Capturing Attention
In a sea of exhibitors and competitors, eye-catching banners and backdrops act as powerful attention-grabbers, drawing visitors to your booth and setting you apart from the crowd. A well-designed backdrop with bold graphics and compelling messaging instantly communicates your brand identity and value proposition, making it more likely for attendees to stop and explore what you have to offer.

Brand Reinforcement
Consistency is key when it comes to brand messaging, and printed materials serve as tangible reinforcements of your brand identity. Whether it’s through cohesive signage, brochures that echo your website’s design, or business cards featuring your logo and contact information, each piece reinforces your brand image and helps build trust and recognition among prospects.

Tangible Engagement
While digital communication has its benefits, there’s something uniquely engaging about physical materials that people can touch, feel, and take with them. Brochures provide a tangible resource for prospects to learn more about your products or services, while business cards serve as a physical reminder of the connection made. These tactile interactions leave a deeper impression and increase the likelihood of follow-up after the event.

Personalization and Customization
Printed materials offer endless opportunities for personalization and customization to tailor your messaging to specific audiences or events. From targeted brochures highlighting relevant product features to branded giveaways that align with the event theme, customization demonstrates attention to detail and enhances the overall attendee experience.

Versatility and Longevity
Unlike digital ads that disappear with a click, printed materials have staying power. Banners and backdrops can be reused at multiple events, while brochures and business cards continue to promote your brand long after the event has ended. This longevity ensures that your investment in printed materials continues to deliver value over time.

In conclusion, while digital marketing channels are undoubtedly valuable, the importance of printed materials in trade shows and business events cannot be overstated. From attracting attention and reinforcing your brand identity to facilitating tangible engagement and leaving a lasting impression, printed materials play a multifaceted role in driving success at events. By investing in high-quality, strategically designed print materials, you can maximize your presence, increase engagement, and ultimately achieve your marketing objectives with confidence.

The post The Power of Print: Elevating Your Trade Show and Business Events appeared first on Hackworth.

Why Refresh Your Brand?

Refreshing your brand isn’t just about changing a logo or updating a color scheme. It’s about realigning your business’s public image with its evolving vision, values, and the needs of your target audience. A brand refresh can:

• Reinvigorate Your Business: It can reignite enthusiasm both within your team and among your customers.
• Stay Relevant: Trends change, and so do customer preferences. A brand refresh helps you stay aligned with what’s current.
• Outshine Competitors: A fresh look can set you apart in a crowded market.
• Attract New Customers: A new look can intrigue and attract new demographics.

How to Use Print Designs in Your Brand Refresh

1. Revise Your Logo and Brand Colors: Your logo and color palette are often the first things that people associate with your brand. Consider modernizing your logo and updating your color scheme to reflect current trends while maintaining your brand’s essence.
2. Update Your Business Cards: Business cards are a physical extension of your brand identity. Opt for high-quality paper and consider unique finishes like embossing or foil stamping to make a lasting impression.
3. Redesign Marketing Materials: Brochures, flyers, and banners should be updated to reflect your new branding. Consistency across all materials strengthens brand recognition.
4. Innovative Packaging: If your business involves physical products, consider redesigning your packaging. Creative and sustainable packaging can make your products stand out on the shelves.
5. Refresh Your Signage: Update the signage at your physical location. This includes indoor and outdoor signs, as well as trade show displays.
6. Personalized Stationery: Letterheads, envelopes, and notepads with your refreshed brand elements can add a professional touch to your correspondence.

Embracing Technology in Print

Leverage the latest in printing technology to bring your new designs to life. Digital printing offers unparalleled customization and flexibility, allowing for small runs and experimentation. Advanced techniques like 3D printing, UV printing, and interactive print elements can add a unique dimension to your branding materials.

Sustainability Matters

In today’s environmentally conscious world, consider eco-friendly printing options. Use recycled materials, soy or vegetable-based inks, and processes that reduce waste. Not only is it good for the planet, but it also resonates well with customers who value sustainability.

Collaboration is Key

Work closely with your design and print partner to ensure that your vision is accurately translated into print. They can offer valuable insights into what works best in print, current design trends, and how to maximize impact within your budget.

Conclusion

A brand refresh is more than a cosmetic makeover; it’s a reinvestment in your business’s identity and future. By leveraging fresh print designs and embracing modern printing technologies, you can unveil a brand identity that resonates with your audience and sets the stage for success in the New Year. Remember, your brand is your story – make sure it’s told in the most compelling way possible.

Whether you’re looking to make a bold change or a subtle update, the New Year is the perfect time to start. With strategic planning and innovative print solutions, your brand refresh can be the catalyst for new growth and opportunities.

The post New Year, New Business Identity: Revamping Your Brand with Fresh Print Designs appeared first on Hackworth.

Personalized Greeting Cards

Sending out personalized holiday greeting cards is a timeless tradition that warms the hearts of both senders and recipients. The act of selecting or designing a card with meaningful messages and images fosters a sense of connection and goodwill. The tactile nature of printed cards adds a personal touch that digital messages can’t replicate. Whether you opt for elegant, classic designs or quirky, customized creations, greeting cards set the tone for spreading holiday cheer.

Festive Banners and Posters

Transform your living space or workplace into a winter wonderland with festive banners and posters. These printed materials can feature holiday-themed illustrations, inspirational quotes, or even family photos. Hang them in key areas like your living room, office, or entryway to instantly infuse your surroundings with a holiday spirit. The size, color, and design of these banners can be tailored to match your desired atmosphere, be it cozy and traditional or vibrant and contemporary.

Custom Wrapping Paper

The art of gift-giving takes center stage during the holidays, and custom wrapping paper adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness. Design your wrapping paper with personal photos, illustrations, or patterns that resonate with the recipient’s interests. The excitement of unwrapping a beautifully wrapped gift can elevate the holiday experience and create a sense of anticipation.

Table Settings and Menus

For those hosting holiday gatherings, printed materials like festive table settings and menus can elevate the dining experience. Create customized place cards, menu cards, and table runners that tie into your chosen theme. The attention to detail in these printed materials enhances the overall ambiance and makes guests feel valued and welcome.

Event Invitations

If you’re planning a holiday party or gathering, printed invitations are a must-have. They set the stage for the event, conveying important details while building anticipation. Opt for designs that reflect the theme of your gathering, whether it’s a formal dinner, a casual gift exchange, or a festive cocktail party.

Advent Calendars and Countdowns

Counting down the days until Christmas is a cherished tradition, and printed advent calendars make the countdown even more enjoyable. You can purchase themed calendars or create your own, featuring personalized surprises behind each door. These tangible reminders of the approaching holiday add a sense of excitement and wonder to the season.

Incorporating printed materials into your holiday preparations is a creative and thoughtful way to enhance the festive atmosphere. Whether it’s through personalized greeting cards, festive banners, custom wrapping paper, or event invitations, these printed materials add a touch of magic to your holiday celebrations. By infusing your space and gatherings with carefully chosen designs and messages, you can create cherished memories and a holiday atmosphere that resonates with warmth, joy, and togetherness.

The post Crafting a Memorable Holiday Atmosphere: The Magic of Printed Materials appeared first on Hackworth.

In today's fast-paced and competitive business environment, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success. Whether you run a small local print shop or a large marketing agency, owning a wide format printer can be a game-changer for your business. In this blog post, we will explore the various benefits of investing in a wide format printer and how it can enhance your operations and bottom line.

Diverse Range of Applications:

Wide format printers are incredibly versatile and can handle a wide range of applications. From creating eye-catching posters, banners, and signs to producing high-quality photographs, architectural drawings, and maps, these printers can cater to various industries and customer needs. This versatility can help your business attract a broader customer base and increase revenue streams.

In-House Control and Convenience:

Owning a wide format printer allows you to have complete control over your printing projects. You no longer need to rely on third-party printing services, which can lead to delays and added costs. With an in-house wide format printer, you can respond quickly to customer requests, make last-minute adjustments, and meet tight deadlines, all while maintaining the highest level of quality and consistency.

Cost Savings:

While the initial investment in a wide format printer may seem significant, it can lead to substantial cost savings in the long run. Outsourcing large format printing jobs can be expensive, especially when you factor in shipping costs and markups by print service providers. By bringing the printing process in-house, you can eliminate these extra expenses and enjoy a higher profit margin on your projects.

Customization and Creativity:

Wide format printers empower your business to get creative and offer customized solutions to your clients. Whether you're printing personalized banners for special events or designing unique marketing materials, the ability to customize every aspect of your projects sets you apart from competitors. This level of personalization can lead to higher customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Speed and Efficiency:

In today's fast-paced world, customers expect quick turnaround times. Wide format printers are designed to be fast and efficient, allowing you to complete large print jobs in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional printing methods. This speed not only boosts productivity but also enables you to take on more projects and increase your revenue potential.

Improved Quality:

Wide format printers are known for their exceptional print quality and precision. Whether you're producing high-resolution images or intricate architectural plans, these printers deliver sharp and vibrant results. This superior quality can enhance your business's reputation and credibility, attracting more clients who value top-notch output.

Greater Control Over Materials:

With a wide format printer, you have control over the choice of materials and substrates you use for your projects. This flexibility allows you to cater to specific client preferences and requirements. Whether it's printing on vinyl, canvas, fabric, or specialty papers, your wide format printer can handle various materials, expanding your capabilities and service offerings.

Eco-Friendly Practices:

Modern wide format printers are designed with environmental sustainability in mind. They use eco-friendly inks and energy-efficient technology, which not only reduces your carbon footprint but also aligns with the growing demand for environmentally responsible business practices. Promoting your eco-friendly approach can be a unique selling point for your business.

In conclusion, owning a wide format printer can provide numerous benefits for your business, from increased versatility and convenience to cost savings and improved quality. Investing in this technology can give your business a competitive edge, boost your reputation, and open up new revenue streams. So, whether you're a printing shop, marketing agency, or an architect's office, consider the advantages of owning a wide format printer to take your business to the next level.

The post The Benefits of Owning a Wide Format Printer as a Business appeared first on Hackworth.

1. Cost-effective Advertising
   
   Banners offer a cost-effective approach to advertising. Whether displayed indoors or outdoors, banners serve as a flexible marketing tool for any facility. Customizable vinyl banners allow you to showcase a wide range of elements such as images, messages, logos, and text, providing endless options at an affordable price.
2. Easy Implementation
   
   Banners are simple to implement. Hang them up, and they start working immediately. No complicated technology is required for display or operation. This hassle-free process saves both time and money.
3. Portability and Lightweight
   
   Banners are portable and lightweight, making them ideal for establishments that need to move their message around. They can be easily folded and carried to different events, including trade shows, fairs, and other gatherings.
4. No Hidden or Recurring Costs
   
   Banners come with no hidden or recurring costs. Once you have created your banner, you’re good to go. There are no additional expenses or fees, making it a one-time investment.
5. Extending Your Message
   
   Displaying a banner outside your establishment reinforces your brand and message. It catches the attention of potential customers who may not have been aware of your offerings, effectively carrying your message from inside to outside.
6. Affordable Benefits of Multiple Banners
   
   Having multiple banners provides affordable benefits, particularly in terms of size options. You can easily create banners of various sizes to suit your needs, ranging from small tabletop banners to large outdoor displays.
7. Easy Message Repetition
   
   With multiple banners, you can display them at different locations, events, and occasions. This ensures a consistent brand message across multiple settings, contributing to enhanced brand recognition.
8. Flexibility for Updates
   
   By maintaining the same design for your new banners, you have the flexibility to change your message as needed. This allows for easy updates with new information or the promotion of different offerings.
9. Leaving a Lasting Impression
   
   Custom banners create a lasting impression for your establishment. They provide a professional and visually appealing look, making it easier for potential customers to remember your facility and its offerings.

Banners offer a cost-effective and versatile means to promote the services and amenities of your establishment. They are easy to create and implement, leaving a lasting impression that aids in building brand recognition. Consider incorporating banners into your marketing strategy to make your facility stand out and attract a wider audience.

The post Using Banners for Short-Term Marketing Messages appeared first on Hackworth.

Here at Hackworth, you can expect top-notch design and print services tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced team of professionals understands the significance of graduations and will work closely with you to bring your vision to life. From conceptualization to final production, we’ll ensure that your signage reflects the personality and achievements of the graduate.

Hackworth recognizes that every event is unique, and the signage should be no exception. We offer a wide range of options for banners, posters, and signs, providing you with the flexibility to choose the perfect format for your event. Whether you envision a large-scale banner to be displayed prominently or a series of eye-catching posters to set the mood, Hackworth has you covered.

We also offer an extensive selection of banner types, catering to various preferences and purposes. Some options include mesh, scrim vinyl, Polypropylene, and canvas. Each material offers distinct benefits such as durability, weather resistance, or a premium aesthetic appeal. With Hackworth’s expertise, you can select the ideal banner type that aligns with your event’s location, theme, and desired longevity.

If you’re looking to showcase personalized messages, photographs, or detailed information, posters are an excellent choice. Our production team can print posters on any type of paper stock, allowing you to choose the texture, finish, and thickness that best suits your design. Whether you prefer glossy, matte, or specialty paper, Hackworth ensures your posters will captivate attendees and leave a lasting impression.

For outdoor events or as directional markers, yard signs on coroplast are a popular choice. Hackworth offers printing services for yard signs, allowing you to guide guests, highlight important areas, or express congratulatory messages. Coroplast is a lightweight and durable material that withstands various weather conditions, ensuring your signage remains intact throughout the event.

To streamline your event planning process, installation and delivery services are always provided. Our team can handle the installation of banners, posters, and signs, allowing you to focus on other crucial aspects of your event. Whether you require assistance with hanging banners or setting up yard signs, Hackworth ensures a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

When planning an event to celebrate a special graduate, attention to detail is key. By choosing Hackworth’s design and print services, you can create personalized, high-quality signage that truly enhances the ambiance and commemorates the achievements of the graduate. With our extensive range of banner types, poster printing options, yard signs on coroplast, and reliable installation and delivery services, Hackworth is your go-to partner for all your graduation signage needs. Make your event memorable and inspiring with Hackworth’s exceptional offerings!

The post Planning an Event for a Special Graduate? Get Your Graduation Signage at Hackworth! appeared first on Hackworth.

As the weather starts to warm up, golf season is quickly approaching. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just starting out, there's nothing quite like a day on the links. And if you're planning a golf tournament or event, you know that the right signage can make all the difference.

At Hackworth, we understand the importance of creating a memorable and professional event. That's why we offer a wide range of signage options that can be tailored to your specific needs. From tee box markers and directional signs to banners and sponsor recognition displays, our experienced designers and printers can create high-quality signage that will help your event stand out.

One of the most important aspects of any golf tournament or event is the tee box markers. These markers not only indicate where each player should tee off from but also provide an opportunity to showcase your event's branding. With our custom tee box markers, you can create a professional and cohesive look throughout the course, making your event feel like a well-organized and professional tournament.

In addition to tee box markers, directional signs are also essential for any golf tournament or event. These signs help guide players and spectators around the course, ensuring that everyone knows where they need to be. Our directional signs can be customized to match your event's branding and can be placed strategically throughout the course to help keep everyone on track.

Another important aspect of any golf tournament or event is sponsor recognition. Our custom sponsor recognition displays are a great way to acknowledge the companies and individuals who have helped make your event possible. Whether it's a banner hung near the clubhouse or individual signs placed throughout the course, our team can create high-quality sponsor recognition displays that will leave a lasting impression.

In conclusion, if you're planning a golf tournament or event, custom signage can make a big difference in the overall success and experience of the event. From tee box markers and directional signs to banners and sponsor recognition displays, our team can create high-quality signage that will help your event stand out from the rest. Contact us today to get started and take your golf tournament or event to the next level.

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Research has shown that the physical environment can have a significant impact on employees’ well-being and job satisfaction. A study by the University of Exeter found that employees who have control over the design and layout of their workspace are not only happier but also up to 32% more productive than those who do not. Similarly, a study by the Harvard Business Review found that employees who feel their workspace is well-designed are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work.

Given these findings, it’s clear that investing in wall decor can be a powerful tool for creating a positive work environment that supports employees’ well-being and productivity. In the following sections, we’ll explore some of the specific ways in which wall decor can achieve this goal, from encouraging innovation to improving employee engagement and well-being.

Creating a workspace that inspires & motivates

Wall decor can have a significant impact on the overall atmosphere of the workplace. By carefully selecting and placing artwork, motivational quotes, and other decorative elements, employers can create an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and a positive attitude.

One way that wall decor can encourage a positive work environment is by providing visual cues that promote teamwork and collaboration. For example, displaying artwork that depicts groups of people working together can signal to employees that teamwork is valued and that they are part of a larger team. Additionally, hanging up motivational quotes or posters with positive messages can inspire employees to work together towards a common goal and maintain a positive outlook.

Another way that wall decor can contribute to a positive work environment is by creating a sense of fun and playfulness. Displaying artwork that is lighthearted or whimsical can help to alleviate stress and create a more relaxed atmosphere, making employees feel more comfortable and productive in their work. For example, hanging up a colorful abstract painting or a humorous print can add a touch of personality and character to the workspace.

Finally, wall decor can also be used to reflect the values and mission of the company, providing a sense of purpose and inspiration for employees. For instance, displaying artwork that highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability or social responsibility can remind employees of the company’s larger purpose and inspire them to work towards meaningful goals.

Cultivating a culture of creativity & innovation

In addition to creating a positive work environment, wall decor can also be used to encourage employees to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to problems. By incorporating elements of creativity and inspiration into the workspace, employers can help to cultivate a culture of innovation and problem-solving.

One way that wall decor can inspire employees to be more creative is by displaying artwork that is thought-provoking or visually stimulating. Abstract paintings, colorful prints, or even unusual sculptures can help to spark new ideas and ways of thinking, prompting employees to approach problems in different ways.

Another way that wall decor can encourage innovation is by showcasing examples of successful projects or achievements. For example, hanging up photos of completed projects or awards can serve as a reminder to employees of what they are capable of achieving and inspire them to tackle new challenges with confidence.

In addition to inspiring creativity, wall decor can also help to facilitate problem-solving by providing employees with the tools they need to think critically and analyze information. For instance, displaying charts, graphs, or other visual aids can help employees to better understand complex data and come up with solutions to difficult problems.

Finally, wall decor can be used to create a workspace that is conducive to brainstorming and collaboration. Hanging up whiteboards or chalkboards can provide employees with a space to jot down ideas or work through problems together, fostering a sense of teamwork and innovation.

Increasing employee investment & ownership

Employee engagement is critical to the success of any business. When employees are engaged and invested in their work, they are more likely to be productive, collaborative, and committed to achieving the goals of the organization. Wall decor can play a key role in fostering greater employee engagement by creating a workspace that is visually appealing, inspiring, and personalized to the needs of individual employees.

One way that wall decor can increase employee engagement is by creating a sense of ownership and identity. By allowing employees to customize their workspace with photos, artwork, or other personal touches, employers can create a sense of ownership and investment in the workspace, making employees feel more connected to their work and the company as a whole.

Additionally, wall decor can be used to showcase the accomplishments and contributions of individual employees, creating a sense of recognition and appreciation that can boost morale and engagement. For example, hanging up photos of employees who have received awards or achieved significant milestones can serve as a reminder to everyone in the office of the hard work and dedication that goes into achieving success.

Wall decor can also be used to create a workspace that is visually appealing and stimulating. By incorporating elements of color, texture, and visual interest, employers can create a workspace that is more enjoyable to be in, making employees feel more engaged and motivated to work. For example, hanging up artwork that features bold colors or intricate patterns can add a touch of visual interest and energy to the workspace, making it a more enjoyable place to be.

Finally, wall decor can be used to create a workspace that is conducive to collaboration and teamwork. By hanging up whiteboards or other collaborative tools, employers can encourage employees to work together and share ideas, fostering a sense of community and engagement.

Promoting a workspace that supports health & wellness

Employee well-being is a critical component of workplace success. When employees feel physically and mentally healthy, they are more likely to be productive, engaged, and committed to their work. Wall decor can play an important role in improving employee well-being by creating a workspace that is calming, stress-reducing, and supportive of good health practices.

One way that wall decor can improve employee well-being is by creating a calming and stress-reducing environment. By incorporating elements of nature, such as plants, landscapes, or nature-themed artwork, employers can create a workspace that is more relaxing and restorative, making employees feel more calm and centered. Research has shown that exposure to nature can help to reduce stress levels and improve mental health, making it an effective way to promote employee well-being.

Another way that wall decor can improve employee well-being is by creating a workspace that is conducive to good health practices. For example, hanging up posters or signs that promote healthy habits, such as drinking water, taking breaks, or getting enough sleep, can serve as a reminder to employees of the importance of taking care of their physical and mental health. Additionally, incorporating ergonomic furniture or accessories, such as standing desks or ergonomic chairs, can help to reduce physical strain and discomfort, promoting good posture and preventing injuries.

Finally, wall decor can be used to create a workspace that is supportive of mental health and emotional well-being. By displaying artwork or posters that promote positive self-talk, mindfulness, or emotional resilience, employers can create a workspace that is more supportive of mental health and emotional well-being. For example, hanging up a poster with a positive affirmation or a calming image can help to reduce stress and promote a more positive mindset.

Conclusion

As we’ve seen, wall decor can have a significant impact on the overall atmosphere of the workplace, from creating a positive work environment to encouraging innovation, fostering employee engagement, and improving employee well-being. By carefully selecting and placing artwork, motivational quotes, and other decorative elements, employers can create a workspace that is visually appealing, personalized, and conducive to collaboration, productivity, and success.

Research has shown that the physical environment can have a significant impact on employee well-being and job satisfaction. By investing in wall decor, employers can create a workspace that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also supportive of good health practices and conducive to positive workplace culture.

Wall decor is a simple and effective way to enhance the physical environment of the workplace and support the well-being and productivity of employees. By creating a workspace that is visually appealing, personalized, and supportive of good health practices, employers can foster a positive and collaborative workplace culture that is conducive to growth, innovation, and success.

The post <strong>The Impact of Wall Decor on Employee Morale</strong> appeared first on Hackworth.

Thank you to everyone who came out to The Kiwanis Club of Chesapeake's 43rd Annual Shrimp Feast!

We love getting to be a part of The Shrimp Feast every year, but it was extra special this year as we were the leading sponsor. Giving back to the community that has given so much to us over the last 30 years was truly rewarding. Not only did we get to kick off the Chesapeake Jubilee and have incredible food, but we had such a great time getting to do it with hundreds of people from The Hampton Roads area!

In addition, The Kiwanis Club of Chesapeake holds special significance to Hackworth's President, Charles G. (Charlie) Hackworth. Charlie joined in 1981...which makes him a 41-year member. He has served all elected club officer positions (currently Treasurer) including the Capital District Lt. Governor, 21^st Division. Awards include Kiwanian of the Year, Distinguished Lt. Governor Award, Kiwanis Life Member and Hixson Award (highest Kiwanis award). 

Needless to say, Charlie was with the Kiwanis Club of Chesapeake long before he and his wife, Dorothy, founded Hackworth. The club has seen the company grow from the ground up, making it such a cool opportunity to give back to a group that has given so much support to the company since it began.

The post The Kiwanis Club of Chesapeake’s 43rd Annual Shrimp Feast appeared first on Hackworth.

This last month, we celebrated the 10-year anniversary of our sister company, The Graphics Shop! With a whole decade under their belts, we decided it was time for a fresh new look. 

The post Happy 10th Anniversary to The Graphics Shop! appeared first on Hackworth.

In the 88th episode of the podcast, Charles and Tage cover the story of Hackworth in the past 30 years. Listen and share with friends!

About Tage Talks Business
Tage Counts interviews business leaders, entrepreneurs and non-profit executives from throughout the 757 on a variety of industry topics. You can also follow daily updates of what’s happening in the Hampton Roads Business community by visiting linkedin.com/in/tagecounts.

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Well, it is official - Hackworth turned 30 on October 16^th, 2021! Thirty years ago, Charlie (dad), Dorothy (mom) and Charles II (myself) sat in a mostly empty, 13,000 SF building and started calling old clients and friends to let them know we were back in business as a blueprinter. We prayed a lot and asked the Lord for guidance in our decisions but looking back I don’t think we really had a plan. As other doors shut, it became clear to us that blueprinting was what we knew and therefore blueprinting was what we were going to do. What started with blueprints, has grown to encompass a wide variety of products and services. They are too many to list but here are a few; blueprinting, copying, signage, vehicle wraps, food merchandising, graphic design, marketing, installation. In addition, we have a whole division committed to wide format equipment sales and service, including paper, toner and ink supplies. It is amazing how fast 30 years goes by and to see from where we started then, to where we are today, is nothing short of a miracle.

Here are some of the stats:

• Three Companies – Hackworth, The Graphics Shop and Creative Document Imaging
• Seven locations in Virginia – Chesapeake, Suffolk, Williamsburg, Richmond, Chantilly, Fairfax, Manassas Park
• Employees – over 65 total employees, living and working in 5 states, as far away as Houston and Chicago
• Clients – our business units now serve over 8000 customers across the continental United States

All of this would be impossible without great employees, great clients, great vendors and most importantly the Lord’s blessings.

Thank you to everyone who supported us through the past 30 years, we look forward to what the future holds and truly believe, the best is yet to come!

Then

Our building in early 1990s.

Our delivery cars in the early days.

Our color graphics department in the 1990s.

Production in the 1990s -- an analog bond copier.

Blueprinting in the 1990s.

Now

Our building today.

Our delivery fleet today.

Our graphics department today.

Our production department today.

Our blueprinting today.

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On August 2, 2021 Hackworth’s Suffolk, VA office will relocate to 1413 Main Street in the Suffolk Shopping Center. The new location doubles the size of the previous office space enabling Hackworth to expand their products and services to the Suffolk and Western Tidewater marketplace.

A primary addition will be the Xerox Iridesse Production Press which features the ability to print true metallic silver and gold ink. The Iridesse Press offers 4, 5 and 6 production color printing; high-capacity feeding, stacking, and finishing; inline finishing of landscape letter/A4 full bleed booklets and a print speed of 120 pages per minute.

“I am very excited about the expansion and new location of our Suffolk office. To accommodate the growth we have experienced in the past two years, we are doubling our square footage and doubling our site staff from 2 to 4 employees. The Suffolk Shopping Center on Main Street makes it easy to locate us and has great visibility next to Belk and Kroger. I am very optimistic that this location will continue to grow and look forward to becoming a stronger business partner in the City of Suffolk and the surrounding communities,” says Charles Hackworth II, Vice President.

The Hackworth Suffolk office will continue to operate as a FedEx Authorized ShipCenter. Other available products include walk-in copy and fax, blueprints, graphic design, large format banners and signs, posters, business cards, decals, brochures, wall and vehicle wraps and many other print services.

2021 marks 30 years in business for Hackworth. The company was founded in 1991 when it started out printing blue prints and technical documents. Today, Hackworth is a full-fledged printing, graphics and wide format technology solutions organization serving the Mid Atlantic. Locations include Chesapeake (main office), Suffolk, Williamsburg, Richmond, Fairfax, Manassas Park and Chantilly.

Hackworth is a State-Certified, Small Business (SWaM) in Chesapeake, Virginia that provides a wide range of printing and marketing services, wide format digital imaging and printing systems and supplies, and document management solutions. Although the nature of the core business has somewhat changed over the last two decades, they continue to be committed to provide excellence in business solutions, and to the communities and families of those with whom they share mutually beneficial partnerships.

Office Location

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The year 2020 was a rather tumultuous year for businesses everywhere. But now it’s 2021 — a new year that promises a fresh start and renewed hope for us all. To this end, Hackworth is happy to tell you about how our graphic design services can give new life to your business.

Hackworth’s full-service color printing department is unparalleled in all of Hampton Roads. Everything from vehicle graphics or business cards –Hackworth’s graphic design team can help bring to life all your creative marketing ideas.

Graphic Design Services

At Hackworth, we have 7 accomplished and dedicated full-time graphic designers to help you with the entire process. We’re here to assist with every part of the job from concept and design to print and finishing. We offer a wide variety of application including signage, brochures, banners, newsletters, posters, envelopes, logos, letterheads, business cards, presentations, and flyers.

Outdoor Signage

Moreover, we can print your graphic design directly onto wood, mesh, backlit materials, glass, perforated vinyl, regular vinyl, aluminum, corrugated board, metal, plastic, acrylic, and Celtec®.

The Outdoor Signage from Hackworth strikes a balance between affordability and respectability – from curating monument signs to portable yard signs. We are skilled at and have considerable expertise in making vehicle graphics, flags, window graphics, magnets, storefront graphics, banners, yard signs, site signs as well as business signage.

Large Format Color Printing

Our graphic design products can be as wide as 60 inches with proportional length and we also offer the option of digital printing from PC and Mac files.

The large format color printing service is available for color CADD plotting, posters, renderings, banners, signage, wallpaper, adhesives, expo exhibits, laminates, wall graphics, and POS displays.

Small Format Color Printing

Our small format color printing services are available for graphic designing on products with dimensions ranging from 8.5” x 11” to 11” x 17”. As with the large format color printing service, we offer the option of digital printing from Mac or PC files in small format color printing as well.

This particular graphic design service is available for menus, variable data pieces, letterheads, post cards, envelopes, Blu-ray/CD/DVD covers, newsletters, business cards, flyers, presentations, and brochures. For this service, we make use of a wide range of materials with varying degrees of transparency and matte or glossy texture. We also use card stock and full sheet labels.

Green Printing

It gives us immense pride to tell you that at Hackworth, we practice green printing, meaning that we have media that is 100% biodegradable such as Ecorite Steppe, Ecorite Koala Board, Ecorite Polar Board (PVC), and Ecorite Pampas.

In addition to that, our media is also recyclable as we use HP Light Textile Banner, HP HDPE Reinforced Banner, Outboard, HP Photo-realistic Poster Paper, HP White Satin Poster Paper, HP DuPont Tyvek Banner, HP Heavy Textile Banner, etc.

We also use already recycled media such as reboard, Ecorite Panda Board (PVC). We also make use of latex inks that are water-based, No HAPs, odorless, outdoor signage durability comparable to eco-solvent inks.

What’s more? At Hackworth, we also offer a free banner/flag recycling program where we have a take-back program that allows you to give back or return large-format flags and banners after you are done using them. We also have a large inventory of the best products in the industry. We maintain our gears for sales and rentals assuring rock-solid performance.

Our professional experts give our clients peace of mind. All you need to do is upload your design and place the order. We’ll deliver it right to your doorstep. We’ll walk you through every facet of sign fabrication, offering expert recommendations along the way, so that your signages attract attention while throwing off elegance.

Now you can turn every street corner or front into a turnkey advertising solution! Unlock your business’s worth with exterior signage customized to your specifications.

So, get in touch with us at Hackworth to give new life to your brand with our graphic design services today for a brighter tomorrow! You can count on us for design, measurements, and installation.

The post New Year New You – How Our Graphic Design Services Can Give New Life to Your Brand appeared first on Hackworth.

In today’s market, we recommend that whether you are just starting out or already have a successful company, you must invest in your company’s website. If you already have a website, then maybe 2021 is the year for revamping it. At the end of the day, the focus of a good website is about engagement, functionality and a design that contributes towards the ultimate goal of your business growth.

If you want to learn more about the same, keep reading! Make sure that you go through each one of them and see whether a redesign for your website is in order.

1. Make it in line with a clear and proper marketing strategy

When designing a website, always keep in mind the strategy for marketing that you want. It is important that your design reflects the same.  If it isn’t already, it’s time for a redesign.

2. Make sure that it generates leads and inquiries

The most important purpose of your website is to generate leads and inquiries. If it fails to do so, you are in dire need of revamping your website.

3. Make it more user-friendly

The fact is, 88% of users turn away from a business when they find their website to be tough to understand or handle. Today in the world of thousands of websites, to set yourself apart, we recommend that you design a user-friendly website. In order to make sure that people are apprised of the services or products you provide, you must invest in redesigning your website to make it more user friendly.

4. Make sure it is listed on Google

For a local business that is not listed on Google search, things can get pretty tough. Make sure that your website is listed online in order to generate better and effective leads. Good quality content is only going to work if people are able to view it. Hence, a well-optimized website is necessary.

5. Make it 100% mobile-friendly

You need to make sure that your website is compatible with various screen sizes. In case you fail to do this, the same may become unresponsive when opened on mobile phones or tablets. You must simplify your website so that it’s easy to post new content. Your job does not end with just designing and publishing your website, it is a continuous process that requires your attention.

6. Make it extraordinary

Your website should be extraordinary. How do you make it extraordinary? Well, the first step is to make sure that you curate it in a way that reflects your ideology best. Never copy from other websites. Don’t go for stock photos and invest in adding original images to your website, if you can. Originality always is a great way to make things extraordinary.

7. Make it an apt fit for your brand

A website must be a good fit for your brand image. Choose the right kind of color scheme and various other designing aspects that reflect the brand you own!

Never hesitate to introduce changes to your website even if it means investing more money because the result is going to be absolutely worth it. You can redesign your business website to increase functionality, update tools, or create a new design from scratch. Routinely checking the performance of your website is an effective habit and is sure to make your online presence robust. Always remember that your website is a means of communication, making it easier for you and your readers to communicate with each other.

Hackworth Marketing is here to help you with your requirements when it comes to website design. We are a trusted brand for website design and assure you that our team of experts will ensure that you get the best services there are. We help you optimize your website for search engines so you get the best leads. We aim to build a correct brand image for your business.

If you have any more questions regarding a complete review of your website or to redesign your overall web presence, reach out to us and our team will get back to you!

The post 7 Reasons Your Website Needs a Redesign in 2021 appeared first on Hackworth.

The holiday season is almost here and needless to say, the holidays are the best time of the year for business owners everywhere to improve and widen their reach as well as boost their sales. One of the best ways to reach out to more people, especially your target audience is by making use of various holiday marketing options. One of the most important channels being print as its return on investment is up to 13:1, which is huge!

To that end, we have compiled a list of 5 print marketing tips for the holiday season, to make sure you enjoy a very lucrative end to your business year. There are plenty of marketing strategies you can make use of during the holidays. Here we go!

1. Organize a Special Event for Your Target Audience and Send them Personalized Invites

Depending on your field of work, inviting people, especially your target audience to a special holiday event to showcase a new product could be a great way to boost your sales, spread the word about your brand, and build your reputation as a company. And what better way to invite your customers to this event than by sending them personalized print invites!

2. Make Sure You Include a Special Offer for First-Time Customers

More often than not, approximately half of your target audience will try out a new product or service, because of a print ad sent to them in the mail. This is why the holiday season is the perfect time to introduce special offers for first time customers to draw them in.

3. Have Clarity Regarding the Different Kinds of Print Material You Would Like to Distribute

It is crucial that you know and have clarity regarding the kinds of print material that you would like to distribute among potential customers. Some of the most preferred print materials for advertisement are door hangers, catalogs, brochures, inserts, postcards, and booklets.

Print marketing is regarded as one of the best means to bring in customers and it’s still the cheapest. The most overlooked advantage is that print marketing creates digital traffic and interaction between potential clients and your website.

4. Personalized Communication with Your Loyal Customer Base

The aim of marketing is to keep your loyal customers happy while drawing in new customers. The best way to communicate with your loyal customers is by making them feel special by sending personalized notes and customized cards. The key to an effective customized self-service experience lies in planning and organizing your potential content.

Always analyze your previous support requests and interview your agents to determine the most important topics to cover.

Whether your small business is in the physical or digital world, personalized customer service is about tailoring the experience to the needs of the individual client and decreasing the effort on their side.

5. Advertise in a Manner that Appeals to and Draws in Last Minute Shoppers

Last-Minute Shoppers are something that a lot of brands neglect to tap into, which is a huge mistake, as they contribute to more than a quarter of the holiday sales. The best way to get their attention and draw them in is by advertising your product with catchy taglines such as “for the one who already has everything they need” or “the best gift”, etc.

It is also crucial to have flawless customer service during the period after running your deal, with the expectation that your normal customers will be hard to please. Always do your homework. Follow the deals going on in your area and observe how they play out. If it’s possible, converse with fellow business owners who have run successful deals and learn from their experience.

Are you looking to create holiday print material to advertise your product or service? Well, look no further because Hackworth has got everything you want and then some. We are a State-Certified Small Business and provide a wide range of marketing and printing services, document management solutions as well as wide format digital imaging and printing systems and supplies.

Reach out to us today. We are committed to providing excellence in our business solutions!

The post 5 Small Business Print Marketing Tips for the Holidays appeared first on Hackworth.

If you plan to leave your HP DesignJet or DesignJet XL Printer for a more than two weeks, it’s best to leave it on. All HP DesignJet and DesignJet XL Printers are made to enter sleep mode when not in use after a certain period of time.  This sleep mode is designed to conserve power, reduce mechanical wear, and keep the ink system from drying up. Every 24 hours your printer will wake up and check the printheads to ensure that they are operational and then go back to sleep. There are stories of printers in sleep mode for over 6 months waking up when a job is sent to it, and printing like a fine-tuned machine. It will consume a small amount of ink to keep the ink system fresh, but it is a tiny fraction of the price to replace just one printhead.

If the printer does need to be powered off for any reason: Keep the ink cartridges in place, unload the paper, and make sure to power off via the power button / front panel, to make sure that the ink system has been properly parked in place.

When you do get back to printing, here are some tips to keep the HP DesignJet and DesignJet XL in top shape:

Run the printhead cleaning from the front panel before your first print run or if you see white banding or a “replace printhead” messages. If the printer has been idle for a while, you might need to run this procedure 2-4 times to clear the white banding.  If you see no improvements, then it’s unrecoverable and it will be time to replace the printhead.

Later HP DesignJet and DesignJet XL models have made it convenient with a touch of a button on the front panel to do the 4 most common calibrations and in proper order.  Make sure to have the paper you plan to use loaded as it will be needed for some of the calibrations. These calibrations are done automatically, so you can do other things while the printer optimizes itself. 

The post Tips to help your HP DesignJet and DesignJet XL stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic appeared first on Hackworth.

With that in mind there are three main solutions we are rolling out:

1. Store Front Solutions – let your customers know you’re still open for business with banners, decals, yard signs, A-frame kits, etc
   
2. Information & Safety Signs – COVID-19 signs made to order for your job site or office; durable PVC or aluminum indoor/outdoor signs
   
3. Partition & Containment Solutions – see-through plastic sheets and ready-to-install acrylic partition systems

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

Store Front Solutions

Be sure your customers know you’re still open for business with affordable banners and custom signage. 24-hour turnaround available. CALL 757.545.7675 or email us color@hackworth.co. As always, FREE DELIVERY in the Hampton Roads area.

BANNERS

Make sure people know you’re still open for business with bold colors and direct messaging. Quick, easy to install and good advertising for every business.
– Quick sizes! 3’x5’, 3’x6’, 4’ x 8’

YARD SIGNS & VEHICLE MAGNETS

Temporary signs you can put anywhere in town to let people know you’re making accommodations, and ready for business.
– 18”x24” single or double sided coroplast with H-stake
– 12”x24” x 30mil magnet pair

FLOOR DECALS

Water resistant decals with anti-skid laminate will make social distancing easy for any customers coming through the door. Indoor & outdoor
applications!
– Standard size 24”x24” and custom sizes available

WINDOW DECALS

Keep surface handling to a minimum with directional signage. Create one-directional customer flow with dedicated directional, entrance and exit signs.
– Standard size 12”x12” and custom sizes available

ECONOMY TABLE THROW

The open-back design of this throw gives you legroom and quick access to anything you store beneath the table. 15 color options!

A-FRAME KIT

Sidewalk curb sign with quick-change system. Portable. Folding doublesided display. Full color, 36”x24” coroplast or pvc inserts Black or white available.

33.5” BANNER UP KIT

The popular economy retractor is versatile and budget-friendly, making it a great option for the cost-conscious marketer. Banner, hardware and carrying case included.

BANNER DISPLAY KITS! INDOOR! OUTDOOR! RAZOR & SAIL!

Capture attention, even from a distance. Our largest outdoor display adjusts up to 17’ high. Banner, hardware and carrying case included.

Call 757.545.7675 or email color@hackworth.co for quote!

Information & Safety Signs

COVID-19 signs made to order for your job site or office. Designed for Indoor or Outdoor Use. Durable PVC or Aluminum!
– Sizes 12”x18” and 24”x36”

Laminated Posters & Foamcore Boards

Pre-made posters provided by the CDC. Sizes 8.5”x11”& 18”x24”. Available in English & Spanish.

Call 757.545.7675 or email color@hackworth.co for quote!

Partition & Containment Solutions

SEE-THROUGH PLASTIC SHEETS & READY-TO-INSTALL “SNEEZE GUARD” SYSTEMS
If you need a quick “ready-to-install” solution, Polymershapes’ CoronaGuard offerings are perfect solutions to meet mounting challenges of social distancing. Utilizing impact-resistant, crystal clear see-through plastics, we offer a variety of materials and design, or custom solutions to provide protection for the health and wellness of your employees and patrons!

Ready-to-Install Acrylic Partition Barriers

Framed Adjustable:

• Crystal-clear shield
• Generously sized at 24”wide x 32” tall
• Adjustable to allow flush mount to counter or select pass through height
• Simple installation with double-sided adhesive or use pre-drilled holes in aluminum frame for more permanent installation
• Lightweight, impact resistant and easy to clean

Frameless Surface Mount:

• Crystal-clear shield
• Generously sized at 24”Wide x 32” Tall
• 90-degree bend at base allows for mounting directly to surface at base
• Can use multiple side by side for wider coverage
• Simple installation with double sided adhesive or permanently use pre-drilled holes
• Lightweight, impact resistant and easy to clean

Hanging:

• Crystal-clear shield
• Generously sized at 24”Wide x 32” Tall
• Holes at top of shield to suspend from above
• Simple installation with chain and hooks
• Use multiple side-by-side for wider coverage
• Lightweight, impact resistant and easy to clean

Freestanding:

• Crystal-clear shield
• Generously sized at 24”Wide x 32” Tall
• Freestanding on any surface
• Assembles easily with no tools
• Can use multiple side-by-side for wider coverage
• Lightweight, impact resistant and easy to clean

Call 757.545.7675 or email color@hackworth.co for quote!

The post Now Available: Custom Solutions for Essential Business appeared first on Hackworth.

Our Chesapeake and Suffolk office are open for pick-ups, walk-in customers, emails and online orders. Take advantage of our “No Contact” service by uploading your files online via HackworthDocs.com and receiving your job via our FREE delivery service. We are happy to drop off wherever you designate to ensure your safety or we can ship your projects via UPS or FedEx.

The College of William & Mary has closed our onsite shop to the public but we are monitoring email and online orders to that location in an effort to provide continued service to those clients. To upload files to W&M visit printshop.wm.edu.

We continue to operate our shops by the guidelines and recommendations of the CDC so that our team and our customers are safe.

Hackworth & TGS are here to serve your business as we always have with courtesy, quality and timeliness. Thank you for partnering with us!

Sincerely,
Charlie, Dorothy & Charles II

The post We Are Open appeared first on Hackworth.

Currently our Chesapeake and Suffolk locations continue to operate with normal business hours and services. However, our William and Mary location is closed until further notice. Any Peninsula clients can continue to get service by uploading work to the Chesapeake location through our website, www.gohackworth.com. We will deliver to the Peninsula daily to maintain customer continuity of service for those clients.

We have implemented the following procedures:

• We have increased the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing procedures at all offices.
• We are closely monitoring the ongoing public response to this situation, assessing how any local guidelines may affect our employees and customers, in order to minimize any disruptions to customer work.
• We have updated contingency plans for employee work flow to make sure we can meet all commitments to our customers.
• We are practicing social distancing when possible for our drivers, sales team, service team and other staff.

Given the rapidly evolving public and government response to this situation, some impacts to our service may become unavoidable. As new advice and procedures are implemented, we will do our best to provide updates on the status of our operations via email and our website, alerting you to any potential delays or required changes to time frames or commitments for specific products, facilities, or service areas. Amid the disruption and uncertainty of this difficult time, we truly value your business, and we appreciate the trust in us that every order represents. We are committed to providing the reliable support that you expect, through this time and always, and to help keep your businesses moving forward.

The post Response to COVID-19 appeared first on Hackworth.

Outdoor signs such as banners are effective ways to advertise or promote your business or establishment. Banners are not only affordable; they are also multi purpose. Building banners, when hung, can cover blank and dull spaces or areas that may be undergoing a renovation at the same time can also promote an event, sponsor, promos, discounts, or your brand itself. Bleacher banners, used almost all the time with sporting events, cover open or unsightly areas under the bleachers while also displaying past achievements, sponsors, or the season’s schedule. They can also be used to cover empty sections of seats to allow the full stadium experience for small events.

Because large banners are specifically a versatile marketing tool, what they display can make a huge impact. Whether they are displayed outdoors or indoors, on the front or the back of buildings, the walls or the ceilings of a gymnasium, these large banners will serve their purpose most effectively whether it’s to inform, advertise, or promote.

When used indoors, large banners are useful when you want to cover up for a major renovation. With this, you can avoid closing your establishment just to wait for the renovation to finish. Large banners are also particularly useful to big establishments like hardware stores or malls. They can target a much larger audience.

Large banners when used outdoors also target large audiences. Besides displaying your brand name and logo, the best way to catch the attention of passersby is to display specialties (discounts, promos, limited editions, etc.). These potential customers will definitely turn to actual customers! You just have to make sure that these large banners are designed with the sizes and layout. Even though they’re large, make sure what’s written in it is readable from afar.

Sizing

The size of your banner is dependent on the application and the area where it will be displayed. You can provide the dimensions of your banner or you can talk to an expert to determine what would be best. The desired design will also depend on the size of your banner. Once you figure out the dimensions the design aspect of the project can begin.

Another thing about the size of your banner is that it can have its limitations. Once they get past a certain size, the weight can make the installation difficult. However, you can still achieve the desired size by also making this large banner into “smaller” large banners. While this still serves its purpose effectively, it is also easier to handle and install.

Material

Large banners are usually vinyl, cloth, or mesh material. For you to know the material for your desired banner, you will need to know the size, and the where and how it will be displayed. And you will need to communicate this to your graphic designer to achieve the perfect banner.

If you have questions about large banners, our team of professional graphic designers will be happy to help you. Please submit your message below or you can contact us today!

The post What You Need to Know About Large Banners appeared first on Hackworth.

Credit: HP

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On August 6, 2019 Mason Noel Hackworth, 16, of Chesapeake, Virginia passed away unexpectedly from natural causes. 

Mason was the son of David and Mary Beth Hackworth, grandson of Charlie and Dorothy Hackworth and nephew of Charles II and Wendy Hackworth.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Mason was a rising junior at Grassfield High School and a member of River Oak Church.

He was a member of the National Honor Society and the International Thespian Society.

In his spare time, Mason loved playing his guitars, singing, playing video games and hanging out with his friends, AKA Party Bus.

Because Mason loved the arts and theater, he performed in school plays from elementary school to high school; based on his activities the Hackworth family and Ms. Laura Agudelo, Grassfield High School’s theatre teacher have established the Mason Hackworth Theatre Scholarship.

We have been asked by so many people as to how they could be of assistance, therefore the foundation of the scholarship was natural in furthering Mason’s goals, dreams and legacy.

Administered by the Southeastern Virginia Community Foundation (SEVACF), the committee composed of select family members and individuals involved with theatre at Grassfield High School will select annually a student(s) involved in the arts programs at Grassfield and award them a scholarship to further their education in memory of Mason.

The Southeastern Virginia Community Foundation is a 501©3 organization and all donations to the Mason Hackworth Theatre Scholarship are tax deductible.

On behalf of Charlie, Dorothy and Charles, thank you for your love and support.

Donate to the Mason Hackworth Theatre Scholarship

Donations can be made online to the foundations as follows:

• Visit https://sevacf.org/give/donate/
• Choose Donation Amount
• Select A Specific Fund
• Select Mason Hackworth Theatre Scholarship (149)
• Complete the form and Submit

The post Mason Hackworth Theatre Scholarship appeared first on Hackworth.

Using the Internet for personal or business projects can be very helpful for you, especially when it involves sign printing. Google itself can help you find ideas for graphic designing, let alone images that you can use for these designs. It is not uncommon for graphic designers, especially amateurs, to search images on the Internet that they can use for sign printing.

The Internet provides you thousands, if not, millions of results when you search for one particular image. And when you find the image perfect for your project, there is one common thing that stands between you and the image you want to have for your signage and that is the fact of whether you may use it.

Copyright

Images you find on the Internet are covered by copyright. This frustrates most people who are looking for images for them to print. Usually, what’s perfect for their printing project is also the one with a watermark, and that’s not ideal for most. Although many websites have copyright information often placed at the bottom of their pages, it is not required that their images be protected. You normally find that out on your own.

If you do not know whether an image is copyrighted, you must examine the source of the image for a copyright symbol. Sometimes, logos of the creators or owners are placed on the image itself. If you can’t find out if an image is copyrighted, you are most probably risking yourself for breaking the law.

Images for printing

Many company's stock photo sources offer free images that you can download via the Internet without violating the copyright law. However, it will require you to sign up an account before you can download, but they won’t charge a penalty. There are also images from sources that give them freely with a simple copy and paste. For some sources, they charge a certain fee in return for access with their images. Prices may differ.

Here are some photo sources that offer free images:

• Morgue File
• Photo8
• Unsplash

It is important to know that the image you will use for personal or business purposes is legal. It is not only the copyright you will worry about. It can also be the quality of the image.

Image quality

Five best scanners for image documents:

The first scanner is Contex, where it offers a solution that includes the art digital copying and large format scanning. It is the world leader in large format scanning. This scanner takes pride in producing highly advanced technology and innovative scan and copies software applications.

The second scanner is Colortrac; it is capable of providing imaging solutions for color and monochrome scanning needs in a cost-effective manner. It considered as the pioneer of cost-effective full format imaging solutions.

Next is the HP Designjet HD Scanner, which offers the easiest of in-house copy and scanning with a single touch of a button with HD scanners from HP. Innovative digital imaging systems make it easier for the user to create digital copies from original documents by scanning and copying through HP scan-copy-print systems. 

The fourth scanner is KIP 2300 Scanner; it is the latest production to rock the high resolutions, is a high-speed imaging system that combines enhanced color scan and world-class monochrome imaging quality. The KIP 2300 scanner set an exceptionally high standard for high productivity by embodying the fast speed, flexibility, and quality. 

Lastly is the Graphtec; it provides solutions for Mapping, CAD, Reprographics, Document Archiving, and GIS applications. This scanner is one of the primary providers of quality imaging products in the world for quality scanners that use Contact Image Sensor (CIS) technology to provide high speed and quality. This enables users of large format scanners to enjoy higher accuracy in geometric scanning, enhanced reliability, and high-speed capture together with other performance advantages at a lower cost.

Here in The Graphics Shop, not only do we help you in finding the perfect photos for you, we can create them! With our team of professional graphic designers, they will surely meet your needs.

If you have questions, submit your message below or you can contact us today!

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The post Can I Use An Image I Found Online For Sign Printing? appeared first on Hackworth.

When printing colored images, it is essential to know which color mode you should produce the best results. With this, you must learn which color mode best fits your photo. These two can be quite confusing, especially when you don’t have enough background for graphic designing. Most graphic designers know that differentiating the color profiles is crucial because choosing the wrong color mode will affect the tone and message of your document.

RGB
The RGB color profile comprises Red, Green, and Blue hues that combine to create many variations of colors. Exists only in screen displays, the RGB color mode is present in computer monitors, mobiles, and television screens. Although this color mode exists in all electronic devices, the color elements vary across systems and models (e.g. the image you see on an iMac differs on a Dell desktop computer).

The RGB profile is involved in additive processes to produce color by blending light instead of using ink to produce hues. The presence of all RGB primary colors at full intensity results in white, while the absence of color produces black. As you turn a screen off, you see an absence of RGB color, i.e. you see a black screen. The color you see on your monitor or screen is caused by the RGB base hues.

When to use RGB color mode

It is not uncommon to cause complications on color profile. However, to avoid them, always set a document in RGB when designing for social media, digital design, or online advertisements. Whatever image or design you have, as long as it exists on a screen or monitor, set it as RGB.

CMYK
The CMYK color profile contains Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black) that combine to produce a range of hues. This color mode is what we see on printers. When you zoom in on any printed image, you will see the four-color dots that layer to create different hues and gradations. Although all printers produce prints in CMYK, the results will differ among different styles and models of printers.

If the absence of all RGB colors produces black, CMYK produces white. Cyan and magenta create blue, magenta and yellow create red, and yellow and cyan create green. The presence of the all CMYK color combined produces an off-black shade.

When to use CMYK color mode

CMYK are commonly reserved for printed designs such as business cards, flyers, posters, and packaging. Setting your documents to CMYK before exporting or printing will prevent unbalanced colors that will result in RGB colors being translated into CMYK equivalents.

We hope you have learned about the RGB and CMYK color modes. By letting yourself be informed about what these are and when to use them, you can now know which one to use when printing an image!

If you have questions or comments, please submit your message below or you can contact us today!

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The post Should I Use RGB or CMYK Color Mode for Printing Images? appeared first on Hackworth.

In materials, sign printing can offer a lot of options. Each material has special features and benefits that can make it suitable for a specific situation. Here are some commonly used materials we have tested and compared for your reference.

• Medium Density Overlay - Popularly referred to as ‘MDO’, is made of plywood panels with a resin fiber fused to the surface. Commonly used in sign designs, because of its tough quality.
• Glass–glass applications can be found almost everywhere. This material is used as a canvas to apply graphics for signage and marketing purposes.
• Aluminum–A perfect material for any permanent outdoor sign, this material will not rust with tough enamel that will not flake or peel like other painted materials.
• Fabric- Printed fabrics are relatively new to the sign industry but are making a huge name thanks to digital printing. Fabrics can be printed for banners, awnings, flags and fine art, including canvases.
• Acrylic This tough, transparent, versatile thermoplastic is used in many applications, especially in visual communications, design and architecture. This material is also very resistant to shock, flexing, scratching and weathering, which comes in a variety of colors and finishes and is recyclable.
• Gator board is a hard but lightweight display material that has a thick inner foam core and a wood-fiber veneer exterior. It is water, scratches, and dent resistant. Thanks to its portability and toughness, gator board is ideal for signs that will need to be frequently moved around.
• The foam core is a thick, inexpensive, and super lightweight display material. It has a dense foam core sandwiched between two layers of thick matte paper. Because it is so low cost, foam core signs are a great option for temporary displays and presentations.
• Ultra-board is a heavy-duty, all-plastic panel used for vivid prints and high use displays.
• Vinyl and painted wall graphics –creative designs with bright and colorful details can be achieved using this material. They are adherent and can be applied directly to walls.
• Wood–Wood can be used when it is important to match the surroundings. But not only just woods, good quality wood can have excellent durability and looks high end.
• Textured wall coverings–or without the technicality, the ‘wallpaper’. It adds intensity and interest with a huge range of visually pleasing looks and feels.
• Steel and stainless steel–Strong, durable and versatile, this long-established construction material is made from mixing iron and carbon in the right proportions at high temperature, but other additives give it qualities.
• Stone–Whether a just a normal-looking stone or slate can be cut it to size and shape. Great for traditional architectural signage with natural surroundings, this signage also gives the feeling of permanency and solidity to any environment.
• Coroplast is ridged polypropylene with a limited exterior life. These materials readily accept stress0-sensitive vinyl graphics, screen inks, and digital images.
• Polycarbonate- this material is clear, shatter-proof plastics that provide more durability and more flexibility than conventional acrylic plastics. They are widely used for exterior sign faces in areas that are subject to vandalism. Polycarbonates are also used for light box graphics.

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Here at Hackworth, we offer a wide variety of different sign and banner printing options. We can produce all different signage types such as back-lit, way finding, entrance, point of purchase, site signs, wall graphics, and window clings as well as ADA (American Disabilities Act) signs. With all these printing options, there are two ways of producing these signs: vinyl and digital print.

Each has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on what type of signage. However, in comparing how long they last in serving your business, you must know their differences.

Vinyl-made Signs
Vinyl is a kind of adhesive that can be cut into shapes and letters. It can be used in printing shirts, window and floor decals, vehicle wrapping, and many more. Vinyl can be made with materials that differ from one another, which means they can have different effects. Either way, they are made to withstand a range of environmental conditions. When using quality materials, most users look into a material’s longevity, and vinyl has just that. Although the sun can gradually fade vinyl as time goes by, vinyl-made signs are expected to last at least 5-10 years. However, it should be noted that while this time range may seem extensive, its lifespan will rely on the vinyl the user have chosen.

Here are the types of vinyl and their life expectancies:

• Calendared–this material is common and is recommended for businesses that do not require bigger printed materials; lifespan is about 3-6 years
• Cast–this is a much higher quality of the calendared type of vinyl; this material often has the longest life expectancy ranging from 5 to 12 years
• Metalized Polyester and Fluorescent–this vinyl material is designed for flashy ad decorative graphics which is why their life expectancies are not that long, and often last after 2 years

Digitally Printed Signs
Digitally printed signs can print color-specific, unlike vinyl that has its limitations when it comes to colors. It can print all the shades and fades of today’s complex designs. Despite that, when compared to the life expectancy of vinyl, digitally printed signs will not last as long. These signs usually last about 3 years, especially when exposed to the elements. However, you can add about 2-3 years of its life span when the sign is laminated.

Ultimately, your decision will rely on what kind of business you have and what goal you want to reach when advertising with these materials. Although one can clearly compare each other’s life expectancies, it is the goal of the user how long he or she intends to use the sign.

If you have questions please leave a message below or you can contact us today!

​About Us​​​
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“Hackworth and CDI have been strong business partners for several years. Hackworth’s business has grown substantially in the NOVA/DC/MD marketplace, so this ownership opportunity was a natural evolution in our relationship with CDI. We love that both companies have a history of taking care of our employees and providing excellent customer service. In addition to strengthening our equipment install base, we are excited about bringing our graphics and signage expertise to the region.” says Charles G. Hackworth II, Vice President for Hackworth.

CDI opened its first print shop in 2004 and has four locations in the Northern Virginia area – Chantilly, Fairfax, Woodbridge and Manassas. CDI customers will not see any immediate changes however there is a plan to expand current products and services. Maurice Briddell will continue to run day-to-day operations as the managing partner. CDI offerings include construction document printing, scanning and wide-format equipment sales, service and supplies. For more information about CDI visit http://creativedoc.net.

Hackworth’s in-house printing capabilities include blueprinting, books and manuals, scanning, industrial screen printing, vehicle wraps, fleet graphics, magnets, banners, window graphics, direct print to a rigid substrate (wood, aluminum, plastic, acrylic and coroplast), website design and marketing services. Wide-format equipment dealerships include HP, KIPAmerica, Canon, Colortrac, Contex and Graphtec.  

Hackworth was voted the Hampton Roads Chamber Small Business of the Year in 2017 for the City of Chesapeake and has been recognized nationally as a Top 50 Print Shop by Wide-Format Magazine for 5 years running. For more information on Hackworth products, services and company history, visit the website at https://gohackworth.com.

About Hackworth

Hackworth, a State-Certified, Small Business (SWaM) in Chesapeake, Virginia, was founded in 1991 when it started producing blueprints and technical documents. Today, they are a full-fledged printing, graphics, signage and wide format technology solutions business under the leadership of Dorothy and Charlie Hackworth and their son Charles II. Learn more at https://gohackworth.com.

Press Contact

Name: Mark Rowan
Phone: 757-545-7675
Email: mrowan@hackworth.co

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Copico customers will not see any drastic or immediate changes to Copico’s production operations. Darren Schultz, former owner of Copico, will remain on staff to help with the transition. Jessica Turner, a former employee, has been hired back to handle customer service and client production needs. The current location and phone number, 757-934-2113, will remain the same. Over the next few days and weeks, clients will see a migration to the Hackworth website, billing system, email addresses and file transfer programs. Our goal is to make this a seamless transition for everyone involved.

This acquisition allows Hackworth to expand direct services into the fast growing markets of Western Tidewater such as Suffolk, Smithfield, Windsor, Isle of Wight and Franklin. In house capabilities include industrial screen printing, direct print to rigid substrate (wood, aluminum, plastic, acrylic and coroplast), fleet graphics, vehicle wraps, magnets, banners, window graphics and more.

Hackworth was voted the Hampton Roads Chamber Small Business of the Year in 2017 for the City of Chesapeake and has been recognized nationally as a Top 50 Print Shop by Wide-Format Magazine for 5 years running. For more information on our products, services and company history, please visit our website at www.gohackworth.com.

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Aaron Conn

James Johnson

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The cloud connected KIP 79 Series is the most productive black and white print system in its class which makes it ideal for the high level production of wide format documents. These systems are the perfect solution for centralized and decentralized production environments because its properties include 1) cost-effective operation 2) increased hourly productivity 3) daily reliability and 4) long-term performance.

Production environments require consistent print quality, easy operation, and complete control of the system, all of which the KIP 79 Series can provide. Media management, queue control, and accounting for all print, scan, and copy activity are priorities. This system ensures that its status and print management is on your fingertips’ control.

Advantages of the KIP 79 Series

Features and Benefits

– Black & white print production
– Small footprint top stacking
– Optional rear stacking or KIPFold
– Windows® and AutoCAD drivers
– Automatic roll trimming
– Integrated USB port for external drives
– Extended print lengths for maximum productivity
– Large-capacity toner cartridges for continuous print runs and enhanced productivity

High Speed Copying and Scanning with MFP Configuration

– Convenient face-up and face-down scanning
– 600 x 600 dpi optical resolution
– A single system to scan thick or mounted originals and individual sheets

Ease of Use

– Compact mechanical design with easy serviceability as an engineering priority
– No special skills are required to produce wide format prints
– For maximum ease of operation

High Flexibility with Different System Configurations

– KIP 7970 print system with top stacking
– KIP 7980 MFP with top stacking and an integrated CIS scanner
– KIP 7990 production MFP with KIP2300 CCD production scanner
– Choice of 2 and 4 rolls

Folding and Finishing System

– Online folding system
– For automated wide format document finishing
– For unattended print runs
– Improves the efficiency and productivity of any production environment

KIP Smart Multi-Touchscreen

– Simple operation via the vivid 12” color touch display
– Print and copy in black & white – scanning also in full color
– Print directly from removable media, the cloud and local mailboxes
– Zoom and rotate on-screen previews for editing and printing via eight-point area of interest
– Convenient control of job queues

High-Speed Single-Pass Printing Combined with Perfect Image Quality

– Single-pass wide format printing
– Up to 14 A1 size prints per minute
– For crisp and clear lines and figures

Dry Toner System

– Odorless
– Instantly ready for finishing and further processing

Your Regional Sales Manager is available for more information of this and other KIP wide format systems. If you questions or comments, please submit your message below or you can contact us today. We will gladly assist you!

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What You Need To Know About KIP ImagePro

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What You Need To Know About HP DesignJet T520

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What You Need To Know About KIP 71 Series

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How to Design an Effective Trade Show Display

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4 Reasons to Use Window Decals in Your Store

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Advantages of Loyalty Cards for Business Marketing

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With millions of logo designs floating around today, how can one make sure that your logo stands out? There are many design resources you can take advantage of but you must understand the basics in order to get the most out of your branding. Here are tips that will help you develop a professional logo for your business or organization:

Play with the psychology of colors

Color attracts the human eye. Significant studies have been conducted about the value of color and how it affects the human mind. It has been proven that colors can provoke strong emotions and ideas when viewed by customers.

• Red – passion, danger, excitement, and love
• Orange – vitality and happiness
• Yellow – humor, energy, and optimism
• Green– health, wealth, freshness, and nurturing
• Blue – safety, trust, clarity, and serenity
• Purple – luxury, royalty, wisdom, and creativity
• White – purity, cleanliness, simplicity, and innocence

When designing your logo, design it with colors that work well together. The color palette of your logo design is also an important detail in making your logo unique. The colors of your design can carry meaning and can communicate ideas.

Explore the creative techniques

It’s almost impossible to create something that’s truly unique or original. Sometimes, without even knowing it, your idea has already been someone’s idea first. So before you finalize your logo, make sure your logo isn’t violating any trademarks or isn’t too similar to another logo.

One technique to consider is the visual double entendre, which is basically just a fancy way to call two pictures being wrapped into one through clever interpretation of a concept or idea. Logo designs that use this technique are a clever way to help your brand be more easily remembered. People are often intrigued by a hidden message or image  and are likely to appreciate a design because of it.

Another technique is the custom type logo. In making your logos unique, there’s nothing that can give you a more unique and creative feel than custom lettering. Custom type will help ensure a unique logo to avoid copying someone else’s branding. Also it can separate you from other companies that may use the same font that is readily available through design programs.

Consider the format

Perhaps you’ve designed your logo on a piece of paper or on a blank screen, and you think it looks good. But just because something looks good on a white background does not mean it will also look good on a shirt or other materials. During the designing process, experiment and see what your logo looks like on paper, on screen, on apparel, etc.

Know what it means

A good logo will always have a story. Beyond that pretty sketch of a bitten apple or a bird flying in an upward trajectory, a strong logo will always have meaning whether hidden or evident. Even if you come up with the meaning after you designed your logo, it is an effective way to communicate the message of your company visually. If you can design a logo that is not only beautiful but also meaningful, you’ll have a logo that will tie into the company’s core values and mission.

If logo design is beyond your skill level, we have a team of graphic designers who can help you with your logo creation. We can partner with you design a creative and unique logo that fits your company’s brand and mission. For more information, contact us today or comment below!

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Business owners understand that a good trade show exhibit cannot be underestimated. A booth is more than a place for customers to stand and be greeted. It is an interactive place for customers to get to know what your business is all about. How your display is utilized plays a very significant role in making your exhibit successful. Here are the reasons trade show displays are important in your businesses:

Trade Show Displays define your brand.

First impressions are important. Just by looking at the professionalism of your company’s exhibit, a visitor can get a good impression of your brand. Your trade show display should communicate to the customer who you are, what you do and how you do it. Putting yourself in the shoes of an attendee, you see that a trade show booth provides a basic idea of what makes a business unique and why engage with them further. With the right design for your trade show exhibits, they can play an essential role in building the name of your company.

Trade Show Displays communicate important information about your company’s products and services.

An effective trade show display will connect with visitors and communicate the products and services a business offers. It can demonstrate product features and how they are used. In addition, a good trade show display will show what makes the company different from the others. When deciding on the designs and content, ensure that these elements align with the company’s objectives.

Trade Show Displays are interactive.

The interactivity of the exhibit can add to the excitement and interest of potential customers. Exhibitors are able to use a mix of online and offline elements including social media interactivity, smartphone apps, geo-location services and many more that engage the interest of attendees. However, the elements you use will depend on the industry you represent. You have to know whether games, group demonstrations, webcasting, or large-scale videos is the right component for your company and booth.

Trade Show Displays send your company’s message to a number of people.

With the face-to-face interactions you’re going to conduct, your customers your goal will be to make the experience memorable. Booths allow companies to present their brand message not only to a large group of people but also in a one on one fashion. It is a great opportunity for a company to personalize their brand to many people at one time. Take advantage of the chance to exhibit your company and see the rewards of networking on your terms.

For questions or comments, you can submit your message below or you can contact us today! Talk to one of our graphic designers if you need help regarding the layout and design.

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Definitions of a process can be empty when you don’t know how it’s done. A practical presentation will help you in understanding more about the idea given so the question is: how is stenciling done?

Since a stencil is basically just a series of different kinds of holes cut into a sheet of a resilient, waterproof material (like steel or plastic), it is easy to form the finished product. You just have to apply paint through the cut out areas to the surface beneath, and voila, an image is formed. The stencil used can show identical shapes, letters, patterns, or symbols for drawing or painting. The open sections of the stencil that form the image are called islands. These are the holes or areas that allow color to be applied on the surface under the stencil. What separates the islands, however, are called the bridges. They keep the shape of the stencil for one to successfully apply a color on it. They block or protect the surface from ever reaching or spilling color or paint.

If you know how something is done, naturally, you ask what it can do for you. In the art of stencil, your creativity will surely ignite. It allows you to decorate the stencil with your own personal style. If dealing with paintbrushes, canvases, or even pencils is difficult for you to achieve a certain picture, then stencils are definitely for you. With them having perfect symmetry and perspective, they can eliminate the problems most artists have with proportions and angles.

With stencils, you are free to do whatever you want about the image you want produced and the colors it has. Since you can make the stencil yourself, you are basically the designer of your project. The number and the kinds of designs you can have with a stencil is impossible to count! It just all depends on your creativity and imagination. With a little help along the way, like holding the stencil for you while you apply a color on it, you can easily accomplish your desired image.

You can display your stencil art on the walls of your home, your workplace, or even in the restroom as a design! Whether on the surface of your tables, your windows, or floors, as long as they’re flat surfaces, you stencil art will definitely be appreciated for the accent it contributes.

If making your own stencil materials is quite difficult for you, worry not because here at Hackworth, we can create and design your stencil materials for you and more! With our professional graphic designers, we guarantee you your desired stencil materials for the perfect results. For more questions or comments, you can submit your message below, or you can contact us today!

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

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Here are 4 tips for you to achieve an effective point-of-sale sign:

Do not be afraid to go bold.

A point-of-sale sign that does not stop people in their tracks is not a point-of-sale sign at all. Be bold in designing your POP sign so that it actually makes people who walk pass by it stop and read. Make people read or notice your POP signs when they’re waiting for the bus or a cab. Don’t create signs that are so boring that people prefer not to look at them even when it’s standing right in front of them.

Be bold with your designs and colors. These are important elements if you want to attract the eyes of your customers. Play with vibrant, contrasting combinations, and never forget to use the psychology of colors! Additionally, with the use of unique large compelling fonts, your POP sign will absolutely stand out.

Display the benefits.

Before getting involved with something, particularly in a business, most people usually ask what’s in it for them. Tell them straightforward what they will receive from purchasing your product. The area that presents the benefits in your POP sign is what usually people focus on. These benefits create desire – the desire to purchase your product. Go into the specifics. What creates desire for your potential customers is the effect of your product. If you’re selling food, state what nutrients are included while they also enjoy the great taste. If you’re selling skin care products, show them how quickly the product will work in giving good results.

Keep it minimal when explaining your product.

Most people get overwhelmed, confused, or overwhelmingly confused when signs display too much information. It’s too much to take in in just one sitting. You have to make sure the POP sign only shows what’s important about your product or your company to add value and keep the potential customer reading. It is important to be concise in explaining how your product works. Consumers like to know the most important information. It’s what makes a good selling.

Go interactive.

An interactive display can be even more effective in reaching potential customers. Other than keeping people coming up to your POP signs, it is also very practical. With everyone having their own smartphones these days, POP displays have started to incorporate QR codes. If a customer scans the code on their phones, special discounts can be offered or and additional information related to the product.

If you have your own ideas about designing point-of-sale signs, we can help you in making those ideas turn into reality! With our professional graphic designers, here at Hackworth, we will help you reach the best marketing tools that will ultimately result in the success of your business! Contact us today for more information.

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Along with your business website, social networking and online advertising and marketing efforts, a business pamphlet is still an essential part of a marketing strategy.

Here is why business pamphlets still matter:

It is cost-effective.

Both at the production stage and the delivery stage, business pamphlets are more cost-effective than you think. It is fairly economical way to get your business name out especially when printed in bulk. The more you print at one time, the more you can save per brochure. Even though the prices will depend on your design, colors, and quality, having these materials in your marketing strategy makes it worth it.

While it may be necessary to implement online advertising, the objective of running a campaign is to get noticed digitally. If you want your business to be recognized more widely in the long-run, then you will want to use something like pamphlets. The alternatives are a much bigger investment. Other forms of advertising like billboards, newspaper ads and multi-media like radio or television can be 10 times more costly.

It gives a good and lasting impression.

Recent studies have shown that people tend to preserve more information when they read it on paper than on screen. Although we scroll through our social media feeds longer than we normally we should, we must take advantage of the fact that business pamphlets leave a lasting impression.

People are constantly exposed to the Internet. With your advertisements posted online, especially when it’s not designed properly, there is a good possibility customers are not paying attention. Banner blindness is a phenomenon that results in users unconsciously ignoring online advertising. However, a business pamphlet with a professional design and useful information included within it can be a successful marketing tool that is hard to ignore.

It can go anywhere.

Business brochures have a higher likelihood of traveling further and seeing more people than you will ever have the opportunity to. Printing them in bulk and distributing them in many places like business offices, train stations, waiting rooms, and even rest rooms, is a great way for you to reach thousands of people. Even though banners, posters, and billboards are effective as well, they won’t travel as much as your business brochures can. They can be spread out and passed on to. In that way, your business’s name will become more and more recognizable.

Here at Hackworth, we can help you design and print business pamphlets, brochures and more. We will work with you to find the right message and layout that conveys what your business is all about. Questions? You can leave your message or comment down below, or you can contact us today!

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Here are 5 tips on making your signs effective:

Purpose

Before anything else – before putting up a sign outside your store, you must decide what that sign is for. What do you want potential customers to know? Is it a promotion of discount sale or the launching of a new product of yours? It is important to answer these questions so you would know what information or message to convey before focusing on the design, colors and layout.

Brief

Signs are more effective when they have a word limit. When deciding what message you want to display on your outdoor sign, the saying “less is more” should be applied. Too many words can be distracting and unattractive. Always remember that almost half of your views are people in vehicles who only have seconds to read the signage. Therefore, you must display the essential information only such as your company name, phone number, website URL, slogan, call to action, or a simple “Summer Clearance Sale!” to emphasize what your customers need to know. The more text you put, the less chances your sign will be read, and that will defeat the purpose of your sign. Keep it simple, brief and informative!

Big

Outdoor signs should be visible especially if you’re creating roadside signs that will be displayed at a reasonable distance. They should be large enough for people near and far to see. This also includes the style of the fonts. They should be clear and big so they can easily be read especially by those who are stuck in traffic or just passersby. Too many font styles in one design can be confusing and can spoil a perfectly good sign.

Branded

Purportedly, 85% of potential customers pass by your business every month so that means having a sign outside your store is the perfect place to promote your brand! If you want your brand to be recognized, increase its exposure because the more they see it, the more recognizable it becomes! Don’t forget to include your logo and company colors on the sign. Stick with your signature fonts and overall style so people would know it’s you. The key is just consistency!

Bold

Graphics add visual interest to people. As a matter of fact, full-color graphics create the highest awareness. The use of a photo creates 300% greater recall than signs without photos. So take advantage of these, and do not be afraid to add high quality images on your signs! Studies show that being exposed to extra color will improve a reader’s retention by 78%, which is why you should use big and bold colors too! Know how to properly contrast them by using a dark background with a light-colored lettering or vice versa. By doing so, this will increase the readability of your sign from a great distance. Never settle for a boring a board with boring text. Show your store off with big graphics and bold color!

Here at Hackworth, we can help you design and print signs that will truly help your business. From clarifying the purpose to printing the final product, we can help make your outdoor signs a true asset for your business. Questions or comments? Submit your message below or you can contact us today!

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Here are the tops reasons why outdoor signs are important for your business:

Location

For small businesses, outdoor signs act as a guidepost to lead your customers to the right area where your business is located. With the right design, these signs can attract people’s attention that can eventually persuade them want to go inside your business especially when it’s new. They can create a really strong impression for customers. Additionally, these signs help differentiate your business from others in your locale. Tourists and people who just moved in to the area are going to look for local businesses that can help them. From being landmarks to information booths, these signs can really help you advertise and boost your business!

Function

An outdoor sign can serve as a salesperson for new customers 24/7. Most of the time, these signs are designed with what the store offers. What usually makes an outdoor sign effective is a unique displays. Sometimes, food businesses show their specials of the day while clothing stores show special discounts for every purchase of their new products. Additionally, putting your logo as design will reinforce your brand and its recognition. These signs serve as a primary link between a business and its customers.

Brand Promise

Outdoors signs are the first to give impressions to people who are walking around your area which is why they should always be neat and bright to achieve its purpose. With a clean and professional design, it conveys the promise of your brand, the high standards of your business, and the uniqueness of your business. An outdoor sign that is damaged, smudged or clearly not maintained will fail to be a good representation of your brand or your business.

Great Investment

It is no doubt that business owners use outdoor signs as a component of their marketing strategies. It is the one of the most common methods used in reaching thousands of potential customers. It is also much more cost-effective compared to other forms of advertising such as radio, television, and newspapers. As an exterior design, it is visible 24 hours a day – its exposure is prominent and continuous.

In some cases, small and medium businesses go unnoticed. With a well done outdoor sign, this will no longer be a problem for you as they help plant the seed for future sales. Put a professional sign out now, and see how much difference it makes!

Here at Hackworth, we are able to produce as many types of creative print jobs that include outdoor signage. You can leave your message or comment below, or you can contact us today so we can help design an outdoor sign for you!

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Here are 4 creative and clever design ideas for business cards that will make your company memorable:

1. Stretchable Card

This kind of business card is mainly used by personal trainers or gym owners. The text will be unreadable at first but with its elastic characteristic, you’ll be able to see the text and have a little bit of hand and finger exercise as your first step in the pursuit of fitness at the same time! A business card with this kind of texture is going to need minimum design and text to avoid too much distortion.

2. Cheese Grater Card

A business card in the form of a cheese grater will show your creative side as a chef or a restaurateur. This features a change of orientation, as well. Most business cards are in landscape. However, this unique and fun business card will be in portrait to hold the exact likeness of a cheese grater. Put inside a small container or envelope and you can unfold the contact information with little cheese confetti. Fun and helpful at the same time!

3. Tearable Business Card

For divorce lawyers, this is the most suitable and creative design as a business card. Its design shows a broken line to cut the business card in half to imply separation, thus, the presence of contact information on both sides. This is to emphasize what kind of lawyer you are about to contact. As said earlier, it is important to make your design relevant and correlated with your business.

4. Free Stuff Business Card

Everybody loves free stuff. Giving away some of your products is a good way to advertise and inform people what your business is all about. This example belongs to a hairstylist who uses bobby pins to make the illusion of hair.  Other than being fun to look at, this card also shows a side of practicality. With bobby pins being lost all the time, this business card is helpful in more than one way: telling about the business and keeping your hair in place!

Here at Hackworth, we are able to produce many types of creative print jobs including business cards. We work with our customers to provide high quality solutions for whatever print project you may have. If you have questions or comments, you can submit your message below or contact us today so we can design your business cards for you!

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Here are some techniques on how to create an effective business flyer:

Choose a striking or clever headline/title

Titles that start with a question or an exclamation are very effective. Other headline ideas include: “The Secrets To …”, “Easy Ways To …”, ‘How To …”, “Discover …”, and many more. Write titles that will hook people. Entice them to keep reading. Eventually, casual observers become potential customers.

Keep it brief

Always consider the design and the size of your flyer. You can only write so much content in size-limited material like this. Consider your readers, as well. Do not overwhelm the reader with too much information. You don’t want them to put the flyer down because it’s dull or overly technical. Only write the most important details about your product or service.

Divide your content

It is good to layout out your content in an orderly and precise fashion. Having long paragraphs or chaotic design is not exactly attractive to readers. Also, try to incorporate some white space to make other aspects of the content stand out. This makes a flyer easier to digest.

Use convincing testimonials

Nothing beats an endorsement or feedback from a happy customer. It is a very effective way to promote your products and services. If you choose to use this technique, make sure to use those that are well-written and focused on results your clients have had with your company.

Mention the benefits

Before anyone purchases items the question is often asked, “What’s in it for me”? Write at least three benefits your customers will receive, and list them in a prominent way. It is encouraged to do this in bullet form. This is a quick way of telling your readers why they should choose you.

Make the design coherent

Your design should make sense. If you are advertising wedding services, your flyer should look more like a wedding invitation, and not a funeral services ad. Having a really good design can inspire confidence in your business. It shows that you pay attention to details and offer professional service.

Always add contact information

This is usually put at the bottom after all the information has been read. After reviewing your flyer, they might want to ask a few more questions before they choose to do business with you. Don’t get cute with the contact information. Make it easy for them to get in touch with you.

Proofread everything

Get someone else read to your flyer. A second pair of eyes or a different perspective is valuable. Hear what they have to say. You may want to consider editing something based on their feedback. Also, this is important for checking grammatical and spelling errors. You do not want your flyer to be publicly displayed with mistakes that could damage your credibility.

Here at Hackworth, we can do all of this for you and more! Submit your comments or questions below and we can help you design and print your business flyers!

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Function, Not Form

Before getting too creative with your flyer, make sure that people would actually consider picking up and reading your flyer. Valuing function over form is important since people will look for relevant information on the business flyer before appreciating the art and creativity of how it is designed. Whatever it is your advertising, the information must be concise and striking for it to be effective. A few points must be recognized when designing a flyer with function:

• Prioritize important information
• Contact details like phone number, website, and email address must be easy to read and accessible to the eyes
• Do not put long paragraphs and provide concise information

Be Direct

Simplicity is the key. In some instances, designing a flyer with a rainbow of colors and a wild cacophony of fonts does not resonate well. You have to value the substance of your flyer without sacrificing your overall design. A minimal themed flyer works well in this way as it can deliver the message of the business flyer while maintaining a sleek, subtle, and calm aesthetic throughout. Stick to colors that look professional to the eye like gray, white, and black with an accent of an appropriate bold color of your choice. Be careful with color choices and combinations for it can easily wander into bland territory. Simple graphics will also add a sophisticated visual element to your flyer.

Color, Color, Color

We already emphasized the importance of color choices and schemes in designing a flyer. Should you go for a more calm color palette or go for striking and bold colors? Selecting an effective color palette in designing a business flyer can go a long way if done right. Aside from images and typography, the color of a flyer is a key element in determining the mood or personality of your business.

There are a lot of possibilities in color choices when it comes to designing flyers. A classic combination would be the black and white combo. It has a clean, minimal yet striking look when contrasted with a bold color. Some colors have moods associated with them; blue can have a calm and serene effect to the readers. Citrus colors like yellow or orange leaves a bright and energetic mood. Purple and violet often gives a royal or elegant feeling to the flyer. Color choices and palettes have a great effect in designing a professional flyer.

Need help with design? Not a problem. We have four full time graphic designers here to assist you. Call us at 757-545-7675 or email us today.

The post Quick Tips for Designing an Effective Flyer appeared first on Hackworth.

24/7 Exposure

Unlike other form of print media advertising, a business poster has a 24/7 easy accessibility and can stay up to days, weeks, months, even years if put in the right circumstances. A flyer can be easily thrown into the trash rendering it useless. A business poster however, once put up in a wall, will stay there and continues to do its purpose in communicating information to passersby. Moreover, a business poster is always available at any time and at any day. You do not need a person to explain a poster to a potential customer for it can do it by itself. Whether it is 12:00 midnight or 6:00 in the morning, a business poster does not stop working.

Cheap, Yet Effective

Probably the most cost-effective way of all the print media advertising options, a business poster is a must try if you want to market your business effectively without that huge bill. This works well for those who are just starting in business since it only takes a few dollars to produce a business poster and you can have a volunteer or an employee hang them up for you with no additional costs. Print advertisement in magazines roughly cost up to $20,000 per ads since you are renting from that magazine. Even a large, high quality business poster will cost less than the average cost of a print advertisement.

Direct Communication

A business poster will communicate information from your business to potential customers. This would seem like the business poster is doing all the talking for you anytime. Direct communication through a business poster since it allows the people to have an active engagement with your poster. Wherever they may be, whether on the bus stop, a nightclub, or on a lamp post, customers are most likely to notice a poster out of chance or sheer curiosity so having that instant connection between the business poster and the customer helps in promoting your business.

Branding

As much as you need to captivate an audience with your poster, it also helps in branding your business in general. Branding your business helps you since there are a variety of the same businesses nowadays and staying in front of them and creating an attitude promotes your business even further. Your business poster, if designed effectively can help you in creating a brand that will elevate your business from the rest of the market.

For more help with business posters, contact us at 757-545-7675. We have a team of graphic designers ready to help you with everything from concept to print.

The post Why We Love Business Posters (And Maybe You Should Too!) appeared first on Hackworth.

Creating an employee handbook is the easiest way to make sure everyone on your team is on the same page. This is their guide for everything from the dress code to how to ask for time off and how to handle work-related issues. The employee handbook lays out all the expectations of your team in detail.

As such, it’s often pretty boring for a new hire to go through. When you explain everything from safety protocols to payment processing to parking details, you tend to lose people somewhere along the way. Employee handbooks just don’t have an exciting, interesting feel to them.

At least, the old-school ones don’t.

Here’s how to make an employee handbook your team will actually want to read.

1. Make It Visually Engaging

The best way to display any kind of lengthy content is to break it up. Separate your employee handbook into as many sections as possible.

You don’t have to get overly descriptive or come up with a category for every little thing. But, you should be able to group certain things together based on subjects like Office Behavior, Payments, Confidentiality, and Culture and Values.

Think of these groupings as the table of contents. They make it easier for your employees to jump to a certain part of the handbook when they need to check something for reference. Not to mention, small sections are easier to read through than one large document, which means more people are likely to read the handbook in its entirety.

To make each section even stronger, consider color coordinating them or adding visuals. Place a few pictures and graphics here and there to keep ahold of the reader’s attention. If you’re printing the handbooks, make sure you opt for high-quality services.

2. Simplify What You’re Trying to Say

Think of the last time you saw a big stack of papers on your desk and thought, “wow, I can’t wait to dive into this.” Unless you were using sarcasm, it was probably never.

Your employees are the same way. They have more important things to do than read their way through pages and pages of onboarding information. They’re here to actually do the job you hired them for!

Make it easier for them to get to their actual duties by creating an employee handbook that is straight to the point. The more direct you are, the better.

3. Tell a Few Jokes

There’s being direct for the purpose of saving time, then there’s being too direct and coming off as boring. While you’re writing the handbook, add a few jokes here and there.

These will get your employees’ attention and remind them you’re here to have a little bit of fun just as much as there is serious work to be done. Jokes encourage employees to relax. While an employee handbook is no laughing matter, a few funny moments represent all sides of your business – the practical, and the people side of it, too.

The #1 Rule of Creating an Employee Handbook: Focus on the Culture

Whether you’re breaking down the payment schedule or using a play on words to tell a joke, always keep your company culture in mind. After all, this is the main purpose of having an employee handbook!

Creating an employee handbook allows you foster community. It makes each employee feel like they are an official part of the team, and gives them clear expectations to uphold. These go beyond individual roles and duties – the employee handbook puts everyone on an equal playing field and brings them together.

For more office management insights, click here.

The post 3 Steps to Creating an Employee Handbook Manual That Your Employees Will Want to Read appeared first on Hackworth.

First Impressions Last

First impressions will always matter when it comes to business. You will never know when you might meet a prospective client or make a new connection. Leaving a great impression will help your business immensely. A business card is more memorable and impactful than simply giving out your email address or phone number. Plus, handing a business card to a client is a great icebreaker and allows your conversation to go even further. Moreover, if your business card is unique in its design the chances of it attracting the receiver is doubled or even tripled!

Continuous Marketing

The moment you share your business card to one client, it does not stop from there. Most likely, your business card will continue to do the marketing for you! There is a significant chance your business card will be shared in other meetings and in various networking events. With a single effort you can spread your business to many others. Business cards are easier to share since it is compact and portable. It effortlessly explains your business to other people even without your help. A business card works by itself.

Intimate and Personal

When you are swapping information via email or text, it tends to be a bit impersonal. In business, networking must remain genuine as much as possible. Be present in person to show that you are interested and passionate about what you do. A personal conversation is much more appreciated and it is how real relationships begin. A business card levels up your game by showing how serious you are with your job.

Credibility

Future clients are really careful and serious about protecting their business. A business card makes your business more trustworthy and credible in the market. A business with no visual identity will look suspicious to people compared to a business with clear branding. Certainly, a business with a professional identity on a business card gives more credibility and improves your position in the market.

Effective Marketing Tool

Much of business is conducted on the internet today. Even business networking can be easily done online, but there is nothing greater than a personal conversation sealed with a handshake and an exchange of business cards. Let’s face the fact that you will not be on the internet 24/7. Prospective clients will be in everywhere you go; trade shows, industry fair, luncheons etc. Your business card is a tried and true tool of the trade that will keep you from missing any business opportunities.

For more help with business cards, contact us at 757-545-7675. We have a team of graphic designers ready to help you with everything from concept to print.

The post 5 Reasons You Should Invest in Business Cards appeared first on Hackworth.

Booklets are resourceful, and a great way to promote your business by providing essential details to your potential customers.

Don’t worry, we’ll explain what is a booklet and what exactly you can use it for.

Read on!

What Is a Booklet Exactly?

Booklets come in all shapes and sizes, however, they are smaller than an actual book. A typical booklet has a stack of 2 or more sheets of letter-sized paper, folded in half.

If you’re trying to picture this in your mind, think of a brochure, recipe books, and inserts in a CD booklet.

The great advantage is, you can design them however you want. If you want to go basic, you can print them strictly in black and white. For additional costs, add some color.

Let’s get into how this is going to help YOU with your business.

Make a Catalog

Think about it, why do you flip through an IKEA or Sears catalog? To see what they have, right?

Catalogs are a perfect way to advertise your products to potential customers. You can compile them in a beautifully designed, easy-to-read booklet.

By making a catalog, these booklets give you a chance to market inside people’s homes! It’s a win-win for you and the business.

Consider a Promo Booklet

If you don’t have the money to create a catalog, that’s ok! Consider choosing a few of the best products from your inventory and make a smaller, promo booklet.

Give people a taste of what your business has to offer.

Make Training Manuals

Even if you have a smaller, startup business, you probably have some employees working for you. Training your employees is way easier when you have a manual at your fingertips.

When it comes to a training manual, you need something with enough space to handle all of the important information, e.g. instructions, goals or objectives.

Booklets are a cheap and effective alternative rather than printing a standard book.

Design Is Key

No one is going to pick up your business booklet if it’s bland and boring. You need something that really catches a customer’s eye.

Most businesses like to go with saddle-stitched binding for their booklets. It’s common for small booklets, calendars, and even magazines. Using saddle-stitching will allow the booklet to be opened up flat.

There are even booklet envelopes. Those are open-side envelopes with wallet flaps or side seams. They’re used for brochures and other multi-page mailings.

Why Consider a Booklet?

So now you know what is a booklet and why they’re an effective marketing piece. All it takes is a little paper and ink and design then you’ve got yourself a nice booklet for your business.

That’s why we here at Hackworth want to make sure your booklet is everything you wanted it to be. So contact us today and our production team will fire up the printers!

The post What is a Booklet and What Can You Use One For? appeared first on Hackworth.

We have gathered why you can boost and grow your business with professional business cards.

Read on to learn more.

Sign of Preparedness

You don’t want to be the person who is running around to find a pencil and paper to write down your contact info to give out.

Having your business cards on hand and ready to give out shows that you are ready and prepared to make business connections.

This is a good sign of someone who is prepared and ready to make their business grow and is impressive to those who you want to connect with.

Makes Sharing Information Personal Again

While sharing contact information digitally is sometimes easier, it is less personal.

When you are networking, it is essential to make genuine connections. This can start by simply swapping information via professional business cards.

This helps keep the eye contact during the conversation instead of breaking the eye contact to stare at your phone to input information.

This way you can make a solid memory of the meeting situation that you can remember well into the future.

When you walk away from the conversation, you can then take the time to input the contact info into your device.

Professional Business Cards Are the First Impression of Your Business

You want to make a memorable first impression when you meet possible business connections

A well-designed professional business card establishes how you are presenting your brand and the most critical aspects of the business.

Think of your business card as an icebreaker.

Decide what is important to your brand and what will make a big impact on the receiver.

You might be surprised the doors that can be opened and where the conversation can go from a good-looking and creative business card.

More Unique = Increased Shareability

Interesting and unique business cards make people in the industry want to share your business message.

Here are ideas on how to make your business cards unique to your brand:

• Include a QR code
• A picture of yourself or the company
• Use metallic ink
• Cutouts or stenciling
• Make the shape what you sell (i.e., skateboards or cheese)
• Play with the thickness of the material
• Print on non-traditional materials (i.e., wood or metal)
• Engravings
• Change the shape to a square or make a vertical rectangle

These innovative ideas will separate your business card from all the other business cards out there and definitely make a memorable impression on the person you give it to.

You don’t want your business card (and by default, business) to be easily forgettable by being basic.

Boost Your Business!

Business cards help grow your professional network and increase your brand potential and success.

Check out other printed projects and how they can also help your business thrive.

The post 5 Ways to Use Professional Business Cards to Boost Your Business appeared first on Hackworth.

It’ll be difficult for you to be successful without generating interest in your business, and in order to do that, you’ll need to let people know what it is you do.

You can achieve this by creating a website and generating web traffic or traveling and giving speeches or talks about your service. You can also create a company brochure that allows you to tell your business story to a larger audience.

In this blog, we’ll discuss why you should create a brochure for your business.

Why Your Business Needs a Company Brochure

If you’re just starting up a new business, you should be doing everything you can to ensure your company’s success.

One easy thing you can do is create a standout brochure, outlining what services and products you offer and how it can benefit your customers.

Here are the top five reasons your business needs a company brochure.

1. Shows Your Company’s Strengths

A brochure is your opportunity to let your potential customers and clients know why your business is so great, and why they need to purchase from you.

Include attractive facts about your company with graphs, tables, or other visual tools so people can easily see what your strengths are.

You’ll also want to have your mission statement and your story in the brochure so people can relate more to your business.

2. Demonstrates Professionalism

Giving someone your business card is always a good idea, but it really doesn’t give people any valuable information about your company. It simply has the name of your business, your title, and your contact info.

However, giving someone a company brochure can have all of those things, plus outline why they should be contacting you for your services.

It shows that you’re serious about your business, and have the information to prove that your products are worthy.

3. An Elevator Speech Without Having to Speak

Going to conferences and trying to persuade people to work with you is tiresome and time-consuming.

You can basically give all of the information you normally would say in a short elevator speech in a brochure instead. This will save you time and allow you to get your message across to thousands of people all at once.

4. May Stay With the Customer in the Future

When you give out a brochure, some people may not even look twice at it because at the time they really don’t need your product or service.

If you’re giving a speech, this is the equivalent of someone simply not paying attention.

But with an effective brochure, there’s a chance that person will hold onto it and end up finding it again in the future when they might actually need your product.

The more brochures you have floating around, the more likely you are to have additional customers stumble upon your company and give you their business.

5. Networking Events

When you go to a networking event, having brochures with you will make a huge difference in getting the customers you want to work with.

If you were to simply give out your business’s website, the likelihood of people going online to look at your services is slim. And if they do go to your website, they may end up jumping to another website instead.

A brochure is more immediate and doesn’t allow for your potential clients or customers to jump to other businesses as easily as the internet would allow them to do.

For Additional Information

Company brochures can give your business the extra boost in sales that it needs. It’s a small price to pay for a potentially large payout and increase in revenue.

If you are interested in printing out brochures for your business, please contact us today.

The post 5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs a Company Brochure appeared first on Hackworth.

The post Why the Right Document Scanner Can Make Your Business Life Easier appeared first on Hackworth.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are roughly 260,000 graphic design jobs in the United States and that number is only expected to grow by 4% through 2026. The reason for the slower than average growth rate? Intense competition.

To stand out and get your work noticed, you need an awesome graphic design portfolio. But how do you narrow down all of your work to highlight the pieces you want to showcase?

Today, we’re sharing a few tips on how to create an effective portfolio that’s eye-catching and informative, so you can land the job of your dreams.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get started.

Be Ruthlessly Selective

Sure, it’s impressive to start from the beginning, when your designs were still shaky and amateur at best, and end with the pitch-perfect campaign you just finished. However, your interviewers would rather you cut to the chase and show them your all-star work from beginning to end.

When curating pieces for your graphic design portfolio, only choose the ones that paint your abilities in the best light possible. Skip any that you completed while “still in the learning process” and stick with your favorites.

Differentiate the Examples

A slick infographic is a great piece to add to your portfolio. Ten infographics back to back, however, can start to get a little monotonous. Demonstrate your flexibility and skill range by showcasing a variety of different types of designs you’ve created.

From print materials to digital marketing campaigns and myriad examples in between, try to include a variety of work types. Doing so will show that you’re not stuck in one niche and are interested in learning about different types of design.

Have an Online Component

In today’s Digital Age, every graphic design portfolio should have an online component. Even if you work primarily in the print design field, your employers will want to see that you’re tech-savvy. Plus, an online portfolio can be shared more easily and with more people than a print one.

There are many sites, like Squarespace and Cargo Collective, that are easy to use and make the transition an easy one.

Think about the Client

When choosing pieces for your graphic design portfolio, consider the type of work you’d be doing if you landed the job you’re applying for. Then, use that knowledge to help you narrow down your options and select the pieces you want to use.

Create Your Graphic Design Portfolio Today

That perfect graphic design job is out there waiting for you. Now, all you have to do is put your best foot forward and “wow” the powers that be. A gorgeous, smartly curated portfolio is the first right step forward.

While creating yours, be sure to keep us in mind. We deliver powerful digital imaging and printing solutions that can bring your designs to life. Contact us today for more information and let’s get started!

The post How to Create an Eye-Catching Graphic Design Portfolio appeared first on Hackworth.

One underestimated perk of having decals instead of traditional signs or mesh ones is that they draw the eyes into the store itself. Directing eyes inside makes it all the more tempting for customers to step foot inside.

Whatever your plans are for using decals, you should practice great design and execution. Here are a few ways that these decals can become a great advantage.

Flesh Out Your Brand

Custom decals and stickers are great for expression for the company. You can use them to say and explain things in plain English. Sure, a regular sign can send a message, but customers actually want to read decal prints because they stand out.

More Potential for Ad Space

Decals are not only great for your own storefront, they’re also great for just about any creative form of advertising. For example, you can make decals to go on bumpers, decal stickers for laptops, envelops, and more. Paired with some strong graphic designs, customers and non-customers alike will use your decals with pleasure!

Clear, Strong Text

High contrast text and graphics should be a priority in your decals. Legibility should always be chosen over the coolness-factor. Nothing fancy is really necessary for fonts, just keep it simple. Remember, this isn’t a billboard or a mural, but more of a tag or sticker.

Your message and/or graphics should be just as clear at five-feet tall as it is on a postcard. If you’re lost for ideas, research some basic signage design principles online. These are time-tested advertising ideas that never expire.

Portable Advertising

Your decals can quickly reach tons of new customers if you create small stickers and address labels. Personalize your communications by putting your brand’s address label on it. More people will become familiar with our business as letters exchange hands.

Decals can become business cards in a similar fashion. Put your basic info down on the back of a decal sticker or crafted into your logo. Order a whole bunch of them and pass them out at public events, bars, campuses, or wherever your demographic can be found.

Take things a step further, if you’re already an established business, and sell them online or at the store for a few bucks. People love stickers and your advertising budget just got bigger!

Ordering Custom Decals

Now that you’ve gotten the gist of just how valuable a few stickers can be on the window or on your desk, it’s time to start creating! Start brainstorming for ways to best incorporate your brand into a decal.

If you need any help with planning, prepping, or printing out your decals, feel free to contact us with any questions. Our expert graphic designers and branding gurus can take a look at what you have and help get your business noticed!

The post 4 Brilliant Tips on Designing Custom Decals For Your Business appeared first on Hackworth.

You see them taped to light poles, pinned on campus bulletin boards, and displayed at malls and movie theaters.

If you want to up your advertising game, company posters are the way to go. Here are 4 ideas to keep in mind when creating your design.

Legibility is Key

Posters need to be eye-catching and unique. But a poster is just about pointless if viewers can’t take away the intended message.

Most people will only glance at a poster for a few seconds as they walk by. Many will only see it from a distance. Nobody has time to stand and stare and analyze your poster to make out what it says.

That’s why the information on your posters needs to be legible.

Part of achieving this is keeping your design clean. You want to stand out, but having too much going on in a small space draws the eye away from where it should be. In many cases, less is more.

Another factor in legibility is your choices in typeface. It’s good to know the difference between a display typeface and text typeface.

A bold sans-serif lettering works well for big headlines and keywords. For smaller part of your message, a serif typeface makes it easier to distinguish the different characters.

By considering legibility, you improve your chances that people will receive your message.

Color Creates the Mood

The colors you use on your poster go a long way in establishing the emotions people associate with your company, product, or event.

Color has a deep psychological effect. The hues you choose can impact purchase decisions and your brand’s reputation.

For example, a poster promoting a healthcare company or a farmer’s marketing might want to use shades of green to represent life and nutrition. An elegant gala could stick to a black-and-white color scheme to represent the formal occasion.

With color, you can tailor a message without saying anything.

Create a Visual Hierarchy

Journalists use a technique called the “inverted pyramid” when writing stories.

With an inverted pyramid, you start with the biggest, most important ideas first. As you get further along, you add in smaller details that fill out the story.

Creating a hierarchy of information – going from most important to least – is a great thing to keep in mind when designing company posters.

Not everything on the poster should be the same size or prominence. Key things should take dominance.

For example, if you’re advertising an event, you should have a big eye-catching graphic to draw the viewer in. The event’s name should also be large. Date and location should be a bit smaller, with further details even smaller still.

By creating a progression of info, people who see your poster will be better able to process and understand the message.

Be Creative

Advertising with company posters is a great opportunity to show off your brand’s personality.

Get creative! Create a bold design with a digital graphics program, or get old-fashioned and sketch out an illustration.

Plenty of different types of designs can look tremendous on posters with the right formatting, so let the artist in you shine!

Print Your Company Posters

Once you’ve created a design, you need a top-notch company to print up quality posters.

Contact Hackworth today for a free quote on poster printing.

The post 4 Dynamic Ideas for Designing Beautiful Company Posters appeared first on Hackworth.

Everyone is putting their money into digital these days and wondering if they need to focus more on SEO or PPC. And that’s exactly why you’re still going to invest in print.

Not sold? It can take some convincing to get you to zag while everyone else zigs. Let’s discuss why print is still very much alive.

Millennials Actually Love Print

That tech-savvy and tech-fickle generation we’re constantly trying to figure out is surprisingly a big fan of print.

This is the generation that has been bombarded with every type of digital ad possible. They can hit “Skip Ad” on YouTube or X-close a pop-up window at nearly precognitive levels.

But something printed is novel to them. It’s there, it’s tangible and they can hold it in their hands. Millennials are far more likely to give a postcard or brochure a full read than their older counterparts.

Millennials actually love public libraries and also love catalogs — two things that were taken for granted and blown off by jaded Generation X.

Inboxes are Overflowing, but Mailboxes are Ripe

It may also surprise you to know that advertisers who invest in good old-fashioned direct mail are seeing the best return on investment they’ve seen in years.

As we said, people are going all in on digital these days. The only print collateral in people’s actual mailboxes are pizza flyers and bills. The opportunity to stand out there is huge.

Direct mail isn’t dead. But it almost died and fooled a lot of people into thinking it was gone. That’s why the people who know better are seeing some great results.

Print Collateral and Digital Can Work Together Beautifully

You now have an unprecedented number of tools to track the success of a print campaign and marry it to your online efforts. But sadly, too many businesses treat them as separate identities.

Let’s say your business is offering free iPads to new sign-ups. First, you will want to design a professional and impactful printed postcard to spread the word of this amazing promotion.

Next, you will want to create a simple URL for this promotion. This can be something crazy-simple like yourbusiness.com/ipad. You want the customer to be able to type it in without messing it up, or even remember it without having the card.

Now, set up a dedicated landing page for this promotion. Never send traffic from a printed material to an existing product or service page. Most people do.

You want to avoid this because:

1. Said service page may make no mention of the free iPad, which will cause people to think they’re in the wrong place

2. The look and feel of this landing page needs to closely mirror the branding on the card, or again, people may think they’re in the wrong place.

3. You won’t be able to differentiate the traffic from your card from the day-to-day traffic. You can only assume an uptick means it’s working.

Now you have your digital and your print playing off each other perfectly, and you will convert far more leads.

Need Something Printed?

Our clients love to recommend us because of our commitment to quality and getting them the best possible price. In fact, we recently won Hampton Roads Chamber’s 2017 Chesapeake Small Business of the Year!

How can we help you? Click here to learn more.

The post At Last – Proof That Print Collateral Is Not Dead appeared first on Hackworth.

Why is that? As much as we know digital marketing is changing the way to approach advertising, you can use print materials to your advantage to draw in new clients.

Read on to learn about the top 3 techniques we recommend as print marketing ideas for your business today.

1. Strong Messages are Key Print Marketing Ideas

Make things bold.

Make them clear.

Make them easy to understand.

You need to ensure that anyone who comes across any of your print marketing ideas gets the picture. It takes seconds for people to see your campaign and feel an impact on it or not.

Humans have shorter attention spans than goldfish, so it’s important to grab their attention as quickly as possible.

• You should add bold lettering to your posters or flyer to enhance visual appeal. Use popular fonts such as Bebas Neue, which is a great font for large capitalizations to stand out from the rest.
• Strong headlines and subheadings are also important factors in creating the best influential print marketing ideas. Word choice must be concise and to the point.
• Think about color patterns, too. Analysis has been done proving what colors are the most attractive for marketing using color theory. Red, yellow and blue are three bold primary colors that are great for action and orientated products and brands.

2. Modernize Your Business Cards

In the same line with discussing the importance of including strong messages on flyers, you need to be consistent with all of your printed forms of advertising.

When you hand out your next batch of printed business cards, consider jazzing them up a bit.

No longer is it appropriate to leave the bare minimum consisting of your name and phone number.

You should opt for adding high-tech features to your business cards, such as a QR code that directs someone right to your resume. A QR code is essential in such a tech-driven world where everyone can access your information on the Internet.

Stay up to date with this business card trend by purchasing new cards that include a fancy QR code to impress everyone you hand your card out to at networking meetings.

Please your customer with this technique. You always want to think about ways to make their lives easier and you will instantly show them your passion with the details you provide on your business cards.

3. The Classic, Brochures

One final way you can beef up your print marketing ideas is through your brochures.

These classic and basic marketing materials do better for your ROI when they are designed in a clean, crisp manner and are helpful when putting them in the right hands.

When attending trade shows for your individual type of business, whether it be an insurance company or a law firm, you can happily distribute your brochures with confidence knowing your information is displayed in a digestible way for all to understand.

Sometimes it’s difficult to capture what big businesses are all about. Provide your new customers with details written out in laymen’s terms.

Stand Out From The Rest, With The Best Print Marketing Materials

Hackworth is your one-stop-shop for all things graphics, printing, and technology.

Feel free to reach out to us at any time if you need assistance with your print needs.

The post 3 Print Marketing Ideas That Will Increase Sales appeared first on Hackworth.

Right?

Don’t believe the hype, because this couldn’t be further from the truth — especially in the world of marketing.

The use of print marketing materials is alive and well. This isn’t just a matter of old habits dying hard — print marketing is flat out effective.

To be sure that you’re able to understand the value of print marketing and use it through the course of your business, read on and look into these tips.

Use Print Marketing Materials To Grow Your Social Media

Your social media presence will win big when you start to cross-pollinate between print marketing materials and digital marketing practices.

People are overburdened by digital clutter now, to the point that they’re far more open than before to print marketing. You can create some handouts that will have a monumental effect on people who receive them.

Giving handouts that feature your social media contact info will help you to get your followers up and better reach your public. Tangible materials still carry a certain amount of weight and make people feel special when they receive them.

However, you will need to put some diligence into the design of the handout. Working with a shop that provides high quality, full-color handouts will definitely be worth your money.

Mix Technology With Print Marketing To Save Costs

Technology has ironically made it easier to get print materials out to the public.

You can save a tremendous amount of money on your printing costs by embracing the cloud. For instance, if your company has a presence all over the country, you can create a digital print job and then send the files to a print shop in another state to handle the physical work.

This way, you’re saving an incredible amount of money and only printing what you need. Using this method gives you plenty of time to test out your marketing in advance before wasting money on unsuccessful print jobs.

Incorporate Barcodes For Easy Content Sharing

You will need to be strategic when it comes to the types of print marketing materials that you create.

One of the best things that people do is include barcode technology into the printout, in order to get people to lock in contact info, subscribe to social media or follow podcasts or YouTube channels.

This makes it much easier to exchange information since many mobile devices make use of barcode technology so that the transfer is seamless.

Work With A Top Quality Print Shop

We’ve got your back when you need top-quality print work.

Whether you need brochures, manuals, business cards, flyers or handouts, no task is too big or too small for our shop.

We’re based out of the Chesapeake area and provide great print work for the entire Hampton Roads area. Many businesses rely on us for this work, and we would be glad to hear from you.

Contact us to learn more about the work we provide.

The post How to Use Print Marketing Materials for More Effective Email Marketing appeared first on Hackworth.

There’s no need to waste thousands on television and radio ads. With the right strategy, you can learn how to promote your business locally without breaking your budget.

This includes combining print adverts and digital campaigns.

Now, there are many ways you can pull this off, some of which we’ll cover in this quick guide. Let’s review the top methods you can start using today.

1. Use Organic Search to Your Advantage

Sometimes, foot traffic comes when your website traffic increases. This means making it easier for your customers to find your website.

Most of today’s consumers use search engines to find products and services. By using search engine optimization, you can improve their chances of finding your business.

There are multiple ways you can make this work for you. The first is to optimize your website and blog posts with local keywords. Target specific areas where you have potential customers.

Then this brings us to the next tip.

2. Claim All of Your Business Listings

Google and other search engines all have directories that display relevant businesses based on a user’s location. Search for your business in all of them and claim them. If it’s not found, then create a listing.

Make sure you completely fill out your profiles with accurate and consistent phone numbers, address, email, URL, and hours of operation. You should also select a category for your company and include a list of products or services.

3. Start Up an Email Campaign

Email marketing continues to be a highly effective way to capture the attention of your audience. And what’s even better is that you can segment your campaigns to specific people.

If you know some of your subscribers are local, then you can create emails specifically for them. One way to get people through your doors quickly is to include special deals and discounts.

You can make these offers exclusive to your email subscribers, enticing more people to sign up.

4. Write Content for Your Blog

Your organic search campaign won’t make it far without fresh and engaging content. A blog is in order if you don’t already have one set up.

You can use something simple like WordPress to manage your content. Schedule posts in advance, so all of your time isn’t sucked away by writing. Also, make sure to include local keywords in your title, headers, and throughout the content.

Just don’t overdo it. The content should still read nicely.

5. Jump On Social Media

Social media platforms have billions of users. Although the market you’re targeting may be in the thousands, it’s still an attractive tool for promoting locally.

If you’re wondering how to promote your business locally on social media, then just know that it’s all about engagement.

Find out where your audience spends their social moments and create accounts on there. Build a human face for your brand, so prospects can see you’re an amazing company to deal with.

Get involved in conversations and establish yourself as an authority in your industry.

Learn More About How to Promote Your Business Locally

If you need help with getting more visibility online, Hackworth Marketing can help. Give us a call at 757-416-6109. In addition to digital marketing, you can use clever methods, like graphic ads on the side of vehicles, brochures, fliers, and other eye-catching visuals.

At Hackworth, we specialize in helping business owners get more attention from local prospects. If you need assistance, then don’t hesitate to contact us today!

The post How to Promote Your Business Locally: 5 Proven Tools appeared first on Hackworth.

In reality, print advertising is more effective than ever. 56% of customers agree that print marketing is more trustworthy than online advertisements. An even more staggering 8 out of 10 adults took action after seeing a newspaper ad in the last 30 days.

Print ads still resonate with consumers amid the constant noise of online advertisements. These advertising mediums may cost more, but it’s clear that there is more value in these types of ads.

For small businesses, print advertising is the only way to reach their potential customers reliably. Use these print advertising techniques to get the most out of your advertising budget and turn readers into customers.

Direct Mail Advertising

When comparing direct mail advertising to email advertising, there is one clear winner. Emails get cluttered and deleted all the time. Mailing a brochure ensures that your potential customer will see your ad at the very least.

In fact, 73% of American customers prefer to get their ads in the mail rather than online. They can view the ad on their own time, so they’re more likely to give your company a chance.

Direct mail is still one of the most effective print advertising techniques available to small businesses. Most people look through their mail every day. They’re more likely to read an ad that comes in the mail because it feels more personalized than a simple email blast.

Creative Business Cards

Business cards are one of the most personalized forms of print advertising, especially for B2B companies. Printing an employee’s name on a card isn’t going to stand out from the pack, though.

Make sure your business card doesn’t get stuck in a pile or thrown away with the rest of the cards. Make your cards unique by including interesting graphics, odd shapes, or even magnetizing the card to heighten the chance a potential client will stick it on their fridge.

Target Your Audience

If you want any of your print advertising techniques to succeed, you need to know who is reading your ads. Small businesses need to spend their smaller advertising budget on a more specific audience to get a return on their investment.

Create a customer profile, then advertise in magazines and newspapers that these people read. Mail pamphlets or coupons to potential customers who used similar services or bought similar products.

For a print advertising campaign, you need to target the right audience, so you don’t waste your money. Print ads are still more effective than online ads for small businesses, but they won’t be if you don’t target them correctly.

Print Advertising Techniques

Online ads are great in some circumstances, but most of the time a print ad will engage customers at a larger rate.

Use these tactics to make the most out of your advertising dollar using the print medium. Newspaper, magazine, and direct mail advertisements may not get the same number of eyeballs as an online ad, but they’re more effective at driving customers to a particular company.

Check out our blog for more helpful tips for designing your print ads.

The post 3 Effective Print Advertising Techniques for Small Businesses appeared first on Hackworth.

The punch is in the logo. It needs to be memorable; to give a feel for what the company stands for.

It might seem like a lot of pressure to get it right the first time around, but even some of the biggest brands have tweaked their logos to achieve the iconic status they have now.

Decals are a great way to display a logo, and decal design is also of huge importance. It’s a fun way of advertising your business to potential clients.

Read on for decal design tips to successfully promote your business!

1. The Inception of a Decal Design: Color and Outline

Choose your design. Whether you’re designing it yourself or hiring a graphic designer, you’re going to play a part in the creation of your design.

Making inspiration and mood boards of other companies’ designs can be helpful to get an idea for the look and feel you’re going for. Bright, bold colors and higher contrast images typically go down the best as they grab attention most effectively.

2. Test Things Out

If you’re unsure about your color scheme, don’t be afraid to print out sample sheets to compare which decal designs and color combinations work best.

Dimensions are also very important, and of course, vary depending on the product on which you’re going to affix your finished decal design. Pay close attention to whether your design will literally fit its purpose.

3. Simplify Your Design

Big, busy decal designs with too much going on can be a bit of an eyesore, so try to keep your design as simple as possible. Avoid small print or lots of words and sentences.

The best bumper stickers and decals are catchy and to the point. People usually notice decals or stickers very briefly before moving on, so make yours memorable whilst not being too crazy. Wit and humor go a long way.

4. Keep Your Intended Audience in Mind

Decals and stickers as marketing tools are great, but you want to make sure your clients are going to take to them.

If you’re creating a decal design for laptop stickers or bumper stickers, you want to make them worthy of being stuck to someone’s possessions.

If it’s too corporate or boring, no one will want to stick your decal to their bumper, laptop, or tablet cover.

Get feedback from your audience. Engage them in the creative process to get an idea of how they perceive the brand. Do they connect with it?

If your audience likes your design and wants to display it, that’s free advertising for your brand.

5. Explore Shapes and Keep Stickiness in Mind

Beyond the design and color, you want to consider the shape of your decal. Rectangles are often the go-to, but don’t be afraid to experiment with more zany shapes.

You may have to pay a little extra to get a more quirky shape cut out, but ultimately it could be worth it if it makes your decal design more memorable.

Don’t be a square, or rectangle – embrace the beauty in bizarre and uncommon shapes. Triangles, hexagons, squiggly bubbles – test and experiment.

Think outside of the conventional box shape and find the frame that best suits your design. Also, depending on the purpose of your decal, adjust stickiness levels accordingly.

For example, nothing too strong that could potentially damage the surface it’s being stuck to. Make sure it sticks well, but not too permanently.

Get Designing!

Now go ahead and start designing!

If you have any more questions about professional design, printing, and where to start with your company’s decal, contact us so we can help.

The post 5 Decal Design Tips to Successfully Market Your Business appeared first on Hackworth.

Think about some of the most popular brands you know — you probably know what their logos look like, right? This is thanks to promotional design. You know you’re doing it right when customers immediately recognize your brand without seeing the company name.

Understanding the Basics of Promotional Design

Promotional design can range from posters and vehicle wraps people see in passing, to branded mugs and pens that people take home.

The purpose of these products is to build exposure for your business.

Having a branded company vehicle means that your message can be seen by just about anyone in the vicinity. For a service provider like a plumber or locksmith, it allows neighbors to see who they can call on if they have an issue.

Promotional products are more targeted since they’ll likely be used solely by the intended recipient. While it may seem more limiting, it’s a great way to keep yourself top-of-mind for that particular person, especially if it’s a product they’ll use every day.

Promotional Products Every Business Should Have

Once the paperwork is all finalized and your business is official, there are a few items you should get started on right away to build your brand.

Banners and Signage

Let people know who you are and what you do by investing in high-quality banners and signage. This is especially important for brick-and-mortar locations that have just opened, since people don’t often step inside buildings unless they know what to expect inside.

In addition to displaying your company name, you may also want to create some “Grand Opening” banners to build excitement and awareness. If your company is already established, helpful banners may include hours of operation and any major promotions or sales.

Business Cards

Once people walk through the door, give them a reminder of who they spoke to and how to reach them later.

This is especially important if you have a lot of walk-ins, who may not have much background with your business. Once they walk out the door, it’s easy to forget names and phone numbers. Make it simple by providing a business card with your promotional design.

Brochures

In addition to business cards, company brochures are a great way to share information and give people something to read after leaving.

If you plan on attending any trade shows or hosting open houses, brochures are a handy way to get the most accurate information to the largest audience, without taking up too much time.

And just like a business card, a brochure should include basic contact information so that interested parties can follow up when it’s convenient for them.

Getting Started Promoting Your Business

As you begin to play around with promotional design options, think about your company logo, colors associated with your brand, and the key messages you want to share.

You want the design to be interesting and engaging, but don’t let your mission get lost in the process. When in doubt, keep it simple.

Want some more pointers on which products will get the most attention, and what features your design should have? Feel free to contact us for more tips.

The post Why Every Business Can Benefit from Strong Promotional Design appeared first on Hackworth.

Your company’s signage says a lot about you, and it’s often one of the first things a new potential customer will see. Something a simple as the use of a certain color or font can convey a lot of information.

Boring signage that does not stand out will not get you the customers you need. It’s time to get rid of your old signage and get a custom business sign that will help you stand out.

The Importance of a Custom Business Sign

A sign is something more than a way to let people know where your business is. Signage that’s beautifully designed can be a powerful branding and advertising tool.

Curious about how something as simple as a sign can benefit your business? After you read about the benefits of having a custom sign, you will be eager to have one of your own.

Build A Brand

Branding is not something that should be reserved for large companies. Businesses of every size can benefit from having a brand that resonates with people.

Creating a brand involves a lot of visual elements, and your new custom business sign is going to play a key role in developing yours. Having the right colors, font, logo, material and print can create a powerful sign that resonates with customers.

If you have been thinking about revamping your current branding strategy (or want to create one), start with your sign. Think about what visual elements mean the most to you and your brand, and incorporate them into the signage.

Passively Market

According to a FedEx survey, 8 out of 10 people went into a new store solely because they liked its signage.

There is something about a unique and eye-catching sign that stands out to people. A custom business sign is a passive form of marketing. Your sign can do a lot to help people remember your business.

A large colorful sign could become a popular wayfinding marker for locals when they give directions. A creative sign that people like can appear in Instagram posts and Snapchat stories.

Those gestures may seem small, but they’re a useful and unique way to connect with new potential customers.

Stand Out

The local business world can be a competitive place. Making yourself stand out among bigger or more established businesses can be hard in a small marketplace.

One of the simplest ways to differentiate yourself from your competition is to have an eye-catching sign. You’ll have something visual that people can immediately associate with your business.

If you truly want to make your signage stand out, there are ways you can design it to be more prominent using different sign materials and formats.

Next Steps

Now that you know the benefits of having a custom business sign, are you ready to have one of your own?

Check out our post on popular current design trends so you can get some ideas about how to design your sign.

If you have questions about business signs and professional design topics, contact us so we can help.

The post Why Your Company Needs a Custom Business Sign appeared first on Hackworth.

A good flyer design can make a positive impact to new potential customers while getting your brand out to a wider audience at the same time. They say it’s the digital age, but printed advertising is still effective!

The possibilities of a flyer’s design are limitless. They can happy or sad, colorful or monochromatic. Some will use big font and others will tell an entire story on a single page.

Today we’ll go through ten kinds of designs that are certain to make a positive statement for your business.

1. Simplistic

Sometimes less is more, and that can definitely be true when it comes to a business flyer.

A simplistic design can really send a message home by not putting too many details and leaving the focus on the words themselves. It can appear to be both elegant and clean, as well as sophisticated. 

2. Detailed

On the opposite spectrum, including a lot of details to your design can really draw the eye. It can be beautiful and intricate at the same time, making viewers want to take a closer look.

3. Seasonal

Changing up the style of your flyer to suit the season or a current holiday is a sure method to keep your branding fresh. Decorate your flyer with some snowflakes or bright petals to showcase the beauty of the seasons while advertising your products that are right for every season!

4. Shapes

Making use of shapes is a great way to draw the eye of a potential customer. Have fun with a bunch of circles, or pile up some triangles. Make a pentagon shape with your paper instead of the normal rectangular shape.

Mixing and matching different shapes can be a good way to give off a feeling of fun and happiness.

5. Photographic

Using high-quality photographs can really bring out the beauty to your business flyer. It can make your customers feel like they are getting a postcard with a great picture on the front rather than just a regular flyer.

6. Artistic

Similarly, putting a beautiful art piece in the center of your flyer could feel like receiving a print of some great painting. It can really spice up the way your advertisement is received.

7. Handcrafted

Making things from scratch and getting back to our roots is an incredibly popular style right now. A lot of handcrafted papers have a special kind of rough and homey feel to them. It’s also environmentally friendly, which is sure to make eco-friendly customers much happier.

Using a hand-drawn font will give this homemade feel an extra boost of creativity.

8. Minimalist

A sleek choice that can seem like the simplistic style at first, but is actually different in its approach. A minimalist design is where you only have 1 or 2 elements on the page, bringing bigger emphasis to them. Simplistic, on the other hand, can have multiple elements that don’t have too many details but still include more on the page than a simplistic one!

9. Symmetric

There is great beauty in symmetry. We can find it all over in nature, and it’s a great means of inspiration for creating a flyer, too.

Having the design be symmetrical with itself can lead a viewer to feel balanced and at ease.

10. Die-cut

Die-cut flyers are where you take a relevant shape and use that as your flyer instead of just a regular rectangle. For example, if you are advertising for a brand of dog treats, perhaps your flyer could be in that typical bone shape that is so well-known for dog treats. Alternatively, you could chose to use the shape of a dog instead.

A Good Business Flyer Begins With Creativity

Having fun with the design is the best way to make it a great one. A flyer is still an effective way to advertise for your business, so make sure to use it to your best advantage.

Do you need some guidance? Let us know! We’d love to help you. 

The post 10 Business Flyer Designs that Will Catch Every Eye appeared first on Hackworth.

For one thing, it’s easier. Fumbling with your phone and trying to open the right app invariably takes your attention away from the conversation. Additionally, no matter how digital we’ve become, tangible objects like modern business cards make a powerful impact. 

Creatively designed, unique business cards are a memorable personal branding tool. Is it time for you to order new business cards? Take a look at some of the options available today.

5 Creative Elements of Modern Business Cards

Cards That Turn Into Something Else

Business cards that double as refrigerator magnets have been around for a while, but we’ve also seen cards that are miniature cheese graters, handy multi-tools, and even very thin cookies! 

Modern business cards that have a useful function are almost guaranteed not to be thrown out or recycled.

Cards That Think Outside the Rectangle

Who says business cards have to be straight-edged? Choose a geometric shape like a circle, triangle, or hexagon. Or go for maximum impact with scalloped edges, rounded corners, or a representative shape like a leaf, house, luggage tag, or camera. If you can use the shape of your cards to communicate your business or product, your branding gets a huge boost.

Cards That Are Fun to Fidget With

Make your card a miniature exercise in origami to really engage contacts and potential clients. Some modern business cards can be ripped, folded, and otherwise manipulated into a 3D design. Try printing your information onto a flexible, rubbery, or stretchy business card that will be impossible for people not to play with. 

Another clever approach involves a sliding design so that a message or image is revealed when the card is pulled from an outer envelope.

Laser Cut Business Cards

Laser cut cards can be made from paper, wood, or even metal. Whatever the material, these cards are bold and creative. One way to go is with an intricately cut design, but many laser cut cards are nothing more than the professional’s name or initials in block letters.

Cards with Illustrations or Photographs

Why not show off your work with your business card? This is particularly easy for photographers, illustrators, visual artists, and even models. Even professionals in other industries can use a photograph or a quirky illustration to make a visual impact. 

Hand-lettering and illustration are two of the top design trends in 2017, so you can make sure your modern business cards stand out from the pack by including these elements.

Ready to Get Started?

You might be thinking that some of these suggestions sound overly elaborate — and expensive. Consider splurging a bit on a business card, since it helps form that all-important first impression. 

Yet anyone can achieve great results, no matter their budget, by designing their own cards using templates and graphic design software.  

Need more inspiration? Contact us for expert help!

The post 5 Creative Elements of Modern Business Cards appeared first on Hackworth.

A lot of company literature never gets read. People are busy, and they face so much junk mail in their lives. You need to work to engage them.

Effective company brochure design needs to be innovative and fun!

Try some of our inventive ideas below to rethink your brochures and engage your audience.

Create An Infographic

If the purpose of your brochure is to communicate a large amount of information all at once, why not try an infographic approach?

You can turn the entire brochure into one large, running infographic, or break down the individual pages as suits your data.

This approach to company brochure design has a few big advantages:

• It’s eye-catching
• You can get a lot of data across at once
• It’s easy to read

It’s a great solution for when you have lots of data to communicate but are worried about your readers getting bored of it quickly.

Try Interactive Company Brochure Design

Why not try to actively engage your readers with your company brochure design?

There are many ways to do this, from the old-fashioned to the high-tech.

You could include puzzles, quizzes, or other games in your brochure. If it works for your company, you could even give readers a reason to take the brochure with them: for instance, a spotter’s guide challenge.

If you want something more modern, use the brochure to direct your readers to a website, especially one with a game or interactive data. This cross-medium approach is engaging, fun, and gives your readers a reason to hold on to your brochure.

Print advertising is still effective, but with digital marketing growing exponentially in recent years, it only makes sense to dovetail print and digital media.

Tell A Story

If you have a story you want to share, why not make that the focus of your company brochure design?

You can transform the brochure from a pamphlet of information to a miniature storybook. Consider approaching your story as if it were fiction. Build a real narrative, a journey the reader can follow.

The surprise and intrigue of a story engages readers. It gives them a reason to read the brochure all the way to the end to see the payoff, in much the same way a novel hooks us in.

Unlike a novel, you have the added advantage of imagery to accompany your text. Highlighting your story with engaging images makes it that much more effective.

Create A Journey

While we’re on the subject of narrative, try to create a sense of physical journey with your brochure design.

You can do this a few different ways, depending on the nature of your company. Break the subject of your brochure down into stages, as if someone is walking through the information. Each page of the brochure should be a new stage of the journey.

For instance, if you were advertising an exhibition, your first page could be about the main exhibition floor. What will you see there? Who can you meet?

You can then use the follow-up pages to talk about other halls and things to see.

These are just a few ideas (there are many more!) that you can use to get your audience reading your brochure.

Be sure to follow our blog for more tips and tricks about brochures, business cards, and all your other business printing needs.

The post The Best Ideas For a Company Brochure Design appeared first on Hackworth.

Your manual will serve as a go-to guide that walks the reader through a process and establishes standards.

It’s a document people can pick up to answer any questions they have and then quickly move on to the next task.

For this reason, it’s important to create an informative manual that helps the reader with a process in a clear way.

That’s why we’re offering some helpful tips on how to create a manual for your business.

Outline Your Manual

Don’t jump feet first into creating your manual.

You won’t know how to create a manual until you take a step back. Outline what the document will cover, such as the main topic and subsections.

This will provide a natural flow to your manual, which will allow a reader to easily make their way from A to B.

Consider the Reader

It’s important to gain an understanding of your reader before you write your manual. As a result, you can shape the content to their needs, and offer product knowledge they need to read.

One of the best ways to learn more about the reader is by watching a consumer use a product.

For instance, does he or she know to do with an object? Do different users approach a task differently? Does anything unexpected happen?

Once you learn the common pitfalls, you can provide the best solutions.

Write in an Active Voice

An active voice is much easier to read in your manual. What’s more, it will make the reader feel as though you’re by their side as you walk them through a process.

For instance, an active voice will make it crystal clear that it’s the reader who will need to complete an action.

Try to avoid writing in the passive voice, such as writing verbs that use forms of “to be”.

Talk to Your Reader

Not only should you use an active voice, but you should talk directly to the reader. Write “you” when writing your manual so they feel like you’re speaking solely to them.

This will reinforce the message that the information is for their needs. It also helps to avoid that troublesome passive voice.

Provide Clear Instructions

Whatever you do, you must aim to write clear and simple instructions. A user manual should help a reader complete a task in the quickest possible time.

To do so, you can write:

• Numbered lists to provide step-by-step instructions.
• A parallel construction for each step, such as “enter” or “select”, to provide action cues.
• The facts – avoid superfluous information they don’t need to know.

Use Visual Aids

Many users may respond better to visual aids over detailed information. If anything, images can enhance written communications. For this reason, aim to feature diagrams, screenshots, cartoons or photos.

The formatting of the supporting images should be consistent with your manual style. You could work with a graphic designer to create an attractive manual to complement a brand.

You must also keep the visual aids as short as possible to avoid overwhelming a user.

How to Create a Manual

Simplicity, imagery, and organization is key to creating a professional manual.

It’s essential to consider the reader and their problems, so you can provide a handy solution. Once you’re happy with your manual, return to Hackworth for professional printing services. Contact us today to discuss our options.

The post How to Create a Manual for Your Business appeared first on Hackworth.

The effects of print include increased reach, more brain stimulation, and more.

Pamphlets are a great print advertising tool that puts your brand directly in your consumer’s hands — literally!

The best pamphlets are ones that entice, engage and educate your audience.

With so many prints out there, you may be running low on pamphlet ideas.

You’re in luck; we’ve put together seven brilliant pamphlet ideas to inspire you and your business.

Ready to take a look? Let’s dive right in!

1. Think Outside of the Box

A new trend among pamphlets is to stray away from the typical accordion-style product and reach toward something new.

One of our favorite ways to do this? By making a boxed pamphlet.

This type of pamphlet folds together to create a cube. By unfolding it, your consumer accesses all of your amazing content and information.

This idea is definitely one that will leave your mark on consumers!

2. Engage With Pop-ups

Popups are just for children’s books; they actually make for a great pamphlet idea!

Consumers will be impressed when they open your pamphlet to see an engaging pop-up right in the center of it.

Not sure exactly what to put on it?

A few good ideas for pop-ups include infographics, photos and more.

3. Incorporate a Beautiful Logo

If you know anything about branding, then you know that having a recognizable logo is a must. Logos are some of the first things a consumer thinks of when they hear your brand’s name.

Make sure your brand’s logo is one of the key components of your pamphlet idea. By putting it on the cover, consumer’s will have an unforgettable experience — and will think about your brand even after they’re done reading your pamphlet.

4. Go Horizontal

If you’re worried about how you’re going to make your pamphlet idea stand out above the rest, consider a horizontal design (rather than vertical).

By switching up the direction of the pamphlet’s layout, those reading your pamphlet will be surprised at the change. It’s good to switch things up every now and then!

5. Get Creative With Color

Another way to switch things up is by including color blocking.

Color blocking is a way to incorporate bright, vivid colors into your pamphlet idea without it appearing overdone.

By picking a few colors that compliment one another, your pamphlet will truly come to life.

6. Include Original Photos

Pamphlets these days are graphic artists’ forte. The pamphlet world seems to be overwrought with creative graphics and typography.

A good way to connect with your readers is to include original photos of actual human beings.

7. Keep Your Content Short and Sweet

Pamphlets are a way to present information to people in a way that is easy to digest.

That said, be sure to keep your content straight to the point.

Avoid long paragraphs of type; this can turn off readers right from the get go!

If you’re struggling to cut down on content length, consider implementing infographics instead.

Pamphlet Ideas Don’t Have to Be Complicated

Overall, pamphlets are a unique way to leave your mark on a consumer.

Your pamphlet doesn’t have to be over the top or hard to make, either; sometimes the shorter, the better.

If you’re looking for more ways to impress your customers, check out our blog or try out our services.

The post 7 Brilliant Pamphlet Ideas to Inspire You appeared first on Hackworth.

However, you’d be wrong.

The Neuroscience May Surprise You

Studies into the neuroscience of recall, comprehension, and emotional impact continue to show that print content outpaces digital in every respect. This includes advertisements.

Using high-resolution EEG brain wave measurement as well as eye-tracking technology and old-fashioned questionnaires, researchers at the Canadian firm TrueImpact tested the effect of print advertisements versus digital ones.

Digital media, they found, required much more cognitive effort to comprehend than direct-mail marketing pieces. The digital media included email and banner ads on both smartphones and laptops. Yet across the board, it garnered lower brand recognition.

In fact, many more participants were able to recall the brand name after having been shown a paper advertisement than those who had seen only the digital version.

It’s no secret that the most effective advertising campaign is the one that you remember.

Print Advertising’s Reach Is Better

“What?” you may be saying. “The internet is global! How can a hard copy of anything compete with that?”

Well, what about garage sale signs, banners announcing a local 5K fun run, a “Coming Soon!” sign in the window of a shopfront under construction? A vehicle wrap? A business card?

Even the posterboard you hold up at your son’s basketball game that reads “Go Panthers!” is a form of print marketing, and one that simply won’t work online.

Sure, information about store or cafe openings, neighborhood events, and even yard sales is all available online. But, with a few exceptions, potential “customers” of these activities would have to go looking for that information. Colorful, attractive signage located right in the neighborhood will catch the right eyes.

You Can’t Block A Brochure

Even if you don’t use one yourself, you probably know someone who has an ad blocker installed on their browser. That’s the problem with digital ads; they’re fairly easy to ignore, click past, or even eliminate from your online experience in the first place.

Not so with printed materials like brochures, flyers, or billboards. Take a direct-mail postcard, for example. You probably receive a few of these each week, but you don’t automatically dump them in the recycling bin.

“Sure I do,” you say. “I look to see what it is, and then I chuck it.”

You look to see what it is.

Once the postcard is in your hand, or the billboard is right in front of you on an otherwise empty stretch of road, you’re going to read it. Whether the message is interesting to you is another matter, of course, but it’s much harder to ignore a printed ad than one made of bits and bytes.

The fact that you have to look at it, before deciding what to do next, makes it effective.

Get Effective Advertising

Whether you need a banner, a business card, or a brochure mailing, contact Hackworth to learn just how effective advertising in print form can be.

The post Here’s Why Print Advertising Is Still So Effective appeared first on Hackworth.

Check out the below top five graphic design trends to ensure your business gets noticed for the right reasons!

1. Minimalism

Depending on your specific business’s branding, going for the minimal look may be appropriate. This type of design leads customers to feel soothed.

Simple, clean lines create calming vibes. Lots of open space, one or two colors, and simple functionality are the epitome of minimal design. Minimalist designs frequently rely on the color of green. Green is symbolic of nature, which is shown to soothe the human mind and lead to better health and happiness.

Other colors in line with the minimalist design trend include brick red, charcoal gray, shades of brown, maroon brown, and khaki.

2. Be Bold and Get Noticed

If a minimalist design does not suit your business, go in the opposite direction!

Using bold colors and bold graphic images are a great option to get noticed. Many brands find success using this trend to attract younger demographics. Choosing colors should be one of the first steps when planning the visual branding for your business.

Instead of safe colors like black, white, and gray, many companies have switched to loud colors such as magenta and chartreuse!

Try color printing signs or business flyers to bring people in your doors!

3. Typography – One of the Biggest Graphic Design Trends

Typography is a basic design element. Picking the correct font or fonts ensures that your content is interesting to consumers.

Using more than one font keeps the reader’s attention for longer periods of time. Using handwritten fonts and mixing more than one font are two huge trends right now.

Typography is also key to ensure your content can be read and easily understood.

4. Illustrations

Hand-drawn images replacing stock images is very popular among the current graphic design trends. Many businesses have icons for websites drawn by hand. Logos on business cards frequent have the classic illustrator feel.

Using customized, hand-drawn images creates a distinct business identity. These images also come with no worries about copyright issues.

5. Vintage

The past never really goes away. Vintage and retro make the list of top graphic design trends.

80’s inspired neon colors have been appearing on products from grocery stores to clothing boutiques. Using the nostalgia of an era is a sure way to get your business noticed.

Retro inspired patterns are also popular right now. So-called ‘modern retro’ takes inspiration from past days and breathes new life into products.

Geometric patterns and pixelated typeface and images pop up everywhere you look. Colorful triangles can create visual interest.

Choose one of these top graphic design trends to bring life and excitement to your business. Keep exploring until you find the perfect mixture of design elements to represent you and your business brand.

Do you have more graphic design trend predictions? Let us know in the comments!

The post 5 Graphic Design Trends You Need to Know for Your Business appeared first on Hackworth.

But there’s one very important thing you have to consider: how do you want your colors to look?

There are two types of color theory: RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black). Figuring out what you should use is a very difficult experience.

Most people are for CMYK, but that’s a little simplistic. In actuality, there are pros and cons to each method. Read on to find out what they are!

RGB Pros

• Allows for a wider range of colors
• Lets more data be used
• Can sometimes lead to more vibrant colors
• More flexible than CMYK

RGB Cons

• Not the industry standard — more common in web design than printing
• Not everyone will work with RGB images
• Relies somewhat on light, which printing does not provide like a computer monitor does
• Might be a slight color shift from screen to printing

CMYK Pros

• Requires less color theory knowledge
• Is the industry standard
• Common in printing, most businesses are used to working with it
• Less of a color shift from screen to printing

CMYK Cons

• Reduces data in the original image
• Doesn’t shift well from RGB
• Limited Color Gamut
• Cannot properly display all colors

The Verdict

As you can see, choosing color is anything but black and white.

The short answer is probably to choose CMYK. It will be easier to work with printers using this format because it is what they’re used to. Although technology is advancing to make RGB more feasible, for now that’s still mostly used for web design and things that aren’t going to be printed.

However, that is not the only option. If you think RGB is better for you, then no one should stop you from using that. And, in fact, there are plenty of designers who would agree with you.

The decision is ultimately up to you. But there are some things you should consider in addition to the pros and cons.

What you use will depend on several things, such as:

• What sort of printer do you have available to you?
• How exact do these colors have to be?
• How much color is being used?
• How bright are the colors?
• What does the printer you’re working with prefer?

That last question, of course, raises an interesting point: have you figured out where you’re going to print yet?

Simply printing something out from your home computer won’t give you the right results. Regardless of whether you use RGB or CMYK printing, you won’t get the vibrant colors that you want.

Ready to print?

So, if you’re looking for a place to print, consider our services.

Regardless of what your needs are, we’ve got you covered. We even have a team of graphic designers if you’re looking for help with developing your design.

We offer a wide range of services to suit every need. If you’re looking for printing in our area, be sure to check us out!

The post Which is Better: RGB or CMYK? appeared first on Hackworth.

With an increased focused on simple, easy-to-read, and clean graphic design, could using this style be exactly what your company needs to get more customers?

Whether you want to update the look of printed materials or the design of your website, both are crucial parts of your branding.

Read on to find out why this is dominating 2017, and why it will stay on trend for years.

Wait, What Is Flat Style?

Instead of telling you what it is, it’s actually easier to tell you what it’s not.

Since it’s based in minimalism, it’s not skeuomorphic. This means that it’s not overly embellished, and it’s not supposed to look like anything out there in the real world. That means you won’t see life-like textures, excessive drop shadows, or reflections.

It’s also not 3-D. Flat style is all about two-dimensional shapes and letters – it doesn’t aim to create depth. Forget highlights and shadowing techniques.

Instead, this style focuses on usability and readability. This is great since research shows that visitors will quickly get off a site that’s not intuitive to use, making you fall in the rankings. People also want things that are easy to read!

Basically, these designs use bright but solid colors, bold fonts that aren’t overly flowery, and has a more minimalist vibe.

it’s all about de-cluttering the layout of your site.

To get a clearer idea of flat design, check out these examples.

What Are The Benefits Of Flat Style?

Flat style says you don’t need to rely on bells and whistles to make a sale. Instead, it suggests that users already know they specifically want to work with your brand – you’re not doing any selling here.

But that’s not the only benefit. This style can also convey your message faster, and make it stick.

This is because you’re not throwing tons of information out at once.

It also elevates your content and words. If you know writing is your strong suit, this design can direct user interest there right away.

It helps with branding typography. If your company has a specific font, this is the best way to help it stick in customers’ heads.

More Great Things About Flat Style

This design creates a hierarchy of information. Since your design is flat, where you place certain links and images on your pages and signs will help users more clearly determine what’s important.

We love that it’s compatible on both web and mobile platforms. This is because it’s easier to rearrange and resize depending on the device.

It’s also flexible.

Now, you don’t have to cram your content into a pre-arranged layout. Instead, you can focus on how to best show off your content on your own terms. This is especially helpful in promotional materials, where space is limited.

Finally, it makes your buttons and contact information look cleaner. Instead of a jumbled mess at the bottom of your web page or sign, a flat look can help things look crisp and well organized.

The World Is Flat

At least, the world of the gorgeous print and web design trend-of-the-moment is.

If you feel like your website or your promotional materials look cluttered, or that readers aren’t seeing the information you want them to, it’s time to flatten things down.

Looking for more invaluable design and industry advice?

Ready to take your print design to the next level?

Spend some time on our website, and feel free to reach out to us with questions.

The post How a Flat Style Design Could be Just What You’re Looking For appeared first on Hackworth.

During the fifteenth century, the Chineses created calling cards, which gave people notice before a visit.

In the seventeenth century, European merchants invented trading cards as mini advertisements.

It’s true, advertising existed back then too!

A couple of centuries later, business cards have evolved to statement pieces that aim to make a positive first impression to your prospective clients.

Which is all the more reason to impress them with sleek business cards.

To illustrate this point, here are 3 ways sleek business cards do that.

But first:

What are sleek business cards?

Sleek business cards aren’t a one-size-fits-all kind of card.

It is not a certain design, color, or style that makes a card “sleek.”

It’s the well-thought-out and tasteful integration of your product and business fused with the card that makes it like that.

For instance, if you work for or own a graphic design company, a sleek card would exemplify your design skills.

Or, if you work in the technology industry, a beautiful card wouldn’t be as colorful as a graphic designer’s card, but more simple and bold.

A sleek card also can be a literal interpretation of your company (or the company you work for). Chomp’s business card, for instance, literally has a “bite” taken out of it.

It’s also important to know that this kind of card doesn’t have to be stereotypically professional. It can be fun and friendly, which actually may push the potential client to call you.

This business card incorporates a playful design by using a text message format to display the contact information.

1. Make a memorable first impression

Like we mentioned before, a business card is the first impression your potential client gets of you.

A sleek business card with a state-of-the-art design evokes professionalism and class.

Sadly, a flimsy stock card with print stains implies you don’t value your business and that your work is sub-par (whether that’s actually true or not).

The simple point is, a business card can make you or break you.

Even an average card at best won’t help your client remember you and call you up.

High quality is key.

2. Make people want to pass your card out

Think about it.

People will want to pass your card out if it fully incorporates your business and product with an amazing design.

It’s a reflection of their good taste in not just quality service, but a quality card.

It’s like Twitter, the more tangible version of retweeting.

People want to retweet if the tweet makes that person look more knowledgeable, funny, or influential.

It’s the same way with giving someone another’s card.

So, while the potential customer you initially speak with may not need your services at the moment, he or she may know of someone who does.

A sleek business card will give them that push to pass your card along.

3. More than human element

With the business world becoming increasingly integrated with technology, it’s now more important than ever to secure that human element in business.

A business card helps solidify this.

Think of it.

It’s a tangible reminder of an in-person connection, which is markedly rare nowadays.

That potential client will pull out your card, and those memories of the business meeting will pop up.

A sleek business card makes those memories and that human element of business even better.

Remember what we said about first impressions?

Combine that with the fond memories, and your well thought-out business card may be an asset in your lead generation strategy.

To learn more about sleek business cards and how they impress potential clients, contact us.

The post Impress Potential Clients with Your Sleek Business Cards appeared first on Hackworth.

Inside Business on Hackworth:

Founded: 1991, as Hackworth Reprographics Inc. (branded as Hackworth – Graphics – Printing – Technology), by Charles Hackworth, Dorothy Hackworth and Charles Hackworth II

Headquarters: 1700 Liberty St., Chesapeake

Additional locations: Williamsburg and Richmond

The business: Hackworth is a state-certified small business (SWaM) that provides a wide range of printing and marketing services, wide-format digital imaging and printing systems and supplies, and document management solutions.

Current owners: President Charles Hackworth, CEO Dorothy Hackworth and Vice President and GM Charles Hackworth II

Obstacles overcome: Established relationships sustained the company in the declining years of sales during the architectural, engineering and construction business decline in 2008 and the transition of printing equipment industry from analog to digital.

Milestones reached: 1. 2014 – Wide-Format Imaging Top Shop. 2. 2015 – Wide-Format Imaging Top 50 Shop in the Nation. 3. 2016 – Wide-Format Imaging Top 50 Wide-Format & Signage Shop, No. 1 in Virginia, No. 26 in the nation.

Key to longevity: Although the nature of our core business has somewhat changed over the past two decades, we continue to be committed to provide excellence in our business solutions and to the communities and families of those with whom we share mutually beneficial partnerships.

What’s next: Further automation of internal processes, expansion into grand format printing and development of digital marketing offerings

The post Hackworth Recognized in Inside Business Anniversary Issue appeared first on Hackworth.

Printer Cost vs Printing Cost

One of the first things that you must think about is the cost of printing the plans. In order to accurately calculate the cost per square foot of your printing you must pay attetion to these factors:

1. Volume of prints produced – If you print small volumes infrequently then outsourcing may be a good option. The more volume you print the more likely an in-house solution is right for your company.
2. Inkjet or toner based printing – The gap between these types of printers gets smaller all of the time, but generally speaking if you want to print in house inkjet is a low cost and low volume solution while toner based printers offer higher production speeds and volumes at a higher cost.
3. Color or black and white – With constantly improving technology this is not a simple “Yes, we will” or “No, we won’t use color” question. Similarly to inkjet and toner consideration the lines between color and black white are figuratively being blurred. Today, color is much more affordable to own and outsource and studies show that in the long run it can be more cost effective due to a reduction in errors on the job site.

Investing in a printer that accommodates the size of your projects can save you a great deal of money in the long run. The price of outsourcing your job will depend on whether you request black and white or color prints as well the size of the documents that you need. Printing in-house can save you as much as 46% more than the cost of having the work outsourced. Keep in mind that inside your own company you can also control the output of the job more closely.

Printing Flexibility

Another factor that you should think about is the amount of flexibility that you will have with in-house printing vs outsourcing the work. With in-house you will be able to print the job according to your business schedule and can better meet the deadlines imposed upon you by the client requesting the printing. If you outsource the printing of construction plans it allows your employees to on other more mission critical tasks. You must ask yourself if an outsourcing provider can meet your requirements, what type of recourse will you have if things go wrong, and will you have to include shipping or set-up costs in the total price of the job?

Printer Maintenance

Finally, maintenance on a large format printer will be required if you elect to purchase your own equipment to do printing jobs in-house. You must include the cost of the printer, the supplies that you will need, any upgrade costs, and the cost of maintaining the printer in excellent operating order. If you decide to outsource the job of printing construction plans to a printer, you will not have to worry about upkeep on a large format printer that takes up valuable office space and any specialized training that you’ll have to provide to employees so that they can operate the printer safely and accurately.

The final choice is yours to make; you must consider the amount of finances that you have available, the quantity of work that you do regularly on large format projects, and which strategy would work best for your company. If you have more questions about which solution is best for your business, talk to one of our Regional Sales Managers they can provide you with a free in-house vs. outsource analysis tailored to your company. Call us at 757-545-7675 to set up an appointment.

The post The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing vs In-House Printing for Construction Plans appeared first on Hackworth.

Establish Your Brand

To be successful, your company must be recognized and have trust within the community. By incorporating your company logo, messaging and contact information along with eye-catching colors and graphics you can make a statement about your business to everyone who sees your fleet vehicles. Consumers are drawn to well designed vehicle graphics that brand a company in a concise and appealing manner. When they have a need for your services they will remember your vehicles!

Marketing Consistency

Building name recognition will imprint your company into the minds of potential clients. Also, fleet graphics will make an impression on how they see your business. Professional companies use marketing materials that coordinate and establish their brand in the community. You should always use the same colors, logo, and images to convey your marketing message.  Also, it is important to deliver consistency to your targeted audience with your brochures, signage, website etc.

Professionalism on Display

Consumers recognize that if you have invested in graphics for all of your company vehicles that you are committed to establishing a professional reputation for your business. This tells customers that you attend to every detail of  your business. By using vibrant colors, quality graphics, and keeping your vehicles clean and attractive you will demonstrate that you care about the image of your business. Additionally, this communicates to clients that you will also take care of them.

Fleet Graphics – Advertising Made Easy

Advertising is how you inform potential clients about what you do and how they can contact you. Furthermore, there is no better advertising format to use than your fleet of vehicles. These traveling billboards are visible throughout your community every day. Whether your vehicles are located on a job site or simply travelling to pick up additional materials, potential customers will notice custom designed vehicles. It’s opportunity to advertise effectively and get others to recognize your company. Placing graphics and contact information on the side of your vehicles in an effective tactic.  No matter what type of business that you have, it is a economical and dynamic way to market your company.

[pullquote align=”normal”]It’s important to partner with a printer that has experience in doing fleet graphics. At Hackworth you will receive a quality job that makes a professional statement about your company. We are 3M, USAG and PDAA certified. If you have any questions about implementing graphics for your fleet, talk to one of our vehicle specialists at 757-545-7675 or color@hackworth.co [/pullquote]

The post Fleet Graphics: Get More Mileage from Your Advertising appeared first on Hackworth.

The wall mural project for Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore was highlighted in the feature article “It’s Crunch Time.“ The wrap team at TGS designed and printed 35 unique wall wraps for the Foodbank in 2015. The custom job resulted in over 9,000 square feet of printing.

Editorial Director Denise Gustavson stated in the article:

[pullquote align=”normal”]”The Top 60 shops had a gangbuster year in 2015, reaching an all-time high just north of $725M and showing nearly 13 percent year-over-year growth. And according to all their comments, most are looking to keep the same momentum in 2016.” [/pullquote]

Hackworth’s insight was used in “Growth Areas for 2016” sidebar of the article:

• Out-of-Home and Grand-Format Signage: “Outdoor signage is a wide area but building signage, event signage, directional signage, etc. continues to grow and as the economy improves
  new companies need signage and existing companies need to upgrade signage.”
• Wraps: “Wraps are now more commonplace and everyone is asking about them. I tell clients they are the best ROI ever and there are so many applications and materials available.”

We are honored to be recognized for our work by one of the leading print publications in America. It’s our desire to continue to lead the way in print innovation as well as providing excellent products and services to businesses and organizations in Hampton Roads and beyond.

Read the full article via e-publication:
http://epub.southcomm.com/wfs/WideFormat_And_Signage_April_2016/index.html

Download the PDF:
http://www.printingnews.com/12190604

The post Hackworth/TGS Ranked #1 Print Shop in Virginia by Wide-Format Imaging appeared first on Hackworth.

President Charlie Hackworth spoke with the students about how Hackworth has evolved from a reprographics firm providing blueprints to a full-fledged digital operation that includes printing of business cards, posters, banners, signs, vehicle wraps and more.

Mr. Burke had this to say about their visit:

“Our field trip to Hackworth was AWESOME! My students and I are still talking about the large printers and wall size graphics!!! And everyone was so warm and friendly and generous with their time! Thank YOU for arranging our tour and for being so hospitable! I hope you will consider allowing my future graphic design classes to “stop by” for a visit and see all the amazing work you all are doing!”

Churchland High School is public school in the City of Portsmouth, VA. The current or “new” Churchland High School opened on Monday, January 6. 1992.  This building, located at 4301 Cedar Lane, replaced former schools that had occupied several sites in Churchland since 1799.  The school has seen several name changes.  First known as Craney Island School, then Sycamore Hill High School, and finally in the late 1850’s as Churchland. For more information on CHS visit their website: http://chs.ppsk12.us.

The post Churchland High School Students Visit Hackworth appeared first on Hackworth.

• Remember to stay focused. Think about the message that you want to deliver and the audience that you want to target. If you’re having a special sale, use the word SALE in large letters to draw attention to your sign. An experienced printer can advise you about how to focus in on the message that you want your banner to convey.
• Include your logo or brand on the banner. No matter where you are using your banner, you want the audience to know the company that is stating the message. You should include your logo, any colors that you always use with your advertising materials, and add graphics that help add to the reason you are printing a banner. Make sure that you include your web address or other contact information if possible; you want your audience to be able to contact you if they have questions about something you are offering.

[pullquote align=”normal”]Keep it neat and tidy. Don’t try to cram every aspect of your message on the banner. [/pullquote]

• Keep it neat and tidy. Don’t try to cram every aspect of your message on the banner. Ask your printer to help you streamline your content, to use white space effectively, and to use the right sizes of fonts that are readable from a distance. You should determine where you are going to use your banner so that your printer will know exactly the size banner you need, the colors that will highlight the content, and the font style that will enhance your message. Ask your printer to make sure that the banner isn’t cluttered and hard to read; you want this investment in your business to be an effective marketing strategy.
• Finally, consider the background on which your banner will be displayed. Will you be affixing it to a brick wall? If you are, let your printer know so a red or brown background won’t be used. Keep in mind that contrast is essential to make your banner pop out from the space on which it’s displayed. Keep your color choices simple so that your sign is attractive and appealing from all angles.

[thrive_text_block color=”orange” headline=”We’re Here to Help”]Remember … we have several professional designers waiting to help you put your banner together if you would rather not deal with designing it on your own. For more questions about banner printing, talk to our wide format printing specialists at color@hackworth.co or call 757-545-7675. [/thrive_text_block]

The post Tips for Designing a Powerful Banner appeared first on Hackworth.

Where will you use the sign?

The first fact that you should determine is where you will be using the sign. Will you use it indoors to direct customers to a special sale or promotional area? Or will your sign be displayed outside where the weather can impact its appearance and longevity? If your team is taking the signage to a trade show or using it at community events, you should give special consideration to the wear and tear the sign will undergo as it is transported from place to place. When you are ordering signage that is to be used outside, be sure to discuss with your printer the types of materials that can withstand blistering heat, rain, high winds, and blizzards. It’s very important to think about where you want to display the sign before you choose the materials that will be used in the construction of your signage.

Which materials are best?

After you’ve determined the place where your sign will be displayed, you can then decide on the materials. If your signage will be used indoors consider foamcore, corrugate, gator board, wood or plastic. These products will give you a professional appearance and good durability for trade shows, presentations, and any other events that your company will be hosting indoors. For outdoor signs you should consider vinyl, mesh, corrugated board, plastic, acrylic and aluminum. These materials will stand up to the test of the environment in which your signs are placed and will give you an excellent value for your money. Keep in mind that a professional printer can use their experience to give you the right advice about what type of materials will work best for your business.

What other points should you consider?

As you move toward choosing the right materials for your signs, you should also think about graphics that you want to incorporate and how different materials will receive the image. Do you prefer your sign to be flexible or would you rather have a rigid sign? These are additional guidelines that will help you to make the right decision about what type of material to request for your sign. At the core of your decision about materials for your signage are the cost, purpose, durability, and the location where you intend to use your sign. From inexpensive foam core to the strength of gator board to the versatility of vinyl, the choice that you make for your signage will impact its appearance and ability to withstand the test of time and usage.

[thrive_megabutton mt=”More Questions?” st=”Talk to our sign printing specialists. We’re here to help! Call: 757-545-7675″ color=”blue” link=”http://www.gohackworth.com/contact/” target=”_self” align=”full”]

The post How to Choose the Right Sign Materials appeared first on Hackworth.

When Charlie and Dorothy Hackworth started their first reprographics-related business, Engineering Media, in 1974, diazo was king and digital imaging did not exist. Today their current company, Hackworth – Graphics-Printing-Technology in Chesapeake, Virginia, is a broad-based imaging business with capabilities ranging from engineering prints to full color graphics and screen printing.

The company showed off its latest technology and new building addition to about 300 customers and prospects at an open house on February 5.

“The contractors were still working on the cosmetics,” Charlie said. “But Charles [Charlie’s son], who is the vice president and general manager, wanted to have an open house just as soon as we could – there is so much new technology that’s available in the market, and we’ve always been one of the innovators in our area for new technology. We are HP and KIP dealers so we had the latest and greatest equipment that they just introduced in our production area and we were able to demonstrate those products to our clients to show them where the technology is going.”

Read More at IRgA.com >

The post Hackworth: Open House Reveals Deep History, New Energy appeared first on Hackworth.

Use some of the features discussed below to help you make the right decision for your company. Which type will give you the best value for the money that you are spending? Compare speeds, consider warranties, and view some of the features that each type of technology has. It’s always helpful to read customer testimonials and to review consumer articles that tout the outstanding features of the HP Page Wide Technology as well as the KIP 800 Color Series.

Print Productivity

Which system will provide you with the highest levels of productivity? [thrive_highlight highlight=’default’ text=’light’]The HP PageWide Technology has a printspeed that is the fastest on today’s market.[/thrive_highlight] You’ll get 30 D/A1 pages per minute which expedites your business operations at a breakthrough speed. This technology features a fast processer, PDF management, and SmartStream software that is easily managed. Your consolidated workflow will produce mixed monochrome and colored sets in about 50% of the usual time. The [thrive_highlight highlight=’default’ text=’light’]KIP 800 Color Series also produces cost-effective printing, a simple operation and automatic finishing[/thrive_highlight] that makes copying documents an easy task to accomplish.

Print Quality

The quality of the copies that you want for your business must be clear, easy to read, and have crisp lines that detail any documentation that you may be reproducing, especially in the construction industry. TheHP PageWide Technology will deliver smooth grayscales, fine details, and defined linesthat make any project easy to review. For construction purposes the HP PageWide will produce vivid colors, dark blacks, and fade and moisture resistant prints. The KIP 800 Color Series system will produce graphic, office, and technical documents that feature precise imaging and outstanding color fidelity. Whether you need architectural, construction, or engineering documents, you will be pleased with the results that you get from this technology.

Print Costs

Saving money is one of the main focuses of successful entrepreneurs. By using the HP PageWide Technology you can save money with a cost-effective operation that includes quality printheads and ink efficiency. The reliability that you get with this technology is sure to protect and increase your bottom line. When you need high levels of performance and quality delivered as a comprehensive solution, consider the KIP 800 Color Series system. The durability of the prints that you produce will make working indoors or outdoors a successful project no matter what the weather. With functionality, color quality, and precise images, this technology will meet and exceed your needs.

[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=”Questions?”]Our wide format equipment team is on hand to answer any questions about these breakthrough technologies and how that can benefit your business. For more information contact your Regional Sales Manager today! [/thrive_text_block]

The post HP PageWide XL vs KIP 800 Series – Which Is the Best Fit? appeared first on Hackworth.

[pullquote align=”normal”]Whether you’re establishing your brand or advertising a new product or promotion, you can do so very effectively with the inclusion of printed materials. [/pullquote]

A Professional Presence

To set the tone for your company you should begin with professional presentations that tell who you are and what you are offering to potential clients. You may be meeting with investors or stakeholders, making calls on possible clients, or attending a trade show where you must place something tangible in the hands of those who visit your booth. Making an investment in business cards, brochures, flyers, and banners that make a professional statement about your company and the way that you do business lets your clients and visitors to your website or trade show booth that you are serious about your company. You must have a logo that consumers will begin to recognize and a marketing plan that uses all of the materials in the most efficient way.

Use Graphic Design Services

You should partner with professional printers when it involves using the elements of graphic design to deliver the message you want from your company. You may have a vision that you want to translate into printed materials and a team of experienced professionals will know exactly what will work for you, how to combine color, font, and images into a powerful message, and how to use the right marketing strategies to attain your business goals. They have quality images to use and can create an attractive piece of marketing material that will put your best business foot forward.

Your Marketing Plan and Products

It’s important that you make a workable plan, that you develop a strategy that helps you to achieve your goals, and that you use effective strategies to reach a targeted audience. All of these elements give your company a professional presence that is required for you to be successful. You can use direct mailers to reach an audience for a promotional event and to drive more traffic to the event that you are hosting that features discounts and sales. Use flyers for your activities that are happing in the near future so that clients can make note of your event and plan to attend. Brochures should feature quality printing and paper that you may want to use specifically at trade shows and conventions. These must include some brief details about your product, contact information, and some reasons why the potential clients needs to purchase this product from you.

[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=”Questions? We’ve got answers!”]Ask us about how to use coordinating images, colors, and details so that all of your printed marketing materials use the same elements to convert people to sales. Speak to one of our 7 graphic designers about creating an effective print marketing plan – 757-545-7675 or color@hackworth.co[/thrive_text_block]

The post How to Effectively Market Your Business with Printed Materials appeared first on Hackworth.

Did you know the first Apple’s logo was a complex and clumsy engraving, WWF’s panda had eyes and the Starbucks logo contained a naked female? It’s impossible to explore the history of the world’s biggest brands without a smile, so enjoy tracking the chronology.

Apple

Looking at the first Apple’s logo, it’s quite easy to understand why the company did not seem promising. Not everyone knows that Apple was founded by three persons: two Steves (Jobs and Wozniak) and Ronald. The last invested in the company about $800 that was 10% of the initial capital. The first logo was twisted with almost a heraldic “Apple Computer & Co” tape. Steves and Ronald Wayne worked together for a two weeks, after which the last took the money back as he thought Apple was a too risky enterprise.

As for the Apple I, it was sold slowly, but only until Jobs decided to change the logo. Striped apple became the symbol of the brand for 23 years before changing into a monochrome and up-to-date one.

Wikipedia

Everyone knows the logo of the main Internet library – a set of puzzles-components of the planet. Each puzzle piece has one letter written on one of the world’s languages. There were all in all such 250 logos created and officially registered for each country.

But do you know the story of Wikipedia’s logo evolution? Primarily it was two-dimensional image of the planet on which there were inscriptions in different languages. In 2000 the first prototype of a modern Wikipedia’s logo was created. At that time each piece of the puzzle was painted in its own color.

As for the latest changes, in end of 2009, the Wikimedia Foundation has attempted to rectify the shortcomings of the logo, namely its poor scalability and some inappropriate symbols. The latest improvements were applied in 2010.

[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=”Need Help With Your Logo?”] Contact our talented team of graphic designers that can take your ideas and turn them into reality. Call 757-545-7675 or email color@hackworth.co![/thrive_text_block]

WWF

Do you love pandas as much as WWF loves them? World Wide Fund for Nature logo wasn’t always so harmonious. Look at 1961 logo or at 1978 one: is it playfully falling on the front paws or just scooping the food? It took over 25 years for WWF’s panda to get rid of the clubfoot…and as the years passed, unfortunately it lost its eyes.

General Electric

The concept of General Electric’s logo remained the same for more than 120 years. The most crucial change was made in 1900 when the logo was encircled. The subsequent changes were just a matter of refining and modernizing of the floral ornament. There was also an unsuccessful attempt to fit a transcription, but it was completely abandoned as General Motors is a world-known brand.

The current logo was made in Wollf Olins by British designers that have added blue color and removed volume. GE also adopted a new slogan – “Imagination at Work”.

Nestle

You associate the name of the Swiss holding company with a bird’s nest, do you? Now it seems obvious, but not in 1866, when the brand was created by Henri Nestlé. The brand was simply called by the name of its founder and there wasn’t any background to show a nest in the logo until it was found that the word “Nestlé” is similar to English word “nest”.

As for the logo, it represented three nestlings and their mother until the researched showed that the most frequent number of children in one family is two. The unnecessary third nestling was thrown out. Quite sad story…but it’s the price logo had to pay to resonate in the hearts of far more number of mothers.

Adobe Systems

A great example of how design issues could be solved within a family circle.

In 1982, forty years old retired programmers John Warnock and Charles Geschke created a software-producing company. They named it after the creek that flows behind the Warnok’s house. Clear business that they had to save on everything they could. That was the reason they asked Warnock’s wife Marva to design a logo for their company. As time has shown, it was not the worst solution.

Google

Not so long ago, on September 1st, 2015, there was the last update of Google’s logo. This time the designers decided to make changes not just for aesthetic purposes, but also for adaptation to a variety of gadgets and devices. Today Google’s logo looks as simple as it’s possible.

Google logos history shows the development of its creators who introduced a few of truly innovative solutions like Doodles. Few people know that the first doodle appeared on August 30, 1998, the year when the company’s founders decided to leave the message to the public about going to the Burning Man festival. The first Google Doodle was different from its modern followers by the simplicity of design. While up-to-date Doodles are complex scenarios, the first one was drawn with a ballpoint pen man standing behind one of the “O” letters.

The other historic peculiarity of the logo is that it previously had an exclamation mark in the end. The corporation refused of it in May 1999 only, when the fourth official logo was presented. The design was comparatively sophisticated, with a Catull font and volumetric letters. Over time Google simplified its logo to the one that we see today.

We could continue this list by adding more than a hundred of famous logos. Each history is unique and has the right to be heard. In future articles we will consider some other interesting stories. Stay tuned amd feel free to contact DesignContest.com to share the amazing story of your company’s logo!

The post Logo Evolutions of the World’s Biggest Brands appeared first on Hackworth.

You don’t have to be a baseball fan to understand that what the Royals have done over the last few years has been remarkable. They have gone from a perennial “also ran” with a revolving door of talent to a stable team that is a perennial contender and now World Series Champions. That story is probably worthy of a book all its own, but a key chapter would be on their approach to offense. How the Royals approach offense is a philosophy with much broader applications.

Against what could arguably be called the best pitching in the majors, the Royals scored early and often to win the Series in just five games, two of them in extra innings, coming from behind three times! Commentators with decades of experience have been agog at the Royals’ ability to avoid striking out, the rareness with which a third strike could pass by them without the batter swinging, and the relatively low number of home runs they hit. Their secret is simple: the Royals swing the bat.

As a youth coach, I’ve had the privilege of coaching my own son for several years. When he was younger he developed into a significant asset on offense—not just a good hitter, but a smart batter who didn’t swing at garbage. Last spring he moved up to the first age level where we start to see teenagers, truly young men, competing. As an 11 year old he was one of the youngest and smallest players. The head coach of his new team knew him from earlier seasons and had high hopes for my son, but he had a rough start.

Predictably, he was intimidated by bigger kids, faster pitches, longer base paths, and the significantly higher skill level of opponents and teammates. At bat, he was overloaded and didn’t trust himself to swing the bat during the games. In practices he did well though. After the first few games of poor performance my son was killing pitch after pitch during batting practice. One of the other coaches said something off the cuff that turned out to be momentous: “Good things happen when you swing the bat!”

Late in the next game we were behind for the first time that season and my son came up to bat with two runners on and two outs. That same coach and several of the players started calling to him: “Good things happen when you swing the bat!” He swung at the first pitch and hit a two run double that started an offensive rally which lasted for several batters and put us in the lead.

As the next batters in the lineup came up the call continued to them: “Good things happen when you swing the bat!” We ended the game with a convincing win when just two innings before we’d been thinking through our “You can’t win ‘em all speeches.”

We continued on to win every game including the championship and outscored our opponents by a combined 120 runs. Certainly, we had a lot of talent, but we were in no way unbeatable until we discovered what the Royals know. When an opportunity comes your way, swing the bat and don’t even think about stopping until the game is over.

The Royals don’t crush homeruns out of the park nearly as often as some teams, but they get on base, they stay alive and move forward 90 feet at a time, better than any team in baseball. They jump on opportunities to move forward a little bit while other guys are still thinking about that game changing home run. Sometimes the homer gets it done, but more often the team that lives by the big hit, dies by it. As time gets short, the chance of one big score becomes more unlikely and morale suffers, creating a negative feedback loop that reduces expectations and results. Kansas City comes back from behind to win over and over again because their game isn’t built around one star or one swing of the bat. They swing the bat, they get on base, and they move forward consistently and that is something that is just as likely to happen in the 9^th inning, or as the Mets can attest the 12^th, as it is in the first.

In your business and in your life, home runs are great, but the real success and the real progress comes not from waiting for the perfect pitch, but from swinging the bat at every reasonable opportunity (don’t swing at junk!) and taking small steps forward consistently and relentlessly. Because you swing more and get more hits, you’ll get your share of home runs along the way and they’ll be great—in the moment. But play your game aggressively and consistently for all nine innings, or 12 if you’re so lucky, and you’ll be a winner in the larger game.

The post What the K.C. Royals Can Teach Us About Business & Life appeared first on Hackworth.

What is PageWide Technology?

PageWide Technology can be understood as the upgrade to the traditional print head used in color laser printers. It involves staggering the HP Thermal Inkjet chips in order to both save space, and makes it possible for there to be both scalability and versatility when choosing how you want your prints to be.

Along with this fantastic new print head comes a new age of printers as well to help keep up with this great technology. These are large format printers, also defined by HP as their PageWide XL printer series. These printers are perfect for the business world, and can handle massive printing jobs with ease.

The Features of PageWide Technology

There is a lot to look at and explore within this new technology. Some of the main features that PageWide technology offers to consumers include reliable drop ejection, high sustained drop rates, stackability, improved dot placement accuracy, and a compact print zone.

The PageWide print head also has various specifications that attribute to its success. Here is a list of some of them:

• HP Thermal Inkjet Technology
• 25,344 nozzles per printhead
• 1,200 nozzles per inch native resolution
• 6,336 nozzles per color
• Built-in ink filtration and pressure regulation
• User replaceable without tools or mechanical adjustments

All of these features work to improve the accuracy, and quality of the work that is produced. They work to reduce printing errors and defects to give you the best quality prints every time.

PageWide XL Printers

There are many new printers that support this amazing advancement in technology. These printers are included in the new HP Page Wide XL printers, and they offer various features of their own that can further contribute to the speed, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of your prints. Some of the features that these printers bring to the table include a production stacker and online folder; fade and moisture resistant inks to ensure top-notch prints every time; and the capability to hold up to 6 rolls and dual HP ink supplies with the built-in auto-switch.

These printers will be able to produce up to 30 D/A1 pages per minute with an amazing 50% cost savings per page, even when printing in color. This, of course, varies from one printer to the next as there are 3 main options available in this new line of large format printers. These options are:

• HP PageWide XL 8000
• HP PageWide XL 5000
• HP PageWide XL 4000

Each of these printers in the series offers you different options within their own categories. For example, within the HP PageWide XL 5000 series, there is the option for the standard 5000 version or the option of using their 5000 MFP version. One offers you the capability of scanning and copying as well as traditional printing, while the other follows the suit of a more standard printer. This makes it easier for you to select exactly the right model for you that will fit your business’ needs.

This series of HP PageWide XL printers also enables you to connect your printer to your enterprise network, and have access to workflow solutions. Last but not least, HP has made a valiant effort to reduce the acquisition and energy costs that are needed in order to use these printers by going through the qualification process for the Energy Star logo. These new printers can now be seen under those devices which have gained the Energy Star qualification.

With so much to explore, see, and experience with the new HP PageWide Technology and HP PageWide XL Series printers, business owners can rejoice knowing that they will be able to enjoy high quality prints, a fast printout speed, and a wonderful cost-effective system for many years to come.

For more information on how HP PageWide XL print systems can help your business, contact your Regional Sales Manager.

The post HP PageWide XL: Changing Wide Format Printing appeared first on Hackworth.

Hackworth has been awarded management of The College of William & Mary Print Shop as part of the Electronic Systems (ESI) print contract. On September 21, 2015 Hackworth will officially open for business on campus on the ground floor of the Swem Library.

“The opportunity to serve the faculty, staff, students and community of Williamsburg is one that we are excited about. We are looking forward to building relationships at William & Mary as well as providing professional print solutions that support the college,” says Vice President Charles Hackworth.

Not only will the Print Shop offer small document printing like color copies, manuals and booklets, but large format solutions will also be available to the college. A much larger selection of media and applications will now be offered through the Print Shop. Customers will be able to order banners, signs, posters, vehicle graphics and more.

Hackworth and ESI will host an open house at the Swem Library in mid-October to introduce the new team and capabilities to the faculty and staff of William & Mary.

The post Hackworth to Manage William & Mary Print Shop appeared first on Hackworth.

In early 2014, it was determined that greater efficiencies could be achieved through combining locations. The Hackworth family was able to purchase an adjacent lot in order to expand the main office location. The added space would allow for relocating The Graphics Shop to pool resources, such as personnel, inventory and equipment, in order to better serve clients in the Virginia marketplace. Demolition and construction began the summer of 2014. One year later, August 2015, the new 5,000 square foot addition is ready for occupation.

The addition is divided into two areas. One side will house a vehicle wrap bay, router room and offices for the Installation Team as well as their tools and equipment. The other side will host the Graphics Division allowing seven graphic designers from both companies to be in one convenient location along with a flatbed printer, latex printers, eco-solvent printers, laminators, plotters and more. Hackworth’s Graphics Department specializes in poster boards, banners, and small format color printing. The Graphics Shop’s expertise is in wraps, outdoor signage, building signage and commercial screen printing.

“Having both companies at the same location will minimize our travel time and expenses as well as being located in the center of the Hampton Roads area makes us more accessible for our customer base” said Charlie Hackworth, President. “It’s amazing that the clientele being served by both companies does not overlap in the design and fabrication processes…we are incorporating two industries under one roof.”

Hackworth and TGS will continue to operate as separate companies for the near future but there is always the option to combine services under one banner. An open house celebration is planned for the Fall of 2015 and the future looks bright as both companies continue to grow with the improving economy.

For more information on Hackworth or The Graphics Shop please contact Mark Rowan, Marketing Director at 757-545-7675.

The post Hackworth & The Graphics Shop Combine Locations appeared first on Hackworth.

The Graphics Shop will be moving to 1700 Liberty Street, Chesapeake, VA on Friday, July 31. Phone service for 757-485-7800 will be temporarily unavailable as the number gets ported to the new location.

Please call Hackworth at 757-545-7675 for any TGS related business. Once the move is made all TGS related phone calls should be directed to 757-485-7800.

New Accounting Software

Email Invoices
Hackworth now has the ability to send invoices via email. If you would like your invoices to be sent electronically instead of via mail please contact us at accounting@hackworth.co.

Tax Exempt Certificates
Additionally, for tax exempt organizations please send us your tax exempt certifications so that we can enter your status into our new system.

The post Important Updates for Hackworth/TGS appeared first on Hackworth.

Gather Intel

Know what tradeshows you would like to attend and that are relevant to your business. Before actually going and participating in these trade shows, you need to go and investigate what kind of companies are there, how their displays look, and what tactics seem to be most effective at garnering new clients. This information can greatly help you to have a successful tradeshow display when it’s your turn. You will also need to assess the expenses of the booth space and whether you will need electricity and other optional features like WiFi, carpetting and more.

Know Your Audience

By being aware of what kind of audience you’re after, you can lean in that direction for your tradeshow display as well as in the conversations that you have with potential customers. It is important to know how to appeal to your target audience, and can help you to bring in more people than you could’ve dreamed. If possible, request a list of last year’s attendees to see if the event fits your target audience. Make sure to promote that you are participating in the tradeshow to those that may find value in attending. You can do this by sending direct mail and Emails as well personal invitations are always an effective way to

Be Visual in Your Presentation

One of the best things that you can do to help boost your business and help it to stand out amongst your competitors is to have a great visual display. With so many different people that are in attendance at these trade shows, it can be extremely difficult to draw them in without an appealing visual. You want it to be eye-catching, clean, and appealing. It also needs to reflect who you are as a business so that potential customers can begin connecting with your concept before they even get a chance to speak with you directly. It may be a bit of an investment at first, but it will pay for itself many times over in the long run.

Get the Most Bang for your Buck

Tradeshows are a true investment in your business, and nobody wants to go through all of the expenses of registering, setting up their booth, investing in great displays and walking away empty-handed. It’s important to know where to cut back and where to spend a bit more, as this can help you to maximize the return on your investment. For example, it could be very smart for your business to invest more in a better visual presentation than in the number of team members that have full access to the booth. It definitely depends on your particular situation, and on what your goals are going into the tradeshow.

For many businesses, tradeshows are like regular business on steroids. Because of the tradeshow atmosphere, many business owners feel that they get more done in 2 days than they would normally get done in 6 months or even a year. The unique set of circumstances that come together to create these tradeshows is truly a catalyst to success that you don’t want to miss out on.

[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=”Contact Us For More On Tradeshow Displays”] If you any questions or need help with getting the right tradeshow display for your next event, talk to Drew Little at 757-646-5612.[/thrive_text_block]

The post How to Make the Most of a Marketing Budget with Tradeshows appeared first on Hackworth.

Defining Local SEO

Before we go further, it is first crucial to understand what local SEO is and how it affects your business. Local SEO is the way in which you promote and advertise your business to the people that live in your geographical region. It is a fast way to connect with locals, and when used properly, will show who you are in a very small time frame.

Local SEO is becoming one of the main tools for businesses these days, and has even surpassed the importance of a website, which is no small feat. For example, a business can easily project their location, as well as reviews, hours of operation, and the like to Google, Yelp, or other websites that users regularly visit to find this kind of information. They will then be able to locate you based on how accurate and how detailed your information is.

Implementing and Maintaining your NAP

This area of Local SEO can be a bit tricky, and even confusing to some if you aren’t careful. The reason for this all starts with what is known as the NAP (name, address, phone number). This kind of crucial information needs to be constantly updated and maintained across all of your citations. Yes, that’s a lot of information to keep track of, but more than worth it when you weigh in the potential benefits to your business by doing so.

If you feel overwhelmed by having to go through all of your citations yourself, you can hire someone to help you with this process. The important thing is to ensure that your information is as updated as possible. This makes it much easier for users to find you. The smallest errors can throw off your search results rankings and make it almost impossible for the local populace to find you. For example, if you are simply listing yourself as a “boutique”, instead of “Sherry’s Dress Boutique”, you aren’t doing your business justice and to the search engines, you simply fade into the background along with thousands of other businesses in the same category.

Being able to stay on top of your information is not an easy task. One of the ways that you can make this easier on yourself is to simply keep track of the different sites that you use as you use them. This way, whenever your business changes names, address or phone numbers, you are able to go in directly under that information and change them. This can definitely help you to expedite the process and keep your Local SEO ranking from plummeting.

These great tips are just the start of your success. By having the understanding of what Local SEO is, and by keeping all of your information up-to-date, you are setting yourself and your business up for success now and in the future.

The post The Importance of Local SEO for Your Business appeared first on Hackworth.

For over 10 years Hackworth has used South Bay’s products and services including IP telephone solutions, security systems, structured cabling and video surveillance.

In the coming months you will see combined initiatives specifically in the area of facility management products and services. Our goal is to help support your business as the preferred facility professionals in Hampton Roads.

Learn more about South Bay by visiting their website.

The post New Strategic Partnership With South Bay Communications & Security appeared first on Hackworth.

Why is this date important? If your customers use Google to find your website it is very important. Especially for mobile users. The coming Google algorithm update has been dubbed "Mobilegeddon" as it will adversely affect many websites without mobile-friendly designs.

 It's estimated that more than 50% of Google searches are now performed on mobile devices. For several years now the importance of websites being mobile-friendly has been touted by industry experts including Google, who controls the majority of search traffic on the internet.

Google's aim is to serve the best results possible for their users. In this case, it means that if your website is not responsive (it does not display correctly on mobile devices) your site will be demoted in the ​search results. Many current websites were built only to be viewed on a desktop computer. These websites could lose up to 50% of their search engine traffic.

Test Your Website

Use the embedded Google Mobile-Friendly Test to see if your website passes. If it does, no worries! You don't have to do anything. If you fail, no worries! We can help. Test your website now:

I Didn't Pass

A recent article on Entrepreneur.com says, "If you've not yet implemented a mobile strategy for your online presence, now is the critical time to get it done."

If your site is not mobile-friendly, Hackworth has the expertise to make sure Mobilegeddon is not the end of your website's existence. We have over 15 years of experience of working with business websites. Not only can we build or redesign your site but we can also help increase traffic to your site through proven SEO (search engine optimization) techniques.

The post April 21: Mobilegeddon Is Coming. Is Your Website Ready? appeared first on Hackworth.

While there might be other considerations to take into place for your specific piece, we have done our best to cover every area that might traditionally come up when printing any kind of graphic design.

Bleeding & Cropping

Does the artwork you are looking to print go to the very edge of the page? Then you need to add in a bleed to make sure there is sufficient space to “bleed” over the edge. Typically, you’ll be looking for a bleed of around 1/8 inch or 3 millimeters. Also, make sure that there are clear crop marks on the image so that your printer will know where the artwork should be trimmed and what should be left in the finished piece.

Difference in Color

One thing that you need to consider is that typical printers will be using CMYK color systems. This stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow & Black. Meanwhile, a screen that the graphic design was made on will be using RGB –Red, Green, Blue.

Make sure that the document you send over is in CMYK coloring otherwise you can find that the colors will not match your original design. When you do make the conversion, if you’ve already made the artwork, you may need to re-do some of the colors digitally to match them back up to the original standard.

High Resolution Image

Make sure that the image you are sending over is in a high resolution. On an image it will be viewed at around 720 DPI, a printer will be working with less than half of this – usually 300 DPI if you are going for something like a brochure. Therefore you need to use a high resolution image to make sure it appears high quality, otherwise the pixelation or lack of quality will be magnified. You will also want to avoid images that have been optimized for the internet. Most of the time these graphics are at 72 DPI which is not sufficient for printing.

Specify A Material

You always want to specify the correct material or substrate for your print. Getting this right is very important depending on the desired visual outcome and how it will be used. Get this verified before printing begins, as it can make a huge difference to the overall quality of the artwork’s finish. Ask your printer about the many different options for material. They vary greatly depending on what type of project you have.

Font Outlining

Something you might not think about is how your text is going to come across. If it’s possible, you need to make sure that all fonts within the document are converted to what is known as an outline. To do this, simply convert your text into a traditional layer the same as any other design aspect of the image – this will make sure that it prints out properly. You can do this in many graphic design programs, such as Adobe Illustrator or Quark Xpress.

Not sure what you need to do? Then contact us HERE for more information. We can help you get the desired outcome for your artwork. We will make sure it turns out just as you originally intended, giving you a professional and visually appealing end product.

Our graphic designers at our Chesapeake, Virginia firm are experts at getting the artwork right and ensuring that the right standards are followed. If you need help from the start we have several graphic designers here to help your idea become reality. Give us a call at 757-545-7675 or color@hackworth.co and we will do all we can to help you.

The post Successfully Sending Artwork to Print appeared first on Hackworth.

Well, graphic design in 2015 is set to follow these trends more than ever. Whether you live in Los Angeles, CA or Chesapeake, VA you’ll notice many of these graphic design trends hitting everything from the pages you visit on your tablet to the advertisements you walk past on your way to work.

Video Sliders

Full-length image slider shows have been a huge part of web design for quite some time, and it’s no surprise to see that this aspect of graphic design is only going to get more prominent. As full-width videos start to become the norm, and as media is used to introduce people to websites more and more, it’s no surprise to see that these enterprising methods are becoming the norm for startups and services all across the globe.

Time Repeating Itself​

Fashion trends are something that have always come back into style – but it looks like 2015 could herald a return to the 80s and 90s. Blocky, solid graphics and rather simplistic styles look to be the next way to go – with the height of modern technology, though, these designs are far more refined. You might find that new graphics, ads and clothing will resemble something that was around in the 1990s, but it’s going to look better than ever. ​

Less is More

Cleaner designs have become the norm for quite some time, and with website design especially this has really settled in as the way to go. Smaller extras, more concern on quality and getting the actual message across is becoming the focus more so than ever. Whether it’s a company website or packaging for a bag of chips, the approach of minimizing the fluff and making the design more relatable has really settled in as the path to go down for many graphic design teams.

Demand is Growing

The graphic design industry is one that already sees a high demand for qualified individuals, and there are plenty of opportunities for a designer to ply their trade. If you think that you could be a successful graphic designer, then you should really consider getting involved through college courses, internships and online training. There are many ways to hone your graphic design skills in 2015.

It’s safe to say that in the world of advertising and graphic design, 2015 is going to focus on clearly and concisely communicating brand messaging and awareness. The age of fluff and extravagance is over, and the age of customer satisfaction is here.

The post 2015 Graphic Design Trends appeared first on Hackworth.

Right now if you refer a new customer to Hackworth we will give you a $5 gift card to either Wawa or iTunes. The good news is that there is no limit! You can refer as many new customers as your heart desires.

Just think of all the free coffee and/or music you can enjoy on us! Sipping on a soy latte listening to the sweet sounds of Burt Bacharach - doesn't get any better!

The post Refer A Customer Get A Gift Card appeared first on Hackworth.

A recession can, counter intuitively, present tremendous opportunities in many more areas. The end of a recession can be, conversely, fraught with unanticipated perils. Here are 8 potential threats and what you can do about them right now, during the slow season for most businesses.

1. You LOOK like you’ve been through a recession. In fact you’ve been through the longest and deepest financial crisis our country has faced since the 1930s. But that’s no excuse for presenting yourself badly. If your store looks dated and rundown because signs and posters are faded or if your service vehicles have no graphics or those they do have are peeling or faded, you’re giving an immediate advantage to any competitor that looks better. Your potential customers aren’t going to forgive you for looking terrible because times are hard. On the contrary, when you allow your business to look bad, they wonder if you’re going to be around or if you’re professional.

In short, they are less likely to trust you and less likely to buy from you. Full disclosure, I put this at the top of the list because my company solves these kinds of problems for our clients. But that doesn’t make it any less true that how you present yourself is one of the most important things to consider in driving sales. Fix this now. It’s quick, relatively inexpensive and a smart provider (ahem) can get you terrific bang for your buck.

2. Your PR has slipped. Hey when things get bad, lots of businesses make the mistake of turtling up to ride it out. If that’s you, you haven’t had a lot to crow about the last few years. Here’s the good news: you made it. Press coverage of the economy and the economic impacts on business has been getting more positive. The media wants feel-good stories about business right now and if you’re still here you are one of those stories. Figure out what made your story special and go tell it.

For instance, Hackworth is in an industry that saw two-thirds of its member firms go under from 2009-2013. We read the tea leaves before the recession really hit and began changing our business ahead of time. While 2 out of 3 of our colleagues went out of business or sold out, we added new products, made major equipment purchases and bought other businesses, keeping their people employed and their customers well served. Whatever your special story is, tell it to everyone you can. If you can get stories in the press, great! If not, make sure your sales and marketing people, collateral, and social media presence are ringing the bell. This is where you re-establish your credibility and show you are pros who are in it for the long haul.

3. Your marketing isn’t up to the challenge of winning in a growth period. One of the first things that gets cut in hard times is the marketing and advertising budget. This is especially true in my home market, which is notorious for giving professional marketing short shrift. Your administrative assistant may be a whiz at sending out mailers, scheduling events, and updating the Facebook page, but to consider those tasks “marketing” is like equating changing a tire with designing a Formula 1 racer. I’m not knocking the thousands of admins who have stepped and expanded their roles to help their firms get through a crisis unprecedented in our lifetimes. Without them, even the marginal marketing done the last few years would not have happened and more companies would have gone down.

You should absolutely keep these people involved and help them to continue to grow their skills and pay as their just due for helping you get through it. But these people and your business need and deserve more than the basics. You should also immediately get the highest level of professional marketing help you can afford, in-source or outsource, and increase your marketing budget to the limits that can responsibly increase it. Then, before you spend one dime beyond already budgeted expenditures, put that pro help to work building a plan that will win. If you’re aggressive you should be able to have the pieces in place in a matter of weeks and then, with sales and fulfillment on board, go kick the legs out from under your competitors.

4. You aren’t able to handle the business. I had a boss that liked to say that more business than you can handle is “a nice problem to have.” You know what’s nicer? Getting out ahead of a situation so it doesn’t become a problem. I’ve learned that one of the biggest things you can do to turn a “nice problem” into “no problem” is communicate across your organization. Your production or service people need to know, right now, that you’re going to get busier both because of the economy and because of the steps you’re taking as their leadership. They need to be clearing the decks of anything they’ve left hanging around and looking for any and every way to boost efficiency.

Even more importantly, your sales people need to be regularly updated on realistic fulfillment times so they don’t over promise and cause you to under deliver. This is one of the biggest stressors you can imagine when business is taking off. It leads to all sorts of juggling of work and priorities and too often it leads to hurt feelings on the team and dropping the customer’s ball. If you communicate relevant info early and often your various sub-teams will be one team, on the same game plan to make things better. They will EXPECT things to get better and that boost in morale will be invaluable in improving your fortunes. Failure to do this will lead to a downward spiral of blame and shame that may cause you to miss out on the upturn in part or totally.

5. You’ve fallen behind on tech. We made the decision to be the tech leader in our market and lines almost six years ago now, and we’ve done that consistently throughout the interim. Sometimes it was with big capital purchases, sometimes it was through acquisition, and sometimes it has been through strategic partnerships. The bad news, if you’re not the tech leader, is that there can only be one tech leader in your world. The good news is that, even if you fell behind during the recession, you can use many of the same strategies to catch up that your competition may have used to get ahead. Look first at what your clients need.

Second, figure out how to get it for them—new equipment, outsourcing, simply improving operations with better processes or different people.

Third, go sell them the improvements they’ve already asked you for. You can adjust these changes to fit your budget. Go as big as you’re comfortable with and make sure that you don’t blow your budget. Strategic partnerships and outsourcing are great ways to start closing the tech gap with minimal upfront cost and they let you confirm that the market you perceive is really there before you write the really big checks. Also, search the web for force multipliers such as project management tools, CRMs and collaborative software. If you can improve your tech in these areas, you improve your whole business. The web based solutions developers are many and they are engaged in something of a price war. This is great news for business, especially small business.

6. You’re going to lose important clients. Whether because your sales force isn’t on point or because your chief rival (or somebody you never heard of) took these pitfalls more seriously than you did, you may come in one day and find a major piece of your revenue has jumped into someone else’s pocket. If your company tends to deal in “one and done” transactions, meaning you constantly have to beat the other guy to get ever more new customers, then your exposure here is primarily in marketing and advertising and being able to serve customers better than anyone else and earn their referrals.

Essentially this whole list is important but you need to give special attention to marketing and handling the increase in business.If you have a repeat client business, this whole list is important, but you also need to be proactive in retaining those key accounts. You need to identify them, make sure you have the best possible person servicing them, and then be sure they are getting that service. Their rep needs to be in front of them before the other guy comes calling and very soon after so you can make your case for maintaining the relationship and rebut the other guys’ arguments for dumping you. If that sounds like a lot of management of your sales force and a lot of grinding it out in the field, just ponder what it would do to your business if your #1 client didn’t call you back this year.

7. You lose a key person and it’s your fault. The recession is great for getting premium talent on the cheap and you did, and you feel pretty good about it. Well don’t. That high end rainmaker that’s getting a mid-level paycheck? It’s even money she’ll burn the rest of her vacation days and be gone-zo before you know what hit you. Worst case scenario, you’re in one of the states where your no-compete is difficult or impossible to enforce (Virginia is about in the center on this scale) and she both stops producing business for you and takes business from you. Best case, you lose her sales skills, any new revenue she would have brought in, the rapport and trust with her clients, and she goes into the broader community feeling like you got over on her (because you did) and has nothing good to say about your firm.Head this off now. Most employees, if they’re comfortable, are motivated far less by money than benefits, respect, autonomy, and power. You obviously want to pay a competitive wage. If you don’t and you can, do that first. If you can be at the top of the local scale for the real difference makers in your organization, consider doing that second. It makes the sale a lot harder for the poachers that will come sniffing around soon.

Can you add an additional percent match to the 401k, absorb a little more of the healthcare premium, or add a vacation day across the board? See what it costs you and think about it. These are small gestures that make real differences to employees. Before making any changes to benefits, do check with your attorney, just to be safe. Show respect for your people—always. Don’t manage more than you need to and if you can make flex time or remote working happen, do it yesterday. If you haven’t started this already you are far behind the curve in modern employee relations and it WILL cost you good people.

Lastly, but probably most important after fair pay, you need to get your flight risks more deeply engaged in the business. One approach is to figure out what gets their motor running and let them put that passion to work on projects for your company. You’ll have to work with them to manage their time and duties. You don’t want something they enjoy to become a chore they work on after hours; you want it to be a regular part of the job that helps the business. Another approach is to put them in charge of a function or team and make it their baby to raise. If you set them up for success and fulfillment, they will become much more sticky with your organization.

8. You think you’re doing great! Well there’s doing a lot better than last year and there’s doing as well as you could. If things get better without a lot of extra work, or even pain in your organization, that can feel really good. What you have to worry about is that your competitors are on this same rising tide and they may well be working hard and making the tough choices instead of coasting. You may see your immediate revenues go up without ever realizing that your competitive position is being eroded irretrievably. The temptation to watch the money flow in and take a breath, relax a little, is human nature and understandable after what we’ve all been through. The leaders with the grit to keep driving as the economy recovers are the ones who will be on top in the long run. Cowboy up.

That’s not everything you’ll have to face as times improve but these are some of the big ones to watch out for and address now, at the front end, while most businesses are in their slow season and still trying to catch their breath from the last few years. Good job on making it this far and go get ‘em.

Drew Little is the Director of Corporate Development at Hackworth & TGS in Chesapeake, VA you can contact him at 757-646-5612 or dlittle@hackworth.co.

The post 8 Potential Threats for Small Businesses in 2015 appeared first on Hackworth.

However, the overall rise in color CAD printing is being caused by a number of factors that will only appear to increase over time.

• Growing appreciation and respect for color printing
• More color printing options
• Blending of color and monochrome prints in a single project

It is these factors that have allowed for the expansion of this type of printing, but growing consumer and business interest is driving it as well.

Color Appreciation

There is a wide variety of CAD drawings that are color printed and what has been noticed almost immediately is that the drawings appear more clear which is very helpful in spotting errors. The fact that being in color makes it easier to spot potential errors as well as the aesthetic beauty of the color itself has helped to boost the overall appreciation of introducing color into the large format for CAD.

Availability

Ever since the first inkjet printers were produced, color CAD printing was available in the smaller formats. Today, the wide format printing devices have been somewhat slow to catch up until recently. Now, the reprographics industry along with new advances in technology has seen the release of new printers that will take advantage of the large format and demonstrate all the advantages that color printing offers. In particular, printers such as the KIP C7800, Memjet and the new Hewlett-Packard models are now making color wide format printing for CAD even more available than ever before. All things considered, this has helped to revolutionize the industry when it comes to color printing as more availability means lower cost and greater variety.

Color & Monochrome Mix

By allowing color and monochrome to mix on the same machine, it makes it much easier to create different sets depending on the printing requirements. Until recently, such printing required that color docs on an inkjet had to be printed first, followed by monochrome docs on another machine that had to be hand collated. With the new printers being able to do this in one run, it eliminates the need for having two sets of machines and speeds up the overall process. This in turn will mean lower costs and better quality that consumers and those in the industry will enjoy.

Overall, color CAD printing has been given new life in wide format printing process. When it comes to the advancement of reprographics, technology and a new emphasis on producing better wide prints, the printing machine manufacturers have responded by creating new devices that allow for CAD drawings and images to be reproduced in full color in a format that has only increased in popularity in recent years.

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Here are some simple tips that will let you take full advantage of what color printing and proper graphic design, along with other aspects of marketing your business that will result in maximizing your exposure to potential customers during the holiday season.

Plan Early: In order to be fully prepared for the holidays, you will need to start your serious planning by September at the latest. That way, it will be fully ready to go by the time that Thanksgiving rolls around and the major buying begins. You’ll want to be ready for Black Friday and ahead of the competition as well.

Market Early: While you don’t want to start too early, beginning your campaign after Halloween in small increments is a good way to start. At the very least, starting a little early lets you get a jump on the competition, but you want to husband most of your resources for the big time shopping days.

Use Variety: Here is where your print marketing efforts really come into the fold. Direct mailers, holiday cards and other elements that utilize color printing and excellent graphic design will help your business efforts during this time of the year.

Target Your Audience: You are not trying to market to everyone, just those who are the most likely to purchase your products during this time of the year. So, focus your efforts on reaching that particular niche.

Highlight Your Business: Emphasize why customers should choose your store over the competition. That way, you’ll build up your business brand which in turn will help your sales. Plus, this may carry over from year to year as people remember your business and how it was highlighted before.

Use Posters: Posters are an excellent, attention-getting item if you use them properly. People see posters because of their size, but they’ll remember them if you have an interesting and inviting graphic design. You’ll need to work with your printer on this to ensure that this effort brings results.

Kick Off the Holiday Season: You should select a day where customers can participate in kicking off the holiday season. This can be your official first day of the big marketing push that you make as well. Plus, by advertising your kick off day early, you will not be seen as trying to push the holiday season too early as well.

Pre-Black Friday Guarantee: Promise to refund any difference in the sale of your items if customers find a better deal from other retailers on Black Friday. This will really help your sales and will let you compete with larger stores as well.

Overall, you’ll want to start your print marketing efforts early so that you can take full advantage of the holiday season.

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There are certainly many reasons why print will remain a viable part of marketing for a long time to come. Businesses that still want to succeed, especially in the local marketplace will have to use resources such as newspaper ads, color printing for direct mail and other efforts that will keep the print business going for many years to come.

Here are just some of the ways that print marketing is still a viable resource for your advertising efforts.

The Personal Touch

Having a printed item in your hands conveys something far more real than an email or landing page ever could. That is why so many people still respond to postcards, flyers and the like especially when they are very well made.

NFC and QR Codes

One of the influences that smartphones has had on the print media is the introduction of NFC and QR codes which allow for print to take people directly to a website. QR codes can be customized with different patterns and colors to catch the eye and to make your efforts stand out. The near-field communication (NFC) is actually a new technology that will eventually replace QR codes and uses a tiny microchip that sends the information directly into the mobile device without having to scan. All that is needed is to tap the print against the mobile device and the website will pop up.

Variable Printing Technique

Thanks to the costs of printing going down over the past several years, you can now vary the printing in a single marketing campaign that will make your efforts more effective in reaching customers. For example, a direct mail campaign could actually personalize each postcard with the name of the person where it is sent so that it means more to them. Putting their first name in will separate it from what they would consider “junk mail” and have a greater impact.

Expansion of Social Media

The social media that we see on sites such as Facebook and Twitter for example has been around a long time. After all, the business card is the perfect form of social media and that has been around for more than a century. You can integrate your online efforts with print media campaigns and the end result will be better coverage of your potential customer base. In fact, you will reach customers through your print marketing efforts that simply were not available on in internet.

All in all, color printing and print marketing are not only here to stay, but they still play a vital role in finding and bringing in new customers to your business. The more effort you can make to augment the print aspect of your campaign the better the results will be.

Talk to Drew at 757-646-5612 for more information on innovative ways that printing marketing can help your business.

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For example, did you know that if you mixed a red, green and blue light together it will appear white? Yet if you do the same with red, green and blue paints you would wind up with black or a very dark brown?

The reason is because a color that is projected from a source such as light is an “additive” color while colors that are used in printing are “subtractive” colors. The differences are strong enough that you will need to take them into account when printing with particular colors.

Basically speaking, color that has its own source or light is going to react differently when mixed than colors that do not have their own projecting source, but instead reflect the light a certain color. Recently, scientists have been able to create objects that absorb so much light that they are actually difficult to see. This is because what you see when you look at table for example is not really the table, but the colors reflected off the table. If the table absorbed all the light that tried to illuminate it, then we would have a very difficult time seeing it.

The same basic principle is true of printed colors. When you see the color red on a piece of paper for example, the light is striking it with the full range of colors, but the blue and the green is being absorbed while the red is being reflected back.

The Effect of Reflected Light on Color

The subtractive element really comes into play when you start mixing colors for something that is printed or on a surface. If you mix together red, green and blue when painting on a canvas or poster, the result is that you will get a very dark and muddy brown. This is because when the paint is mixed, there is more color being absorbed from the light that is striking it. To keep the colors bright, you will have to mix fewer of them together and the brightest colors are those that are generally the most pure.

A backlit graphic for example also uses subtractive colors and not additive ones even though there is a light source from behind. That is because the colors are absorbing the light source and are not the originators. What is true for printing is also the same for LCD TV monitors that use subtractive colors which are backlit.

So, when you are preparing a printing project and want to add a mixture of colors to achieve a particular effect, remember that you are working with subtractive colors that actually absorb more of the light which means the result may very well be different from the intention. Instead, it is generally better to keep things simple with color when it comes to printing so that they full effect of each can be made. Mixing colors should only be done in pairs, such as purple or orange for example where the color absorption is not so great.

The post Understanding the Effects of Color in Printing appeared first on Hackworth.

The best reason to use vehicle graphics is that they reach potential customers that you otherwise might miss. Even the best marketing efforts cannot get everyone and something as simple as effective vehicle wraps may find a considerable number of new customers.

So, in order to get the most out of your car graphics, there are a number of tips that must be followed so that they will have the maximum effect. Here are five tips that will help you get the most out of your vehicle graphics.

Delivering the Right Information

The best car graphics design will not do any good if the vital information is not conveyed to the customer. This is why the information should be first and foremost clear and understandable because the potential customer may only have a small chance to view all of the information. Clarity of message, name of business and contact information are key to successful vehicle wraps.

Vibrant Design

After the information, the design of the graphics should be vivid and memorable. You want something striking that catches the eye so that they can then read the information that is being presented. Fortunately, the strong suit of car graphics is that they do catch the attention of people in traffic and make a big impression.

Consistency of Design

If you have a fleet of vehicles, then you’ll want the exact same design on all of them for maximum impact. It can very well be the potential customer will have to see the graphics two, three or more times in order to remember the information and contact your business. Therefore, having the same design will mean that once they see it again, they’ll try to take the time and get the information.

Solid Reputation

The brand of your business is important to the success of the vehicle wraps. Therefore, you’ll want to maintain the level of your business in terms of providing good customer service. A potential customer that may have heard bad things about your business will not be turned around by fancy vehicle graphics and may even be turned off.

Be Brief

You want to have the maximum impact with the fewest number of words, so you will need to convey the message in a short, clutter-free environment. It does little good to catch the eye of a potential customer if they don’t understand what your business is or what it does because there is too much clutter. Keep things simple and straight forward so that your message gets across.

All in all, effective use of vehicle graphics will have a remarkable effect on your marketing efforts. Be sure to follow all five tips for maximum impact so your business will pull in even more customers.

For more information on how vehicle graphics can help your business contact Drew at 757-646-5612 or dlittle@hackworth.co.

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The printing of signs is just as important now as it was thousands of years ago. Even in the digital age, people still respond very strongly to signs in order to locate the business and to identify with the branding of the business. The following are the major ways in which having signs benefits your company and helps broaden your customer base.

Attracting Attention

Having a prominently displayed sign is one of the best means of attracting attention, especially if it is located in a place where people pass by. The sign lets people know that your business exists, it is located in this particular area, and shows basically what you offer. Research has shown that almost half the people who are first time customers notice the sign first before they see any other type of advertising. This means that having an attractive sign can really benefit your business.

Improving Your Brand

In addition to attracting attention, signs also reinforce your business brand as well. To put it another way, an attractive sign that is easy to read, using bright colors and large lettering speaks well of your business. It puts the image in the mind of the customer that your store is clean, reputable and offers something that they may desire.

Conversely, a sign that is difficult to read, has poor choices of colors or one that is very old and weathered does not speak well of your business. It puts a bad image in the mind of the person who sees your company signage and they will be likely to move on. So, you will need to add features to your sign such as a well designed logo or an appropriate slogan to create a better impression on potential customers.

Promotion

When printing up signs, you want them to convey as much information in as few words as possible. This applies especially to temporary signs that you use to promote sales, discounts or new products in your business. Holiday signs are very popular as well and communicate the essence of the season. You can also use them to tell people about recent awards or recognitions that add to the credibility of your business.

Convenience and Safety

While signs tell people about who you are, they can also help direct people to a convenient parking area for your business or even warn them about potential hazards as well. Safety signs are primarily to alert both customers and employees of hazards like “Wet Floor” or a step up or down that they otherwise may not expect.

Signs are an invaluable part of your business here in Hampton Roads where printing signs plays a major role in how people see and feel about your company. If you have any questions about what signage is right for your business, contact our Color Department at 757-545-7675 or color@hackworth.co.

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What follows are five of the most common types of color printing ink that are used and the differences between them.

Aqueous Inks

These are water-based inks that have two varieties called Dye and UV. The dye inks are mixed with water when applied and then the water evaporates to leave the ink behind. The advantage is the bright colors that it can deliver. However, these types of inks will fade rather quickly under the ultraviolet rays of the sun, so they are best kept indoors. Also, the dye inks are not waterproof either, so they are best used for short terms promotional work.

UV inks are similar to chalk dust that is suspended in the water. When the water evaporates they leave behind the chalk like little dots which then forms the image. They are very resistant to UV rays and will last longer. However, they do not have the color brilliance of dye inks.

Dry Sublimation Inks

You can choose between the aqueous type which is used for desktop and wide format printing and the solvent type which is used from Spectra, XAAR and Konica wide format printing devices. It is not quite inkjet printing, but it is a type often confused with such.

Solvent Inks

These are generally pigment inks which contain dyes, but they do not use water. Instead, they use volatile organic compounds instead that are relatively inexpensive and quite flexible on certain types of surfaces. Solvent inks are waterproof, UV resistant and are very brilliant in terms of the color provided. However, their main benefit is the durability of the ink itself which holds up quite well in all types of conditions.

Of course, the main drawback is the toxic chemicals used in their creation. For consumers, it matters little but in terms of production special care must be taken.

UV Cured Inks

These are inks which are “cured” by being exposed to strong UV-light. They dry quickly which makes them quite appealing to printers and they can be used on a number of different surfaces. Unfortunately, they are also quite expensive as well which makes a costlier proposition for those who want to use such inks for their color printing.

Latex Inks

A new type of ink that can be used on many different surfaces including vinyl, this particular type offers many advantages in that it acts much like solvent inks but without the dangerous toxic chemicals. However, there are chemicals used which are not totally environmentally friendly as well. For many, these types of inks are still new, but offer a lot of promise.

Contact our Color Department for your wide format printing needs: 757-545-7675 or color@hackworth.co.

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What are Reprographics?

A combination of “reproduction” and “graphics”, reprographics are reproductions using photography or xerography. Most people see reprographics in catalogs and archives, but it is also heavily used in the architectural, construction and engineering fields. Today, large format printing has advanced far enough along to include this particular reproduction effort in its field. The future of this technology has raised serious speculations which very well may change how so many fields are currently operating.

Reprographics & Color

The use of large format color printing has allowed this particular field to be expanded into new areas and augment the ones that it currently serves. For example, the representation of buildings, infrastructure and details in municipal plans can be more efficiently represented by color printing. It’s use can help reduce the cost of construction dramatically.

In addition, the speed in which such data can be recreated and used has allowed for greater access to the technology and different applications as well. With data coming from smart appliances, nanotechnology-empowered surfaces and many other sources, the future of reprographics is certainly impressive. Basically, surfaces with nanotechnology will be able to tell maintenance departments about the condition and what is needed to keep the area clean. For instance, fire departments may access nanotechnology for the floor plans of a building that is consumed in smoke and know where to go when checking all locations. However, the possibilities do not end there.

Europe and the Future of Reprographics

Until recently, it was largely in the hands of US firms, but today European companies have worked very hard to elevate the status of their businesses in order to properly compete. Currently, the annual sales of these particular firms alone approaches $100 million and will no doubt go up in the future.

This means that the future is likely to be very robust as these smaller firms are more likely to grasp new technologies and use them in more creative ways.

The Advent of 3D Printing

One of the most exciting aspects of the reprographics industry is the advancement of 3D printing. The architectural, construction and engineering fields are taking advantage of 3D printing techniques which provides a great deal of flexibility and potential. Imagine ordering online and then printing up the product in your home instead of waiting for it to be delivered? It is simply amazing just how far this large format printing process can reach when the right materials are available.

There are other areas which are now benefiting from this technology and will no doubt grow in the future. Memjet printers are one that people are looking at while the expansion of this technology on the internet is another. Social media outlets allow for the rapid spread of information which means that reprographics will continue to evolve, particularly in how it is shared with the world.

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What are Wide Format Printers?

Generally speaking, these are printers that can print from a width starting at 17” up to 100”. Printers which can print wider than 100” are generally called “Super-Wide” or “Grand Format” printing devices. Wide format printing is used to print banners, posters and any other signage that requires large sizes. In certain conditions, people may use wide format printers instead of screen printing, especially for short runs or low numbers of copies.

These type of printers use several kinds of ink technology including aqueous, solvent, UV, dye sublimation and toner. The type of project dictates the ink that would be used, i.e. indoor vs. outdoor, color vs. black and white or short term vs. long term.

The Future is Today in Wide Format Printing

What has been true over the past few years is that wide format printing has grown far more than expected. Today, companies that use to be wary of purchasing wide format printers are now seeing a tremendous opportunity to expand or enhance their business.

This is because a series of bold, new ideas from businesses has really bolstered the industry. The following are just a few of the new ideas that have actually created new technology for wide print formatting.

Wall Graphics: Why have a boring old wall when you can augment it with colorful wide prints? This has allowed businesses to change their interior appearance at a relatively low cost. Plus, it makes each business really stand out in terms of marketing to the public.

Reproduction of Art & Drawings: From blueprints to the most celebrated art in the world, this type of printing has allowed for precise reproductions that are astonishing. Closely related is the ability to recreate architectural drawings and blue prints to larger sizes for an even better understanding of projects.

Companies like HP, KIP and Canon are now creating wide format printers that many businesses are purchasing to meet their own specific needs. Organizations that would traditionally outsource their printing needs can now afford in-house wide format printers that allows them to save time and money in the long run. They are able to create their own banners, posters and other large promotional materials for trade shows and public events to really draw attention to what they do.

For something that seemingly had limited appeal just a few years ago, wide format printing now has much greater application to everyday business operations. The future of wide format printing combined with lower cost printers, advances in digital technology and the imaginations of business owners around the world looks to be very bright indeed.

The post Wide Format Printers More Integral to Business than Ever appeared first on Hackworth.

What Is Large Format Printing?

Large format printing creates posters, banners and similar-size products that can be used for a wide variety of means. Generally speaking, banners can be printed up to five feet wide and more depending on the printer available and the detail is simply superb given the digital printers that have recently been produced.

Before, such large scale printing lacked the intricate details and color schemes that are now possible with the digital process and new inks which help create a more defined, colorful appearance. Plus, there are now new materials that this type of color printing uses which offers even more flexibility.

How Can Large Format Color Printing Help Your Efforts?

There are a number of ways that you can incorporate large custom printing into your marketing efforts. All it takes is a little imagination and you can use this unique format to expand your customer base.

Custom Shaped Posters and Prints: Who says you have to stick with rectangles when you can create unique-shaped posters and other large prints for your needs? You can create a poster in the shape of your logo or perhaps one that matches the main subject of the printing. Your imagination is the only limit when it comes to custom-shaping your large format prints.

Double-Sided Banners: We often think about the one side, but what about the other? Here, you can print on both sides so that you can have the same message or a different one that catches potential customers on both sides.

Weather-Proofing: You no longer have to worry about that sudden, unexpected storm ruining your posters when they are made from the right materials and have the proper protection. This means that you can leave them outside or exposed to the elements longer to keep the public informed about what you are doing.

Why Choose Printing in Large Format?

There are a number of reasons why this particular format works so well for printing, but the truth is that it comes down to being large. To have access to large format printing that is just as versatile as small format printing means that your business or efforts can really benefit from the results.

Large posters and banners really attract attention, especially if they are crafted into different shapes or unusual colors which make them stand apart. For many businesses or those who simply want to create more attention, this type of format can really work for your needs.

In Hampton Roads, you can find the best custom printing in the area right here at Hackworth. Take advantage of the large format posters, banners and more for your color printing needs. You can even work with our graphic design professionals here to get exactly what you want so that it will have the right impact on your audience.

Contact our Color Department at 757-545-7675 or color@hackworth.co if you have additional questions about large format color printing.

The post Large Format Printing: The Basics appeared first on Hackworth.

How big can you make this file?

This question usually refers to a small digital file or physical photo and the ability to enlarge it. We’re not talking the size of the material in this case. In short, go BIG! The bigger the image is the better a printer will be able to enlarge it to your desired size.

What should my image resolution be?

The same goes for file resolution. If you want anything enlarged, the best practice to have the it at 300 dpi (dots per inch) or better.

Can I get a sample, or a hard copy proof?

Your local printer should be able to give you a  sample. Be prepared to pay a little extra. The cost will vary depending on the material you would like the sample printed.

What is the best material for this application — indoor, outdoor, mobility etc.?

Material is entirely up to the consumer. Your local printing expert should suggest what would be a good fit based on the customer’s need and the printer’s past experiences. The goal should be to meet the customer’s wants and needs as well their budget.

What if I change my mind? (design time charging)

Everyone changes their mind from time to time. This can be overcome if the customer stops the printer before the job is started or perhaps before the proof has been approved. If not it can be reprinted without issue, but do note that there most likely will be charges assessed.

Why do the colors look different from what I had on screen?

There can be a number of reasons for colors not matching your computer screen. It could be not using proper Pantone or PMS colors or possibly not having your monitor calibrated to display true color. To insure the best outcome only use Pantone colors. Also, your screen’s calibration can play an even bigger role in the color displaying correctly.

What format does the file need to be?

Sometimes asked: What files can you handle? Printers should be able to handle any file normally. Use PDFs to insure that nearly anyone will be able to view your file. At the very least PDF’s can always be viewed with Internet Explorer. Although, just because the file is in PDF format does not guarantee the file can be printed without issue. Results can vary depending on the program used to create the PDF.

When can I have that? How soon can I pick this up? Do you deliver? Is it extra for delivery?

Delivery practices vary within print shops. At Hackworth, we usually do not charge for delivery if the customer is local and the job is more than $15. Also the size of the final product is taken in to consideration. For the most part, a normal print job will have a one to two day turnaround if not sooner. If there are extenuating circumstances such as your order needs display hardware or you may have ordered material that is not normally in stock, you can expect longer turnaround times. Also, large jobs will obviously take longer.

Is there a break in price if I order more?

Normally your print provider is willing to negotiate pricing depending on quantity, size, and possibly how often you may order that product.

What do I need to get started on my project?

FILES, ideas, time, and patience.

If you have any more color printing questions, please contact our Color Department and ask away. They can be reached at 757-545-7675. We would love to hear from you!

The post Common Color Printing FAQs appeared first on Hackworth.

Use the Right File Size

When a graphic design of any type is sent to a printer the files must be 300 dots per inch (dpi). Anything lower than this will need to be stretched; which will affect the quality of your design. ” As a side note, files from the internet are often only 72 dpi and therefore is discouraged for use in your print projects. This is a common problem print companies encounter. They cannot improve an image that has very small dimensions enough to make it look correct in the final print.

Trimming & Bleed

You will need to add a bleed if your design goes to the edge of the. A bleed will ensure that no unprinted edges show up in the final printed product. A bleed goes beyond the actual size of the graphic design file. This will help the printer produce an end product that is printed to the edges. The recommended bleed size is 1/8 of an inch. If you plan to utilize a bleed in your printed materials always make sure that your graphics and text will allow for this trim.

Print Size

Design your graphic design files to the correct size that you want printed. A printing company will only resize your project if they are asked to. For instance, if you have a design with the dimensions of 4.25”x5.5” and you ask for it to be printed as a 4×6” then you will get a print job of 4”x6. Otherwise you will get a 4.25”x5.5” finished product.

Print Colors

The graphic design and printing industries use two types of color modes. RGB mode (red, green and blue) are the colors used by your monitor to display images and text. The printing process though uses CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and black). The RGB spectrum has a wider range of colors that cannot be replicated in print. If your artwork has RGB elements in it, they can be converted in programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. For the best results, design your graphic design projects in CMYK mode.

Fonts

Convert your fonts to paths when you are submitting a print job to your printer. When you do this you will not have to send the fonts files you used with the files for your project. This is only needed in some types of graphic design programs like Illustrator or InDesign. Some, such as Photoshop do not need the fonts as they can be rasterized. However, you must remember that once they have been rasterized the text can no longer be edited.

By learning more about the graphic design and print process you can save yourself time and money by doing these simple things. Also, you can be sure that the design you have chosen will come out exactly as you had imagined.

The post Preparing Graphic Design for Printing appeared first on Hackworth.

Advantage over an unbranded product

Custom printed color packaging can be a huge advantage as far as branding a particular product. This holds true especially in a retail market where the competition is very intense. Companies can use the space on the carton to provide vital information on the product or products that a company manufactures as well as grabbing the attention of the customer. Apart from drawing the customers to a company location, printed packaging also helps in creating brand awareness and promotes the company to their target audience.

Introducing new products

If you want to introduce a new product into the market, a custom printed carton can help promote a similar product that a customer has ordered. This will help target customers that you know already have an interest in a particular type of product.

Increasing the value

The type of printed packaging used and the style of printing can even help the customer to identify the value of the product. A rich looking and colorfully printed package can create a positive impact on a customer’s mind and capture their attention even if the product is new to the market.

Sending a message

Apart from using printed packaging as a promotional tool, you can also use the space on the package to print a message that you want to communicate to customers. It may be a message about a new product that is going to hit the shelves soon, or it may be a message about creating social awareness.

Advertising in prime locations

If you are worried about the cost of printed packaging and have a limited budget, then use them only in the prime locations where you think they will get more exposure, and for the rest of the locations you can opt for standard package.. This will help you to be under your budget and yet reach the potential customer.

Printed packaging look fresh

This is yet another advantage of a custom printed package. Since the products are shipped or transported to various places, ordinary packaging may look spoiled and dull, whereas custom packaging continues to look fresh and remain attractive even after extensive shipping and handling.

Custom printed packaging has a lot of benefits and can serve you as an additional sales person. It can play a huge role in marketing your product and reaching out to target customers.

If you need help with a custom print project, talk to one our Color Printing Specialists —  Christie, Krissy or Paul — at 757-545-7675 or color@hackworth.co.

The post Advertise Through Your Custom Printed Color Packaging appeared first on Hackworth.

What is a 3D printer and how does it work?

Basically, a 3D printer is similar to a normal printer except that it layers atoms on top of each other to produce/create three dimensional objects. Sounds magic, right? But that’s exactly what it does. Creating 3D prototypes of various designs produced by engineers and other experts.

This technology was not invented overnight. It took many a years before the first successful prototype was made with the help of a 3D printer. Though this technology requires much more time to evolve completely, many organizations have already started using it to create may astounding things. There are a few instances where this technology has made remarkable contributions, especially, in the medical field where it has been able to save lives of many people. This provides us with a hint as to how 3D printing can change the world.

Want more?

Following are a few examples which show us how exactly a 3D printer can change the world.

No need for the prototypes anymore!!

The continued development in the field of 3D technology has led to numerous developments. In the past, 3D printing made use of cheap materials such as plastic to produce the prototypes of the real parts that were to be manufactured at a later date. Today, this technology has developed to create the original machine parts using the same raw material that is used in manufacturing them, without the need of creating any prototypes. This became possible with the companies like the 3D Systems, which first started designing the original parts, instead of prototypes, with radically new materials.

This led to a host of companies that started to manufacture nanocomposites, blends of different plastics, and blends of different powdered metals that have the capacity to mimic original metals such as steel. This paved the way to create mechanical parts that can be directly used in the machines. For example, companies like Jaguar have already started using this technology for rapid product development.

Dental Industry

Recently, the dental industry seems to have adapted the 3D printing technology much quicker than any other medical field. The main reason for this is the precision of a 3D printer in creating dental related prototypes.

In the past, if you were in the need of dental crowns for your teeth, you were asked to bite into the clay to produce a mould of your teeth. Later, a dentist, with the help of the clay impression, created your dental crowns by hand. It could take weeks to complete this and get fixed on to your teeth. Today, with the use of 3D technology, making dental crowns is made as easy as taking a normal printout on a Xerox machine.

Prosthetic Limbs and Devices

Many people are interested in this technology and its potential to change the face of medical industry as it pertains to manufacturing artificial limbs. In the past, prosthetic limbs and devices only came in general sizes and people used to struggle to make them fit. Today, custom made prosthetic limbs and devices are available that can cater to wide variety of physically challenged people. 

With help of CAD technology, a 3D printer can be used to manufacture the limbs of a person per an individual’s requirements. This is revolutionary as no two people are alike.

Point and Click!!

With the innovation of instant CAD files along with the latest developments in the field of 3D printer, a company known as FARO Technologies has created a hand held laser that is capable of creating miracles.

When you point the handheld laser to an object it instantaneously creates CAD files of the object. It then sends them to the 3D printer, which produces prototypes of the object. A user can can reproduce the prototype of whichever object you want just by pointing the handheld laser at it.

3D Printers for Home

Many people believe that one day 3D printers will become a household requirement.  In the future we could be be using it for many needs that will be save a lot of time and money.

No, there is no need for you to break the bank to own one of these machines. Although these machines were sold for as much as $100,000 in the past, today there are models available for a few hundred dollars. As the technology progresses the printers will become more affordable even as they improve in quality.

Why would someone need one of these in their home?  You could create objects such as cutlery, toys, curtain rings, dinner plates and many more with the help of 3D printing. It could ultimately save you a significant amount of time and money when you consider time spent travelling to stores for shopping.

Many argue that in future there will be no more parcel services and courier packages arriving to your homes. “Why is this so?” you may ask. It’s simple. In the future, there will be no need for you to click on the “buy now” button to order the things you may want or need. Instead you will be using the “print now” option.

The post Futuristic 3D Printers – A Step-Up Revolution In Printing Technology appeared first on Hackworth.

Mass spectrometry can be used against traces found within a fingerprint. These traces can show that the person who left the print is a smoker, used drugs or had handled explosives recently. How is this done?

When a finger touches a surface, sweat and other substances called “sebum” leave behind a print that can’t be seen by the naked eye. It is easy to make a fingerprint visible, by dusting the surface with powder or spraying with a superglue or re-agents. If a person has taken drugs, traces are released in sweat. A team working at the University of East Anglia, Norwich UK, has devised a method by which magnetic particles (with antibodies added to them) attach themselves to certain drug or nicotine metabolic substances. Secondly, they apply a fluorescent marker via another antibody, which binds to the first antibody and indicates the presence of a corresponding drug as they glow under a fluorescent light. By using this method, researchers were able to detect several different narcotics simultaneously in a single fingerprint.

Mass spectrometric techniques can be used to identify the components of sebum and their decomposition products in fingerprints. Mass spectrometry uses the light spectrum of elements to identify them when a light is shone through them or bounced off them. One approach is as follows. Solvent droplets are sprayed onto the surface to form a film which dissolves materials out of the fingerprint. Additional solvent drops impact the film and release the dissolved chemicals from the surface so that they can be analyzed by mass spectrometry. The chemicals in the fingerprint are examined by a computer. Traces of drugs and explosives can be identified from their light spectrum.

Infrared spectroscopy has been used to separate overlapping fingerprints from two individuals by means of their different sebum contents to produce two separate images. It is also possible to detect traces of explosive. Infrared spectroscopy can be used to identify medicines like aspirin and paracetamol, as well as caffeine and starch in fingerprints.

The aim of this research is to develop a portable, cost-effective, rapid, small system that can detect both fingerprints and the chemical components within them. This would be useful for CSI experts, but also for doping tests and diagnostics.

Burglars and murderers are advised to wear gloves at all times in future. If you have already left a fingerprint in the wrong place, your drug habits may be found out in the future.

The post Advances In Fingerprint Analysis Using Mass Spectrometry appeared first on Hackworth.

Analysis of crime scenes and witness reports can be more of an art than a science. One problem is that witnesses may not recall a face clearly, and investigators can run the risk of sending the wrong suspect behind bars if they rely too heavily on this kind of evidence. However, new technology promises to change that.

Mark Shriver and colleagues from Pennsylvania State University have spent months gathering 3D images and DNA of hundreds of volunteers. Over time, they managed to plot over 7,000 facial points of reference, which have been fed in to software that links similarities between facial features, DNA, race, and gender.

The team found that only 20 genes with 24 variants proved to be “reliable indicators” of facial shapes — and by using 3D printing, human heads with resemblance to the volunteers were created based on their DNA. In future, if there is DNA at a crime scene, it is possible that suspect’s faces can be printed from it, and witness reports may be less of a factor in proving a crime.

3D Printed Clothing

The N12 bikini is the first ready-to-wear garment produced purely through 3D printing technology. Designed by Continuum fashion, in cooperation with the Shapeways 3D Printing online printing store, the N-12 is composed of tiny nylon disks that hook together. Each component — including the strap, cups, and halter — are printed and sold separately, amounting to roughly $300 to own one for yourself once you snap each part together.

Make Your Own Musical Instruments

3D printing can supply us with medical devices, guns, and vehicle parts, but it can also include the musical realm. Two examples: One, the Dreaming Pipes project on Kickstarter, wants to allow 3D printing enthusiasts to create their own set of bagpipes at home. Considering the cost of traditional models, such a scheme could bring more pipe players into the fold. Secondly, the ATOM 3D printed guitar is on sale. Inspired by Les Paul, the bodies are fully printed from nylon, and each feature a wooden inner core. The guitars are dyed to order, and each one will cost you $3,500.

A Food 3D Printer

Natural Machines has launched the “Foodini 3D food printer” via a Kickstarter campaign. The Foodini Printer comes with empty capsules, which the user fills with whatever foods they wish. By using the printer’s touchscreen display, you choose the shape and settings you want in order to create your dish. There are also pre-programmed recipes for dishes, including pumpkin gnocchi, pizza, burgers and cookies. The point of the invention is to remove the hassle of cooking, but also toencourage you to use fresh food rather than sticking to pre-packaged food.

3D Printed Meats

The future production of food is likely to be a problem as the human population expands and so do our meat requirements. Scientists are trying to create test-tube burger meat in labs to prepare for the potential crisis, and the Thiel Foundation has awarded Modern Meadow funds to try and create bio-printed meat to satisfy the human need for protein. Modern Meadow wants to use 3D printing to create synthetic meat in a less resource-hungry manner.

The post Unusual Uses For 3D Printing appeared first on Hackworth.

WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. You can include many users in a single message stream, something called a “group”. WhatsApp Messenger is available for Android, BlackBerry, iPhone iOS, Nokia and Windows Phone and, yes, those phones can all message each other.

What other chat, or instant messaging, clients are there? Here is some information on a few popular choices.

Blackberry BBM

This is the native messenger software for Blackberry phones. However, with recent launches of native clients for iPhone and Android, the messaging service has been opened up to most phone users. Send and receive messages in seconds, chat one-to-one or let everybody know together. You can speak face-to-face over BBM Video and even share what’s on your screen.  BBM allows group chats like WhatsApp.

IBM Sametime

Sametime is a client-server application and middleware platform that provides real-time, unified communications and collaboration for enterprises. Those capabilities go beyond instant messaging and include presence information, web conferencing, community collaboration, and telephony integration.  Sametime Apps for smartphones can link into a corporate Sametime server to join instant chat sessions when away from the office. These apps are available for Android, iOS, Nokia Symbian and Windows phones but the user has to already have a Sametime account on a Sametime office server, which has to be configured to permit remote access.

Microsoft Lync

This is really an enterprise server instant messaging platform, which means it is more of use to support instant messaging within an office environment. It offers VOIP telephony and video conferencing too. Client software can be installed for Windows and Mac PCs. A Lync client is available for Android, iOS, and Windows phones but the user has to already have a Lync account on a Microsoft Lync office server, which has to be configured to permit remote access.

Skype

Skype started off as a way of making phone calls over VOIP, but there are now Skype clients for most phones and PCs that support instant messaging too.  It also supports video calls and the sharing of photos between users. Skype clients can be found for Android, Blackberry, iOS, and Windows Phone devices.

Kik Messenger

Kik claims to have 100 million active users of its messenger app.  There are add-ons to allow video sharing with other users. Kik Messenger has a built-in browser which is one of its most important features. The app is available on most Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Nokia Symbian, and Windows Phone devices.

Pidgin

Pidgin is open source and has clients available for most operating systems. It is big in the Linux world with over 3 million users. It can be used as a Sametime or Skype client because of the included supported message-services protocols.  Pidgin is different in offering message encryption.

The post Recommended Chat Clients appeared first on Hackworth.

The main problem with using the same password for everything is that if someone finds out what your password is, they can potentially log in to your email account as you, and your banking service as you.

What security consultants recommend is that you use a unique password every time you create an account that requires a password to keep it secure. AND DON’T WRITE DOWN YOUR PASSWORDS ANYWHERE!

This is all very well, but if you have to support 40 different systems or log ins it becomes very cumbersome. It would take you a long time to successfully remember a password for each one.  Here is where the strategy comes in.

A Safe Password Strategy

How DO you set about creating a safe, memorable but unique password for every service you use? A safe password needs to have these features:

• It should be a mixture of lower and upper case letters
• It should contain one or more numbers
• It should contain a punctuation character

First of all, think of a phrase that you can easily remember. Example: “Barney and Paul are my two kids’ names” – you need your own phrase not this one!

Secondly, take the first letter of each word in that phrase. Example: BaPamtkn

Thirdly, substitute an ampersand for any use of the word “and”. Example: B&Pamtkn

Now, change to a numeric each number in the phrase or add a number on the end. Example: B&Pam2kn

This is the “base” of your future passwords. Whenever you need a password for a service, start it off with the “base” and then add two letters from the name of the service you are using. Always choose the same two letters for each service, either the first two letters of the name or the first letter of each word in the name.

Examples: American Express might be “AE” or “AM”, Google Mail might be “Go” or “GM”. How you choose which letters is important as that is the only difference between your passwords.

So in our examples, the full password might be B&Pam2knAE and B&Pam2knGo.  How long would it take someone to guess those?

The beauty of this system is that you only have to remember your easily-remembered phrase and you can have a unique password for everything. The qualifier, or suffix you add on the end, is taken from the name of the service you are logging in to. So easy, so unbreakable.

Why not give this a go for yourself and see how easy it is?

If you need help securing your critical business data, contact one of our IT Specialists at 757-545-7675. We have many services and products that can be of assistance.

The post Why You Need a Safe Password and How to Create One appeared first on Hackworth.

Meanwhile, someone in R&D sees a new patent for a product similar to one your company manufactures. He sees an improvement that could be built into your product and he persuades the design team to upgrade the design accordingly. They don’t acknowledge the use of the patent information.

Eventually, the patent holder sues your company for use of the patent design without authorization. As part of the discovery process, the plaintiff’s lawyers request access to all senior officers’ IT equipment. So your iPad and iPhone are seized as they contain, or may contain, information relevant to the case. Did you know about the product redesign? Did you authorize it via email, maybe from your iPad?

Discovering the information needed to take the case to court could take a long time. Could you function without your tablet and phone during this time? And, just as importantly, what will the plaintiff’s lawyers do with any of your personal information that they find? I don’t mean your high score on Candy Crush, but photographs you took, or personal email you sent from your tablet.

You see, while connected to corporate systems, your personal tablet and smartphone are deemed to be “corporate” IT products. If there is a reason why your position in the company leaves you open to an investigation, your personal equipment may need to be searched. If it contains a mix of company and personal data, is it easy to differentiate between the two? Did the IT department install software on your device to keep company and personal data private? They might have to in order to delete company data and emails on your tablet or phone if you ever leave the company’s employment.

And what do you have to do in order to protect company information on your tablet or phone when you are at home? Does it matter if your spouse uses your tablet? How about your children? Does their using the device breach data security rules enforced by your company?

If you work in the IT department of a company that permits Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), you need to put into place rules about sharing of company data on privately-owned equipment, perhaps ask users to permit you to install apps to keep company data and email separate from private data and email.

If you have doubts about the above information, see these articles:

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/it-security/security-policies-must-address-legal-implications-of-byod/9280/

http://www.legaltechnology.com/latest-news/comment-managing-security-and-the-implications-of-byod/

http://insights.wired.com/profiles/blogs/legal-implications-of-byod-security-measures-ineffective#axzz2wLN957fN

https://www.privacyrights.org/bring-your-own-device-risks

The post No Foolin’ – Legal Implications of Using Personal Tablets and Smartphones at Work appeared first on Hackworth.

Why Scan Large-Format Documents?

Having documents saved on computer gets rid of the time and effort of searching for documents in flat drawers, hanging files and tubes. It protects your drawings from damage due to regular handling and copying.  You can view a “better than the original” image on your computer. You can print or email  oversize documents directly from your desktop once they have been scanned, and there is no need for photocopying and snail mail.  You can share complete sets of large-format documents easily and quickly. And you reduce office space requirements by cutting down on the amount of paper filing space you need.

Scanning your drawings and other oversize documents ensures that critical information is preserved and becomes accessible by all authorized parties. When architects, engineering firms and construction companies no longer have the worry, inefficiency and expense of managing large format documents in paper form, they can focus more on their core businesses of designing and building.

Large-Format Scanning for All Needs

Facility managers, architects, engineers, construction companies and others rely on large-format scanning services to help them better manager:

• Engineering drawings
• Blueprint drawings
• Architectural renderings
• Circuit diagrams
• Topographic maps
• Other large format drawings

Large-Format Scanning Services

Depending upon the company you use and the scanners they use, you should be able to see some of these benefits from using a scanning service:

• Background noise cleanup
• Advanced image enhancement
• Image rotation for optimal viewing
• De-skewing
• Output to Tiff, PDF and other file formats
• Project-specific indexing for quick and easy retrieval

Companies that offer large-format scanning use professional equipment and software to improve the quality of the images they capture. They have operators who have been trained to handle large-format documents quickly and efficiently. You can arrange for the originals to be stored off-site once scanned, or returned to you for you to dispose of.

How Large a Document Size Can Be Scanned?

If you think your document is too big to scan, consider this. The Colortrac SmartLF Gx+ 56 Series range scans documents up to 56 inches wide.  It uses special technology to eliminate creases or other poor original qualities, and some models can scan in color. It can scan a full size color image and present it on your PC screen with the same colors as the original. Ideal for reworking and reprinting.

Hackworth Large Document Scanning

Hackworth not only sells large-format scanners to its customers, but we can also scan your documents for you. If you want to know more about this type of scanning, contact us today. Our specialists will be happy to discuss your options with you. Contact us at 757-545-7675 or hri@hackworth.co.

The post Streamlining Facility & Construction Documents Via Scanning appeared first on Hackworth.

Benefits of Wearables

Google Glass can display your email without the need to open your computer. It can be programmed to display repair manuals so engineers can have them to hand without having them in hand.  It allows you to video your surroundings very easily and take photographs quickly so you can record some passing moment for future recall.

Police forces around the world are adopting head-mounted video cameras so that officers can record their interactions with members of the public. This can be used as evidence against wrong-doers and also protect the police from claims of ill treatment when taking someone into custody.

A wearable camera like Autograph can create a record of where you’ve been all day, who you’ve met and what you did. This can be a great help for people with memory problems, such as dementia sufferers.

Smartwatches can be connected to smartphones and give the wearer notifications of the arrival of email and messages without having to get the phone out of the user’s pocket. It is more discrete to check your wrist during a meeting than get your phone out of a pocket. The Pebble watch permits you to decline an incoming phone call with a press of a button.

Negative Connotations

It hasn’t been launched commercially yet, but Google Glass is being banned in public places as it is envisaged that it will blur the lines between privacy and acceptable technology use. Don’t believe Google when they say everyone knows you are filming because Glass has a little light on it.

It is obvious that you should not be allowed to record videos or take pictures in cinemas. Some casinos object to the idea of taking photographs of what goes on in their establishments in case it opens up opportunities for cheating. Patrons of these establishments may well be asked to surrender their Google Glass headset when they frequent them.

In November 2013, a diner at the Lost Lake Café (in Seattle, WA) was ejected after he refused to remove his Google Glass device. The owner David Meinert, who owns the restaurant, had banned the devices from his two establishments in the city. He asserts that Google Glass goes against conventional dining etiquette, where using a mobile phone or other electronic devices while eating is considered rude.

If you have an Autograph, that automatically takes a picture every minute or so. Who could it photograph? Do you have to let everyone you know that you have taken their picture, in case they want to object? Suppose you are in the supermarket, and your Autograph photographs everyone in the check-out queues or you are walking along a busy street and it takes a photograph every minute. How do you ensure that all people “in frame” are happy to be in your photo stream?  How do passers-by know what you intend to do with your “candid snaps”?

You may own a business that would object to someone entering wearing a camera. You might want to consider an acceptable use policy now rather than leave it until something untoward happens.

The post Wearable Technologies and Use In Business appeared first on Hackworth.

No, if you are like other managers, and your project is like most other construction projects, you want more. How about: paper and plan management,  managing the contract paperwork,  help with bidding, managing subcontractors, keeping track of photographs of the development of the project, producing progress reports. All of these items and more can be handled by computer. You really need a system that allows your workers to access it from their iPhones or Android phones, so they can report items to be added to the punch (or fix) list for the project and to report their time or other information back to you, the manager.

The following packages are all cloud-hosted construction project information management software. This means that the programs and data are stored on the package developer’s servers, and you and your workers can access them from any Windows PC, or mobile devices when in the field.

• Procore is a company that provides the Procore construction project management software. Procore is based in California.  It has apps for Apple and Android mobile devices. See the list of modules shown below.

• MySmartPlans is developed by a company in Kansas City, MO, and it is project management software for construction with capabilities to coordinate planning, collaboration and information distribution. This can accelerate every step of the project lifecycle, for every member of the project team. There is an iPad/iPhone app to allow field staff to update the system whilst they are out on site.

• Aconex is sold as “construction Software – online project management and collaboration”.  It is widely used and provides modules similar to those shown below. It is developed by an Australian company.

Modules covered by these applications:

• Document Management (to keep electronic versions of all your documents in one place)
• Contract and change management (easy ways to manage contracts and keep track of changes)
• Drawing management (for managing, sharing and revising project drawings)
• Directory (record the people in projects and their access rights to project data)
• Daily log (create logs by dictating them into a phone, have weather reports added automatically, etc)
• Scheduling (which ties in to MS Project)
• Bidding (manage bids from vendors wanting to fill your contracts)
• Punch list (have items to be fixed sent in by your workers via phone when they visit a site)
• Timecards (allow employees to easily enter timecard info anywhere, anytime, through smart phones)
• Photo archive (the app can archive and protect your digital photos of project activities)
• Submittals (automatically track submittal and submittal package revisions)
• Meeting minutes (Send out comprehensive meeting agendas to all of your meeting attendees)
• Reporting (generate analysis of project data in the system to the detail you require)
• Multilingual interface (for projects using foreign workers)

There are other software packages and vendors, and you need to assess software for yourself before adopting a package in your business.

Contact Drew, our project management software specialist at 757-646-5612 for more information on how these types of solutions can benefit your business.

The post An Introduction to Construction Project Information Management Software appeared first on Hackworth.

“We are honored to be recognized by KIP as one of the top performing dealers for 2013. Our 18 year partnership has been critical to the success of Hackworth and we look forward to growing our business with KIP in the future,” said Charles Hackworth, Vice President of Hackworth.

Hackworth has been an authorized dealer for KIP America since 1996. During this time Hackworth has placed hundreds of KIP printing systems throughout the Mid Atlantic. The wide format team comprises three sales representatives and four service technicians that cover Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northeast North Carolina.

KIP America is a leading manufacturer of digital printers and scanning solutions for color and black and white wide format documents up to 36” wide. Headquartered in Novi, Michigan, KIP is a world leader in wide format document production technology.

Founded in 1991, Hackworth began it’s journey as a blueprint services company. By the mid 1990s they saw the need for providing the equipment they used themselves. Not only is Hackworth an authorized dealer for KIP but they also sell and service HP, Canon, Océ, Xerox, Contex, Graphtec and Colortrac wide format solutions. Additional services provided by Hackworth include color printing, data management and IT services.

The post Hackworth Awarded 2013 Star Performance by KIP appeared first on Hackworth.

Ensuring that a professional design is portrayed and aligned correctly could make the difference in making the best possible impression on both existing and new customers. Through using the services of a local printer you will be introduced to a whole host of resources, options and appearances that can help make you stand out from the crowd.

Here are the top five reasons as to why you must consider using your local printer for your color printing requirements.

Better Options

Hiring the services of your local printing company will open up a whole host of options to give your print materials that professional touch. Such companies have experience in graphic design and will be able to bring out the professionalism in your company’s identity. Creating an effective design is difficult and anyone who has tried to do this themselves on the basic paint function of their home computer will know how amateurish such options done in this way can appear.

It really is not as easy as you would think. This is where your local printing and design company can help you and your business.

Professional Results

Color printing that can withstand the hands of time is a great end result that can be produced by using your local printing company. A non commercial printer such as your standard home variety really lacks the quality required to be able to do this yourself.

The cost of replacing ink cartridges soon adds up too, demonstrating yet another reason to use a nearby printing firm.

Costs Saved

Costs saved will be that of not only the ink but of your time too. Your time is money as well.  The time you have not doing your own printing can be utilized on other aspects of your business. Spare time is hard to find these days so why take up yours by doing your own printing?

Quick and Efficient

With a local print company, printing is their business and as a result they will look after the needs of you and your business. Whether you are looking for business cards, stationery printed or even a special item within a certain niche they will be able to cater to you. A quick and reliable service is worth their weight in gold so be on the lookout for a company such as this.

Less Hassle

Using the services of your local printing company is quick and easy. Simply go into their store and discuss your requirements with one of the members of staff who will be able to go through all the services they have available.

These five reasons are only the start of why you should use an local printer rather than using a online one or even trying to do your own printing at home. Use the services of a reputable local company and give your business the look it needs and deserves.

The post 5 Reasons Why You Should Use Your Local Printing Company appeared first on Hackworth.

If you often print blueprints, banners, or other documents over 24 inches wide, purchasing a wide format printer is an excellent investment. These machines print in either black and white or color, on a wide range of output materials.

There are two primary markets for wide format printers.

The first is the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, which has long used wide format printers (often referred to as “plotters”) for blueprints and other technical documents.

The other market is for graphics printing. Print and design shops use wide format printers to create large-scale signs, banners, textiles, custom fabric orders, and durable outdoor graphics, for advertising agencies, retail stores, educational institutions, and the government.

If your print volume is high enough, your organization will benefit from acquiring a wide format printer of your own.

All of the major printer manufacturers have ranges of wide format printers. HP, for example, produces the Designjet range of 21 different models, each with different specifications and prices. The Designjet 111 is only 3’ 3” wide and produces prints up to D size for about $1 per page, whereas the top-of-the-range Designjet Z5400 can hold two rolls of paper and uses six different colored inks each in separate cartridges.

Other wide format printer manufacturers include Canon, Kip, Océ, Xerox, Epson and Roland.

If you want to choose a wide format printer for your business, how do you proceed? You need to produce a specification of the features you are after and then compare that list to the printers on the market. Here are some ideas:

• How large do you want to be able to print? Up to 100 inches wide?
• Do you want a low cost per print?
• How about separate ink cartridges for each colour? There are pros and cons of this.
• What DPI (dots per inch) do you want to go up to? Greater DPI produces clearer prints.
• Do you want to be able to print from PDF and Postscript files?
• What sort of connectivity does the printer need, network or direct to a PC?
• How noisy can the printer get for your office? (Sound is measured in decibels.)
• Will you want training to be provided for the printer by your supplier?

And how do you choose a printer supplier? You need to find a company like Hackworth in Chesapeake, Virginia, that specializes in wide format printing and knows the technology inside out. It has been in business since 1991. It prints banners and other art-work for its customers, and sells printers and consumables on-line and in store. So you can see the products before you buy them, and see how easy or hard it is to use one of these print devices.

If you have more questions about wide format printers or scanners contact one of our wide format equipment specialists at 800-676-2424.

The post Do I Need A Wide Format Printer? appeared first on Hackworth.

Tip 1: Discuss your project with your commercial printer

Talk with your commercial printer before the design process to save yourself time and money later. Before you start your project, describe your project and goals, and find out if your printer has any special requirements.

Before you create your publication, discuss the following:

• Ask whether or not the printer accepts Publisher files. If you can’t find a commercial printer in your area that does, you should ask about other ways to submit your publication for printing. Most commercial printers accept “PostScript” or “PDF” files, and they can tell you how to create these files from your publication.
•  Inform the printer about your project’s printing needs, such as: quantity and quality of copies, paper stock you want to print on, paper size, recommended color model; any binding, folding, and trimming requirements; the overall budget, file size limitations, and any deadlines there are for the whole project.
• You should always check that the printer has the items that you want in stock.
• Let the printer know whether your publication will include scanned pictures, and if so, whether you will scan them yourself, have a service bureau scan them or if the commercial printer needs to do it.
• Ask for any recommendations that can save you money.

Tip 2: Choose your color model early

Before you spend a lot of time designing your publication, decide whether you want to print your publication in color. If you print your publication to a high-quality digital color printer, you don’t need to worry about the colors you choose as digital color printers accurately reproduce millions of colors.

If you plan to print your publication on an offset printing press, you have several color-model options. Offset printing requires that a professional press operator set up and run the print job. Generally, every ink that is needed to print the publication requires more setup for the operator and increases the cost. The number of inks that you need depends on the color model that you choose.

When you set up color printing for your Microsoft Publisher publication, you can choose from these color models:

RGB (Red, Green, Blue) – Use this model if you print by using a digital color printer.

Single color – Everything in your publication is printed as a tint of a single ink, usually black. This is the least expensive color model to print on an offset press because it only requires one ink.

Spot colors – With this model, everything in your publication is printed as a tint of a single ink – usually black – and a tint of one additional color, the spot color, which is usually used to highlight things. This color model requires a minimum of two inks and can increase the cost of printing on an offset press with each ink that you add.

Process colors (CMYK, or Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and black or Key) – With this color model, your publication is printed in full color by combining varying proportions of the colored inks. Although you can combine these four inks to get almost a full range of colors, you can’t get every color, e.g. CMYK can’t produce colors that are highly saturated or metallic colors.

Process-color printing requires setting up a press with the four CMYK inks. It requires skill on the part of the press operator to line up the impression of one ink with the others, a process called registration. These requirements make process-color printing more expensive than spot-color printing.

Process plus spot colors – This is the most expensive model to print because it combines process-color printing (CMYK inks) with one or more spot-color inks. You use this color model only if you want both full color plus a highly saturated or metallic color that can’t be produced by using CMYK.

The post Tips for Preparing Your Color Microsoft Publisher Publication for Commercial Printing appeared first on Hackworth.

Communications manager Brandon LeBlanc wrote that readers of the official Windows blog are “unlikely” still to be running XP on their PCs, but suggests that “you may know someone who is and have even served as their tech support“. So he wants us tech users to push Microsoft’s upgrade message.

Microsoft has created a web page to make it easier for knowledgeable IT users to explain the upcoming end of support to their less technically-skilled friends and family. (The page is here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/end-support-help.)  One suggestion is to run the Windows Upgrade Assistant to see if their machine can run Windows 8.1. However, LeBlanc suggests the best approach is to get a new PC – a statement that the PC makers will like, in the light of falling hardware sales.

“The easiest path to Windows 8.1 is with new devices and there are offers and deals from many retailers to help people get a new device,” he said, pointing to the many discount offers available.

Unpopularity of the Recommendation

The advice hasn’t been popular among the very readers of the blog that Microsoft is asking to help their less technically-minded colleagues. They have let people comment on the blog, with negative results.

[pullquote align=’normal’]“THANK YOU MICROSOFT” said one commenter. “I have already started teaching my grandmother and her entire bridge club how to use Linux – I would not subject my worst enemy to windows 8 (or 8.1). Even death row inmates are treated better than Microsoft treated its user base with this latest version. Those of us in the IT industry, especially those of us that support large corporate user groups are having nightmares thinking about moving to 8 or 8.1. As long as I have to teach a COMPLETE new operating system to my 1500+ users, I’m going Linux — Ubuntu here we come….” [/pullquote]

Another echoed concerns over the cost of upgrading, saying she’d been hit hard by the economic situation.

[pullquote align=’normal’]“I understand your need to discontinue support for older programs. It’s an expense of time and money that could be used to develop new products,” noted Ruth Brown. “But I am nearing retirement age, and with money tight, and possibly tight for the foreseeable future, I don’t know when I’ll be able to upgrade to a new Windows product.” [/pullquote]

 She requested that Microsoft extend support for XP.

At the time of writing these words, there are about 160 comments on the Microsoft blog. The majority of users do not agree with Microsoft’s decision to pull XP support. The upgrade paths people prefer are to Windows 7 (which isn’t sold by Microsoft anymore) or Linux. It certainly looks as if Microsoft is not earning itself much good will with its blog article or the decision it publicizes.

For more information and help on how the change in support for XP will effect your business contact our IT Specialists at 757-545-7675.

The post Microsoft: The Best Way to Upgrade From XP Is to Buy A New PC appeared first on Hackworth.

By the end of the 20th century, this system had evolved beyond its military and diplomatic origins to become “a global system for the interception of private and commercial communications” (according to a European Parliamentary report). In 2001, the EU Committee investigating ECHELON recommended to the European Parliament that EU citizens routinely use encryption in their communications to protect privacy – to counter economic espionage conducted by US intelligence services via ECHELON.

So, when the disclosures by a former NSA contractor began to be revealed by the press in 2013, it was not exactly “new” news – at least to people who knew about ECHELON. Because of the way the disclosures have been made and the major increase in on-line communication during the 21^st century, a huge public debate has started about how governments spy on their citizens and other people worldwide.

Edward Snowden, the NSA leaker, has been called variously: a hero; a patriot; a whistleblower; a traitor; and a dissident. Which moniker applies depends upon your point of view.  Should people expect their emails to be private, or should the government be allowed to check (in secret) for “threats to national security”?

A lot of people believe that, while they have nothing to hide, they have a fundamental right to privacy. In line with the recommendation made back in 2001 by that EU report, many have resorted to using data encryption to keep the contents of their online communications private. What exactly does it mean to encrypt email?

From World War 2 history, many people have heard of the Enigma machines used by the German military to keep their communications secret.  Messages were coded via a complicated mechanism, broadcast to the recipient who would use the same type of machine to decode the message. The coding/decoding method changed regularly by means of new “keycodes”. It took the Allied forces a long time, but they eventually managed to break the Enigma coding system and read the secret messages.

The same idea is used today.  An email is passed through data encryption software (scrambled) and then the coded message is mailed. The recipient uses a decoding version of the software to decrypt (unscramble) the message and read it. There are several types of encryption, some involving more and more lengthy or complex keycodes. However, as the sophistication of such software has increased, the capabilities of the NSA, GCHQ and other services have also increased, as has the legal backing for their actions.

The Lavabit email service tried to provide secure email by automatically encrypting all email sent through their servers. Lavabit decided to close down in August 2013 after the US Government ordered it to hand over its SSL private key (which opened all email to official scrutiny).

Data encryption is being used more widely. It is possible to keep secrets hidden from most people. It just makes the security services work a tiny bit harder to read data if they choose to and it’s encrypted. You can’t (yet) keeps things secret from them.

For more information on protecting your data, contact our IT Specialists at 800-676-2424.

The post The Rise of Data Encryption for Everyone appeared first on Hackworth.

A secondary reason is to provide backup to current business activities. For example, accounts personnel can only reconcile bank statements if there are records to support the transactions shown on a statement.

Then there is customer service – a business certainly wants to retain customer records to ensure it treats its customers effectively.

Some companies end up with millions of pages of old paper archives. There are companies that specialise in storing paper archives in safe locations, such as inside temperature-controlled caves.

One of the main problems with holding large archives of paper is finding a particular document. Unless paper records are organised extremely efficiently, and everyone always puts them back exactly as they found them, there are real chances of losing some of it as time passes.

Is there a solution to this ever-present problem? Yes: document scanning.

Some businesses have taken the steps of scanning their paperwork. The scanned documents are stored on computers just like any other data files and these can be backed up safely. Each scanned document can be indexed with one or more keywords that can be used later on to search for particular documents.

Some document-image-processing systems (DIPs) are implemented with the aim of cutting down stored paperwork from the very beginning.  New correspondence is scanned as soon as it is arrived, is indexed, and then forwarded across the computer network to the relevant people. The original papers can be discarded as soon as they are scanned correctly.

It is also practical, if lengthy, to implement DIPs to replace an existing document archive with a computer-based one. Where there are millions of pages in an archive, it will take a long time to scan everything. But the benefits of doing this are immense:

• DIPs give users access to documents on their PC screens. They don’t have to traipse to the archive store, fill in a request for a particular set of documents and wait for them to be returned from offsite storage. The documents are available online, usually immediately.
• DIPs allow several people to read a document simultaneously, even in different offices. After all, that document is only a computer file, so it can be shared.
• DIPs introduce security, backups, to paper records in a way that can’t be repeated easily using only paper. Any competent DIPs will have a backup service installed to keep its data safe.
• Some DIPs use character-recognition technology to convert the scanned page into useful, searchable text. This can reduce the size of the resulting scanned document considerably compared to saving it as an image. But it also means that the document content becomes more useful to the business.

Modern document scanning can transform document archiving into a useful business resource that is immediately available to many users.

The post How Document Scanning Is Transforming Legacy Archiving appeared first on Hackworth.

Pebble

The Pebble is a smartwatch created by Pebble Technology and launched in 2013 after a successful funding project on Kickstarter. Pebble Technology was originally called Inpulse and had some success with early smartwatches. But they wanted to achieve something greater.  Enter the Pebble…

The company started a funding project on Kickstarter in April 2012. The initial aim was to raise $100,000 to kick off production of the new Pebble watch.  Within two hours of going live, the project had met the $100,000 goal, and within just six days, the project became the most funded project in the history of Kickstarter, raising $4.7 million. There were still another 30 days to go in the campaign.

When the funding project closed on May 18, 2012, Pebble became the biggest crowd-funded project to date with $10,266,844 pledged by 68,928 people.

This project showed Pebble Technology that there was a huge demand for their new smartwatch. As a result, some time was spent revising the design based on customer feedback, and revisions to their plans for the manufacturing process. Pebble went into mass production in January 2013 with output of 15,000 watches per week. At the time of writing, sales have exceeded 300,000 units.  The Pebble is on sale at Best Buy and Amazon, as well as at getpebble.com.

Ubuntu Edge

The Ubuntu Edge was the design of a state-of-the-art smartphone announced by Canonical on 22 July 2013. The Edge was to run a mobile version of the Ubuntu operating system in a device with the power to run the full Ubuntu desktop when connected to an external keyboard and monitor. Its design was meant to stretch to the limits the capabilities of hand-sized devices.  Edge would have been powered by a super-fast multi-core processor and 4GB of RAM. Internal storage would have been 128GB. These figures have never been used in the context of a mobile phone before.

Canonical sought to crowd-fund the production of 40,000 units via the Indiegogo crowd-sourcing website. The aim was to raise $32,000,000 within a month, which is the biggest target of any crowd-funded project so far. The Edge was not intended to go into mass production after this initial run but to serve as a demonstrator of what can be achieved. The project fell short of its funding goal, with pledges reaching “only” $12,809,906 from nearly 20,000 people and businesses.

The fact that so many people pledged so much for the Edge caused some in the mobile phone industry to sit up and pay more attention to Ubuntu than ever before. Canonical has since started detailed negotiations with several phone manufacturers about developing one or more devices that will ship with the Ubuntu Touch operating system. There may still be success despite their initial failure.

The post Crowdfunding: A Story of Success and Failure appeared first on Hackworth.

“One out of two of businesses never return to the marketplace following a major disaster. Of those that do, half go bankrupt within three years.” Source: Chubb Insurance

Does this worry you? It should. These companies couldn’t have had a proper “disaster recovery plan”.  Such a plan helps you to put in place measures you need in order to stay operational in the event of a disaster.  Disaster recovery focuses on the IT systems that support business functions, compared to “business continuity” which involves planning for keeping all aspects of a business functioning despite disruptive events.

Many parts of the USA, and a number of other countries, have recently experienced harsh weather conditions. Some of these involved a lot of rain and/or snow with driving winds.  If your business premises became waterlogged, how would you manage to continue trading? What about your computer data or records – would they still be available in the event of a water-based disaster?

Preparing for potential future disasters need not be daunting. The first things to consider are the sorts of disasters you think might affect your business and its premises. Then you need to consider how you would overcome these disasters, and put in place some safeguards for your IT systems, to help mitigate the disasters.

If you are a small business, you might be located in a single office with a network server and several desktop PCs connected by a network. Part of your planning for disasters should be to ensure that the company data on the server and the desktop PCs is regularly backed up and that the backup media are kept safely stored outside of the office. If the building burns down, the backups physically located next to the server would be useless as they will be ruined. Fireproof safes are not infallible. If the backups are stored away from your normal place of work, it will help you to set up operations in a new location.

Some businesses buy stand-by equipment that can be rolled out if the main equipment gets damaged or destroyed in day-to-day use. Other businesses contract with specialist disaster recovery companies to supply replacement servers, etc., in the event of a disaster – with the replacement timetable being agreed before disaster strikes. What you choose to do depends upon the services available in your area, and whether or not you have the staff to cope with emergency server replacements.

Think about potential disasters before they occur and how to overcome them, and write up notes on the actions required to resolve these disasters – all of this helps you formulate your disaster recovery plan.

One final suggestion: do test any plan you come up with to ensure that it works. It could be fatal to your business to assume you are ready for a disaster, only to find out at the crunch time that you AREN’T as ready as you thought.

Hackworth offers a full array of IT solutions including back up & data recovery, remote network management, computer hardware support and much more. Contact us for a free IT consultation or for more information: 757-545-7675.

The post Does your business need a disaster recovery plan? appeared first on Hackworth.

What is a Chromebook?

The name “Chromebook” was invented by Google, the developer of the Google Chrome Internet browser and the Chrome operating system (OS) which is based on Linux. A Chromebook is a laptop that runs Chrome OS and the Chrome browser. They normally have basic, low-cost hardware specifications. They are designed for use primarily when connected to the Internet. They use applications (apps) that reside on the Internet, instead of traditional apps that reside on the machine itself.  You obtain apps via the Google Chrome Web Store. All data is stored on cloud services accessed through an Internet connection.

What can you use a Chromebook for? 

Normally, a Chromebook has very limited local disk capacity because of using cloud storage.  Chrome OS loads very quickly, so a Chromebook starts up very fast. Chrome OS keeps itself automatically updated with security updates, etc, so the user never needs to be concerned about that.

While Chromebooks are designed to be used when connected to the Internet, users can use Google apps such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive while offline. Chromebooks come with a built-in local music player and a photo editor that can be used without Internet access. So you can listen to music, write emails, and edit photos offline, ready for when you go online to share or save them.

Why use a Chromebook instead of a normal laptop?

Increasingly, people’s perception of technology revolves around the Internet.  Millions use social networking sites to inter-react with their friends and colleagues, and online email services like Gmail, Yahoo! Mail and Outlook.com are very popular. If you spend most of your computer time on the Web, then the Chromebook might well be for you. When you need to do a bit of word processing, you can use Google Drive to create and edit documents both online and offline. It isn’t as sophisticated as Microsoft Word, but it does do a good job.

Why use a normal laptop instead of a Chromebook?

By definition, a Chromebook does not run Microsoft Windows. It can’t run Windows applications such as MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, etc) or others that depend upon Windows. If your computer use demands a Windows application that has no matching one in Chrome, such as an application for company book-keeping, then you need a normal Windows laptop and not a Chromebook.

You may also be like many and be very concerned about the safety of your documents. With a Chromebook, they are all stored on the cloud in Google Drive. Some prefer to have multiple backups on local network drives, as well as using the cloud.

So, there are many advantages, and some disadvantages, to the Chromebook. In a world where so much time is spent online, demand for low-cost access has meant widespread popularity of low cost devices like the Chromebook. You may well make one your next purchase.

The post Do Chromebooks Have a Role? appeared first on Hackworth.

Watch Design

The Pebble is a simple, thin design with a flat front and back. It is sealed to protect against water immersion so it can be worn while in the shower or swimming. It comes with a basic rubber watchstrap, which can be changed easily as the connections are a standard size. It has a low-power always-on monochrome 1.26 inch display with 144×160 pixels.  It is available in five colors including black and white.

It has a backlight which comes on when a button is pressed, or if the watch is shaken gently (it has a built-in accelerometer).  Talking about buttons, it doesn’t have a touch sensitive display; there are three buttons on the right side and one on the left to navigate through watch functions and make selections.

The watch doesn’t play sounds, but uses vibrations to grab your attention. The watch needs recharging about every 5-7 days via a magnetically-attaching charger cable as the case is sealed.

Main Features

The Pebble is a programmable watch with Bluetooth 4.0 (low power) capabilities.  It acts as a companion to an iPhone or Android phone. There is an official Pebble app for iOS and Android on their app stores that let you download new watchfaces and apps to the watch. There are many apps available to improve watch-phone communication and add extra features to the watch. Major app developers such as Runkeeper have started building in Pebble support to their phone apps.

The Pebble can be configured to receive notifications of events that occur on the phone. For example, each time a text message arrives, you can set your Pebble watch to vibrate and display the message.  It can notify you of any event that your phone would notify you about.

As standard, the watch can be used to accept or decline incoming phone calls, or accept them. It can control your phone’s music app – display the currently playing track, pause/restart play and move forwards or backwards through the play list. Advanced third-party music management apps let you adjust the playback volume and have many other useful features.

In Use

The best feature for many Pebble watch owners is the notifications. Having them sent to your wrist means you can leave your phone on mute in your pocket until you get a Pebble message about something that does need you to respond to it. It is much easier to check your wrist than dig out your phone EVERY time your phone gets an SMS or email.

The phone costs $150, and that mostly goes to pay for the guts of the device. It isn’t as flash as the Galaxy Gear by any means, but it DOES look great, it works well, the software used on the phone and the watch have received many serious upgrades this year, and third-party developer support is outstanding. Oh, and a hardware support environment is growing, including a wide range of skins to change the watch’s color.

The post Wearable Tech: What Is the Pebble? appeared first on Hackworth.

NASA has contracted with technology start-up Made in Space to build the printer. “Imagine an astronaut needing to make a life-or-death repair on the International Space Station,” said Aaron Kemmer, the company’s chief executive. “Rather than hoping that the necessary parts and tools are on the station already, what if the parts could be 3D printed when they needed them?”

“If you want to be adaptable, you have to be able to design and manufacture on the fly, and that’s where 3D printing in space comes in,” said Dave Korsmeyer, director of engineering at NASA’s Ames Research Center.

3D printing technology has come along in leaps and bounds since the concept was first demonstrated. Commercial sales of 3D printers have grown considerably, and some retail for very low prices. Industrial 3D printers cost many thousands of dollars and produce amazingly good items.  However, all of these printers were constructed to operate (unsurprisingly) on planet Earth.

NASA intends to send a microwave-sized 3D printer to the ISS in 2014. Both NASA and Made in Space have some challenges to resolve if NASA wants to ship a printer that works successfully.

Launch into orbit

If anyone has ever watched the launch of a large rocket, he or she will be aware that it is the most dangerous part of the mission.  The rocket accelerates quickly to produce high G-forces in the payload area and there can be considerable shaking. Anything sent to the ISS – people, experiments, a new printer – has to be capable of surviving into orbit.

Lack of gravity

3D printing was developed on the surface of the Earth where gravity rules. In space, inside the ISS, there is no noticeable gravity. The 3D printer has to be designed so that it does not depend upon gravity for positioning its mechanism or the work-in-progress.

Materials used for producing parts

Most 3D printing uses one or other of various types of plastic in a spool form. The printer unspools the plastic and melts it to form a sequence of very thin layers on the printing station. However, the requirements on the ISS are that metal parts have to be manufactured.  Laser-melted titanium and nickel-chromium powders are to be used to build strong components.

So this 3D printer, the size of a microwave oven, will be able to produce useful tools and vital spare parts. Instead of waiting weeks for a spare, the ISS inhabitants will be able to print one in minutes (according to NASA).

The post NASA Plans to Print Space Station Spare Parts – In Space! appeared first on Hackworth.

The Increasing Number Of 3-D Printing Services

About a month ago, the UPS Store—a nationwide franchise of over 4,300 locations—announced that they would start putting 3-D printers in their stores. The current locations are a bit limited, but this was the first big push by a large chain store to make 3-D printing available to a large number of people.

Prices for 3-D printing are still variable, but they mostly depend on how much material your design uses. The material spool used by the Stratasys 3-D printers in the UPS Stores costs $150 for a 30 cubic inch spool. That’s $150 for roughly a pint of material, which makes 3-D printing expensive—put not as expensive as it would be if you also had to pay for the Stratasys printer, which has a base cost of over $20,000.

3-D Printers And Maker Spaces

The printers available in the UPS Store are mid-range business 3-D printers, but there are cheaper printers with cheaper material costs available too. A great place to find these are maker spaces, local organizations (usually co-ops) which buy equipment and then let members use it for a monthly or annual membership fee.

Most mid-sized or larger U.S. cities have at least one maker space with between two dozen pieces of equipment and hundreds of pieces of equipment. 3-D printers and laser engravers are reported to be some of the most popular pieces of equipment at maker spaces across the country.

Maker spaces also often offer introductory classes to 3-D printing even to non-members, giving you a chance to learn about 3-D printing for free or for a very low cost (and, of course, giving you a chance to sign up for a regular maker space subscription once you get hooked).

Free 3-D Printing

As 3-D printers draw more and more attention, some businesses are using them as promotional tools. Once such business is the always marketing savvy Microsoft. Microsoft has teamed up with MakerBot, a company which produces a home-style 3-D printer for less than $3,000, to create what it calls the MakerBot Experience.

Like the maker space classes, the MakerBot Experience is a chance to learn about 3-D printers and get some hands-on experience. Unlike the community classes, Microsoft and MakerBot are subsidizing their demo, so there’s a good chance that you’ll come home with a free (but small) 3-D printed object. (Tiny action figures seem to be the most popular.)

The MakerBot Experience is available in select Microsoft Stores, but even if you miss your opportunity to attend it, you can be sure more and more businesses will be using 3-D printing demonstrations to help get potential customers in the store. And as 3-D printing takes off, you can also expect to see more established businesses like The UPS Store offer 3-D printing on business-quality printers.

The post How To Get Started With 3-D Printing Without Spending A Fortune appeared first on Hackworth.

When you print pictures of Mt. Rushmore, that’s not a big deal. But when you’re printing your tax forms or other confidential documents, it can be a bit scary.

Wireless Printing Is The Same As Wired Printing—Just Without The Cord

All printers have a printer control language. We talked about PostScript, the most popular printer control language, in a previous post, but there are a few dozen other highly popular printer languages. (Each printer manufacturer typically has two or three variants of their own language.)

These printer control languages were mostly developed in the day when your computer connected directly to your printer or to your company’s wired network. They included some security, but that security focused on keeping down costs by preventing unauthorized users from using expensive printers.

When printers went wireless, printer manufacturers saved money by continuing to use the same printer control languages they used for wired networking. But wireless is different from wired networking in one very important way: anyone with a wireless card can pick up the signals transmitted by any other nearby wireless card.

Improvements In Wireless Security

Printers weren’t the only type of device which was adapted to wireless networking without thought of security. Pretty much every software and hardware system from the late 1990s found itself adapted to wireless networking by the mid-2000s. This created a whole rash of security problems.

Network security engineers realized how difficult it would be to go in and fix all of these problems. For example, securing wireless printers would require updating the firmware and drivers for every single wireless printer on the market. That might be possible, but doing the same thing for network file storage devices, email servers, local area directories, and hundreds of other services would be practically impossible.

So they found another solution—they created a way to encrypt all data sent over wireless connections. The first attempt at doing this was called Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) because it offered the same level of privacy as physically wiring your devices together. Unfortunately, WEP had some major faults which made it a security failure.

Today, most wireless devices support Wifi Protected Access (WPA, also called WPA2) which offers a level of encryption which is extremely difficult to break when used correctly.

Making Sure All Of Your Devices Use WPA

If you want to make sure hackers can’t save copies of the documents you print, you must make sure all of the devices involved in printing use WPA. That means:

1. Your router must have WPA turned on.
2. Every computer you plan to use to print must use WPA.
3. Your printer must use WPA.

Each router is a little bit different, so check your router’s manual to learn how to turn on WPA. If your router is more than five years old, it may not support WPA—if that’s the case, you’ll either have to accept that hackers can read you documents if they want to or you’ll have to buy a newer router.

Once WPA is turned on, the other devices in your home or office should be unable to connect until they’re configured to use WPA. Windows Vista and above and Mac OSX 10.5 (Leopard) and above, plus all recent versions of Linux, Android, and iOS all make connecting to WPA routers easy.

Most wireless printers from the last five years should also support WPA, although you’ll have to read your printer manual to configure it.

Once you have all of your devices configured to print using WPA, you can relax knowing that you’re printing securely.

Need help with your business’s IT related needs? Call our IT Specialists at 757-545-7675.

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Business apps can be customer-facing apps which help you make more money, or they can be internal apps which help boost productivity or save you money in the long term. They aren’t for every business, but they’re certainly becoming more popular—and for good reason.

Using Customer-Facing Apps

For over a decade, online marketers have known that the single most powerful marketing tool on the Internet is the opt-in email list. Getting customers to agree to let you send them occasional marketing messages lets businesses generate sales and, more importantly, get repeat sales which are typically the most profitable sales in any business.

But as more businesses realize the power of email marketing and as vendors make it easier to outsource the most difficult parts of email marketing (list management), the number of businesses competing for each customer’s email opt-ins has skyrocketed. The result is that it’s getting harder to get customers and potential customers to agree to sign up for your mailing list.

(You should still probably try to do it, as the costs are low and the benefits high, but don’t expect it to be as easy as a marketing book from five years ago says it is.)

Happily, technology has given forward-thinking businesses another way to create opt-in marketing opportunities—the mobile app. When a customer or potential customer installs your app, you have the ability to send them custom marketing messages. It’s better than email because you get a lot more control over the message and how it’s displayed, plus you can track very specifically how much attention the user pays to the message.

Of course, nobody signs up for a mailing list or installs an app just to receive marketing messages. Your list or your app has to deliver value—but if you can do that, you’ll have an opportunity to keep customers coming back to your business over and over.

Simple apps, such as an app which tells your customers what sales you currently have running, can cost between $2,000 and $10,000 to develop. If you already have all of the content you want to deliver to the app online using an open source content management system (such as WordPress or Drupal), you can probably cut your app development costs in half.

Internal Business Apps

Do important people in your business spend a significant amount of time away from their desks? If so, a mobile app could significantly boost their productivity. The key factor is whether or not they need to make decisions while they’re away from their computers.

Salespeople know that the faster they respond to a potential customer, the greater the likelihood of the sale. Salespeople in some businesses also spend a lot of time away from the office, making them the perfect target for an app which helps them stay in touch with customers.

Businesses whose staff never sit at a traditional desk can sometimes replace expensive proprietary systems with an in-house app. Think of warehouses which do constant inventory management using special devices or a transportation company which pays high fees to track each driver with a special GPS device. Both systems could probably be replaced with generic smartphones or tablets and a custom app.

Internal business app prices vary greatly depending on how complicated the process you want to automate and how many resources are already available for the programmer to use.

How To Get Started

Most custom app development companies will offer a free consultation, so sketch a few ideas on the back of an envelope and give two or three different companies a call to ask what’s possible and how much it will cost.

On thing most app development companies neglect to mention is on-going app maintenance costs. Even if the app they write you is perfect and you business never changes, mobile operating systems do change all the time and apps need to be updated on a regular basis, so be sure to ask prospective developers about maintenance costs so you can factor it into your budget.

Apps aren’t right for every business, but more and more businesses are discovering the benefits of custom apps every day.

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How Portable Scanners Work

Portable scanners come in two different variants: very small computer scanners and fully-detached scanners.

The small computer scanners can be cheaper, but they need to be connected to a computer in order to work. That makes them less portable, as you’ll also need to carry some sort of mobile device with you and probably at least a tablet-sized device so you can check image quality without zooming in and out too much.

The fully-detached portable scanners don’t require any external connections to scan, although most of them do require an additional storage card (usually an SD card) which adds to their cost. With these, you scan the photograph or document and download it to your computer later.

Some portable scanners of both types have a small one-page feed mechanism so you can insert a page, press the scan button, and it will pull the page over the imager. This guarantees a good scan but limits the maximum size document you can scan.

Other portable scanners, mostly of the fully-detached type, require you manually wave or roll the scanner over the page. This can create distortions if you don’t move the scanner in a straight line, but there’s also a benefit: if you use special software after downloading the image to your computer (called photo stitching software), you can combine several scans of different parts of the same large document or poster into a single full-sized image.

The Convenience Trade-Off

Fully-detached portable scanners would seem to be the most convenient. They’re typically only about 9 inches wide (slightly wider than an 8.5-inch letter-sized sheet) and about an inch thick and an inch tall, so they’ll fit in backpacks, daypacks, briefcases, and even some larger purses.

They don’t require you carry a computer, but this is also their downside. Because you can’t preview the image after scanning it, there’s a chance you’ll get back home or to your office and discover you made a bad scan—which may mean that you’ll need to go back and scan the document again.

Computer scanners require that computer or tablet connection, but if you already have a small netbook or tablet that you carry with you often, this doesn’t add much of a burden.

Who Should Use A Portable Scanner, And Who Can Use An Alternative

Professional and amateur researchers are the target market for portable scanners, particularly people who need to scan public records or library reference material.

If you frequently visit the same research location and don’t have tight deadlines, you may find it more convenient to carry a fully-detached scanner—after all, if you make a bad scan, you can always rescan the document the next time you’re researching.

But if you can’t easily rescan your document—such as going to a foreign country to research genealogy records—you should probably use a portable computer scanner to ensure you make high-quality scans.

On the other hand, if you aren’t planning any real research, you can use a trick I’ve used when traveling—use your digital camera or camera-equipped mobile device to make a pseudo-scan. Just put the page on a flat surface, hold your photographic device over it, and snap photos until you get a good one.

To make it look like a legitimate scan, you may need to open the file in a photo editor and trim the borders a bit. This whole process takes quite a bit longer than using either type of portable scanner, but it saves you from having to carry a scanner with you on non-research trips.

The post How Useful Are Small Portable Scanners? appeared first on Hackworth.

What makes postscript so special that these printers all support it natively?

Postscript And Vector Graphics

Printers print using dots to create images the same basic way the pixels in your computer monitor create images. Some image file formats reflect this by creating a bitmap, a map which describes what color to use for each bit (pixel or dot) in the image. This works well if your monitor or printer has the same number of pixels or dots as the image.

But when the bitmap has 72 pixels per inch (a common computer monitor resolution prior to high definition) how should your printer print it at 300 or 600 dots per inch (common printer resolutions)?

The answer is vector images. Instead of describing where each pixel or dot goes, vector images use constructs which look a lot like your high school geometry. To draw a line, a vector image doesn’t define which pixels to fill; it simply specifies the start point of the line and the end point of the line.

When your monitor or printer reads the vector image, it can turn the line definition into a specific series of pixels or dots, maintaining near-perfect quality at any resolution.

Postscript is a file format created to make it easy for computers to create vector images. To help computers quickly define complex operations, it also included a computer programming language which could be used to move or repeat objects without having to redefine them.

How Postscript Became Popular

To develop and sell postscript, its two lead programmers founded a company, Adobe Systems. You may have heard of them. But postscript’s real breakthrough came thanks to a suggestion made by someone else you may have heard of: Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Computer.

Around the time Adobe began to sell Postscript for describing computer graphics, Apple was about to produce its first laser printer, the LaserWriter. Jobs suggested to Adobe that postscript would work very well as a printer language, so Adobe made a few changes and the LaserWriter became the first printer to use postscript.

Because the LaserWriter was powered by postscript, the LaserWriter could print higher quality documents than all of its competition, making the LaserWriter the most successful printer of its day by a long shot and solidifying postscript’s reputation as necessary for high-quality graphics. Most laser printers which followed the LaserWriter used postscript as well, until cheap laser printers dropped in price so much that it became too expensive to pay Adobe for postscript licensing fees. Cheap printers instead used Windows or Mac to convert postscript files into bitmap images and then print the images.

High-end printers, however, still use postscript directly to help ensure maximum quality and because many high-end desktop publishing programs still expect to print postscript.

Post-Postscript

As a complete programming language, postscript has some flaws. One of them is that programs aren’t always safe—they can contain viruses and bugs. Postscript viruses can’t infect your computer, but they can use up all of the CPU and memory on your computer (or your printer) until you close the postscript file or turn off your printer. (This is annoying but not really dangerous.)

Another problem with programs is that you have to run the whole program in order to get to the parts at the end. So to display the last page of a 300-page document, a computer needs to internally display all 299 preceding pages, which makes postscript files seem slow.

Adobe addressed these problems with the Portable Document Format (PDF) which is very similar to postscript but removes the programming parts and adds in some other features. Most programs today which create PDFs actually generate postscript and then convert it into a PDF. Conversely, many printers which directly print PDFs actually translate the PDFs back into postscript and print the postscript.

Although postscript will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2014, it’s still the predominant language for high-end printers and shows no signs of being replaced.

The post What Is Postscript And Why Do Almost All High-End Printers Support It? appeared first on Hackworth.

Printer manuals and those instructions which come with toner cartridges say not to do this. But is that just because they want to sell you more toner, or is there an actual reason you shouldn’t shake toner cartridges?

The answer is: it depends.

When It’s (Mostly) Safe To Shake Toner Cartridges

Most home and small office printers use a combination toner cartridge. The cartridge holds more than just toner—it also contains the imaging drum and developer. The imaging drum creates a static electric version of your image and the developer statically charges tiny amounts of your toner and applies it to the charged parts of the drum. Then the imaging drum rolls over a sheet a paper, transferring the image onto it.

When you replace your combination toner cartridge, you also replace the imaging drum and the developer. This is important if you plan to shake your toner cartridge because using the developer when you’re low on toner can damage it—but you don’t really need to worry about damage if you’re going to replace it in a few days anyway when you get your new toner cartridge.

Of course, if you’ve ever shaken a toner cartridge, you probably know about the other risk—toner might leak out of the cartridge. Toner powder is extremely fine—individual grains can be from 12 to 5 micrometers (microns) in diameter, making them act like dust. They can get on your clothes, in your eyes, or in your lungs if you inhale them.

• Toner on your clothes should be washed off with a cold rinse cycle. Toner is designed to be permanently melted into paper, so you definitely want to avoid exposing your clothes to anything hot—like the summer sun—until you get the toner washed off.
• Toner in your eyes can quickly dry out your eyes, creating potential damage if left untreated. Common toner is just plastic or wax, so it isn’t toxic to the eye, but you should wash it out with cold water immediately to prevent dry eye damage.
• Toner in your lungs is a real problem. If you inhale toner, it’s a lot like inhaling dust, so you’ll start coughing immediately. The toner will stick to the inside surface of your lungs and inhibit the ability of your body to absorb oxygen. In the unlikely situation you inhale a major amount of toner, call 911 for immediate treatment. Toner is not toxic, so as long as you get over your initial bout of coughing, your body will remove the remainder from your lungs on its own. (But seek treatment if you have lingering concerns.)

To avoid problems without putting on safety glasses or otherwise looking like a dork, simply inhale, hold the toner away from you, turn your face in the other direction, shake, turn back slowly, and start breathing normally again once you verify that there’s no toner hanging in the air.

When It’s Never Safe To Shake Toner Cartridges

Large high-volume laser printers have a separate imaging drum and developer, and the toner cartridge is often just a transparent or translucent plastic bottle. You never want to shake the toner bottle.

Although shaking the toner bottle isn’t any less safe to your health than shaking a home or small office toner cartridge, if your printer runs out of toner because you tried extending the life of your bottle, your developer could break. High-volume laser printers have expensive developers, so it could cost you a few hundred dollars for a new developer and a few hundred dollars for the service tech to replace it. That’s too much cost for the benefit of printing an extra few dozen pages.

In short, with a normal home or office laser printer, shake safely. If your printer is the size of a desk or larger; don’t shake at all.

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Right?

Well, maybe not. A specialized device sold to thousands of elementary schools across the United States for over a decade could be the answer.

The Alphasmart: A Digital Typewriter

Children need to learn how to type and compose using computers, but until recently, laptops were too fragile and cost too much to give to grade-school age children. So over a decade ago, a company created a solution: the Alphasmart.

The Alphasmart is a very basic computer. There have been a few different models over the years, but must models have had only two visible parts: a keyboard and a four to six line monochrome LCD screen.

Unlike a laptop, the keyboard and the screen are held together with a solid (non-hinged) piece of thick plastic, making the Alphasmart extremely robust. It will certainly survive a fall to the ground from any typical drop height.

Text Processing Only

As a basic computer, the Alphasmart only really does one thing: text processing. I say text processing because it does not even do what you probably think of as word processing—you can’t format text with bold or italics, create headings, or type anything besides letters, numbers, spaces, and punctuation.

There’s also no Internet, no apps (except a calculator), no wavy red spell check lines, and nothing else to distract you from writing.

There’s not even a regular operating system. You press the on button and it displays your document within two seconds. You don’t have to save anything either; you just press the off button and your document is automatically saved (or you can wait 5 minutes and it will save your document and turn off automatically).

Battery Life

But perhaps the most interesting feature of the Alphasmart is how it’s powered. Your laptop might give you 5 hours of life on its specialized battery. Your mobile phone and tablet might let you use them for 10 or 15 hours. But the latest version of the Alphasmart gets an incredible 300 hours of working time on a single set of batteries—and months in standby (powered off) mode.

Better yet, keeping spare batteries for the Alphasmart is easy—all it takes is three standard AA batteries, so you can write your manuscript on a deserted island with nothing but your Alphasmart and a few spare batteries.

Getting Your Data To Your Computer

The Alphasmart is compatible with practically any computer—Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and more. The trick is how it transfers data. Instead of requiring that you install fancy data transfer software, it simply pretends to be an extra keyboard.

You connect it to your computer by USB, open up a new document or text editor, and press the Send key on the Alphasmart. At roughly 1,000 words per minute, the Alphasmart retypes your file into the document on your computer. Although this can take several minutes if you have a long document, you can walk away and do something else while it transfers.

Limitations And How To Get One

Although the Alphasmart is great for writing, its tiny screen and lack of formatting makes editing difficult and typesetting practically impossible. It also has a memory limit (varying by model) of about 64,000 words. If you want to write more than that, you’ll have to transfer data to your computer and clear the Alphasmart’s memory.

Renaissance Learning, the company which currently makes the Alphasmart, sells them directly to writers for about $120, but this isn’t the best deal. Because Renaissance Learning also sells them to schools in bulk and the schools occasionally get rid of them in bulk, it’s very easy to buy a used current-model Alphasmart for about $35 plus shipping or a used older-model Alphasmart for less than $20 plus shipping, making it an excellent investment in actually getting around to writing your next book.

The post How A $25 Kids Toy Can Help You Write A 64,000-Word Book (But Not A Word Longer) appeared first on Hackworth.

How All Laser Printers Work

You send a document to your laser printer and your printer turns it into a bitmap image—an image where the printer knows exactly what color to put in each dot of the image. If this is a black-only printer, each pixel is either empty (white) or full (black). For color images, the printer figures out the right combination of its different colored toner to create the color you want.

Then the printer creates a static electric charge on a special roller, called the imaging drum. The static charge will let toner stick to the roller the same way your clothes stick together when they have a static charge after being taken out of the dryer. But before the toner is applied, the printer uses a laser to imprint the bitmap image on the roller.

The special imaging drum roller (which can be a belt in modern laser printers) is made out of a material which conducts electricity when light hits it, so the laser eliminates the static charge on the parts of the roller it imprints. The rest of the roller remains charged—and sticky.

The roller then rolls over the toner reservoir in your printer. The charged (sticky) parts of the roller pick up toner. When the roller finally rolls over a paper sheet, the toner transfers to the sheet.

For a black-only printer, only one application is necessary. For a color printer, the roller must apply each color toner separately. Since most color laser printers have four color toners (cyan, magneta, yellow, and black), multiple rollers are often used one after another to speed up the process. (Typically two rollers in home/office printers with two passes each and four rollers in high-volume commercial printers with a single high-speed pass.)

Most modern toner is made of plastic (but in some applications, wax is used). The plastic won’t stay stuck to the sheet of paper on its own, so the paper runs through a second roller heated to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. (Temperatures vary by printer.) This melts the plastic toner into the page, blending the colors and creating your final document.

The Special Challenges Of Color Laser Printers

Black-only printers have it easy—they apply toner in one pass and then melt the toner into the page. But color printers typically make four different passes and blend the ink colors together at the end. This can become a huge problem if the different rollers are even slightly out of alignment.

If your printer wants to create a particular color by blending together a specific ratio of its three different color toners, but the roller which applies one of those colors is out of alignment, the formula won’t work and you’ll get (for example) blue instead of green.

How precise does the alignment need to be? It’s easy to figure out for your printer—look at your printer’s maximum specified Dots Per Inch (DPI). It’s usually 600 or 1,200 DPI. Each dot (pixel) must be in alignment, so a printer with a 1,200 DPI rating can’t be more than 1,200th of a inch out of alignment (that’s 0.00083 of an inch or 21 micrometers—or roughly equal to the minimum width of a human hair, 17 micrometers).

This high degree of required precision is one reason color laser printers cost more than black-only laser printers. All of the technology for laser printing is basically the same, but color laser printers must be built to higher engineering standards in order to ensure the rollers and their lasers are built in perfect alignment and stay in perfect alignment for tens or hundreds of thousands of pages.

Considering that challenge, it’s incredible that color laser printers are as affordable as they are today.

The post How Do Color Laser Printers Work? appeared first on Hackworth.

If you only had a few thousand documents scanned, it’s easy enough to load the image of every document into a image thumbnail program and skim through them 20 images at a time during your lunch break, but what if you have tens of thousands of scanned documents—or more?

Get Your Computer To Read Your Documents

If you used a document services company or you’re familiar with scanning technology, you’ve probably heard of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) programs which can read printed text with accuracy rates exceeding 99%. Your document services company may have tried to upsell you OCR services as part of your scanning contract as a way to add a searchable index to your documents. Whether or not you bought the upgrade, you can use OCR yourself to test your scanned documents.

OCR software can create a text-only version of an image if that image has any text. Some OCR software is totally automatic, so it can create those text versions of each page on your computer overnight while you sleep. (For millions of pages, you might need to dedicate a computer to the task for several days or weeks.)

Many OCR programs you see for sale have point-and-click user interfaces which let you select which documents to process, but there are a number of command-line or scriptable OCR programs which don’t have a graphical user interface. These OCR programs are easy for programmers and system administrators to integrate into other programs, and that’s exactly what you need—a program to read your scanned documents.

How the Document Auto Verifier Works & How To Build It

Any programmer and any senior system administrator can write a super simple program which does an easy job:

1. Uses a command-line OCR program to create a text version of a scanned document image.
2. Checks to see how many English words are in the text version.
3. Makes a note in a log if the text version has too few words. (A better way is to make a copy of the image version into a special folder for easy review.)
4. Starts over on the next image.

If the OCR program finds a lot of words in a document, the document was probably scanned well. If it doesn’t find a lot of words, the scanned image may have a problem—it could be blank, it could be unrecognizable, or the image file could be damaged. (You might also not have a problem—the scanned document could’ve been a picture or blank form.)

The best news is that this process doesn’t need to cost you anything except for the hour it takes your system administrator to set it up and the time you (or your assistant) spends analyzing the log of problem images. That’s because, thanks to Google, one of the best command-line OCR programs is open source software—in other words, it’s free.

Tell your system administrator to search for Tesseract OCR—the program Google uses to scan millions of books for Google Books—and get proof your documents were accurately scanned.

For more information on scanning large and format documents, contact our experts in the Production Department at 757-545-7675 or production@hackworth.co.

The post How To Automatically Verify Your Bulk Scan Job Scanned Correctly appeared first on Hackworth.

As with any business, it is vitally important that you are constantly looking to expand your range of customers. Getting referred is ok for a while, usually when starting out but as a long term marketing strategy you have to be a little bit smarter with your methods of advertising. You need to keep getting your name out in the public domain and seen by others. The best way for this to happen is to have signs created and placed where there is either a lot of vehicle or foot traffic.

Cost Effective Marketing

Printing signage is a cost effective way of promoting your business. You initial outlay may well involve getting a graphic designer to come up with a great looking, head turning sign and then you will have to find a company to create the actual sign for you. You may well choose to start with a small number of sign to see how you get on and then increase how many you use as your business grows. The best thing about using signs is that you own them. There are no ongoing costs each month that you will have to pay.

Location, Location, Location

When using signs to promote your business, you will have to find places for them to be seen. There may well be a number of free sites for you to use, such as on your property or vehicle. However, there are a number of places which may well charge for you to place your sign on their property. Be smart with your signs and try to keep your costs as low as possible.

Design Is Important

When printing signage for your business you will need to think carefully about what you want your potential customers to see. If you have a head turning logo and an attractive this will all be for nothing if you fail to include contact details, phone number of website address for people to get in touch with you. A graphic designer who specializes in printing signage will be able to go through a number of designs and options for you. Ensure that you use a reputable designer who has a proven track record in printing signage before committing yourself. Design a winning sign now and you can generate lots of new leads for your business.

If you need help with your signage and graphic design, contact our professionals in the Color Department: 757-545-7675 or color@hackworth.co.

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Why Printers Store Your Data

Here’s a fun trick: print a multipage document to your USB or Wireless printer. After it starts printing, gently pull out the USB cord or disconnect your computer from the wireless network. In most cases, the document will keep printing, indicating your printer is printing it from its memory instead of from the computer directly. This is a feature common to almost all modern printers.

Printer manufactures didn’t design this feature because they wanted to serve people who trip over their cords or have bad wifi; they added memory to printers for three reasons:

1. To make printers print a little faster. Memory lets a printer accept the document from the computer as fast as its connection allows, so even if the computer slows down later (maybe because you decided to play a game), the printing won’t slow down.
2. Most modern color printers work by combining together different colors of ink in a marvelously complicated process. To make this work as well as possible, each printer has a sophisticated printing language which describes how the document should look. Modern printing languages are almost all almost programming languages so the computer can exert full control over how the printer works, but to run a computer program, the printer needs to load the entire program into its memory before it can start running (and printing) any of it.
3. In addition, many modern printers support more than one printing language. For example, high-quality printers designed for business tend to support not just their own native language (usually called PCL, or Printer Command Language) but also Adobe Postscript (PS), which actually is a programming language widely used for even non-printing tasks, such as being the language Mac OSX uses to display 2-D windows.

Where Printers Store Your Data And What To Do About It

Similar to computers, printers have both volatile memory (like computer RAM) which gets lost when you turn the printer off and non-volatile memory (like computer hard drives) which sticks around until it’s deleted.

The volatile memory isn’t an issue unless you need to worry about the police suddenly raiding you house. To purge volatile memory, just unplug your printer for 60 seconds or more.

Non-volatile memory is what you need to worry about if you just printed a confidential document. Printers tend to use their memory as what programmers call a circular buffer: data gets written in each sequential part of the memory until it gets to the end and then it starts at the beginning again, seeming to go in a circle.

So if you just printed a scanned copy of all your credit cards and now you want to sell your printer on eBay, you need to print enough non-confidential documents to use up the whole circular buffer. On business printers with non-volatile memory measured in gigabytes, this can take a long time. On home printers, you can usually just print 5 to 10 complicated documents, such as pictures or anything else besides plain text.

Oh, and there’s a nifty trick which can save you lots of ink: keep your old ink cartridges. When you need to clear out your printer’s memory, take out your full ink cartridges, put in the old cartridges, tell the printer to stop complaining about low ink, and print as many pages with as much color in them as you need to clear the memory. Then put your full ink cartridges back in so you can print like normal. It’s kind of a pain, but it can save you $10 or more in ink costs each time you clear your printer memory.

The post Could Your Printer Be A Security Risk Because It Saves A Copy Of Your Data? appeared first on Hackworth.

Types Of Digital Document Signatures

There’s a lot of confusion about digital document signatures and what exactly they mean. I see three common different uses of the phrase:

1. Scanned copies of manual signatures which you can copy and paste into a document. Then you can print the document as a PDF to create what looks like a scanned signed document. These offer no security, but they’re awfully convenient for virtually signing documents while on the road.
2. Document management systems which let you mark a document as signed. For example, many electronic health information management (medical record) programs let doctors mark orders and reports as signed. Most of these signatures only provide as much security as the integrity of the system’s database—if someone can tamper with the database, they can forge signatures. (But, note, some document management systems integrate with the following type of digital signature.)
3. Cryptographic digital signatures which use a mathematical formula to create an altered version of a document which guarantees that a particular person with a particular electronic key created that version of the document.

How Cryptographic Digital Signatures Work

Cryptographic signatures all use a mathematical formula open to the public, although you need to be a math expert to understand it. There are a few different systems, each one with a different formula, but they all work in the same basic way.

First, the formula creates a unique identification number based on the entire contents of the document you want to sign. This number is usually called a hash by programmers. Then the formula looks for a second piece of information, called a key, and uses it to transform the hash into a signed hash.

The magic is in the key. Mathematical principles show that there are some operations that are easier to perform in one direction than in the other. For example, find the square of 6. Now find the square root of 49. Which took you longer? It was probably the square root. Although modern computers can square and square root numbers at roughly the same speed, there are certain advanced math operations which they can do quickly one way, but which take forever to do in the opposite direction.

Cryptographic keys exploit that fact to create a key with two sides—a public side and a private side. When the cryptographic formula signs a document, it uses the private side of your key—that’s the easy part of the formula. When someone wants to verify that you signed the document, you give them the public side of your key—that’s the hard part of the formula. They can use the public key to verify that you signed the document, but it would take them millions of dollars of computer processing power to be able to do all the math required to use your public key to forge your signature.

What Cryptographic Digital Signatures Mean For You

The U.S. military uses cryptographic keys to sign almost all of their emails, and an increasing number of document management solutions which require absolutely impossible-to-forge documents (such as legal orders) are increasingly implementing cryptographic signatures. It’s highly likely that, as document and contract management becomes increasingly digital, cryptographic digital signatures will be more and more used.

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The Problem With Live Collaborative Document Editing

Businesses have been doing collaborative document editing since ancient times. Work is simply divided up between different authors, each author writes his or her piece, and the pieces are assembled by an editor who smooths out differences in tone and style.

Online document editing doesn’t change that system, although many new businesses without experience in offline collaborative editing may not think to clearly partition work, leading authors to inadvertently write some duplicate content or fail to write some other content. But with good project management, online document editing should work at least as smoothly as older offline document editing.

The problem which comes up is distraction: as multiple authors work on a document at the same time in an online system, the desire to watch other the other writers at work can be at times overwhelming. For many people, writing requires solitude and concentration, which is one thing live online collaborative document editing does not provide.

You Always Make More Typos When People Watch You

Have you ever had your boss stand behind you while you tried to type something on your computer. Somehow, magically, your 20-years of touch-typing skill disappears and your fingers turn to all thumbs. As you make typo after typo, you get embarrassed, and the situation gets even worse.

Live document editing lets anyone else on your shared document watch you work. It’s the equivalent of having not just your boss stand over your shoulder, but also your entire workgroup. And, worse, writing isn’t the same as typing. Everyone knows the first draft of a document is usually bad, but what your online audience is seeing is pre-first draft. They’re watching as you pause for 30 seconds to think of a synonym, or as you delete the previous sentence because it didn’t work, or as you misspell some common word with some silly rule you never memorized (“there’s ‘a rat’ in separate”).

Writing is hard enough when nobody can see your mistakes; it’s nearly impossible when you’re worried about other people watching you.

The Solution To Online Document Editing Problems

Some collaborative editing apps have the ability to turn off live editing, although (disturbingly) some don’t have this option and call it’s absence a feature. But there’s also a really simple way to get back to the old style of collaborative document editing: simply create your document offline in Microsoft Office or as a personal document in your online productivity suite and then, after you finish writing and editing your part, copy and paste it into the shared online document.

As long as you can convince your boss that you’re working even though he can’t see you typing, writing documents “offline” protects your privacy and probably boost your productivity, and it also saves you from teasing from your co-workers because you don’t know how to spell seperate—I mean separate.

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Socialize

Entrepreneur recommends creating event-specific cards in small quantities. Your cards can be a directed call to action for a specific purpose. They can act as targeted advertising. Consider directing card focus to trade shows, specific download sharing or show-specific offers. At social events, distribute cards that invite partygoers to take a look at photos of the gathering at a microsite or on Facebook. Include other socially relevant sites on your cards, such as Pinterest and YouTube.

Dual Purpose

Multitasking your business card is another way to generate the kind of interest you’re looking for. Examples of ways cards can have alternative uses is as bookmarks, key chains, magnets, stickers, note cards and other conversation pieces.

Stand Out

You can create a bold look with a number of techniques, including bright color, glossy surface, textured surface, non-standard sizing and non-standard shape. One or more of these techniques can be combined for an unusual look that some may save just because of the novelty. An example might be a glossy oversized red card shaped like an elephant for digital storage services. It could be associated with a slogan such as, “We remember everything.”

Use Different Materials

This is one way your business cards can make a high-impact statement. An example is using material such as wood or vinyl for a business card representing a flooring company. An indestructible acrylic business card in a bold color will be difficult to overlook. A rigid brightly colored calling card might be the one that’s most memorable. Companies with a green or environmentally conscious ethic may choose recycled material while making a note of that on the card.

MomDot has some amazing examples of business cards that are completely startling and unforgettable. For example, there is the divorce lawyer’s card with a serrated edge down the middle so that it can easily be torn in half. Another example is an exquisitely simple leaf stamped with a grasshopper and a street address. Playing cards embossed with a stunning designer portfolio are yet another example of ingenuity and creativity combining to produce outstanding marketing in the form of a business card.

Choose just one of the above techniques, or combine them. When you think out of the box, people will notice. You need to generate interest to rise above the sea of the ordinary. Bring your imagination, ideas and enthusiasm to our  Color Department and we can turn your idea into reality. You will find the sky’s the limit on what you can achieve in effective marketing.

If you need additional help designing your cards or don’t have the time, contact one of our full time graphic designers at 757-545-7675. We’ll be glad to help.

What ways does your business card stand out? Tell us in the comments.

The post 4 Tips for Designing a Stand-Out Business Card appeared first on Hackworth.

Being a professional graphic designer it is necessary to keep up with the changing trends in order to get recognition for your art. The various aspects that determine a well designed poster or signage are the script used, colors used, material used for printing and so on. Below are some of the latest trends in the field of graphic designing, which have made their mark in the current time.

Hand Drawings Are Back

Remember how much we all loved hand drawn illustrations of circus and upcoming movies put up on street corners earlier. The concept has not died but reborn in the modern era, where hand drawn illustrations are effectively combined with digital art to make wonderful designs. The growing trend is catching up with commercial giants like Urban Outfitters, Ford, Nokia, and Microsoft as they appreciate the intricacies of the art. Experts acknowledge that this is the purest form of art and very hard to copy as is the case with other digital forms of designs.

Animated Cinema Graphs

This innovative new style of graphic design combines animation with still pictures to create unique and some times humorous graphics. This technique has gained tremendous popularity in recent times. These animated GIFs are a latest buzz across social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, which are some of the best online marketing platforms for businesses across the world.

Big and Bold Is In

Many new artists in the field of digital art and conventional graphic design are opting for bold colors and big characters in their design. This trend is getting noticed and preferred as it displays the message in a simple but bold tone. Experts say the trend is particularly popular amongst the younger generation who can relate to the bold text and colors.

The Vintage Look

More than likely you have come across many pictures and graphics in various advertising and media platforms resembling themes from 20, 30 or 40 years ago. These vintage themes can be seen in applications such as Instagram, a popular photo app for smartphones. It proves that design elements and trends can return after many years of absence.

Short and Sweet

It is repeatedly said that a branding, logos and identities of companies should be simple, without any complicated designs. Simple designs tend to get imprinted in people’s mind better than complicated ones. More and more leading companies have stripped their existing logos to a minimal design and have introduced bright colors in order to communicate their brand more effectively.

Design trends come and go but one thing remains true, find trusted graphic designers to help communicate the message of your business. They can help you deliver a professional brand, logo and identity to the world. The easier it is for customers to understand your business the more customers you will have.

Between Hackworth and The Graphics Shop there are six full time graphic designers ready to help you bring your idea to life. Contact us for more information.

The post 2013 Latest Trends in Graphic Design appeared first on Hackworth.

What is Carbon Footprint and How to Effectively Reduce It?

We have heard about greenhouse gases and how their increasing quantity in the atmosphere can effect the environment adversely. Carbon Footprint is a measure of the total emission of all the greenhouse gases upon the complete combustion of a particular amount of a compound. It is however, very difficult to precisely determine the exact value of carbon footprint of a compound but even approximate values give you a fair idea about the pollution capacity of that particular item.

Carbon footprint of a particular process will be the accumulation of all the emission details of all the chemical compounds used in the process. This value can be effectively reduced by substituting few or if possible all the pollutant chemical compounds by eco-friendly, green compounds. The various other ways to reduce the carbon footprint of a process, like in this case the printing process, can be summarized in techniques like recycling wastes, reduced use of hazardous chemicals, reuse of materials whenever possible to reduce the production of waste, proper and ethical disposal of hazardous waste and so on.

Why Companies Should Take Responsibility For their Environment?

Companies using traditional printing techniques, which do not attempt to reduce pollution and carbon footprint of the processes followed by them, emit a lot of hazardous wastes like VOCs, during a standard printing process. VOC is an abbreviation for Volatile Organic Compounds, which due to their high volatile nature evaporate and escape in the atmosphere, posing danger to the environment immediately. Along with their contribution to the greenhouse gases, the VOCs are carcinogenic in nature and continuous contact with them exposes workers to the risk of acquiring cancer at some point in time.

Alternative Printing Techniques

Alternative printing techniques or green printing is being widely accepted by various printing presses and companies in an attempt to ensure a greener future. Some of the techniques which can be modified are as follows:

Recycling paper and vinyl to reduce waste and energy consumption: Paper containing high amounts of recycled compounds is as good as virgin papers, which are made using tree fibers only. They reduce energy consumption rates considerably. Also paper mills which do not use chlorine to treat paper emit lot less toxic wastes into the environment.

Alternative eco-friendly inks: Conventional inks are all based on petroleum products, which are non-renewable and also do not get disposed well in the environment. Degradation of oil is difficult and they invariably contaminate the ground and water resources near a printing press. Soy-based inks on the other hand provide excellent quality to the printed end product and are a lot less toxic to the environment.

See how Hackworth is reducing our carbon footprint here: gohackworth.com/hackworth-is-green.

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System cleanup and maintenance tools

System cleanup and maintenance utilities are always beneficial and there are some excellent tools available online that can make your task easy. The CCleaner is one such free downloadable program that cleans the system and keeps away unwanted files. The program frees the computer of the temporary and unwanted files, deletes the browsing tracks, kills unused cookies, and atomizes the unwanted files that are associated with different programs, including the browser files. CCleaner even provides a Registry cleaner.

To enhance the performance of CCleaner, you can install CCEnhancer, a freeware that speeds up the cleaning process and extracts unwanted files from every possible nook and corner for deletion. The program gets automatically integrated with CCleaner, so you are not required to do anything more than installing the application in your system.

If you wish to dig deep into your PC to find out how it has been functioning, you can download the LookInMyPC program. The application performs the task of getting into the system core and providing you with in-depth information on how your system has been faring. The information will be provided to you in the form of an easily comprehendible report. You can even take a peek into the part number of the RAM chips, installed drivers, name and addresses of your ISP, software versions, installed updates, and much more. The report gives a sense of how well your system has been responding to the various programs or if it has faced any hurdles in doing so.

For the purpose of keeping your PC up-to-date, you can download the Secunia program. The tool scans the PC, checks for updates, warns you on the same, and even helps in doing the update. Expired programs that pose a threat to your PC are also detected by Secunia PSI.

Productivity enhancers

The Hamster Free Zip Archiver is another handy tool that is believed to make the process of handling large files easier. The tool lets you create and open archived files through an easy drag-drop method. The Archiver is capable of unzipping a variety of formats including .rar, .zip, and .7z. It provides few other options for compressing and splitting files as well.

Evernote is another useful note-taking service program. This is an online capturing tool that takes down excess information to make it accessible for you later on. This type of information varies from notes, picture files from camera, web content, and much more.

Browsers

If IE is still ruling your system, it is high time you changed this norm. Mozilla Firefox, the leading internet browser today outdoes your entire web-browsing experience. The amazing add-ons in the latest version are a pleasure to work with. The simplistic interface also adds to the enhanced experience. Google Chrome follows immediately. With its minimalistic interface and a sharp content viewer that also has a built-in flash player, Chrome is slowly emerging to be the next powerful web browser.

You can install the above tools in your PC quickly and easily. They are also absolutely free of cost. Equip your PC with the above mentioned tools and experience the difference.

The post Some Must-Have Applications for Your PC appeared first on Hackworth.

The overlaying colors in RGB and CMYK are very different from one another. Many bright colors that you see on your screen or digital camera cannot be printed precisely onto a sheet. These RGB colors that cannot be replicated by a standard CMYK printer are known to be “out of the CMYK color gamut.”

The difference in the colors is not noticeable when you are printing a colored photograph with mild colors. The difference is accentuated when you use a pure, bright, and bold color from the RGB format to be replicated on sheet via a CMYK format printer. In order to reduce the differences while printing from a four-color printer, all the RGB color pictures need to be first converted to a compatible CMYK color format.

How to Increase the Color Accuracy

Pantone Process Color Guide is a useful tool to convert RGB color format to reproducible colors in the CMYK color palate. With 3000 colors on display, this swatch tool can be obtained in both uncoated and coated stock. All the displayed 3000 colors are available with color builds corresponding to the colors on the screen. If you have to reprint a poster many times, using the the Pantone Guide helps maintain uniformity in all the prints.

The RGB-to-CMYK conversion can be done by any standard graphic designing tool which is readily available in the market. You might have to do some work on the image files in order to convert the colors according to your choice. A standard rule does not follow for images, so the color needs to be carefully adjusted for each project in hand.

Custom printing is another process in which you can use a specific color cartridge to print a color that is not otherwise achievable via the process ink. These types of colors are referred to as PMS colors.

Another approach to achieve exact same colors in your printed product is to calibrate your monitor according to the CMYK color scheme. It is important to keep in mind that different monitors display different levels up to which the graphics and colors can be calibrated. CRT monitors show the finest color resolution followed by flat screen LCD monitors.

Other factors affecting the accuracy of color on the print are the brightness settings, contrast, temperature, and frequency of your monitor. Other fine adjustments that can increase the accuracy of the printed photograph, such as the fine adjustments of red, blue, and green color channels can be done. Since monitors display pictures with light, the printer will still have some limitations in reproducing the image on paper. Through all these discussions it is clear that the quality of color will be different from the colors on your monitor.

For more questions about getting the right colors for your print job contact our Color Department at 757-545-7675.

The post RGB-CMYK Spectrum and How it Affects Printing Quality appeared first on Hackworth.

How to make printing more eco-friendly

Generally, a person or a company inclined to green printing should follow few basic rules to see a substantial change in the printing process. Firstly, the person should use the best available eco-friendly paper for the purpose of printing, and then reduce the use of chemical ink and the release of toxic chemicals into the environment. Also, shift to using soy or other vegetable-based inks, which do not require an excess of toxic solvents. The solvents actually cause more harm than to the environment than the paint itself. It is also very important to inform and educate others about the advantages and necessity to shift to eco-friendly printing practices, over conventional methods.

There are various techniques, which present a unique mix of conventional methods and modern practices in printing. Some of the printing techniques that are discussed below will help you produce beautiful printing results that are eco-friendly.

• Offset Printing: This type of printing uses oil based colors, which repel water, to produce real life images that are comparable in quality and longevity to the usually used chemical paints. Texts and images will be photo-engraved on an aluminum plate, and they are rolled over by the paint rollers. This efficiently distributes the ink over the aluminum plate. Then the images obtained on the plate are transferred to a rubber sheet, which is then applied to paper, and is pressed to obtain a long-lasting image.

• Digital Printing: This technique does not use plates to press ink onto a sheet. In digital printing the ink is not absorbed onto the surface of the paper, the ink instead spreads onto the paper to make a distinct layer. This is precisely the reason why the resultant prints obtained through digital printing are richer, and do not fade easily with time. Digital printing, when adopted in eco-friendly settings, uses completely recyclable paper and water-soluble ‘green’ paint.

• Water-less Printing: The conventional lithographic printing process causes the maximum harm to nature. However, water-less printing method eliminates the usual lithographic printing process, which causes considerably less harm to the environment. This process essentially removes water or the dampening process from the printing method. Water-less printing uses modern non-invasive chemicals and mechanical methods to print the colors on the sheet. The mechanical method here uses a unique temperature control system, and a silicon rubber coated sheet. This combination transfers the color onto the paper.

The Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are either present in the runoff water from the printing press or present in the fumes, are the main cause of environmental pollution in printing. They are not only hazardous to human beings, but also to the flora and fauna around us. It has been scientifically proven that a green printing press emits 80% or less VOC into the environment, which is reason enough to switch to a healthy and eco-friendly printing method.

The post Techniques Used in Eco-Friendly Printing appeared first on Hackworth.

Designing for a promotional campaign has multiple facets to it. Mostly it depends on the print media like posters, vehicle covers, stickers, news paper pamphlets and hoardings all conveying a message in favor of the parent company. But, in recent years, there is a steady shift from this trend to the virtual media. Companies are focusing more on conveying their message through website designs and social media platforms, which necessitates that the designer is well versed with the software and the technology used to accomplish just that.

If it is not possible for you to join a regular degree course on graphic design and related techniques, you can also choose an online course, which are provided by many institutes. The various levels of the course will be as such:

• Thorough understanding of the theory and the principles related to graphic design. There are few principles that govern the structure of any designing assignment. It is accepted that every assignment is different and it requires different levels of creativity in order to bring about magic through your designs but the underlined theory always remains the same.

• Learn to select color palate, texture and images: The foremost thing that you need to maintain in your design is the public appeal. Without crossing the boundaries of creativity, it is necessary that the design is eye catching and appealing to the masses, without affecting in anyway, the underlining message it carries.

• History of designing: This may seen to be a useless thing to study to most but without the proper knowledge of the developmental history of designing, it is impossible to explore your options and increase the boundaries of your creativity. Sometimes old is the new future and trends repeat every few year, so a strong hold will help you in the long run.

• The design process: As many professionals advocate that sketching is the best way to put forth a concept, the steps of a designing process should be thoroughly inculcated in you. In addition, with the recent advancement in virtual techniques in designing, the process has been modified to great extent. The knowledge and the working principles of the technologies and the latest software used will be an added advantage.

• Learn from the professionals: Designing is an everlasting learning process where you need to keep yourself up-to-date with the recent trends at all times. Continuous learning from the professionals in the field will help you judge your place and increase your creativity. Incorporating new ideas, if not always but sometimes by observing other’s work is not a bad idea.

The post What Education is Needed to Become a Professional Graphic Designer? appeared first on Hackworth.

In the 21^st century however there was an evident shift from the print media to visual or virtual modes of communication. Audiences can be targeted via emails and web pages more easily, therefore visual communication, also known as communication designing, is rapidly coming into the picture.

The branding of a company holds prime importance as it represents the public face of that particular company. Signs and messages can be printed and delivered in unique ways. This aims to catch the attention of the masses toward a brand in midst of the increasing competition. Mostly retail products engage in extensive branding, reaching out to selected clients for their particular products.

Graphic designers can serve a growing business in many ways. Some of the types of graphic design that a company owner should know about before indulging in any branding exercise are:

• Symbols and Logos: They primarily work as identifiers of the company’s brand, like the big ‘M’ sign for MacDonald’s, or the eaten apple sign for Apple. People relate to a particular sign more often than texts or pictures. Therefore designing an eye-catching symbol which can imprint itself in people’s minds for a long time is very essential. Usually it signifies the origin or the concept of the company which in time is synonymous to the company’s name itself.
• Type-based image: These can be used in cases where words are used to convey a message. This is better known as ‘tag lines’ for companies. The message is as important as the representation of the word in print. The text design and the color palette chosen to write the message can determine the popularity of such a message.
• Images: Designers often explore the boundaries of a written message and convert them into pictures and images which essentially mean the same. This art form is termed as typography, in which a designer uses photographs, fine art, and visual illusion to covey a text message. A designer can act as a bridge between the company and its audience, exploring and experimenting different possible ways to put across the message aimed at increasing the business of a company.
• Image-based designs: Images always tell more than words. Choosing the right image or graphic to go hand-in-hand with the enterprise’s interest is a critical task for the designer. Vehicle wraps or road dividers can be used to put up image-based messages which will catch the audience’s eye during their mundane daily routine. Catchy images which are able to make your audiences stop back and wonder can attract businesses from much unexpected sources.

These and many more modes of designing can help jump-start your business. In such competitive times standing out in the market is the biggest challenge for an emerging business. A good graphic design expert can increase the brand value of your company giving you various opportunities from many avenues.

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Routers and switches are the most commonly used network devices to transmit packets of data between computers. Both of these use header information to perform their work of transferring data and information, but they differ in the parts of the header they use for the same.

Routers and switches also operate in different environments. A router is a more sophisticated network device when compared to a switch. Nevertheless, let us look at the details of what makes up each of these devices, and how they differ in functionality.

Switches

A switch comprises of sockets called ports. Its functionality is similar to that of a hub, but is definitely more efficient. As it accepts the incoming traffic with its information, it is capable of determining the IP address of the source of the traffic. It then allots a particular port that addresses and eliminates the possibility of the network traffic clogging every available port. This stands out as a huge benefit when the networks are busy. Processing of information becomes significantly faster with switches. Even though it sounds intelligent, the purpose of the switch is to move the data between devices, all of which lie on the same network. This is more commonly known as the Local Area Network (LAN). In technical terms, switches are designed to operate at the data link layer of the Open Systems Interconnections (OSI) model.

Routers

A router is far more intelligent than a switch because of its ability to carry out the operation of transferring data across various networks. There is no dictated path across which data is supposed to traverse, but a router is able to identify the best available path to reach its destination. Routers work in a chained manner, in which one router passes information to the nearest available router, which in turn makes the same calculation and passes the packet of data further. This reaction is followed until the data reaches its destination.

Routers link many networks together. This gives rise to a routing table that is responsible for holding information on the different networks available, and their location. Over a LAN, routers could be slower than a switch as it has to make a decision of sending the packet data to the right destination. In such situations, routers could also be used as a switch. In small offices, this is ideal, as routers can be used to combine various network devices in small packages. This allows them to be used for different purposes when the desired routing capability is not required.

Current routers provide a proxy support and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). They also come with integrated firewalls to protect your LAN. This makes the router a convenient device to be used for setting up domestic and commercial networks. It is quick and hassle-free too. Switches on the other hand cannot join multiple networks, and do not work out as an option for internet connections. Though the switch offers some stability, the wired connection does not make it a user-friendly option. So, based on your feature requirement, you need to make an intelligent choice between the two.

If you need additional questions answered concerning your network, contact our IT experts at 800-676-2424 or hri@hackworth.co.

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To get down to the basics, there are three primary colors: red, yellow and blue;  three secondary colors: orange, violet and green; and six tertiary colors: yellow-green, yellow-orange; red-orange; red-violet, blue-violet, blue-green. Thereon, you can have hundreds of different colors by mixing primary and tertiary or secondary and tertiary colors.

Then there are the subtractive colors of yellow, cyan and magenta. In addition there are types of colors such as complimentary, analogous, neutral, warm and cool. In effect, you actually have millions of colors to choose from.

The task becomes even more challenging when you consider the reality that there can be thousands of combinations with those hundreds of colors. Trying to look at that range of different colors will leave you perplexed and it is rather unwise to start from the all available palette of colors and combinations to try to come up with an idea for your design.

Any veteran graphic design and printing expert will tell you that the best way to start thinking of color is to get started at the very basics. Here are some of the questions you should ask yourself:

• What is it that you want in your design?
• Do you want it to be bright, elegant or a combination of both?
• Do you prefer harmonious color combinations or chaotic?
• Do you wish to use a color in its original and true texture or you would go with a certain shade of the color?
• How many colors you wish to use and to what extent would every color is blended in the graphic design?

The first factor to consider is what you need to communicate with your design. Where is the design going to be used? Who is your target audience? What the message or purpose of the graphic design will determine the different  colors you wish to use.

Bright colors can be elegant or too much “in your face.” The trick lies in which shade is being used and what other colors will be matched with the primary design color.  A harmonious combination of colors are mixing of those colors that create serene and comfortable designs when used together while a chaotic design will include color combinations that appear very bright or loud. Every color has several shades. The right shade will lend texture and meaning to your graphic design so that they will actually help communicate your message.

Bearing this in mind, choose the colors you wish to use, select the different shades of the colors you like and try out different combinations to see which combination suits your design purpose the best.

For more information on how to effectively use color in your design, talk to our experts in the Color Department. Contact our team and we will be glad to help you: color@hackworth.co or 757-545-7675.

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1. Keep Your Data Organized

The first step to effective data management is to keep it organized. Many companies simply dump data in storage spaces, data centers or in folders which can quickly get unorganized. Dealing with a mismanaged or unmanaged database can be troublesome, time consuming and a very tedious exercise when one has to access such data. Organizing data starts with very basic practices. When you name the files or folders of data, have a system in place. Some companies always name them in one word, in lower case without any spaces. Some companies use block characters and also use spaces to segregate different words while naming the files. Both are acceptable systems provided the company has uniformity across the board. Having two naming systems or more can be confusing and will not help to have efficient data management. Likewise, similar files or data should be stored in specific folders or places and there should be a system of storing different types of data in accordance to that.

2. Ensure Security at Various Levels

There is a need to have multi-tier security in data management. One has to ensure physical security of the database or datacenter so that not everyone can access it physically. There has to be sturdy network security and the systems used to store the data should also be robustly secured against any ingrown or external threats in any form.

3. Take Regular Backup

Data backup is crucial to any data management strategy. Regular backup is mandatory. How the data is backed up is also important. If data is lost, how easy is it to restore so that the business is operational? Tape backup is notorious for its arduous restore process. The latest backup and recovery operations available make this process much easier.

4. Make Data Accessible

While data should be kept secured, making the required data easily accessible is also an integral part of data management. The main database may remain inaccessible but the data that is required every now and then should be at the disposal of the employees or the concerned staffs.

5. Have a Core Data Management Team

Every company should have a very small, core data management team. Too many people involved with the process will make it complicated, perplexing and also less secured. If there are processes that are beyond the business’s skill level then this may require working with outside companies prepared to help with the management of the data.

For more information on how to effectively manage your data contact one of our data experts at 800-676-2424.

The post 5 Data Management Tips to Help Your Business appeared first on Hackworth.

So, in the spirit of Christmas and giving here is our wishlist:

1. That you would enjoy all the great food. It’s the holidays. Have one more. January is for getting back in the gym.
2. That you would tear open your presents like a 5 year old.
3. That you would hug every neck within reach. It’s scientific fact that hugs make you live longer.
4. That you would tell your family that you love them. They are all gifts no matter how weird they are.
5. That you would life until you cry. Nothing improves the day like a good laugh-cry. Try it out.
6. That you would live every day to the full. No one knows what tomorrow holds, but that doesn’t stop you from living out your dream today.
7. That you would give more than you receive. Make the day of someone else and give them a smile.
8. That you would thank someone that least expects your gratitude.
9. That you would know the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.
10. And for peace and good will to all men.

Merry Christmas!

The post All We Want for Christmas appeared first on Hackworth.

Color choices and size are also important. How far away are you hoping to get attention from people? If you are hoping to draw people to a business from the highway, the larger the sign and print, the better. You will also wish to consider the choices in font for the wording. Many businesses choose something that seems whimsical and cute but is actually very difficult to read from a distance. This is the equivalent of shooting yourself in the foot and wasting time and money. Don’t hang a sign that no one can read. It just doesn’t make sense now does it?

You can choose from types of papers if you are using the sign indoors and this makes for wonderful transfer of photos and images so that your graphics can really shine. These signs might be displayed over the sale items on a showroom floor if you are selling merchandise in a store or for a car dealership that is seeking to draw attention to a contest or a particular model that is on sale or on special.

Colors are important and it is a proven fact that bright colors will catch the eye of most people faster than just standard black and white. People are also influenced in more ways by the colors you choose. Green tends to put people in the mood to buy, for example. Red is always eye catching but may be off-putting to some people who equate it with emergencies or “stop” psychologically. Yellow is the color that the human eye actually sees first when next to other colors. Want them to see something first? Use yellow!

Depending on your needs, you can see how the choices are almost mind boggling, but take your time and if you have questions, then give us a call, 757-545-7675. Our team of graphic designers and wide format printing specialists know from experience what will look great and hold-up well for you, too.

The post How to Pick the Right Banner appeared first on Hackworth.

If you do not want to make mistakes follow these simple rules:

If there is too much written word on the page with, long paragraphs, these are called gray pages. Make sure your headers and sub headers stand out from the text, so that the reader can see instantly how the work has been broken down. Grab those reader’s interests without writing too much gray.

Make sure you allow for white space on your page. This will limit eyestrain and give the work an easy to read format, because it will be clear. Do not try to write too much in the one space or paragraph.

Another common mistake if you are not an experienced designer is mixing graphics. Try not to mix photos, line drawings or clip arts on the same page unless it really does give the page meaning. Sometimes it can give an unclear picture about what the text is really about.

Not only can you mix images that will break up the page, using too many pictures can have the same effect. Do not use to simply fill spaces. Give your images meaning on the page; after all, they are probably intended to sell your product.

What format would you choose? Will it be vector or raster? Vectors will not lose their sharpness when scaling, whereas raster’s do. Again, as with all image layouts; try not to overload the space and choose the formats wisely.

Why do people use so many different types of font in their work? Sometimes it is not necessary, because it can break up the intended meaning of the written text. Make sure you use formal and informal texts in the right context too. If you are using different fonts to make headings stand out, just try using the heading style that comes with your word product. These work just as well, and they do not lose the flow of the work.

Other problems that may be encountered are line spacing. This will be determined at the time of writing, depending on the theme or topic of the work. Try to match your line spacing with the font size, type of font and the length of the line. Everything should blend the same as the points above.

If you don’t have time to mess with the design elements right, Hackworth has three full time graphic designers ready to help you take your idea and bring it to life. Call us at 800-676-2424.

The post Don’t Make These Graphic Design Mistakes appeared first on Hackworth.

Case in point – if you have been keeping up with recent technology news, you would have heard about big name companies such as Apple and Adobe having major data and security issues. Hackers such as the infamous group Anonymous, take social and political justice into their own hands as they see fit. These hackers and others target large companies who store millions of users’ data to make a statement. The right data backup solution will provide security for your data by preventing this kind of attacks with the use of encryption and other security techniques.

GoDaddy is another big name in the news due to hardware failure that left millions unable to access their websites. Anyone that has ever owned a computer for any length of time knows that a computer will fail. Hardware failure can be very frustrating because you can end up losing everything on your computer or network. No one wants to lose their valuable data. This is another very important reason to look into the correct data backup system because items like financial records, pictures, videos, and other documents crucial to your business cannot be left susceptible with an inferior solution.

You never really understand how important your hard drive is until something happens to it. Think about everything that you save on that hard drive. If you have a business, you understand that everything vital to your company is kept on a hard drive. What if something happens and that hard drive fails? Data backup can protect everything that is vital to your business. With a viable data backup solution, you can get lost data restored instantly back to your computer.

Anyone can lose data at any time and in a variety of ways. If you think about everything you have saved on your computer or network, then you can understand what losing that data could do to your business. In this day and age, hackers are trying their best to break into systems to steal data or simply to make a statement. Hardware will continue to fail at the most inopportune times. Your data is very important to you and your business, and it should be protected at all costs.

For more information on how to effectively protect your mission critical data, contact Corey Wilt at 800-676-2424.

The post Anyone Can Lose Data at Anytime appeared first on Hackworth.

Follow them on their journey in our facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/HPdesigners

About “La Biennale di Venezia”:

The Venice Biennale (Italian: Biennale di Venezia) is a major contemporary art exhibition that takes place once every two years in Venice, Italy. The Venice Film Festival is part of it. So too is the Venice Biennale of Architecture, which is held in even years. A dance section, the “International Festival of Contemporary Dance”, was established in 1999.

Part 1…

Part 2 …

The post HP Designjet & Dessau Institute of Architecture: Design for Venice Biennale appeared first on Hackworth.

Time savings and cost savings alone pay for the critical tool of project information management provided by MySmartPlans (MSP). This software-as-a-service (SaaS) is how everything is coordinated, collaborated, planned and so much more. It also covers distribution, and it affects every crew member from the offices to the ground. It is the brains behind the muscle, and without it you could experience unnecessary management challenges.

Everyone from government entities to general contractors is utilizing this fundamental tool. PIM software has much to offer regardless of the scale of the project or budget that is required. It streamlines communication, drives accountability, promotes transparency, creates accountability, ensures the projects transparency, compresses time frames and it even improves sub contractor’s performances. With MSP your information quality and access to facilities management data is the best in the industry.

If you need to accelerate the project’s life-cycle, provide 2D or 3D collaboration, manage compliance or do an audit trial then project information management will be beneficial to you. It does all of this and more. In today’s competitive construction industry it gives you an advantage that will separate you from your competition. It adds quality to your service, and accountability to everyone involved in a project.

Being environmentally conscious is essential in business today, and MySmartPlans is doing their part, as well. MSP has modernized the revolutionary paper reduction act with the management process. Online collaboration as well as the project management technologies have positively impacted things like agriculture, the construction fields and even engineering just to name a few. Trees are not needlessly cut down, metal filing cabinets are not needed, space is not taken in land fields and so forth. This is excellent avenue to have a positive impact on the environment with real results.

MSP connects everyone involved in the entire project from the top to the bottom. The lines of communication are clear and open. It brings together the owners, the architects, the general contractors and sub-contractors so that the job is executed with as few delays and interruptions in communication as possible.

“Having MySmartPlans as our project information management tool for construction of the new Kellam High School has been invaluable. It allows for outstanding transparency and open communication between all parties involved in the project.”

Anthony L. Arnold, PE
Director of Facilities Planning and Construction
Virginia Beach City Public Schools

The post Project Information Management Software: Don’t Do Construction Without It appeared first on Hackworth.

Unlike standard consumers, large computer manufacturers are willing to do computer refresh programs with companies. Essentially, depending on the needs of a business, the manufacturer will replace the systems in a business at a constant interval, taking the original computers back and giving the business newer models. This allows a business to stay reasonably up to date without having to spend nearly as much on computer hardware.

There are a few things that you should remember when taking advantage of a computer refresh program. How often you receive new workstations will determine how much you have to spend on the program. Surprisingly, using a shorter-term refresh cycle can save significant amounts of money. This is due to the fact that a three year old computer still has value in the consumer market, where a five year old computer does not. When you refresh your business’s computers, the manufacturer will account for whether or not the replaced systems can be refurbished. Systems that can be refurbished are exchanged for a lower amount as they still have value to the company. This can result in savings that can range anywhere between one hundred to five hundred or more dollars per user. For a large company with fifty-thousand employees, this is millions of dollars saved by taking advantage of the shorter refresh cycle.

A computer refresh program to acquire new workstations covers only the hardware. It is the responsibility of the business to meet all of the licensing obligations for the software that is being used on the computers. When you purchase your software, make certain you pick a license that allows you to transfer older pieces of software to the new workstations. Many companies will keep systems that have old versions of software applications installed on them to support customers and make certain that their business tools are compatible with those who do not have modern systems.

For more information on how Hackworth can assist you with your computer refresh needs, contact our IT department at 757-545-7576 or fill out the form to the right.

The post A Computer Refresh Can Save Your Business Money appeared first on Hackworth.

Based in Hoboken, NJ, Carlo’s was approached by local IT company Exigent Technologies after one of the account executives noticed there wasn’t much technology being used on the television show.

“We built a first-class facility, laid the network cables, had our telephony solution ready—but we were missing that core IT infrastructure that brings it all together and needed help,” explains Leo Minervini, the company’s VP of technology.

Their managed IT solution included storage area networks, virtualized infrastructure, PCs, laptops, printers and security software. This was accomplished by phases of implementation.

“Knowledge is power. Having that knowledge at your fingertips rather than searching for a slip — is money. Time is money,” says Valastro.

As Carlo’s Bakery moves forward, so will their managed IT service. End user support, equipment procurement, network monitoring, backup and disaster recovery are all covered. This allows the bakery to focus on making great cakes, while the IT company takes care of their technology needs.

For more information on managed IT services for your business, visit Hackworth’s IT Solutions page or give us a call at 757-545-7675.

The post The Cake Boss Relies on Managed IT Services appeared first on Hackworth.

I asked Blythe and Krissy specifically what they didn’t learn in graphic design school that would have been helpful starting out.

Krissy says, “I wish I had a little more in-depth concentration into the programs as in how to use basic functions and tools. It would have been very helpful if they specified how to do things like retouching photos in Photoshop. Hands on learning and every day usage have allowed me to become proficient in these areas today.”

Blythe adds, “I wish graphic design school would have covered more about shortcuts. We were shown what to do and how to do various designs and effects. I learned how to make a zombie – that’s great. What they didn’t do was show us how to shorten the time it takes to design. For instance, in Photoshop you can put everything to actions. Instead doing the individual steps of scanning, fixing the color and printing you can do it all the desired steps and then create an action that will replicate the steps every time you need them.”

For Krissy another asset that she would like to have had was a professional portfolio. “If I had finished school with a portfolio that could be presented in the real world, it would have been very helpful. Whether it was for acceptance in a four year school or something that would be given to a potential employer, a professional portfolio goes a long way. I didn’t even have a real portfolio. I put together whatever I could find.”

Communication is an important skill for a designer to have as they deal with clients every day. Blythe had this to say, “Another thing I didn’t learn at graphic design school was communication skills. You are basically taught how to speak Greek, but you are not taught how to translate it to the customer. Many times a client may use an incompatible program to layout their art or they may design something that they believe looks good, but does not utilize good color or layout practices. In order to produce something that will communicate their business message effectively I have to interact with them appropriately. This is not necessarily easy if you don’t know how to communicate properly with customers.”

In order to better serve a customer, graphic designers must always be learning and improving. Technology changes constantly and businesses don’t have time to keep up with it all. As a professional that helps others accomplish their goals, constant self-improvement in your craft will insure that clients will continue to work with you.

If you have any questions about designing marketing materials for your business, don’t hesitate to call Blythe, Krissy, Christie or Rita in our color department at 757-545-7675.

The post What I Didn’t Learn in Graphic Design School appeared first on Hackworth.

A company that discusses their recycling practices away from printing is a company customers can trust. Companies that use water coolers reduce the amount of disposed plastic bottles per day. Machines (like computers or printers) should switch to sleep mode soon after ceasing use. Companies should also promote the shutdown of equipment after each work day is finished. Using a printer that is versatile and will allow outdoor and indoor applications can be useful for environmentally conscious customers. Printers that can produce outdoor signage with water based latex inks at high durability and achieve high quality results is a trust worthy company.

Client branding requirements should be no problem for any green printing company. Water based latex inks do not fade fast compared to typical non-environmentally friendly inks. Indoor signage applications should be no problem whether they are for exhibitions or decorations. Whether the indoor or outdoor media is recycled paper, coated, or fabric a green printing company should have no problem. Even vehicle wraps should be no problem for some companies though the ink may have to be coated with some environmentally safe protectant. The right green printing company deals with the most environmentally sound products.

Green printing companies have a lot of options when it comes to equipment. Most green equipment offers ease of use with printers that do not need to be attended to. Many printers have automatic troubleshooting maintenance settings which allow the users to breathe a little easier. Many of the components of these environmentally safe machines are simple replacement if necessary instead of requiring the user to call a service professional and waste gas and pollute the environment in that way. High quality images are consistent with optical sensors equipped in most environmentally friendly printers.

There are many ways that a company can implement green printing strategies. If the environment is a priority for you and your business insure that you partner with a like-minded print provider.

The post What to Look for in a Green Printing Company appeared first on Hackworth.

An HP Designjet wide format printer is great for professional graphics and technical drawings. The printer delivers exceptional quality renderings regardless of the use. HP Designjet printers are highly reliable and user friendly. They can print detailed maps, precision schematics and photographic reproductions of professional quality.

A KIP wide format printer provides digital printing solutions for architectural, engineering and manufacturing establishments. KIP is a dependable, efficient and high quality performance. KIP has award winning models of wide format design which render imaging technologies well and enhance the operations of every piece of the KIP printing or scanning system catalog.

A Canon wide format printer offers a brand name to be trusted for technical documents as well as general use. Canon gives professional printers more options than they have before. The company has a long history of being the industry standard and particularly color Canon inkjet printers have been used for generations. Specifically the Canon imagePROGRAF color printer serves general purpose printing as well as more technical documents.

An Océ wide format printer is a world leader in printing technical documents, copying, plotting and scanning. Océ’s wide format printers offer the advanced reprographic capabilities required by companies all over the world. Océ has numerous models able to handle wide format printing up to 60” wide and any length.

Choosing the right wide format printer also involves choosing the right ink. Water based ink is most often used, despite the misnomer. Most often it is not water that carries the ink but another fluid. Dye ink has a high color selection, but fades easier in UV radiation. UV resistant ink stands up to UV radiation, but tends to have duller colors. Once you’ve made your decision, Hackworth can fulfill your ink supply needs. Just visit our online store or call and speak with Dave, 757-545-7675.

For a free analysis of your wide format printing needs contact your Regional Manager. Steve, Ralph and Dave can answer any question you might have concerning choosing the correct printing solution for your business.

The post Which wide format printer is the right one? appeared first on Hackworth.