"Our challenge is that we hate change and love it at the same time; what we really want is for things to remain the same but get better." - Sydney Harris
We think this is a profound quote and so very true. When things remain the same they rarely get better yet the challenges of changing is difficult - even when you know in your heart of hearts those challenges will be well worth the effort.
I recently read an article written by Twosides (twosidesna.org) titled "Reaching Consumers in an Environmentally Responsible Way: The Return of the Printed Catalog". I thought it did a complelling job highlighting the value and benefits of printed catalogs to help marketing efforts which more often than not are awash in a sea of digital efforts.
Since this is a blog I'll provide my "crib" notes:
Tire Company, Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers.
A culmination of design, imaging and installation creating a signature store appearance.
When the creative team for Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers decided to open a new location in Edwardsville, IL, Shawn Fogle and the Swift Print team was fortunate to be contacted early in the store build-out stage. From there were on site as construction was underway and started matching building drawings to what we could see before us. This is literally where the rubber meets the road.
Once again print proves itself to be an important part of any new product launch/campaign. Don't take my word for it though. Here is what Ed Kneip Jr., president and founder of Orderex, has to say about the uses and benefits. "In the world of the internet today, it seems that so many people consider printed communications to be a thing of the past. We are finding the opposite - print has evolved and is meeting our needs better than ever. Small runs for traditional marketing leave behinds still make a difference for us. With today's technology and quality, we are able to do A/B message testing to see what messages resonate the most, refine that message and get back to the market in a matter of days. We also need to have material printed on new substrates that can be applied to tables, floors, and windows. Here too, small runs, amazing quality, and quick turns help us to create immediate value for our customers. Our next step is to explore how technology and expertise have increased response and return on mailers. Having a partner that can do all of this seamlessly and in any size run we need is amazing."
Orderex is the first solution built to enhance the dining experience. "Finally take back control of your dining experience."
Greenwashing Leads To Misleading Anti-Paper Statements
Greenwashing is “disinformation disseminated by an organization so as to present and environmentally responsible public image (Oxford)”. You and your family and friends have, more than likely, been exposed to Greenwashing without even knowing it. When you receive invoices and other corporate information in the mail you are, more likely than not, encouraged to “Go Green – Go Paperless” or “Choose e-billing and help save a tree”. What those messages are really saying is allow us to serve you digitally so we can cut costs and improve profits.
The World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF) celebrates one of the world’s classic and best-loved games. It has distinguished St. Louis as the chess capital of the United States, a national and international destination for chess, art and history lovers alike. Additionally, the WCHOF is home to Guinness World Records' Largest Chess Piece.
As the WCHOF expands it is with great pleasure Swift Print Communications was selected to help with the privacy graphics during the renovation from old to new. We started with a city block of blank windows measuring each for exact width, height and distinguishing features. From there we created a schematic labeling each so the design team could build creative renderings showing how it would look at completion before even starting.
As we turn towards a new year I have a tendency to reminisce on the past and ponder the speed in which technological advances are made. It is mind boggling! I was just reading an article where the US has launched its 26th SpaceX rocket this year – since when did rocket launches happen so frequently they became non-news?
As I was thinking about that I began to think (as I usually do) about the advances in the print industry. Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press (arguably one of the most important inventions in history) in 1450. That simple platen press was the method everyone used until the invention of the “offset press” in 1875 a mere 425 years. The offset press, which still produces the “bulk” of printed pages, yet it is steadily losing page counts to “digital” presses which were invented and placed into production as early as 1959 (Xerox’s 1st machine weighed more than 650 pounds and was apt to catch fire). Widespread adoption of “digital” presses didn’t really occur until the early 1990’s. So, if my math is correct, offset’s reign lasted about 115 years. The new frontier seems to be “inkjet” technology which burst on the commercial printing scene in 2015. The technology has an astounding ability to disperse 165,000 droplets per second (sure beats setting type by hand!) allowing for photographic quality printing – our Holy Grail. Will “digital’s” reign last a mere 25 years?
Did you know I'm stuck on you?
Actually, I'm here to help you when you need your message to stick around. It's not rock and roll but our service for printing decals in rolls cut to any shape is pretty cool.
Did you know we can digitally print flyers on a special stock so can they be cleaned and reused?
This allows you to clean and sanitize your graphics using any non-abrasive multi-surface cleaner.
I was honored to have been chosen to write a Blog for our new and exciting website (Swiftprint.com). The very first thing I did was to Google “what is a blog”, and then I called my mother to share my excitement!
Here’s the real deal. I’ve read a ton of blogs over the years, and I actually do know what one is. You can call what I write a blog, but what I’m actually starting on here is more of a journal about why I choose to be a Swift team member and what Swift Print Communications means to me and my customers.
The simple truth for me is, there was a time when Life in every way was beautiful, amazingly wonderful and a tremendous gift until my thoughts get wrapped around a difficult circumstance, situation or task, then I tell myself how difficult and unacceptable it is and life's no longer so simple or beautiful. All I is see is the problem and I bounce from problem to problem...
Then I would tell a few people my new problem and with each telling it grows even more toxic in my mind.
When I began to practice gratitude in all conditions and under all circumstances I was slowly, able to Let these stories go.
Recognition of or our present circumstances is enough. No need to label it a problem- it’s just life happening, no need to personalize it.
Take necessary actions, if needed still more action whatever is required, still practicing gratitude in all things. It will pass. Thoughts always pass. What keeps a thought lodged in our mind, is our resistance. Lean into life. You can do this.
We don't even recall our huge dramas, obstacles, horrible problems, from years, months and even a few weeks ago.
You are magnificent. Lean into life. Walk towards whatever seems to difficult. Make this a practice.
Freedom...
Partners and Friends,
As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season the entire team at Swift Print Communications and I want to take a minute to share our sincere thanks for th partnership, support, friendship and loyalty you’ve shown us this year.
