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DEC
12
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WELCOME TO TEN MINUTES OF GOOD NEWS AND FUN STUFF FROM YOUR FAVORITE PRINTER!
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Message
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A Message from Bert McCaffrey & Gary Riedel
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Controlled Chaos Isn’t a Bad Thing
Some years end with a graceful bow. Others end like your desk after a holiday rush: papers everywhere, half a cookie in a file folder, and a to-do list that gave up sometime last week.
But here’s the thing: chaos isn’t the enemy. In fact, it usually shows up right before a breakthrough.
Think about it... Every big idea, process improvement, or major shift tends to start with some version of “we need to fix this.” And that moment? That’s where progress lives.
So if your year is wrapping up with a bit of disorder, don’t sweat it. It means you showed up, stayed busy, and moved forward. We’ll tidy it all up in January. Or February.
Here’s the way I see it: The mess at the end of the year isn’t a sign you did something wrong. It’s proof you were in the game the whole time.
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Idea
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Bold Simplicity: The Strategic Use of Flat Color in Branding and Advertising
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STEPPING FORWARD WITH COLOR CONFIDENCE
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In the vast spectrum of design, flat colors stand out for their simplicity and visual impact.
Flat colors are defined as solid, unshaded hues without any gradients or textures, presenting a clean and uniform appearance. This quality allows them to create visual clarity and instantly recognizable branding elements. Opting for one flat color in a design offers an eye-catching modern aesthetic that is highly adaptable across various media.
Why Flat Color Works
This approach works because it simplifies the design to its core elements, allowing the message to shine.
In a world where consumers are bombarded with information, a focused use of color can help your brand cut through the noise. It's about creating a visual hierarchy where color guides the viewer's eye to what's most important.
Insights from an Iconic Design
Siegfried Odermatt's 1960s series of advertisements for the Neuenburger Versicherungen insurance company provide a timeless lesson in the strategic use of color.
By pairing a single, flat color with black-and-white images, e.g., a grayscale car smashing into the word “Auto” in red, Odermatt emphasized the message with unforgettable visual contrast. These were not just aesthetic choices but strategic moves that illuminated the entire concept. Using a flat color, he turned the headline into a focal point, proving that color can dramatically affect perception and engagement.
Applying Flat Color in Modern Design
The principles behind Odermatt's effective use of flat color are as relevant today as they were decades ago.
When considering flat colors for your branding or advertising efforts, think about the following:
- Choosing colors that embody your brand’s personality and message.
- Using contrast effectively makes your design pop and focuses the viewer's attention.
- The emotional impact of colors and how they align with the message you want to convey.
Flat color can be particularly powerful in print marketing, where the tactile experience of the material can further enhance the visual impact of the bold hues.
Stepping Forward with Color Confidence
Leverage the simplicity and boldness of flat colors to make your brand stand out.
By incorporating this technique, you adopt a time-tested strategy emphasizing clarity, focus, and emotional resonance. Start with understanding the message you wish to convey, and let flat color be the medium that boldly delivers it to the world.
Click here to visit the bert@bizcardcolorado.com - Ideas Collection.
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MARKETING
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The Smartest Marketers Start in December
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WHILE EVERYONE ELSE IS COASTING, YOU'RE PLANNING
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December is often labeled a “wind-down month,” but savvy businesses use it to start preparing their strongest campaigns for the new year.
This is the perfect time to:
- Review which printed pieces performed best in 2025
- Refresh outdated brochures, menus, or signage
- Map out a monthly mailer or postcard series for Q1
- Get ahead of competitors who are waiting for January
Print thrives on planning, so the earlier your strategy is in motion, the more time we have to design, proof, and deliver with impact.
Want to hit the ground running in January? Let’s get started before the calendar flips!
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PRODUCT
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Branded Welcome Kits
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GIVE YOUR BRAND A STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION IN PRINT
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Whether you’re onboarding a new employee, welcoming a new client, or launching a refreshed identity, Branded Welcome Kits turn your materials into memorable, all-in-one experiences.
A printed branding kit might include:
- Business cards and stationery
- Stickers, tags, or thank-you notes
- Swag like notebooks, pens, or labels
Not only does this pull your brand together visually, but it creates tangible touchpoints that build trust, communicate professionalism, and make people feel like part of something bigger.
Whether you're updating your materials or planning for 2026, this is one investment that makes a lasting impression.
Want help designing a kit that shows off your brand’s best side? Let’s build it together.
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TECH
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Photoshop on Android? Yep, It’s Here.
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BIG EDITS, SMALL SCREEN. NO LAPTOP NEEDED.
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If you’re an Android user and haven’t explored the Photoshop mobile app, now’s the perfect time. Released earlier this year, the free beta version brings many of Photoshop’s most popular tools straight to your phone so that you can create, retouch, and design on the go.
You’ll find familiar features like:
- Layers, masks, and blend modes
- AI-powered Generative Fill (yes, really!)
- Spot Healing Brush and Object Select
- Quick, intuitive design tools for thumbnails, posters, and more
Great for creators, marketers, and anyone who wants pro-level tools in their pocket. Available now on Google Play for Android 11+ with 6GB+ RAM. (Already on iPhone? It’s there too.)
Need help taking mobile designs from screen to stunning print? That’s where we come in.
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Printer@Work Newsletter is available via e-mail on a free subscription basis.
You can subscribe or unsubscribe at any time. For more information about bert@bizcardcolorado.com, visit
bizcardcolorado.com.
Copyright © 2025
bert@bizcardcolorado.com, 1608 Riverside Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524-4327 970-493-3401
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