As we get closer to the new year, we can’t wait to see which graphic design trends lead the way in 2018. Each year, design trends play a subtle yet important role in marketing. Some trends come and go, while others continue to evolve each year in new and inspiring ways.

 

While we never advise following any trend blindly, it can be useful to stay abreast of trends to get inspiration for the year ahead. Keep reading to find out which 2018 graphic design trends are worth noting.

 

Graphic Design Trends to Watch in 2018

 

Some of our favourite graphic design trends to watch in the new year include the following:

 

·         Double exposure. This trend has stayed current for a number of years. Next year, we are sure to see even more use of double exposure in brochures, business cards, flyers, posters, and various other materials. There are many ways to bring double exposure elements into your designs. One way is to use alternating shapes to add contrast. You could also use images in different colours to further add impact. However you use it, this look is bold, interesting and eye-catching.

 

·         Negative space. Negative space is very similar to double exposure, with a few key differences. Rather than juxtaposing two images together in one design, spacing is used in a way that creates brand new designs from existing elements. This can be especially powerful when used in logo design and poster design. Choose your fonts wisely to get the full effect of this trend. On the topic of fonts, there are some noteworthy trends in typography as well in 2018…

 

·         Creative typography. Typography remains one of the biggest design trends, year on year. In 2018, we can expect to see a number of interesting, creative font trends. One of the biggest trends will be handwritten fonts, which work especially well with hand-drawn illustrations. This look is ideal for brands wanting to add a personal touch to marketing material. It is light-hearted, fun and quirky, while also being fresh and original. Depending on your goals, you can use creative fonts in brochures, posters, flyers, door hangers, and various other material.

 

·         Artistic illustration. Continuing the hand-drawn effect, illustration continues to be used in a range of posters, logos, business cards, and brochures. One of a kind graphics can be a fresh way to add impact to your branding material in a way that is approachable and memorable. Illustration can be layered over photographs, integrated within or around fonts or even repeated to create interesting backgrounds.

 

·         Colour gradients. Next year, it is time to say goodbye to flat colour, and hello to 3D colour and other visual effects. Colour gradients are one of the top colour trends to watch in 2018. This trend will be used in a range of ways, from website backgrounds all the way to printed brochures, posters, business cards, and other material. If you plan to use this trend, be sure to choose your colour gradients wisely so that they blend into each other without clashing.

 

·         Geometric shapes. Geometric shapes are also on the rise. These can be found in logo designs, as well as backgrounds, brochure layouts, posters, and various other printed sales material. Use this trend sparingly so that you are able to highlight information rather than distract the eye. When used in moderation, geometric shapes add a touch of retro style to your material. When used too much, however, the result will be more distracting than interesting.

 

Looking for a way to keep your marketing material on trend? Get in touch with the Minuteman Press Pinetown team for the very best in graphic design trends in Durban and surrounds.

 

 

 How can you be sure that your annual reports get attention for all the right reasons? This type of document is a powerful promotional tool that helps you celebrate your successes, attract new customers and appease stakeholders. As such, it is imperative that your reports are produced to the highest quality possible. A rushed, poorly printed or badly designed report can end up undoing all the hard work you have completed over the course of the financial year. A professionally produced report, on the other hand, allows you to show your customers and stakeholders what you have achieved in a way that encourages future business.

 

To help you ensure that your annual reports hit the mark, we have put together a few tips to keep in mind. These tips will help you plan, design and print the very best reports for your business.

 

How to Create Enticing Annual Reports

 

Some things to consider when planning annual reports for your company include the following:

 

·         Choose fonts carefully. Fonts can make all the difference to how easily your reports are read. While some fonts are suitable for corporate documents, others should never be used in an important document such as a stakeholder report. Use clear open fonts rather than fancy scripts that may not be as easy to ready when your reports are printed. Remember that the final printed document may look different to the document you are working on from your computer. To get an idea of how to use fonts correctly, consider the tips on the importance of using the right font.

 

·         Make sure it is highly visual. Choose your images and colours carefully, too. Visuals are essential with this type of document. You will be able to include tables, graphs, and infographics to support your data, but make sure that you don’t try to cram in every single possible visual. Instead, aim for a balance between text, headers, and imagery. This will make your report interesting to read, with a structure that can be easily absorbed without the eye glazing over from blocks of solid text.

 

·         Streamline your narrative. On that note, it is vital to have a clearly outlined narrative. What is your primary goal for your report? Are up updating shareholders at an end of year meeting? Do you plan to use this report to pitch new clients? What are the main points you want to focus on in the report? There is no point to having an abundance of data if it has no direct correlation to your goals.

 

·         Invest in professional design. The last thing you want stakeholders to think is that you could not be bothered to create a quality report. While you may have plenty of ideas on how you want your report to look, make sure that you do not attempt to do everything yourself. There are a number of risks involved in designing your own reports. Unless you have an in-house design team that has ample experience and expertise in corporate material and design, you may end up losing stakeholders if your report looks unprofessional or amateur.

 

·         Print reports professionally. That also means investing in professional printing as well. You could have the best report design in the world, only to lose respect from a poor quality print result. Choose a trusted printer who is able to print company reports in Durban using the best possible paper, ink, and process. This will ensure that your report is polished, flawless and ready to do its job.

 

Ready to find out more about printed corporate materials? We offer design and printing services to suit your needs and budget. Contact Minuteman Press Pinetown for a quote on annual company reports in Durban.

 

Your company’s annual calendar is undoubtedly filled with everything from conferences and expos to networking events, client meetings, office celebrations and sports days. Corporate gifts are something that you should think about and invest in ahead of time so that you always have a unique way to welcome and show appreciation to your clients and potential clients.

 

• Everyone Loves a Freebie

 

Everyone likes to get something useful for free. While you can easily print your logo on any old item, consider promotional products that people will really use. If you are investing in promotional products, then there are many branded items that Minuteman Press can offer you:

–  Magnets

–  Pens

–  Pencils

–  Trade show supplies

–  Mugs and cups

–  Bags

–  A variety of gift items

 

• Memorable Thank You’s

 

Corporate gifts will help you to thank your customers and staff in a fun and unique way. Honour their milestones and celebrate their achievements with custom gifts that you will be proud to give out.

 

• Brand Awareness

 

Besides having the ability to give out high-quality items, you will also be increasing your brand awareness. Minuteman Press can print your logo on items that reflect your corporate culture and business. When these items are used or worn, more people will be exposed to your brand and business. Many people also see promotional products as an alternative to business cards, because it’s something that can be kept on a person is constantly in front of a customer.

 

Don’t delay when it comes to investing in corporate gifts and promotional products. Contact Minuteman Press in Pinetown for more information today.

 

 

Printed sales material plays an important part of your overall sales and marketing efforts. As a sales tool, there is no doubt that brochures, flyers, posters and presentation folders will always have their place. When you meet potential customers, how well your brand is remembered can often come down to how your brand is presented. A beautifully designed brochure that is presented to customers in a branded folder that also includes your card and any other relevant information will always make a world-class impression.

 

Despite the obvious benefits of printed sales material, many businesses assume that they can focus all their efforts to digital strategies and still reap the same rewards. Sadly, if you meet customers face to face, there is no substitute for tangible marketing material that showcases your brand.

 

The Importance of Printed Sales Material

 

Why is printed sales material such an important tool? For starters, it offers the following advantages:

 

·         Easier marketing. When you have marketing collateral on hand, it will be a lot easier to provide potential customers or clients with an overview of what you offer. Whether you have a stock of printed brochures, or full promotional packs that include brochures, business cards, fact sheets and other useful information, printed material will almost always offer a more impressive introduction compared to a link to your website.

 

·         Enhanced competition. In order to stay ahead of your competition, you need to be able to provide potential customers with a world-class experience. If you do not offer anything besides a business card, and your competitors are presenting customers with presentation folders that are full of useful information that helps to close a sale, you are basically losing out.

 

·         Easier sales. On that note, brochures and other material also simplify the sales process. If you have a printed price guide that outlines all of your major products, customers will not have to ask you for this information. Instead, they can take home your brochure and (hopefully) return to seal the deal. On the other hand, imagine what would happen if you had nothing to show potential customers. Your sales team would quickly get frustrated at having to repeat information every few seconds.

 

·         Visual connection. Many people use visual connections when making a decision. As brochures and other printed material such as flyers, posters and promotional products are placed in your customers’ hands, they have no choice but to view the products. Leafing through a pamphlet can make it easier for customers to connect to your brand. For this reason, printed material will never be a waste.

 

·         Holistic marketing. Finally, printed promotional material can also help to create a holistic, integrated marketing experience. The most effective way to reach customers on every level is to use printed material alongside digital material. A website, social media page, brochure and flyer can be a powerful combination when used as part of a broader campaign. This is quite easily the simplest way to ensure a well-rounded brand experience.

 

To learn more about printing in Durban, get in touch with Minuteman Press Pinetown today.

 

 

Are corporate calendars and diaries still relevant? Do people even use them anymore? In a nutshell, yes. Printed scheduling tools remain useful for anyone who needs to keep track of tasks. Used by a diverse number of people, from students to freelancers, employees, managers and business owners, these tools offer a visual, effective, fast way to stay on track of projects, meetings and other engagements.

 

In today’s digital era, it is natural to wonder whether printed tools still have much value. The good news is that there will always be a place for corporate calendars and diaries. Keep reading to find out why these tools will never go out of fashion.

 

Top Reasons to Invest in Corporate Calendars and Diaries

 

Some of the top advantages of printed corporate calendars and diaries include the following:

 

·         They are easy to update. Rather than finding a phone or opening up an online version, printed diaries and calendars can be updated in a matter of seconds. Most people keep scheduling tools on their desk, or in their bags, where they can be easily accessed. Entering information by hand can often also be a lot quicker than typing it in via keyboard. This makes printed scheduling tools a far quicker and far more convenient option over their digital counterparts.

 

·         They require no passwords or downloads. On a similar note, there are no passwords to worry about either. Assuming that they are kept safely, printed schedulers are far more secure than any app – especially one that you have to download or update. Although online versions often come with enhanced security and auto-update features, nothing can replace a real life version when it comes to safety and privacy.

 

·         They will not crash or break. Likewise, there is no risk of your calendar suddenly crashing with your app starts working. Almost every single app has its risks, even if it has been rated highly by users. It can be hard to know how apps perform until you download them and try them for yourself. Digital diaries and calendars need to be hosted on a secure platform in order for you to access your schedule. An offline version will never put you at risk of crashes or nasty viruses.

 

·         They are great for visual people. If you are one of those people who prefers to have a clear visual outline of what you need to do each day, a real life calendar or diary may just offer a more rewarding option than a digital schedule. This gives you an easy to access snapshot of your day that you can view without having to open up any app or online web page. Being able to manually tick off items as they are completed is also satisfying.

 

·         They are a useful marketing tool. Finally, both diaries and calendars offer a unique way to keep your brand top of mind. When sending branded schedules to your clients, you will be sure that they remember your brand whenever they use your diary or calendar. This can also be a great in-house tool to help reinforce your brand to employees as well.

 

Now is the best time to start thinking about your company calendars or branded diaries. To learn more about printing corporate calendars and diaries in Durban, get in touch with Minuteman Press Pinetown today.

At Minuteman Press Pinetown, we have an in-house team of excellent designers who can design everything from posters and business cards to show-stopping banners, postcards, invitations and catalogues for you.

Poster design is something that we excel in here at Minuteman Press. With years of experience in colour psychology, top design software and advertising, we are your one-stop shop for everything related to graphic design and printing.

Many of our clients are interested in the design process. Here are a few things that you can keep in mind if you want to brainstorm your own concepts:

• Colours: Always consider the colours you use very carefully. Each colour should serve a purpose. Too many bright colours can make the poster difficult to read and people might lose interest and move on before they even know what it is that the poster is advertising.
• Printing: Always do thorough research before you decide which printing company you are going to partner with. Choose a company that has a good reputation for producing high quality prints. Remember that a good design is wasted if the printing looks cheap.
• Using the space: When designing the layout of the poster you should always try to use all the space available to you. Don’t cram graphics and text into the layout – remember that the poster needs to be easy to read from afar.
• Pictures: A poster is a visual representation of an idea. Pictures can be more powerful than words, so choose your images wisely.
• Word count: Minimise the amount of copy you include in your poster design. Always try to keep your text content concise and to-the-point so that people who only have time to glance at the poster will be able to get the general idea of what you have to offer.
• Text size considerations: The text that is used for your heading should be readable six metres away from the poster and the text that forms the body of the poster should be readable from at least two metres away from the poster.

Partner with Minuteman Press for poster printing in Pinetown

Calendars are the only type of advertising that is seen by your clients all year round, whereby you only have the expense of marketing costs at the end of year when you are purchasing your calendars for the following year.

As opposed to advertising such as newspaper, magazines, radio and distributed media such as flyers, this type of exposure is a very effective marketing medium.

There are several types of calendars available that can be custom-made for you with your logo, company details and even pictures of your products and/or services. You would need to decide which type of calendar best suits your marketing strategy to give to your clients, whilst taking your budget into consideration.

 

Wall Calendars

These are the calendars which hang on your wall onto a hook or nail. These are usually the largest form of calendars which range from A2 to A0, which generally display all the months of the year with company details and pictures. For a more cost-effective approach, you could digitally print A4 or A3 calendars in full colour with a hole drilled at the top. These can have smaller quantities available for the small to medium enterprises that have fewer than 100 clients that they would like to distribute calendars to.

Many companies will include pictures of the products or just use general pictures of landscapes and animals to make the calendars appealing for clients to want to hang them on their wall. This ensures that your contact details are easily visible at all times. For a more impressive calendar, these can be rimmed with gold or silver trimming at the top of the calendar with a hook or the bottom, or even both. For budget constraints, these calendars can simply have a hole drilled to hook them onto the nail.

Wall Flip Calendars

These are calendars that are wire bound with a hook which hooks onto a nail, however these have several pages in the calendar, as opposed to the wall calendars which have just one page containing all the months of the year. The flip calendars can contain a page for each month, thus 12 pages per calendar or for budget constrains the calendar can be divided into 4 pages containing 3 months per page. Each page can have a different design or picture, as well as previous and following months for easier referencing or planning. These type of calendars are best suited to companies that would like to share as much information about their business and their products or services as they possibly can. Whereby 12 pages can be used for advertising as opposed to just one page with very little space for advertising, due to the space required to fit all twelve months.

Desktop Flip Calendars

These will have the same style and affect as the wall flip calendars, which are wire bound and flip over each month or quarterly as required. The difference will be that these will not be displayed on the wall as they will be bound onto a stand which will be placed onto your clients desk. Easily visible and even closer to the telephone for your client to call you whenever they require your services. These typically come in A5 size prints which will be digitally printed and have no minimum quantities required. Companies can either display their products and services, or even include some information about a specific item or a discussion. Simple “Did you Know?” could be used to advertise your services each month to make it intriguing. NPOs could use these as a method to advertise their achievements from the previous year to inspire more to invest in their efforts. Should you not wish to advertise anything other than just your company logo and information, you could fill each page with a landscape or animal to create beautifully printed calendars that add serene setting for your clients’ desk.

Desktop Tent Calendars

These are the most cost effective calendars to distribute to clients, which are bent into a Tent-like shape and stands on the desk. Each side contains six months of the year and your company details, making it easily accessible for the clients to call you. At the bottom of the calendar typically contains any holiday dates or school terms. These are printed digitally and can be done in small runs or larger quantities, depending on your requirements and budget. These do not take long to assemble and can be manufactured in a matter of days, ready for distribution to your clients, as opposed to the larger wall calendars that may require rimming or the flip calendars that require wire binding.

Desktop Pad Calendars

These calendars are printed with 12 very large pages which contains blocks and the dates of the month. This gives the client space to write any notes or schedules for those particular dates. There is more than enough space to include your logo, details and services to keep on your clients desk daily for the entire year.  These pages are glued together with a board and have plastic corners to tuck the pages in so that they don’t lift as these are generally left on the desk and your client will be working over it and bumping it continually with their arms. The good news is they will be looking at these calendars on a daily basis and at the end of every month they will tear off the page and start a fresh new month, whilst looking at your details and reminded of your services yet again. Due to the size of these calendars they can not be printed digitally, unless an A3 size is used, thus larger quantities of 100 or more are recommended. These calendars can either be printed in full colour or for more cost effective options you could print just one, two or three colours as per you companies brand identity.

 

Contact Minuteman Press Pinetown today for a wide range of custom-made calendars to suit your business.

 

 

Just how effective is printed marketing material? What place do flyers and brochures have in our digital era? How can you use printed flyers and brochures to grow your business?

 

If you thought that digital trumps print, you may be surprised to know that print has every bit as much value as it did before the rise of online brochures and flyers. The most effective way to reap the benefits of both print and digital is to aim for an integrated campaign that incorporates both. Keep reading to find out why printed material will always add value to your business.

 

Why Invest in Printed Marketing Material?

 

Some of the ways that printed marketing material adds value include the following:

 

·         Stand out

 

Printed brochures and flyers have the ability to stand out from the crowd – especially in today’s heavily digital focused era. With the huge volume of emails and online ads that consumers see each day, printed items tend to be more memorable. The secret to ensuring that you stand out without resorting to unwanted spam is to choose your audience carefully and present your material wisely. A branded presentation folder that includes your brochure, a flyer advertising a current special offer, a business card and a letterhead with a personal note can be a great way to impress potential clients after a meeting.

 

·         Increase exposure

 

Another benefit that print has over digital is that it increases exposure. When you send an email, it will only be seen by those you sent it to. A printed document however will be seen by everyone who comes into contact with the material. It may be picked up from your customer’s desk, or handed out to a marketing team by your client. This ensures a far higher exposure compared to an email that will be seen once and forgotten.

 

·         Enhance your message

 

Although printed brochures and flyers can be effective as a stand-alone campaign, they are even more effective when used as part of your integrated marketing strategy. This gives you the best of both worlds, allowing you to reach people online and through print. It also helps to create a cohesive brand experience, while reinforcing your message across multiple channels.

 

·         Ensure credibility

 

There is also often a greater sense of credibility when it comes to printed flyers and brochures. There is still a high degree of distrust in online technology – especially when you cannot see who sent the digital flyer or brochure. A printed document on the other hand offers no risk of viruses or spam caused by pop-up ads or dodgy link. This in turn ensures a far higher level of credibility and trust for your business.

 

·         Increase engagement

 

You will also be able to boost engagement. If you place printed flyers or brochures into niche magazines, you can reach the right people at the right time – something that can be much harder online. As people often find it easier to read printed paper than a digital screen, you can also ensure a higher level of engagement with the help of your printed items.

 

Interested in learning more about brochures and flyers can help you stand out? Contact Minuteman Press Pinetown to find out more about how to get started with printed marketing material in Durban.

 

Corporate gifting is a fun way to ensure that your business is kept top of mind for your customers. Unlike promotional products, corporate gifts are typically not branded with your company name or logo in the traditional sense. Although your branding can be used subtly, the intention is not so much to promote your company but to rather leave a lasting impression.

 

There are many different types of gifts that can be given to clients, from hampers to wine, seasoning, useful items and seasonal gifts sent at the end of year. Rather than branding the gift itself, you can promote your business discretely through printed materials such as personalised greeting cards, presentation folders and even branded gift packaging. When done properly, corporate gifting can help you position your company and build relationships with your clients. When done without much thought however, much can go wrong…

 

Avoid These Corporate Gifting Mistakes

 

Some of the biggest corporate gifting mistakes to avoid include the following:

 

1.       Confusing gifts. Stay clear of any gifts that have double meaning or an unclear purpose. You may not realise that your gift is ambiguous, but if there is even the smallest chance that clients do not understand the gift’s purpose, message or design, it is best to choose something else. If possible, get a second opinion from a few people before finalising your selection. This will help you reduce the chance of a gift that leaves clients more confused than anything else.

 

2.       Offensive gifts. On a similar note, it is also never an idea to offend your clients – whether inadvertently or in an attempt at making a joke. End of year gifts should be approached carefully. Although a number of your clients may celebrate Christmas, not all of them do. A Christmas themed hamper may therefore not be as effective as a neutral year end celebration gift that focuses on the new year to come rather than religious holidays. It is also best to avoid gifts that have any strong language, potentially offensive message or any other feature that could offend.

 

3.       Overly cheap or pricey gifts. Although it is never idea to give your loyal customers a super cheap gift that will be thrown out by the end of the day, it may also not be ideal to give something ridiculously expensive, either. To ensure that your gift is useful without being too fancy or too cheap, set a budget and stick to it. You could do some research into the average gift value for South African businesses, or even consider any gifts that you have received from businesses.

 

4.       Promotional product gifts. This is not the time to bring out those branded promotional mugs or caps. Using promotional products as corporate gifts can be tacky, to say the least. Instead, use your packaging and marketing material to brand your gift subtly. Remember, this gift is more about your customer than your company. You are essentially thanking them for their support. A personalised card goes a long way in boosting your reputation.

 

5.       Inappropriate gifts. Finally, it is a good idea to think carefully about whether the gifts you have chosen are appropriate or not. You may find the gift hilariously funny, but is it right for your business? If there is even a small chance that even a few customers will not see the joke, play it safe and consider something else. Funny messages can easily go wrong, while simple messages and gifts that add genuine value will always be well received.

 

Contact Minuteman Press Pinetown today for a wide range of corporate gifting presentation ideas.

Do you want to start designing and printing your business cards, stickers, postcards and other colour copies online? Then it’s time you started using Minuteman Press Pinetown’s online design tool. This tool makes it easy for you to choose the right template, customise your prints and even order your prints online.

Stop wasting time in traffic or in meetings with graphic designers and printers – take care of everything from the comfort of your own home by using our online design tool. We offer free deliver, which is another added benefit of using our online design tool called Shop Minuteman.

Here are some of the things you can design and print online:

• Business cards. A business card is a professional and convenient way of putting forward your company name to clients as well as providing them with necessary information and incorporating good graphic design elements is what will make your business card memorable.
• Stickers and labels: Almost any office needs stickers and labels. Our sticker and label printing isn’t only affordable, but virtually everything can be customised.
• Postcards: Whether you’re printing a few postcards for your friends or you’re printing thousands of postcards for your company, we can handle the job.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use design solution that gives you full control of the creative process (while saving you money and effort at the same time), then Shop Minuteman is for you. Be your own graphic designer by using Minuteman Press Pinetown’s online design and printing tool today. Contact us if you have any questions or queries about this service.

 

Trade show printing applies to a wide range of marketing products that you may be using at your upcoming event. Whether you are organising last minute flyers, planning your brochures well in advance, or even considering items such as presentation folders, business cards, posters or promotional gifts to give trade show guests, you should never take short cuts.

 

A rushed, poorly planned or poorly conceptualised poster, invite, flyer or catalogue can end up causing your brand more harm than you may realise. To find out more about the worst trade show mistakes (and how to avoid them) keep on reading.

 

Trade Show Printing Mistakes to Avoid

 

In no particular order, some of the top trade show printing mistakes to avoid include the following:

 

1.       Not planning ahead

 

The primary reason for trade show stress and disorganisation is a lack of planning. If you do not have a plan in mind with clear goals and steps for each stage of the process, you will quickly start to feel frazzled. You may also end up missing print deadlines or going well over budget because you have not planned in advance. As soon as you book your booth at the show, you will need to get your material conceptualised, designed and printed. If you leave it too late and suddenly realise that you will need leaflets for guests, business cards to hand out, posters explaining your brand and gifts to leave a reminder of your business, you will end up having to do last minute design and printing. This doesn’t only increase your risk of poor quality and rush jobs – it also means you spend far more in the long run.

 

2.       Vague messaging

 

At trade shows, you have a matter of seconds to catch visitors’ attention and get them interested in what you are offering. If your booth and marketing material does not have any clear message, you are essentially causing people to lose interest. Although printing is important, you first need to ensure that you have a design that clearly outlines your product, services and USP. A beautifully designed booth that has beautifully designed, professionally printed brochures, cards and leaflets, along with gifts for visitors to take home and keep your brand front of mind will always do well at trade shows.

 

3.       Not proofing your items before printing

Have you proofed your brochures, cards, flyers, posters and material before it goes to the printer? You would be surprised how many businesses don’t bother. Once thousands of items have been printed, it will be a lot harder to make changes or fix any errors. Nothing is worse than material that has spelling or grammar mistakes – especially at a large trade show that has large numbers of people come through the doors each day. Make sure that you have someone go over every item you print before it is sent off. This will save you a great deal of time and stress, while preventing a waste of trade show material.

 

Looking for a reliable, professional printer in Durban and surrounds? Contact Minuteman Press Pinetown