In our business, companies must have the technical expertise to navigate through the complex art of print to create success stories.  The value of this expertise comes through being able to execute what a graphic designers intention is on an RGB screen to final printed product that exceeds expectation.  In navigating, there are many possible variables that include (but are not limited to): converting a viable image to CMYK,  rastering the file, outputting a proof (in spray form rather than final printed technique - dots) then from proof to ink on varying substrates using ink and water (which absolutely hate each other by the way).  Did I mention the varying elements of substrates?  A substrate (stock used for final product) can be yellow tinted, blue tinted, coated, uncoated or very pourous as is a skin board. All requiring different set ups, tweeking and attention to achieve the desired results.

The success of the story in this blog is a direct result of the technical expertise Cincinnati Printers has in our team.  We received a web hit (thank you Google Ad word campaign) from Justin Briscoe at Top Brass. The product is brass rounds - both load ready with one live primed. They have a base to hold the rounds, but needed packaging. Top Brass decided on skin packaging. 

Justin, being in a marketing role, is unfamiliar with the substrate and its nuances. CP was there to educate the realities of the substrate chosen - skinboard. The ink doesn't sit on top of the sheet, rather it falls in and spreads. This creates a less clean version of the image...even dark and muddy looking.  In order to compensate for this, we alter the file to print more cleanly and hopefully exceed the now realistic expectations.  

Take a look at the final product...

The brass simply pops!

"Just wanted to let you know, these skin cards came out fantastic. I was a little worried about the green at first, but the presentation when they are sealed is most excellent. The color is almost a forest green to olive drab, which is very suitable for the market we are tapping. They look great with product sealed on there! Die was perfect to the cards as well. Win all around. Thanks so much for the quality work. We hope to be ordering MANY more of these in the months to come!" says Justin Briscoe, Top Brass. 

We love success stories. May 2012 bring exceeded sales of these brass rounds for Top Brass!

http://www.topbrass-inc.com/reloading-supplies/

Strawzzle...Avert the Squirt!

Our client, an engineer by trade, came to us about a year ago with his wonderfully useful, creative product - Strawzzle.  It is a beverage straw created specifically to prevent spills and quirts from the commonly used juice bags and boxes. Strawzzle's unique, patented design has a built-in reservoir that traps beverage, allowing it to flow while drinking but holds it back if the container tips or is squeezed. 

Our client and his brand manager teamed to launched the product. The daunting effort to weed through the many sources to manufacture and package the product seemed to be one of the hardest of tasks. They zeroed in on both sources earlier this year after much comparison. CP won out over the competition and has had the pleasure of seeing this product through to market. 

CP helped with the structural design of the blister card, created sales samples to present to the potential clients, printed, coated and diecut the cards, provided the blister shells and blister packaged on-site. We distributed the first shipment last month to ATA. The retailer now has the product selling in the following stores: Save a Lot, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Shop 'n Save, Shaw's Star Market, ACME, SHOPPERS, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Hornbacher's and Lucky stores.

See a product demo at: www.strawzzle.com. Like them on Facebook and Twitter...pass the word to Avert the Squirt!                                                                                                                                            

Here at Cincinnati Printers we are fortunate to aid in so many new product launches. Tiki Toss is one of our favorites - not only because the product a cool one, but because it features more than one of our capabilities.  When we say CP offers turn-key solutions, we mean it. This particular product has a printed folding carton header; we print, diecut, fold and glue. CP then packages 6 components into the box for shipment. Because of the odd shape of the package, we have designed a way to contain the product well enough to make it to its destination unmarred. Seeing this packaging come to fruition has been a journey but well worth it. Take a look! http://www.playtikitoss.com/