Patterson Printing - Bridgeview, IL. - Blog

Stand Out From The Crowd With Reflective Decals

5/4/2016

Vehicle decals and magnets have been around the advertising game for awhile. That is no accident, simply because they are a proven way to get your business noticed around town. Vehicle advertising is a great game to get into, and it's cost effective to boot. But what happens when you aren’t the only game in town? Well, you are missing out on valuable business if someone else’s business gets noticed before yours. If you are looking for a way to stand out from the crowd with your advertising, Patterson Printing in Bridgeview, IL. can help. Reflective vinyl is a specialty vinyl that is similar to other standard vinyl, except for the fact that it has a reflective metal base to it. The metal base doesn’t seem like much, but when it’s dark out and you are driving around, when a customer's light hits your decal they can clearly see your message and services. By employing this tactic you have a leg up on others vehicles in low-light situations when your competitor's decal is just a dull thing on the side of their vehicle.

Reflective decals comes in handy quite often as you have the ability to advertise when you are parked in a parking lot after work or at the movies. Or if you purchase a sign, you can relish in the fact that people will see this sign in the dark. Bright lights tend to capture our attention and we’ve essentially been trained to look out for anything bright, especially at night when things like animals, eyes, and people jogging are usually bright flashes running all over the road. We naturally look up at this reflective material. This type of advertisement is a constant stream of exposure that you can benefit immensely from.

There are some minor inconveniences to keep in mind for if you purchase these decals for a vehicle. The vinyl is a little harder to apply and may take more time to install it in the beginning of the process. You have to make sure not to use any fluid or water when you apply, or it can cause problems with the application process and the metal base. It is also slightly more expensive than traditional decals and magnets. But you gotta spend money to make money, right?

Next time you are looking for a way to advertise your business in a cost effective and eye catching way, it might be smart to look up reflective vinyl decals and signs. It's a great way to capture peoples attention and bring their eyes to your business and what you are offering. Whether it be a service or goods, you can get the exposure you need to build a thriving business. Patterson Printing in Bridgeview, IL. offers reflective decals in just about any color or size you may need, and would be happy to help you get started on making your vehicle pop!

Have any more questions?
Give us a call at Patterson Printing
Bridgeview, Illinois
CLICK TO CALL US - :7084300224

Kiss Cut? Die Cut? What does it mean?

3/23/2016

We’ve had some customers express confusion about the meaning of “Die-Cut” and “Kiss-Cut,” so we hope to clarify this confusion with the graphic below. This should give you a better understanding of what you need to order for your business from Patterson Print Shop.

DIECUT: Custom-shaped stickers. Our cutters cut through the sticker material and the backing material to give your custom sticker a shape that is as unique as the artwork on it! See the examples below.

DIECUT Stickers

KISSCUT: Kiss Cuts are light cuts within the border of your stickers. The stickers can be peeled out of the backing material and the backing material remains. Multiple Kiss Cuts on one sticker are usually called a ‘sticker sheet.' See the example below.

KISS CUT Stickers

Have any more questions?
Give us a call at Patterson Printing
Bridgeview, Illinois
(708) 430-0224

Screen Printing -VS- Direct To Garment

3/3/2016

If you are considering making custom t-shirts or you are starting a business that sells them, you have probably looked into the best way to make them or buy them. There are typically two options to go with: Screen-Printing and Direct-to-Garment printing. Screen-printing and direct-to-garment printing both have their advantages and it is important to know when to choose either. We at Patterson Printing can help you with whatever process you choose.

Screen Printing
Screen-Printing allows you to produce large amounts of the t-shirt you need to order. Not only that, but you are choosing quite a cost-effective method. It is generally a high quality option for your needs and it has the added benefit of being useful on specific, individual sections like sleeves or pockets. It however has its drawbacks.

The set up time takes longer and there has to be a minimum order when it is placed. The colors are limited, as well are the design options. The finish will tend to flake off or raise up after time (a few years) and washings. The one big problem if you are running a store is if you order it this, way you will have to order only one design per printing.

Direct to Garment
Direct-to-Garment, or DTG printing, has its pros and cons just like screen printing. Direct-to-Garment printing can print smaller orders (as few as one shirt) out for more specific needs with no limit on the colors that can be used. And since there are no limits on color, you can have more detailed and intricate designs or even print a photo to a shirt. The print is smoother and less messy than screen printing. The cost is also less up front ,which is always good for those looking to save money.

However, the ink is more expensive than screen printing, so while you save upfront it will cost a little more down the line. Also to consider is the fact that DTG isn’t for large quantity orders; it's more of a customization technique.

When you are looking for an option for your needs you need to go over exactly what it is you are buying for. For instance, if you are ordering shirts for a team or a league it will be better to go with screen printing for standard team shirts. For a more specific need, it will be best to go with DTG as it will allow for more customization. People who are looking to start t-shirt commerce store should consider using DTG because of the cost effectiveness and not to mention the fact that when an order comes in it can be fulfilled very quickly.

Keeping in mind what you need, you should think about these four main points.
1. Budget
2. Size of the order
3. Colors
4. Finish required

Keeping all of this in mind will steer you in the right direction and help inform you when you consider your options.

Screen Printing

Direct To Garment (DTG)

Have any more questions?
Give us a call at Patterson Printing
Bridgeview, Illinois
(708) 430-0224

How Channel Letters Increase business

2/11/2016

What are Channel Letters?
Many years ago the signs above businesses and stores were painted on, which was fine when each store had its own niche. Now as there are many that sell and provide a similar service, something else is needed to attract the customer/client. The best way to get people into your business is by making the sign look as attractive as possible. Lighting behind signs is one way that businesses do this, but with many businesses choosing that simple option, you will need something more. Channel letters are 3D and stand out greatly in comparison to a flat backlit sign. You can choose from an array of colors, designs, and even incorporate your own logo!

Despite many companies and businesses now having chosen an online route, face to face business transactions are still extremely popular. If you use channel letters, they can drum up business from people walking or driving by and since they are created from high quality material, they will be attracting attention for many years to come. One example of the difference the letters make would be looking for somewhere to eat. You have two restaurants side by side, but the one has channel lettering that is bright and stands out. The chances are the bright lettering will attract your attention and draw you inside over the eatery next door. Most channel lettering is also be fitted with lighting so that even when the sun goes down, people will remember your sign and visit when it reopens. This is 24 hour advertising that can bring in business for years after its fitting.

Impressing Clients
Channel letters are not only for eateries; they are also used for many other business types from cable providers to shopping malls. When a client is invited to your business the lettering will help them to locate you easily, even if you are surrounded by other stores. Potential customers or clients may have been looking for a company just like yours or have even passed the building many times without even noticing it’s there. Without the channel lettering, there is a good chance that they never would. If someone visits and likes what you have to offer, whether service or product, they will tell others who will find it easier to find you if you have bright signage that stands out.

Logo Recognition
If your company name is not one that people will remember easily, channel letters could make describing your company’s location easier. Many of the big companies with this type of signage have coloring or an incorporated logo that stays in the mind of visitors and passersby. Whether you are in a location surrounded by other businesses or are in a lone standing building, for people to notice you channel signing is an ideal way to get noticed. There’s no need to blend in with others or just be another lit up building when you can join the big, well known businesses just by changing your sign.

Have any more questions?
Give us a call at Patterson Printing
(708) 430-0224

Car Magnets - An Alternative to Decals

1/13/2016

Car Magnets and Decals have been around for awhile. You may have seen them on cars around your area, but have you ever seen a car with a decal on it that was ripped, torn, or peeling off? Not exactly the best advertisement, is it? How does that reflect on their business? Not too nicely. This is one of the reasons why car magnets have the edge in how to properly advertise on your car. There are other reasons, however, and Patterson Print Shop is here to help.

Cleaning
When your car gets dirty, which is inevitable, so will the magnet. We know that was obvious, but cleaning a magnetic sign is super simple. In fact, you can do it with any household cleaner (like Windex) and a soft cloth. All you have to do is wipe down the sign and it’s good to go! But then that leaves the rest of the car dirty, doesn’t it? Then it is time to run your car through the nearest car-wash. Just remember to remove the magnet before you pass through; the brushes won't be too kind.

Removal
This might be a great reason why you should consider magnets as an alternative to the decal. You can simply remove any magnet in seconds! The same can’t be said about decals. When you need to clean the car, or if you are going out on a date, you can easily remove your magnet for the time period and when you are ready to get back to advertising you can slap them back on and be good to go. Something to also keep in mind is if you will be allowed to advertise in certain locations. For instance, if you live in a gated neighborhood you might want to check the homeowners rules for that area. Some organizations won’t allow personal advertising, even if they are parked in their own driveway. If you have a decal this is going to be a big problem.

Cost Effective
If you have a small budget for advertising, than you need to choose the most cost effective method for gaining customers. Magnets are economical for what you get; you get to advertise wherever you go, they are cheaper then buying a vehicle wrap, and they last long-term. Say you decide to sell your current vehicle, do you think you are getting that decal back? Not so much, but a magnet can be removed and put on your new vehicle.

Some Cons
There are very few cons to getting car magnets. If you didn’t properly wash your car they can fall off very easily. If you are driving on the highway at crazy fast speeds, you can consider that a loss of an investment. Depending on your vehicle, the magnets may not stick to the car. Make sure to check if you have fiberglass doors before purchasing. And of course, they can easily be stolen. I don't know why anyone would steal a magnet with your phone number on it, but it could happen. When you are making the decision to advertise your business, you have a few options for cost effectiveness and large coverage. You can either go with decal or a magnet. While decals have their merits, it is safe to say that you should highly consider a magnet.

DPI - Why It's Important

9/30/2015

Using an unsuitable image resolution is one of the most common errors designers make when creating designs for print. The result is a fuzzy print quality, or having your file rejected by your local printing company. Unfortunately, we here at Patterson Printing in Bridgeview, Illinois have to reject low-resolution files quite often. If you don’t keep an eye on your image resolution right from the start you may end up having to completely recreate your design file from scratch, so here’s some useful information on what to look out for, and how to ensure your designs are set up with the correct image resolutions.

What is image resolution? The resolution of an image refers to the density of the pixels (or printed dots) that make up that image or graphic. The higher the resolution, the crisper and more detailed the image will be. A lower resolution will be fuzzy, and less detailed. Image resolutions are measured in DPI (Dots Per Inch) and PPI (Pixels Per Inch). There are differences between the two – DPI refers to a printed document, and the amount and spacing of the Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black dots, whereas PPI refers to the pixels on a screen. They aren’t the same thing, but designers and print professionals tend to use the terms DPI and PPI interchangeably. Sometimes they’ll say DPI but mean PPI. For example, a 72dpi design for screen should really be referred to as 72ppi. We won't be worrying about PPI, because it is used primarily for web design. Print design is all about DPI.

When creating designs for print we’ll usually need to use a 300dpi resolution document. We might say “Make it 297x210mm at 300dpi“, so you would make a 300ppi A4 document (notice that misuse of DPI and PPI). If you accidentally created this document at 72ppi, you would have to start from scratch and recreate the design because you can’t magically generate the extra pixels you require out of thin air. If you DID change the resolution from 72 to 300, Photoshop would GUESS what color pixels to insert, but as you can imagine the end product isn’t going to look too good. This is known as Resampling. Sometimes you’ll be asked to create a print document at 150ppi. This is usually the case when working with large format graphics that will only be seen from a long distance, so the close up quality doesn’t matter so much. The lower resolution makes life easier for your computer, and results in a much smaller file size.

If you’re creating a super large document (like a billboard), we might ask you to create the artwork at smaller dimensions, but at a higher resolution (say, 600ppi). This again helps because the smaller document is going to mean smaller file sizes. We can resize the artwork in order to bump it up to the full dimensions, using that original 600ppi resolution to create a larger document at 150dpi.

Using the correct image resolution is vital to creating the best printed item as possible. The higher the resolution, the better it will look. Remember to create and save your documents at 300dpi whenever possible. It makes our life easier, and make your business card look better.

Have any more questions?
Give us a call at Patterson Printing
(708) 430-0224

One Stop Shopping At Patterson Printing

7/2/2015

Today's blog centers around a customer that needed a logo done and ended up getting everything he needed to get his new business off the ground.

It started with a Google search for a company that could create logos. A customer came in after finding us online and wanted a logo done for a new company he was starting. Once he had a logo he was happy with he said all he needed was to find a place that could print business cards and he was ready to start. We told him that we printed business cards and could create the card as well as print them. At this point we asked him about invoices and he said he wasn't sure what he was going to do yet. His first thought was to try and create them at home to print. Then he debated about getting generic ones online somewhere or at a office supply store. We mentioned we could create them custom with all the options he wanted including making them 2 part forms so he and his customers could each have a copy. He left that day with more then a logo, he also got business cards as well as invoices.

When he came back to pick everything up he was thankful he killed three birds with one stone and asked us if we knew anyone that did T-Shirts. We told him good news, you're in luck cause we do them here in house. He was thrilled and not only got silk-screened t-shirts for his employees but embroidered polo shirts for himself.

Fast forward a month and he stopped back by to order more business cards. His business was booming and he had gone through his first 1000 cards. He pulled up in a white work truck with nothing else on it and I immediately asked him when he was going to put some lettering on the work trucks so he could advertise his own business as he drove back and forth from job to job. By now he knew we were a "one stop shop" for all his printing needs but he still asked if we printed truck lettering or vinyl graphics. The next day he came by and picked up his new decals for the doors of his truck.

Long story short, when you deal with Patterson Printing in Bridgeview, IL. you are dealing with a company that can handle all of your printing needs from start to finish. Shirts, hats, banners, vinyl graphics, promotional products, signs and all your business printing needs in one location.

Have any more questions?
Give us a call at Patterson Printing
(708) 430-0224

What's The Difference Between Labels, Decals and Stickers?

6/25/2015

I just got an e-mail asking what the difference is between a sticker and a decal. We get this question a lot at Patterson Printing in Bridgeview, IL. and I thought it was about time I tried to address it. There is no final answer, as different people will often use the terms interchangeably to describe similar products.

Looking for a definitive answer over at Yahoo Answers won’t help clarify differences:“decal is a more professional word for sticker”…Incorrect; “I would think of a sticker as say a white label and a decal as clear”… No; “Usually a sticker is paper, example an Avery label and not durable and a decal has a permanent adhesive and is more durable”…Nope!

Let’s go to the New Oxford Dictionary and try to break it down piece by piece. Then, I’ll let you know how we at Patterson Printing (seller of custom stickers, decals, and labels) tend to define these products.

STICKER - An adhesive label or notice, generally printed or illustrated.

LABEL - A small piece of paper, fabric, plastic, or similar material attached to an object and giving information about it.

DECAL - A design prepared on special paper for transfer onto another surface such as glass, porcelain, or metal.

As you can see, it’s fairly obvious why we also get asked the question; “what is the difference between a label and a sticker?” A sticker can be a type of label, and labels with an adhesive are also stickers. At Patterson we use the term “sticker”, as in “bumper sticker”, “die cut sticker”, “window sticker”, etc., to define more heavy-duty labels/stickers that can be used outdoors and hold up to the elements over an extended period of time. These are printed on a vinyl or sometimes a polyester material with durable outdoor inks and a permanent adhesive .

We generally use the term “label” to describe adhesive products printed on papers not suitable for outdoors. “Address labels”, “shipping labels”, “lapel labels”, etc., tend to be supplied on rolls or sheets for use (indoors) on packaging, paperwork, clothing, products, and more.

The term, “decals” on the other hand, is often used interchangeably with other outdoor sticker products. But, as you can see in the New Oxford definition, “decals” are more associated with a “transfer” from one medium to another. “Decal” is short for “decalcomania” and usually is a more decorative type design. Thus “slide-on transfer decals” in the model building world, or water-slide ceramic decals (transfers) for tile and ceramic uses are an accurate use of the decal term.

Where the decal-or-sticker confusion usually lies stems from vinyl die-cut lettering and graphics. These are for long term outdoor use and are supplied with a pre-masking sheet, so upon application are transferred from one sheet/medium to another. Unlike a traditional “sticker” which is removed from it’s backing paper and stuck where-ever, this type of vinyl decal is being transferred (often in multiple pieces) from the masking sheet to a smooth surface. So, at Patterson vinyl cut lettering and graphics are referred to as “decals” and all other one-piece, outdoor printed vinyl or clear polyester as “stickers”. Decals are a type of sticker, however, so you’ll hear and see the term “vinyl cut stickers” as well.

I hope this drawn out answer helps you figure out the difference between these products. It is always best, regardless of the terms you use, to tell a manufacturer exactly what you are trying to accomplish with this sticky medium and where you want the sticker/decal ultimately to be applied/stuck. Whatever you are trying to label, decorate, or promote, if you want your name (or message, or graphic) to stick, Patterson Printing can help clarify and design the best custom product to meet your needs.

LABEL

STICKER

Have any more questions?
Give us a call at Patterson Printing
(708) 430-0224

TITHING ENVELOPES

6/3/2015

I had been in business for several years at Patterson Printing in Bridgeview, IL. and we've printed numerous standard #10 and #9 envelopes for businesses. We print them very often, actually. One day I was approached by a local church who was requesting we print tithing envelopes. It sounded challenging, and I thought that since it was for a church it would require more than what is involved for regular business envelopes that we print. Since they are for folks to put cash and checks in them, I had all of these thoughts running through my head about whether they needed to be a security envelope or if they needed a special seal. Low and behold, there is nothing more special about printing tithing envelopes then printing any other type of envelope. They are most often 6 3/4" sized envelopes, which is just a smaller envelope. On a rare occasion we'll get a request for a remit envelope, which is a bit more of a challenge to run through a printing press, but all in all, it isn't too complicated. We usually only print 1 color since that is the most affordable, but some churches get fancy and decide to go full-color which is a whole lot more money, but we can do whatever is needed - If you can think it, we can ink it!

Since we have discovered that there was a whole industry we hadn't tapped into before we began to market towards churches, and it has really taken off. Churches go through tithing envelopes quite quickly and it is a great repeat product. Once the design is done it is very rare that a church changes the design. Tithing envelopes are very important to churches since this is main way the collect funds. Without the envelopes, the churches income will drop dramatically. It is common to get a phone call on a Friday afternoon from a church panicking that they no longer have any envelopes and that they are willing to pay whatever rush fee to get them by the end of the day so they have them for church services over the weekend.

After A Rough Start, Direct To Garment Printing Is Really Helping Us Out...

5/13/2015

Patterson Printing in Bridgeview, Illinois has been screen printing for many years. We have been very successful in these areas, however more and more clients were asking for more challenging jobs. They would ask for 6 shirts with 4 to 5 colors in print. We could screen print it but that would be very challenging and time consuming for such a low quantity job. We never want to turn down a client or a job so these situations became increasingly urgent to resolve.

In 2013 when we had been experiencing more and more of these jobs coming in, it became a major importance for me to figure out a better way to print these items. I had known about DTG (direct to garment) printing for many years but hadn't decided to dive in for several reasons. Some of those reasons were the high cost of the machine, the very new technology, a completely new industry and nightmares I had heard of from other printers. Since DTG first arrived in 2007, those issues were major reasons for being cautious about purchasing such an expensive machine. By the time 2013 came around, I felt confident that most of these issues had been resolved. I did my research comparing ink cost, print speed, part replacements etc. and I decided to purchase a MP10i Anajet DTG printer. Of course I was excited and I understood that there was a learning curve, but boy oh boy did I struggle.

Understanding the pre-treatment, trying different brand pre-treatments, different shirt styles and manufacturers, different colored shirts turned out to be quite the challenge. It took several months to become fairly decent at getting a sell-able t-shirt. However, the biggest problem was the printer. Anajet at the time didn't have field techs, they only had on-line support. Having someone work on my printer required me to drive 2 hours each way and often leave my printer there. It broke down a lot; not due to me printing, but it was simply a poorly designed machine. After a year and a half I was able to get the company to come to me and have a loaner printer on standby for me at all times. This wasn't easy to do, but there was no other choice for them.

It has been about a year since Anajet agreed to work with me, and since then all of my hopes and dreams of doing DTG printing are coming true. All of the short runs, whether 1 color or full color are sent to that machine, while our screen printing department is humming with all the larger jobs we have coming in. I would say that DTG printing in itself is not super profitable in comparison to screen printing, but it is convenient and allows me to handle all jobs no matter how small they are. The convenience alone makes my business more profitable since my screen department is not distracted by inconvenient jobs.

In recent times, companies like Brother and Epson have developed their own machines for DTG printing which makes me wish I had waited, but hindsight is 20/20. It has made us a better company due to the challenges we faced along with the influx of new customers. The good thing is, that new customer that needs 5 shirts done today on our DTG machine may need 144 of them down the road.

If you wanted to order a shirt with this many colors 5 years ago, the minimum number to order would have been 24 pieces. With DTG printing you can order only 1 if needed.