Posts by Ultra Graphics
Working With Data – PHP & MySQL in Perfect Harmony
The web has confronted and demolished a vast number of important milestones in its existence, going from a completely static state to a winding labyrinth of information that changes every minute. Sites started becoming dynamic with the help of ASP.NET technology, serving up content based on data housed in a Microsoft server database. But with all inventions comes a bigger Read More…
Help, my computer is running slow and I may have viruses!
UPDATE 12-30-16 – Even years after publishing, this post is still helping a lot of people. However, since the post is so old, we think it’s important to note that some of the items below may no longer exist, no longer be applicable to mulodern computers and operating systems, or just plain not work anymore. Use at your own risk. Read More…
What do you want from this design?
1. Objectives and Goals What do you want from this design? Is it a redesign or reworking of an existing design, or is it a completely new design? Do you already have solid ideas for what you want it to look like or are your ideas more vague? Nailing down what your goals are is important to creating a design Read More…
Target audience is Job 1
It all begins with the target audience and what action or outcome we are trying to achieve. You wouldn’t dream about planning a sales call unless you knew whom you were going to meet and what you were trying to accomplish. Simple, right? So why do so many direct marketing projects start with something like: “On this project I would Read More…
Portable Document Format (PDF), the Global Standard.
PDF was developed for the exchange of final, print-ready pages. Print professionals, graphic designers, and other professionals use PDF to deliver predictable, press-ready files. We hope that our series of “File Tip Flashcards” will be helpful in preparing your files. The full set is also available here whenever you need a refresher. Please feel free to send us an email Read More…
The Process of Direct Marketing
Direct marketing is effective, because it’s grounded in tried and true principles. Sure the ways to communicate have changed significantly over the last decade, but it’s nice to rely on measured results. In fact, we think it’s helpful to budget your direct marketing dollars just like you would any other investment in your business. You wouldn’t consider buying a significant Read More…
The Golden Rule of Direct Marketing Revisited
Direct marketing is like a sales call. Three things impact a successful sales call: Is the sales person talking to the right person? Is the conversation pertinent and relevant? Does the sales person appear professional and knowledgeable? A sales person provides information and an opportunity for a service or product to a particular client. But, if the sales person is not talking Read More…
Design for the Right Price
Describing what you want your finished product to look like can be a lot harder than it sounds. Here are some tips to get the best design for your money. Whether you’re starting from scratch or you have an idea in mind, run through this list to help the designer get it right the first time. Who are you trying Read More…
Direct Marketing beats Advertising in ROI
First a little background. Advertising is used to build brand image, awareness and loyalty. Direct marketing is used to generate an immediate response or order. This is done through a strong call to action. Purchasing action is generally deferred with advertising. Direct marketing is a way of doing business. The return on investment for every $1 spent on advertising will Read More…
Digital or Offset printing– which do I pick?
This is a question we hear quite often and with the dynamics of technology, the answer has changed over the years. Variable print projects will always be printed digitally, on projects that don’t vary, here’s the thought process. With the older color copier technology, quality played a role – “Can you get by with the digital color until we can Read More…
USPS Promotes EveryDoor Direct Mail
The United States Post Office is strongly promoting their EveryDoor Direct Mail program.This saturation style mailing provides a cost effective way to communicate to every mail address or “EveryDoor” for a certain geographical area. The advantages include no list to buy or no need to address each individual mail piece. A generic address suffices in getting each mail piece delivered. Read More…
BackAlley Skates Trailer
BackAlley Skates needed graphics on the side of their trailer. The lack of rivets made this install go very smoothly. In and out in one day from print to laminate to install. Our latex HP machine eliminates the need for wait because it is fully dry right off the machine. Vehicle advertising can take many forms. Simple vinyl lettering to Read More…
File Tip Flashcards
Why is my photo blurry? There are a lot of design and print terms out there that can be pretty daunting for someone not familiar with the industry. Terms like resolution, bleed, and RGB vs CMYK are important tools to a designer, and knowing how to apply them properly ensures the highest quality. With that in mind, we’ve decided to Read More…