PurpleMonkeyPrinting.com

PurpleMonkeyPrinting.com and Custom Printed Postcards

2010-01-21T09:15:00.000-08:00

So we here at PurpleMonkeyPrinting.com LOVE LOVE LOVE postcards. They're a really good way to get the message right to your customer without having to have them open up an envelope! If you think about it, an envelope is just another barrier to pass in order to get to the goods on the inside!

But if you're making a postcard, have it printed at PurpleMonkeyPrinting.com. We offer a great selection in postcard sizes:

2.75" x 8.5" postcards
4" x 6" postcards
4" x 9" postcards
4.25" x 5.5" postcards
4.25" x 6" postcards
5" x 7" postcards

and they all come with paper choices of 12pt. Gloss Cover-C2S (Coated Two Sides), 100# Matte Cover, 100# Premium Uncoated Cover.

Ink choices are 4/0, 4/1, 4/0.

If you don't see something on here that you need, come on over to our store and fill out a custom quote form. Our customer service representatives will respond within 24 business hours! Speedy cats!

PurpleMonkeyPrinting.com Envelope Services!

2010-01-20T12:39:00.000-08:00

If you don't know, PurpleMonkeyPrinting.com is your one stop shop for all of your online printing needs. We specialize in both custom printed envelopes as well as commercial printing.

But in this blog, we're going to focus on the envelope aspect and what exactly we do.

We offer the following envelopes:
#10 envelopes
6x9 Catalog Envelopes
6x9 Booklet Envelopes
9x12 Catalog Envelopes
9x12 Booklet Envelopes
9-1/2"x12-5/8" Booklet Envelopes
9-1/2"x12-1/2" Catalog Envelopes
10x13 Booklet Envelopes
10x13 Catalog Envelopes
6-3/4 Envelopes
6-3/4 Remittance Envelopes (Remit)
#9 Remittance Envelopes (Remit)
3-3/4x7 Bank Drive-Up Envelopes
and 3-1/4"x7" Bank Drive-Up Envelope

Of course, we're not limited to just those so fill out a Custom Quote Form here.

We do have tinted envelopes for all of your secret documents as well as standard windows!

So come on in and start printing today!

Logo Design Problems?

2010-01-19T07:02:00.000-08:00

If you need some help with logo design, a co-worker of mine wrote a very helpful guide on how to create a great logo.

A lot of these basic design steps get over looked in many people's design process. Consider this a refresher if you're a veteran.

Logo Design Lesson

Keep Your Mail Within Postal Specs

2010-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Why do you keep getting your mail returned? Everything seems in order as both the return and mailing address are correct. Well, you would be surprised that there could be an error of how the text is placed.

http://purplemonkeyprinting.wordpress.com/2010/01/12/graphic-design-resource-envelope-dimensions/

With that guide, you can make sure that you keep within US Postal Regulations. There's a lot to consider.

But one thing that isn't mentioned in that blog is the return address should stay within an 1.75" from the top and then keep the mailing address below this line. This way there is no interference when the machine scans the addresses.

Remember, it's important that you get the envelopes right because an error can cause a lot of troubles. When your client starts mailing out your envelopes and then he gets them returned because the US Postal specs are wrong, you'll be in a world of hurt.

How to Create Your Own Custom Letterhead

2010-01-12T10:53:00.000-08:00

Letterheads.

They are an important business stationery product. If one is not designed well, it can lose a lot of it's function and even make your clients eyes bleed if it's not designed well.

A co-monkey of mine wrote a blog about how to create a good custom letterhead and you should take that advice into consideration.

Here is the link
PurpleMonkeyPrinting.WordPress.com

One thing that you might also want to do with the design of the letterhead is to consider what kind of colors you are going to use if you plan on using a design that takes up the whole page. If you want to use a design that's going to take up the whole front side, you should make it very faint. Adjust the tint of it to roughly about 10% so it just barely shows up because if you have a darker object, the type above it will most likely not be visible to those who will be reading it.

Remember, think about the end user. Who is getting the letterhead and reading it? Cater it to them.

If you can't think of anything to design or if it just isn't your cup of tea, PurpleMonkeyPrinting.com has Graphic Design Services for your convenience. We also have some great pricing for them and we can even print them for you. So come check it out!

#10 Envelopes Galore!

2010-01-04T07:13:00.000-08:00

So here at PurpleMonkeyPrinting.com, we love printing your custom designed envelopes, even commercial printed items. But if you're looking to get some #10 envelopes printed, look no further.

Needing to print for a client who needs a mass quantity of custom printed #10 envelopes? Need a replenishment of your depleted stock of #10 envelopes? Or have you an entrepreneur and you need to print your stationary? We've got you covered. Pricing goes as follows:

#10 Envelope: 24# White Wove - (2/0) Two Colors on One Side
1000 - $136.29
2500 - $137.23
5000 - $164.73
10000 - $280.50
15000 - $393.53

Now if you need a quantity or special instructions for your art, go into the store and fill out a custom quote form. Our awesome customer service staff will give you a quote within 24 hours (Business hours, Monday through Friday).

Remember, www.PurpleMonkeyPrinting.com is your one-stop-shop for all of your printing needs. Whether you need your custom printed envelopes or catalogs and presentation folders, we're your source for all of your envelope and commercial printing needs.

Color Options: What does it all mean!?

2009-12-31T11:39:00.000-08:00

If you work or have associated yourself in the printing world, you should know what your color options are. We're talking about Pantone colors, 4/1 printing, and what not. So really, what should you know about color?

First, lets talk about the numbers. I'm sure a lot of you have seen them before, such as 2/1, 4/2, 4/0 and even 6/0! But what does all this mean!?!?

Well, the numbers are telling us how many colors are on what side. The first number represents one side of the paper, while the second number refers to the opposite side. As for the numbers, it refers to how many colors you can have on the specified side. So let's say, for instance, you need a custom printed postcard printed as 4/2 (would be said as "Four-over-two"). This would require that you would have 4 colors on one side and then only 2 colors on the other side. Now, there's A LOT of rookies out there who immediately think that a 2 color process only involves the use of 2 of the 4 colors on a CMYK press. Well, young padawan, much to learn, you have.

To be quick about this, this is what they mean:

4 color = CMYK. This means you can print photographs and images such as a picture of your dog or monkey.

2 color = 2 Pantone colors. This means you can ONLY use 2 Pantone colors given from the color pallette. No exceptions. The easiest way to do this is to use Illustrator and select the 2 colors you need from the Pantone color palette. If you're in Photoshop and you want to change a photograph into a 2 color process, follow this tutorial.

1 color = 1 Pantone color. Same thing as using a 2 color, but only using one.

6 color = The use of CMYK as well as 2 Pantone colors. Thus, bringing the color count to 6.

So there you have it for that hooplah.

Now, Pantone colors are probably the best thing since sliced bread. What makes them so great is that they have something available called a "Pantone Color Guide". When you look at this guide, you can accurately see what kind of color that will print. There's no color shift. No nothing. It's a guaranteed color.

Let's apply what you've learned to a real world situation.

If you're trying to print on a 9x12 envelope and you need it processed as 2/1. So that would mean there is going to be only 2 Pantone colors on one side and then only 1 Pantone color on the other.That's it!

If you have any questions regarding this, please leave a comment below and we will gladly answer it for you.

Designing Not Your Thing? We've Got You Covered

2009-12-30T13:26:00.000-08:00

So there is one thing that happens to a lot of people out there who own or work for a small business; they are in need of a spiffy visual identity. What is a visual identity? Well, I'm glad you asked! It's what your company is trying to portray and having the items and designs that showcase what you're trying to portray. While it might seem easy, more often than not, it's very hard to figure out.

Now this is where we come into play, to let everyone know, we offer pre-made designs. So with this, you simply just log into our store, select what type of business your in, and then select a design you like. After that you can start typing in your information and voila! You got yourself a professional looking design without any hassle. If you're looking for multiple types of stationary and wanting them to look identical, many designs we carry will have matching business cards, envelopes, and letterheads. That way, you can keep your brand in check.

Okay, so if you have a vision on how you want your company to be portrayed but you lack the design skills to do it, PurpleMonkeyPrinting.com offers graphic design services that will create a logo that fits your business. We also just don't design logos, our graphic design services extend out to letterheads, envelopes, presentation folders, notepads, flyers, brochures, postcards, business cards, and calendars all for a great price!

Come check out our store today.

http://purplemonkeyprinting.com/showDocument.php?id=23

Make your business stand out from the rest.

You're friend,

Pete the Purple Primate

Tutorial: Recreate Popular Video Game Logos

2009-12-29T06:04:00.000-08:00

http://www.planetphotoshop.com/modern-warfare.html

This tutorial is based on the new video game phenomenon, Call of Duty - Modern Warfare 2 (which is, by far, one of the sweetest games ever). This video will show you how to recreate it's logo with text of your choice which is extremely handy if you're looking to create a forum logo based on the game or whatever else your heart desires.

The tools you'll need is just Adobe Photoshop.

Take a peek.

Also, I'm going to give a HUGE shout out to our main man Pete. He's been a great customer for us and he delivered me cookies. Delicious. Thanks Pete!

Vun Vun

$299.99 Sale is Almost Over!

2009-12-28T06:21:00.000-08:00

So it's officially almost over. Our sale for 1000 full color, full bleed, flat converted envelopes and letterheads is ending on January 1st of 2010.

This type of stuff is perfect if you're a new business owner and needing to get some stationary printed so you look more professional, or even if you're just looking for a replenishment of them both. For $299.99, it's a fantastic savings.

Stop on in to www.purplemonkeyprinting.com and capitalize before it's too late!

Brush up on your Adobe Creative Suite Software

2009-12-22T12:14:00.000-08:00

Need a refresher course on Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or any other Adobe Creative Suites Software?

What you should check out is Adobe's Design Center. It is LOADED with helpful tutorial videos for all of your favorite Adobe software. Whether you need help with Photoshop's integrated HTML linker, or just how to use the pen tool, you will definitely learn something new even if you're a veteran with years of experience.

http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/video_workshop/

This is the video workshop. You should definitely bookmark that site because you will learn something new every time you watch it.

The best thing about the tutorials is that Lynda Tutorials helped out with much of the videos, and they are so detailed yet so simple to follow that literally anyone can learn to use Adobe software.

So do it to it!

Your friendly purple hued primate,

Vun Vun

Sale Extended!

2009-12-21T05:58:00.000-08:00

So all the hooplah about our sale ending is false because we extended it!

January 1st, 2010 is the final day to capitalize on 1000 count of full-bleed and full-color envelopes and letterheads. Yup, you get 1000 of both envelopes and letterheads. A phenomenal deal. That's a savings of $132.06.

This is perfect if you're looking for a great price for your new business, if you're creating a visual identity for a client, needing a replenishment of letterheads and envelopes, or whatever the reason, it's a great price!

So head on over to purplemonkeyprinting.com and get your full bleed, full color envelopes and letterheads today!

$299.99 Sale Ends Soon!

2009-11-30T07:35:00.000-08:00

So this is it folks. Our sale on 1000 count of full bleed flat converted envelopes and letterheads is about to end on December 12th. Frownie face, I know. But that just means you have to capitalize on this so you can save $132. That could get you a ton of toys this holiday season for your little child in your life.

Also refer to our previous post before this for a bit more information.

Hurry on in to www.purplemonkeyprinting.com and start saving today before it's too late!

$299.99 Business Stationary Sale

2009-10-30T13:54:00.001-07:00

So folks, this is a crazy sale.

1000 Full Color, Full-Bleed #10 Envelopes printed on a premium 70# opaque stock

1000 Full Color, Full-Bleed Letterhead printed on a premium 70# opaque stock

über savings.

We all know that getting a full bleed envelope can be an expensive endeavor so we often go for jetted envelopes in hopes of controlling cost. Well, when you go with a jetted envelope, you risk a color and stock inconsistency between your envelope and letterhead. That sucks.

This sale will allow people to purchase letterhead and envelopes that match in every way. They will print side by side on our 28x40 Komori Press. Oh, did I mention they are litho quality?

I'm sick of all the sales online where they say they can print small runs of full bleed envelopes. Well what they fail to tell you is that they are printed digitally and therefore, a lower print quality.

1000 4-color #10 Envelopes on 70# opaque would normally cost $322.75 and 1000 4-color Letterhead on 70# opaque would normally cost $109.30.

These items are going for $299.99. That's $132.06 in savings that I can use on the Wii Fit Bundle. YEah!

Sale ends on December 12th, 2009. Happy Business Stationary buying!!

Have an Oooo ahahh ahahatastic day!

- Melissa the Purple Hued Primate

www.purplemonkeyprinting.com

Online Printing. Custom Printed Envelopes. Graphic Design.

PurpleMonkeyPrinting.com's Envelope Offerings. Quite the variety.

2009-10-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

Ok... This is going be like Bubba Gump's shrimp recipes. Long. All of these envelopes range from 1 color to 4 color.

#10 Regular Envelopes
#10 Regular Envelopes w/ Blue Inside Security Tint
#10 Envelope w/ Window
#10 Envelope w/ Window & Blue Inside Security Tint

#6-3/4 Envelope
#6-3/4 Envelope w/ Window

#7-3/4 Envelope

#7-3/4 Envelope w/ Window

#9 Regular Envelope

#9 Regular Envelope w/ Blue Inside Security Tint

#9 Envelope w/ Window

6x9 Open End Catalog Envelope

6x9 Open Side Booklet Envelope

6x9 Open Side Booklet w/ Window Envelope

9x12 Open End Catalog Envelope

9x12 Eopen Side Booklet Envelope

9-1/2 x 12-1/2 Open End Catalog Envelope

9-1/2 x 12-5/8 Open Side Booklet Envelope

10x13 Open End Catalog Envelope

10x13 Open Side Booklet Envelope

3-1/4 x 7 Bank Drive-up Envelope

3-3/4 x 7 Bank Drive-up Envelope

Voila. In addition to these PurpleMonkeyPrinting.com accepts custom print jobs. By having both commercial print and envelope manufacturing in-house, the possibilities are endless.

Have an Oooo ahahh ahahatastic day!

- Melissa the Purple Hued Primate

www.purplemonkeyprinting.com

Online Printing. Custom Printed Envelopes. Graphic Design.

1000 Full-Bleed #10 Envelopes & Full-Bleed Letterhead $299.99

2009-10-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

So folks, this is a crazy sale.

1000 Full Color, Full-Bleed #10 Envelopes printed on a premium 70# opaque stock
+
1000 Full Color, Full-Bleed Letterhead printed on a premium 70# opaque stock
=
über savings.

We all know that getting a full bleed envelope can be an expensive endeavor so we often go for jetted envelopes in hopes of controlling cost. Well, when you go with a jetted envelope, you risk a color and stock inconsistency between your envelope and letterhead. That sucks.

This sale will allow people to purchase letterhead and envelopes that match in every way. They will print side by side on our 28x40 Komori Press. Oh, did I mention they are litho quality?

I'm sick of all the sales online where they say they can print small runs of full bleed envelopes. Well what they fail to tell you is that they are printed digitally and therefore, a lower print quality.

1000 4-color #10 Envelopes on 70# opaque would normally cost $322.75 and 1000 4-color Letterhead on 70# opaque would normally cost $109.30.

These items are going for $299.99. That's $132.06 in savings that I can use on the Wii Fit Bundle. YEah!

Sale ends on December 12th, 2009. Happy Business Stationary buying!!

Have an Oooo ahahh ahahatastic day!

- Melissa the Purple Hued Primate

www.purplemonkeyprinting.com

Online Printing. Custom Printed Envelopes. Graphic Design.

What envelope size do I need?

2009-09-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

It can be so confusing. A what? #11? Huh? Here is a good envelope size list to help you out when you're ready for your next envelope shopping experience.

Business and Correspondence
These are usually used for a variety of business and personal correspondence.

TYPE	SIZE
6 1/4 envelope	3.5" x 6"
6 3/4 envelope	3.625" x 6.5"
8 5/8 envelope	3.625" x 8.625"
7 envelope	3.75" x 6.75"
Monarch (7 3/4) envelope	3.875" x 7.5"
9 envelope	3.875" x 8.875"
9 (policy) envelope	4" x 9"
10 envelope	4.125" x 9.5"
DL envelope	4.313" x 8.625"
11 envelope	4.5" x 10.375"
12 envelope	4.75" x 11"
14 envelope	5" x 11.5"
16 envelope	6" x 12"

Booklet Envelopes

Constructed with side seam, is ideal for annual reports, brochures etc.

TYPE	SIZE
3 envelope	4.75" x 6.5"
4 1/2 envelope	5.5" x 7.5"
5 envelope	5.5" x 8.125"
6 envelope	5.75" x 8.875"
6 1/2 envelope	6" x 9"
6 5/8 envelope	6" x 9.5"
6 3/4 envelope	6.5" x 9.5"
7 1/4 envelope	7" x 10"
7 1/2 envelope	7.5" x 10.5"
9 envelope	8.75" x 11.5"
9 1/2 envelope	9" x 12"
10 envelope	9.5" x 12.625"
13 envelope	10" x 13"

Catalog Envelopes
They are constructed with center seam which makes them more durable for mailing heavy-weight materials.

TYPE	SIZE
1	6" x 9"
1 3/4	6.5" x 9.5"
3	7" x 10"
6	7.5" x 10.5"
8	8.25" x 11.25"
9 3/4	8.75" x 11.25"
10 1/2	9" x 12"
12 1/2	9.5" x 12.5"
13 1/2	10" x 13"
14 1/2	11.5" x 14.5"
15	10" x 15"
15 1/2	12" x 15.5"

Square Envelopes
These are constructed with side seams and contemporary square flap. Be careful. Square envelopes are not standard and require additional postage.

TYPE	SIZE
5"	5" x 5"
5 1/2"	5.5" x 5.5"
6"	6" x 6"
6 1/2"	6.5" x 6.5"
7"	7" x 7"
7 1/2"	7.5" x 7.5"
8"	8" x 8"
8 1/2"	8.5" x 8.5"
9"	9" x 9"
9 1/2"	9.5" x 9.5"

Baronial Envelopes
These are constructed with a deep pointed flap and diagonal seams. Traditionally used for formal business announcements, invitations and greeting cards. Not recommended for machine insertion.

TYPE	SIZE
Professional**	2.125" x 3.625"
#16 (Mrs.)**	2.375" x 3.375"
#17 (Mr. & Mrs.)**	2.6875" x 3.6875"
Gladstone**	3.563" x 5.562"
4-Bar	3.625" x 5.125"
5 1/2-Bar	4.375" x 5.75"
6-Bar	4.75" x 6.5"
Lee	5.25" x 7.25"
Linwood/Monona Inside	5.25" x 7.5"
Monona Outside	5.5" x 7.75"
** This size is too small to mail. Announcement Envelopes This popular design is ideal for stationery, photographs, greeting cards, small booklets, and much more. Designed with side seam construction and contemporary square flap.

TYPE	SIZE
A-2	4.375" x 5.75"
A-6	4.75" x 6.5"
A-7	5.25" x 7.25"
A-8	5.5" x 8.125"
A-9	5.75" x 8.75"
A-10	6" x 9.5"

Have an Oooo ahahh ahahatastic day!

- Melissa the Purple Hued Primate

www.purplemonkeyprinting.com

Online Printing. Custom Printed Envelopes. Graphic Design.

Custom Printed 9x12 Envelopes

2009-09-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

What is it about these large 9x12 envelopes that make you want to open them. Everytime, I get one in the mail, I know it's something important. It's usually important but not a fun read like insurance documents, lawyer papers (not that I have trouble with the law), government papers etc.

I once worked for an ad agency that used these large 9x12 envelopes to house a very large thank you card that they'd send to their potential clients after a meeting. They did a great job designing the gigantic envelope so it looked fun. It's really important to make them look fun otherwise you'll have people thinking, "Oh no. I am I getting served with divorce papers?"

Here are some fun envelope design idears:
Baby shower invites.
Wouldn't it be great to have a huge baby blue or pink 9x12 envelope with rattles or rubber duckies printed on it? Maybe even the ultrasound picture printed on it! Then the invite inside could be a large 8.5 x 11 card. I doubt someone can say they lost your invite with that!

Wedding invites.
Many people have unconventional weddings. Why not have an unconventional invite in a custom printed 9x12 envelope? A friend of mine told me about a wedding where all the food at the reception was finger breakfast food. Little french toasts, little quiches etc. It was crazy but who doesn't love breakfast food?!

Basically you could use a custom printed 9x12 envelope for virutally any invite to make a big statement. It's different and will probably be one of the first times someone opens one of these envelopes and smiles. Let's change the world people, one envelope at a time.

Have an Oooo ahahh ahahatastic day!

- Melissa the Purple Hued Primate

www.purplemonkeyprinting.com

Online Printing. Custom Printed Envelopes. Graphic Design.

Custom Printed Envelopes

2009-09-24T13:17:00.001-07:00

For instance: Say you want a 9x12 envelope, full color, full bleed and with a window. While I understand many stores may have quantity restrictions for such a custom job (printers have to stay afloat too), they can't say they can do custom work if they tell you, the artwork can't bleed and we don't offer windows.

Purplemonkeyprinting.com has many envelopes available for print with bleed restrictions but also provides custom quotes based on specs you provide. We're your online printer that provides the level of customer service that you get from your local printer.

That and we smell pretty. For real. Like Grapes.

www.purplemonkeyprinting.com
Online Printing. Custom Printed Envelopes. Graphic Design.

Custom Printed Envelopes

2009-09-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

I've noticed that there are many online printers that are boasting custom printed envelopes. In order for something to truly be custom, custom quotes should be available... right? Not everything you're creative mind can conjure will be located in a store's product list.

For instance: Say you want a 9x12 envelope, full color, full bleed and with a window. While I understand many stores may have quantity restrictions for such a custom job (printers have to stay afloat too), they can't say they can do custom work if they tell you, the artwork can't bleed and we don't offer windows.

Purplemonkeyprinting.com has many envelopes available for print with bleed restrictions but also provides custom quotes based on specs you provide. We're your online printer that provides the level of customer service that you get from your local printer.

That and we smell pretty. For real. Like Grapes.
www.purplemonkeyprinting.com
Online Printing. Custom Printed Envelopes. Graphic Design.

How to Make Use of Custom Printed Bank Drive-up Envelopes | eHow.com

2009-09-23T11:48:00.001-07:00

How to Make Use of Custom Printed Bank Drive-up Envelopes | eHow.com

Shared via AddThis

Custom Printed Bank Drive-Up Envelopes

2009-09-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

We've all gotten these at the bank. There's the pocket for coins and the much loved pocket for bills.

Well, custom printed bank drive-up envelopes are available at purplemonkeyprinting.com. Because I'm a designer, I have found other industries that could use these envelopes creatively. Here are some ideas :)

1. As a gift
Design some of the bank drive-up envelopes with your own identity leaving a spot to write a recipient's name. Now you have a stock of your own gift envelopes. Then design cards that will fit in the outer pocket. You can now place gift cards, gift certificates, game tickets etc in the inner "coin" section. Voila! You're being different!

2. Fundraising
Often times I see schools giving kids envelopes to keep their money organized. With printed bank drive-up envelopes, you have room to custom print the fundraising name and a check off list on both sides. Also with these envelopes, coins can be kept from falling. While I paid with a check for my last school fundraising wrapping paper purchase, the poor kiddo opened her envelope only to drop a bunch of change.

3. Grocery Shopping
You could have bank drive-up envelopes printed to include lines for your grocery list on both sides of the envelope. You can place your coupons inside the flap and then place your credit card or check secured inside. I guess this solution probably wouldn't work for some but for those of you, like me, who hate carrying their purse into the grocery store, this is a great option. Also, it's fun to have your own branded grocery shopping envelopes/holders.

If you have any more creative ideas for bank drive-envelope uses, please comment!
Have an Oooo ahahh ahahatastic day!
- Melissa the Purple Hued Primate

www.purplemonkeyprinting.com
Online Printing. Custom Printed Envelopes. Graphic Design.

How to Color Correct a Photo in Adobe Photoshop in Under 30 Seconds | eHow.com

2009-09-21T08:22:00.001-07:00

How to Color Correct a Photo in Adobe Photoshop in Under 30 Seconds | eHow.com

Shared via AddThis

Have an Oooo ahahh ahahatastic day!

- Melissa the Purple Hued Primate

www.purplemonkeyprinting.com

Online Printing. Custom Printed Envelopes. Graphic Design.

30 Second Color Correction

2009-09-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

Color correction can be a pain! The method I will be showing you today is very simple and produces some pretty great results.

Let's start out with an image. Of course, I have chosen a monkey :)

Now open Photoshop and let's get started!

1. We will be working with adjustment layers today. The reason I prefer to use adustment layers is because I'm sloppy. I know that if I make a mistake while using an adjustment layer, I don't mess up my original picture. Start by creating a new Levels Adjustment Layer.

2. In the adjustments panel, where it says RGB, click on the drop down menu and select Red.

3. When you're in the red histogram, bring in the black and white sliders to the spot where the histogram starts to get larger.

4. Repeat this step for Green and Blue.

5. Voila!! 30 second color correction.

PurpleMonkeyPrinting.com : : Online Printing, Custom Printed Envelopes, Graphic Design Services

Have an Oooo ahahh ahahatastic day!

- Melissa the Purple Hued Primate

www.purplemonkeyprinting.com

Online Printing. Custom Printed Envelopes. Graphic Design.

: : CMYK vs. RGB : : Let's get ready to rumble!

2009-09-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

You ponder this question after having finished color correcting and printing your friend’s digital photo. It's one he took of you on a cliff with a beautiful sunset and bright green trees with a professional level digital SLR. It should be perfect for print…right? "I had it sent out to a professional printer and it looks nothing like it does on the computer monitor! The colors should be much more vibrant and the contrast is off. It couldn’t be the camera! I did color correct it!" Most likely, you forgot to work in CMYK rather than in RGB.

First off, what is RGB? Well my friend, RGB is an additive color module that means full intensities of red, green, and blue will make a white and subtracting them will get you black. Monitors and televisions all output in RGB. In fact, all optical devices do. Scanners, webcams, and many other input devices that pick up visual information are processed in that. RGB colors look extremely vibrant on screen, which is something that the CMYK color module cannot produce.

CMYK: it stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (if they used B for Black instead of K, it could be confused with Blue). This is a subtractive color module (as opposed to RGB’s additive color module), that means that when you subtract the colors away from each other, you get white. CMYK is what is used in the printing physical, hard copies of images as these 4 colors work together to simulate a wide range of other colors but there is still a range of colors that it cannot produce.

Now back to the problem. Doing your work in CMYK for anything that will be printed is the best way to guarantee the color accuracy you need. But how do you work in CMYK? It’s quite simple, even a monkey like myself can do it. In Photoshop, just click on Image, Mode, then on CMYK mode. When you select it, you might not notice a huge shift in color, but now, you will know what the results will look like color wise with every tweak that you do.

Now don’t be scared about working in RGB as it does have a purpose! Creating anything that will be viewed on a computer monitor or television will benefit from it as it can produce really vibrant colors. If you did this with CMYK and viewed it on a TV or monitor, the results might look very dull over RGB.

Now these steps should be effective to get you the color results you need, but also consult your printshop. Some might have you set up Photoshop a certain way with your color spaces so that when you submit the file to them, it works well with their printing equipment.

Feel free to contact the folks at PurpleMonkeyPrinting.com with questions.
PurpleMonkeyPrinting.com

Have an Oooo ahahh ahahatastic day!

- Melissa the Purple Hued Primate

www.purplemonkeyprinting.com

Online Printing. Custom Printed Envelopes. Graphic Design.

Coming Next Week: A quick way to color correct!

How to Take Care of Graphic Design Blocks | eHow.com

2009-09-11T08:07:00.001-07:00

How to Take Care of Graphic Design Blocks | eHow.com

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Have an Oooo ahahh ahahatastic day!

- Melissa the Purple Hued Primate

www.purplemonkeyprinting.com

Online Printing. Custom Printed Envelopes. Graphic Design.

We've got a bleeder! (Envelopes with bleeds)

2009-08-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

As a designer, I used to dread the thought of having to create an envelope for a customer. I would find several sites that could "print bleeds" but there were always limitations. Limitations were always a design pet peeve of mine as well.

For instance, I once had to design an identity pack for a retail floral shop. I had some sweet vector flower silhouettes that I wanted to wrap around the side of the envelope and flow into the front...fyi, they were cool flowers, not like 60's wallpaper, I swear! In addition to the wrap around flowers, I wanted full coverage ink on the envelope flap. This was my most spectacular 4 color envelope ever!

So like any amateur designer, not fully understanding the printing process, I had this design printed at an online print store. The envelope came back with an 1/8" white line around all edges and the flap was blank.

Here's what the problem was....
I had bleeds. While some places tell you they can print 3 sides with bleeds... it's never as good as you want. The ones where you can "have 3 bleeds" are the ones where the envelopes are printed on already converted envelopes. This meaning that the envelope has already been created, folded and glued. There is just a gripper that holds the edge while it passes through a jet press. This method is great and cost effective if you have a simple design and limited amount of ink coverage.

What I needed was a process called Flat & Convert. With this method, your design is printed on a flat sheet of paper so your whole design is seamless. Those flat sheets are then converted into envelopes via die cut, folding and gluing. While this process is more expensive than the jet press route, it's the most effective way to produce your original creative idea.

Over the years, I've found that consulting your print representative whenever you have a slight doubt before beginning a project is the safest way to ensure accuracy and cost effectiveness in your final product.

Feel free to contact the folks at PurpleMonkeyPrinting.com with questions.
PurpleMonkeyPrinting.com

Have an Oooo ahahh ahahatastic day!

- Melissa the Purple Hued Primate

www.purplemonkeyprinting.com

Online Printing. Custom Printed Envelopes. Graphic Design.