that don’t look obviously worked on. Making unrealistic changes to a photo that is supposed to be real should not be the aim of a great editor. Use these tutorials to get started and master your techniques of subtle retouching. Feel free to let us know about other tutorials and share your thoughts on the comment section below. Now go ahead and get photoshopping!
Jan 2, 2014 
Story Matte Vs Glossy Brochure: Which is Better for Print
We consider brochures to be one of the most formal channels of advertising, right into the palms of a potential client. They are one of the most efficient tools available for creating awareness about a brand, a business or even an institution. Did you know that marketing with brochures is one of the least expensive options for you as a brand or business owner? Your brand can order more than 250 full-color brochures at 4OVER4, printed on glossy or matte paper for a very low price. Speaking about paper types, do you as a brand or business owner, have a preference for paper types? The balance isn’t as well achieved since different businesses and brands operate in different industries. However, to draw or rather establish a clear line between what and not to choose for your brand’s brochures, here are some pros and cons for matte vs glossy print options Matte Vs Glossy Brochure – Pros Matte Let's start off with the newest and trendy option, matte. What’s a client when a client looks at a brochure and sees matte as the printed on option for a brand or business. ‘Wow, this feels awesome, looks unique, this brand looks posh!’ Well clearly, as the first advantage, a matte brochure expressess uniqueness and gives a better first impression and wow factor. It is better used in hospitality or fashion industries across the globe. Are you a brand or business owner operating in the hospitality, fashion or any other trendy and attention grabbing industry? Well, you are at the right place! Here are some more pros for matte paper types in favor of your brand’s brochures: Imperfections as well as scratches are not easily visible. Light is diffused and a sense of richness is achieved. Is best to achieve a mix of both modern and a traditional look. Matte paper is versatile. Compatible with both inkjet as well as laser printers. This is due to the absence of a shiny coat as well as thick layer. Matte can help in the making of brochures look modern and slick. Putting your brand on the positive trends in the market. Matte dries up quickly and does resist fingerprints. This means that it is faster to print and has improved turnaround times for a brand’s brochures from 4OVER4. Gloss Glossy finish is popular for brochures today . Even though it isn’t the best when it comes to printing or even writing on, it has a shiny and thick coating, to make it stand out. An overall design on glossy paper relays a professional look making this option common. Nowadays, gloss can be considered as a preferred option for brochures and is vastly used by most brands and businesses. However, don’t you think it's becoming monotonous? Do you think your brand or business can twitch the use of gloss paper to evade mediocrity? Think about it, but in the meantime, here are some pros of gloss paper on your brand’s brochures. Gives your brand brochure an extra smooth finish, making it satisfying to iview and hold. It is therefore more likely that clients will engage with it Pictures on your brand’s brochure appear to be highly impressive when implemented or printed on glossy paper. They are visually striking and really jump out of the paper. Glossy paper types can deploy that professional finishing touch to your work or brochure. Matte Vs Glossy Brochure – Cons Matte However, it’s not all glam and roses for matte paper from your brand’s brochures. Here are some cons; Due to the lack of a thick coating and a protective layer, matte paper prints can be subject to bending and also creasing. Longevity of production won’t be excellent unless you as a brand owner deploy your brochure in professional matte paper. At 4OVER4, we guarantee you and your business, excellent and quality matte papers. Gloss Conclusively on the pros and cons of matte vs glossy print, here are some cons for gloss paper; Glossy paper forms a glare. This implies that your clients and potential customers may face a hard time reading its contents. A glossy finish can prove to be difficult to note on, using an ink pen, pencil or marker pen. Since brochures serve the purpose of relaying important detail, a client might want to mark a certain section on the surface. Which Type of Paper is Right for Your Business? One commonly posed question to printing firms and professionals is whether or not a brand should print on either papers for their brochures. They are torn between matte prints vs glossy prints. In reality, there isn’t a better option. Choosing between matte prints vs glossy prints is solely dependent on your brand’s requirements. However, a vast majority prefer glossy paper, for their brochure printing, by default. This cannot be considered wrong, but there are many scenarios where a matte paper might win the tight race between a glossy vs matte print. Eventually, It all narrows down to your brochure's purpose. Are they needed as canvas? Then, your brand or business should choose matte, which is more cost-effective. Is your brand in need of having a visual and colorful brochure? Then, choose glossy since it will add vibrancy to the colors and last longer. Does your business need something muted and subtle? Then choose matte. How about if you need something eye-catching and flashy? Then go glossy, all the way! At the end of the day, when it comes to making a choice between glossy vs matte print, a format for your brochures, you as a brand owner may figure out that your brand lies in between. If this is the case, then you have two options: We at 40VER4 can print your brochures on semi-gloss (an excellent option between matte and glossy), or even print some of each! If your brand wishes to use brochures in different instances, it’s perfectly fine to have us at 4OVER4 print them with different finishes so as to fit your audience and occasion. On matte vs glossy pictures, glossy paper has become the greatest preference. For pictures with graphics and full color, glossy paper makes perfect results. The pull between matte vs glossy has glossy taking the win on printing the best pictures. 4OVER4 – Your Solution for both Matte and Gloss Finish If the design of your brochure is hard-hitting, very bright or overflowing at the brim to relay the message of the brochure to your customers, we at 4OVER4 can implement your brand’s brochures with a high-quality 100-pound cover or text gloss paper. For matte or glossy prints with a softer design, a thoughtful message as well as an elusive design, a 70-pound or 80-pound matte option would go well with your brochure. This is particularly if the brochure is expected to undergo more wear and tear. Outside of all the above, it comes down to a brand or business owner’s personal preference on matte or glossy prints. Which one do you think will relay the best design for your brochure and deliver your brand’s message clearly? Remember! An Innovative design is about moving beyond the mediocre. We at 4OVER4 do not compromise creativity and implementation of the best designs! That’s why we have a diverse pool of templates that you can customize to get that premium look on your brochure. Printing of brochures is an important part of business advertising, so paper selection should be taken seriously. Carefully note the difference between matte and glossy prints! As a brand or business owner, it is quite difficult to note what looks best, or what feels right, unless you only do a side by side comparison. Only then will you see the difference between matte and glossy prints. We, at 4OVER4, as your professional printing service, will send you a proof on glossy and on matte paper after customizing your preferred template, upon order. Step back and see which version strikes you as the best paper for highlighting your brochure printing design, today! Remember, for every purchase you make, you will be rewarded with 4OVER4 rewards coins in your My Influence dashboard. My Influence Rewards is a one-of-a-kind Rewards Program that allows you to earn 4OVER4 rewards coins without spending a dime! You can redeem the coins for our products or services, 200 free business cards, or cool gift cards from other websites.
Nov 20, 2019 
story Matte vs Glossy Business Cards: Which Is Better?
What's the difference between matte and glossy business cards? If you plan to design and print a professional card, you should ask questions like this. There are dozens of small, essential choices when creating and printing cards. They include card color, font, paper type, icon type, etc. Business cards printing remains a critical branding and marketing asset at your disposal. Unfortunately, lousy card design decisions will only leave you with a card that looks unprofessional, misaligns with your company’s values, and is ineffective. Today, we'd focus exclusively on two common finish types: glossy vs matte business cards. What finish type wins between matte vs glossy business cards? By the end of this post, you'd not only know their differences; you'd understand what choice suits you between glossy or matte business cards. If you’re excited, read on. 6 Things to Consider when Choosing Between Matte vs Glossy Business Cards Should business cards be matte or glossy? You can make a good case for either paper finish. We’ve made a detailed comparison of 6 characteristics or attributes shared by matte and glossy cards. These attributes are: Manufacturing Durability Color Readability Aesthetics and Cost 1. Manufacturing Characteristically, matte business cards are soft to touch, feel smooth, and don't reflect light. Even though you apply the same chemical coating as you would for glossy paper, matte finishes don't glow like their polished counterparts. The coating is only enough to give the card a smooth and soft texture. On the other hand, the glossy paper finish is highly reflective and feels ultra-smooth to touch. Moreover, because of the extra coating on the paper for this look, glossy cards fractionally weigh more than their less shiny mate. 2. Durability What is more durable between the matte finish and glossy finish? The glossy finish is more durable. The extra layer of chemical coating accounts for the durability of glossy cards. They retain their shape for longer and are resistant to dust and moisture. Matte-coated cards are more durable than the standard uncoated business cards, but they are not as durable as glossy cards. Matte cards bend on the edges when mishandled and damage when in contact with moisture. If your business cards must survive rough usage, glossy cards are better for you. 3. Color Glossy paper is best if you are keen on crisp-looking, high-quality images, and logos. Glossy cards can retain a broad spectrum of colors. It is easy to note the contrast on glossy cards, and this attribute makes the colors on glossy cards pop. Also, these colors look vibrant and bright. If you need a business card that displays fine examples of contrast and you want to render high-quality images and logos correctly, the glossy card fits the bill. Glossy paper may work best for photography agencies and related creative agencies that are pixel conscious. Matte cards are best for more subtle designs. If your business cards come with embossing or a foil stamp, you are practically restricted to the matte card, as the glossy alternative will be a poor choice for this design. Additionally, a matte card finish is more eco-friendly, and the paper is 100% recyclable. Therefore, if nature friendliness is your brand's priority, matte cards have the nod. However, if your design has too many details, you want to be wary of the mate business cards as these absorb more ink and may lead to dull, grainy images. 4. Readability in Matte Vs Glossy Due to the absence of glare, the printed text on matte cards is better readable. Additionally, matte finish business cards allow you to scribble brief notes on the white spaces. Adding short messages can help give specific prospects your personal phone number. Conversely, glossy cards are more challenging to read, especially under sunlight. In addition, clients may have to hold up the business cards at certain angles to read the text in a well-lit environment. Lastly, it's practically impossible to write on glossy cards, as the ink tends to smudge or wipe off easily on polished surfaces. Additionally, such a write-up will be challenging to read in the first place. But this doesn't necessarily register as a disadvantage. On the contrary, the inability to write on glossy cards means your card will look impeccable for longer. 5. Aesthetics Aesthetically, matte prints have the edge. Their lack of glare means they are convenient to look at under any condition. Also, you don't have to worry about leaving unsightly fingerprint marks after you handle them. These compliments do not dismiss glossy cards. They remain very effective at grabbing attention. For this reason, they make up for what they lack in aesthetics. 6. Cost The preference for matte or glossy business cards may come down to the cost for many people. But thankfully, both are roughly the same price for equivalent thickness and weight. Although gloss usually trends slightly higher due to the extra surface preparation to apply the coating. And the paper type may also vary the price of each. Which is more Professional, Matte or Glossy Business Cards? So, between matte vs glossy business cards, which is more professional? It depends. Professionals from different industry types will be biased towards a kind of finish. As we have seen, there may be no " best business card finish " after all. So much will depend on what you want when choosing between matte finish business cards vs glossy cards. Which is the Best Finish for Business Cards? "Are matte or glossy business cards better?" may be the wrong question. However, if you need a radiant business card that is attention-grabbing and durable, with your colors and pictures displayed nice and sharp, then go for the glossy finish. The drawback is that some professionals may find this mix too clamorous. Besides, this type of finish may not meet your design requirements, particularly when you need an embossed design or a stamped card. But if glossy cards meet your business needs, why not? Alternatively, choose the matte finish if you want a business card that accommodates subtleties while being no less effective. But if your card design must render high-quality images precisely, you may revert to the glossy finish. There may not be a “best business card finish,” but that's hardly bad. These two available finishes do not compete. Instead, their seemingly random mix of attributes comes nicely together to meet the needs of varying businesses. How to Order At 4over4.com, we also print-related documents and business products such as visiting cards, letterheads, and branded envelopes. Additionally, if you don't have design experience, make use of our list of free professional templates. Once your design is ready, you can order in 4 steps: Decide what products you want to order. Visit our standard business card catalog to order glossy or matte business cards. Choose the exact product customizations you want. Additionally, select the size and quantity for your needs. Next, upload your artwork in any standard file format. Proceed to place your order. You'll get an email confirming we've received your order. Then, our experts will vet your artwork for free. Once they deem it okay, you'll receive a free online proof. Finally, printing commences when you're happy. With a turnaround time of just 0-5 days, your order is on its way! FAQs 1. Matte vs Glossy Business Cards: What are the main differences? When choosing between matte and glossy business cards, the main difference lies in their appearance and texture. Matte business cards have a smooth, non-shiny finish, while glossy business cards have a reflective, shiny surface. 2. How does the finish affect the design of the business cards? The finish of a business card, whether matte or glossy, can significantly impact the overall look of the design. Matte finishes tend to give a more subtle and sophisticated look, while glossy finishes can make colors appear more vibrant and eye-catching. 3. Which type of finish is more durable? Generally, glossy business cards are more durable than matte business cards because of the coating applied to the surface. The gloss coating provides a level of protection against wear and tear, making the cards less prone to damage. 4. Do matte business cards show fingerprints more easily than glossy ones? Matte business cards are less likely to show fingerprints compared to glossy ones. The smooth surface of matte cards tends to be more resistant to fingerprints and smudges, making them a good choice for a clean and professional look. 5. How does light glare affect matte and glossy business cards differently? Glossy business cards are more susceptible to light glare due to their reflective surface. On the other hand, matte business cards have a non-reflective finish, making them a better choice if you want to avoid glare issues when presenting your cards under different lighting conditions. 6. What about the thickness of matte and glossy business cards? The thickness of matte and glossy business cards can vary depending on the printing company and the options available.
Dec 6, 2019 
story Graphic Design: Memorial Day in Posters and Vector Images
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday to remember all men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is observed every year on the last Monday of May. Since the holiday is about honoring the fallen, different events take place to do so. While some organize solemn ceremonies, others prefer music tributes or unique graphic designs, such as memorial day posters . On the day it is observed, the United States flag is hastily raised to the top of the staff. It is then earnestly lowered to half-staff, where it remains that way until noon, and then raised to the top of the staff for the remainder of the day. A concert then takes place, where artists perform their music, and honor is given to the fallen soldiers. According to GregBren, artists are able to evoke emotions through their pieces. Furthermore, we can all learn about our own personalities by the way we respond to others’ creations. As an experiment, we decided to browse for Memorial Day graphics clip art to get a grasp of people’s perception of the holiday. Let’s hear what you have to say about it! Nostalgic Memorial Day Design This group of designs and Memorial Day posters shows an emotional side of the date. Featuring soldiers in action, the author's focus is on patriotic references, always accompanied by a waving flag. Initially, Memorial Day honored the fallen soldiers of the Civil War (1861-1865). However, it now honors Army members who died in any combat. Some of the Memorial Day poster ideas are: Tribute by CatusSnake on Deviantart.com Shared by Cdblue on Deviantart.com Fact: The American Bald Eagle was adopted as a national emblem in 1782. Partly because of its beauty and long life. Army Homage by MitchGerads on Deviantart.com Memorial Day Illustration by Mike Loscalzo Shared by YorkeMaster on Deviantart.com On May 5h, 1866, residents of Waterloo, NY decorated the graves of soldiers who died during the Civil War. Hence, the holiday’s original name “Decoration Day.” Memorial Day Illustration: A Cartoonish Take Cartoon styled designs are not necessarily less sentimental. As the next illustration shows, a powerful message can be sent out creatively. An eye-catching piece makes people look twice, improving chances of displaying the artist’s personality. Illustration by SonicRocksMySocks on Deviantart.com Memorial Day Drawing by country-rodeo-girl on Deviantart.com Fact: Memorial Day was officially declared a holiday in 1971 by Congress. Memorial Day Designs Featuring Fictional Characters Featuring Annabeth Chase, shared by lostie815 on Deviantart.com Note for non Percy Jackson fans: Annabeth Chase is one of the main characters of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians and The Heroes of Olympus series. Featuring Captain America by Richmbailey on Deviantart.com If there is a suitable superhero for the date, it has to be Captain America! Featuring The Doctor, shared by Jorell-Rivera on Deviantart.com Memorial Day Infographic Shared by Qaaim Goodwin on Behance.net As you may have noticed by now, showing respect for the fallen has no real rules. It involves your talents and the way you express yourself best. Get inspired by memorial poster board ideas and come up with your own tributes. Draw, write, sing, or simply take a moment to think about the holiday’s sentiment. Graphic designs ideas for Memorial Day , however, can prove to be challenging as designers have common themes to glean from. The expected designs include patriotism, gratitude, remembrance, veteran, and Old Glory. As Memorial Day to marks the unofficial summer start, your designs can include summer themes like trees, beaches, summer sports, lemonade, and blue skies. The trick is to use the memorial poster ideas from before and come up with an original piece that will maintain the relevance of the day. Remember that uniqueness sells more. Get off your comfort zone and design a memorial poster worth remembrance. If you are looking to take your project to print, make sure to browse our online catalog. You can turn your favorite design into a high quality poster, to decorate your place or a special event with our memorial posters ideas available in our catalog. What are your thoughts on Memorial Day Vector Art? Let us know which of these is your favorite in a comment below! Find Memorial Day images in the 4over4 collection Find high-quality Memorial Day photos that you won't find anywhere else. Simple steps to design your Memorial Day flyer, poster, or banner using the 4OVER4 design tool. Login into your account and select your design template from our vast array of templates. Remember, don’t box your creativity. You can use our stunning images and customize the design to your taste or upload the image of your choice. Our design tool had a variety of fonts, colors, and frames that you can customize to bring that touch of elegance to your design. After saving your design, your Memorial Day poster is now set for download, print, and sharing. The 4OVER4 Design tool is one of the easiest and advanced tools to create professional, high-quality designs in minutes. You can create something perfect from scratch or use one of our beautiful pre-designed templates.* Over 10,000 Ready-Made Templates and growing! * Access to over 3 Million High Quality, Stunning Free Images * Full-powered customization of fonts, colors, objects, clips, icons, frames, and much more Remember, for every purchase you make you will be rewarded with 4OVER4 rewards coins in your My Influence dashboard. My Influence Rewards is a one-of-a-kind Rewards Program that allows you to earn 4OVER4 rewards coins without spending a dime! You can redeem the coins for our products or services, 200 free business cards or cool gift cards from other websites. FAQs Q: What is Memorial Day and why is it commemorated? A: Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring and remembering the men and women who have died while serving in the country's armed forces. Q: Where can I find stock photos related to Memorial Day? A: You can find a variety of stock photos related to Memorial Day on websites like iStock, which offer high-quality images for download. Q: Are there free options available for Memorial Day graphics? A: Yes, you can browse for free Memorial Day stock photos that are royalty-free and suitable for commercial use. Q: How can I download vector images for Memorial Day posters? A: You can explore websites that offer vector images of American flags, military themes, and other Memorial Day graphics for download. Q: What are some common themes in Memorial Day stock images? A: Common themes in Memorial Day stock images include the American flag, military symbols, patriotic backgrounds, and scenes of celebration. Q: Can I use Memorial Day stock photos for commercial projects? A: Many Memorial Day stock images are available royalty-free, allowing you to use them for commercial purposes without any additional licensing fees. Q: How can I find high-resolution Memorial Day pictures for my project? A: You can search for high-res Memorial Day stock images that offer premium quality and are suitable for professional projects.
May 23, 2014