inkd: an istock for graphic design?
http://inkd.com
Does a stock market for graphic design represent a threat or an opportunity for graphic designers? Hard to say, though certainly it appears to be a viable resource for end users, or just about anyone short on time or inspiration.
These aren’t the typical junk layouts you see floating around cyberspace. I’m willing to bet more [...]
Parenthetically Writing
Does attention to detail in your writing make you look smarter? Does it improve your marketing skills? It’s not hard to make a case for that. Just as clean fingernails and polished shoes help make a positive impression, so does your attention to grammar, syntax and punctuation.
So here (courtesy of Empire State College, NY) is [...]
Graphic Moment Online
If you’re one of those students who longed for the days the teacher dimmed the lights and rolled out the film projector, this is for you!
The Graphic Moment Online Edition: Bleeding Edge, The Movie (suitable for general audiences).
Copies&Ink featured on Adobe Website
Copies&Ink was recently honored by Adobe Systems as a Success Story on the Adobe Systems website. Our thanks to Laura Thurman of Big Sky Communications who wrote the feature story, and our client Erin Johnson of Aubrey and Associates, whose project was also featured in the story.
The article can be viewed online on here or [...]
New Tools, Same Old Traps
OK, I love the web, and likely you do too. Still, I’ve been hard pressed to understand how “social networking” comes into play for business marketing. Most of what I’ve seen falls into the category of shameless self promotion. And that’s a shame.
Certain hard truths will always be unavoidable, be it in print, direct mail [...]
Under The Hood
There’s no doubt about it. We’re in the golden era of buying printing on the cheap.
Pull out the stops. UV coating, process color, full bleed, paper thickness approaching that of 3/8” plywood. Got Photoshop? Go to town! Creative Suite on your PC? The sky’s the limit. Except…
Have you seen the fine print in WYSIWYG? It [...]
The NCOA: Postage Cops
You’ve mailed 2500 pieces at the discounted bulk mail rate, saving over $300 in postage compared to first class postage. Then you’re busted, because one solo address on your list is out of date! The postman has now discovered that your list hasn’t been run though the official NCOA (list cleanup) process.
It’s like running a [...]
The Perfect Website
Well of course, it doesn’t exist.
Still, too many sites seem to miss the mark; they’re stuck in old world thinking about marketing and advertising. They focus their engergy on promoting a brand, or product benefits. Yes, people still do buy the brand, but using a website to promote a brand misses the point.
The brand message [...]
Newsletter Confusion
You know how to build a campaign. It’s Marketing 101, just the basics. A good list, creative design, a great offer. Bingo.
We’re told it’s all about the numbers: reach and repetition. Write a great headline, use the right tools, hire a Flash whiz, get an account at Constant Contact. Hang in there. This strategy works. [...]
Lost your Job? We want to help.
Free Resumé Program
If you’ve recently lost your job, we’d like to help. Copies&Ink will provide you with 100 free custom printed business networking cards, along with 50 resumés, and matching blank second sheets, plus envelopes.
Just upload your resume design to our website. We’ll provide you with a separate link to create your business cards. It’s [...]
William Alpert is a seasoned entrepreneur and 35 year business veteran. His California based companies design and create printed and electronic marketing materials for Fortune 500s, entrepreneurs as well as advertising and graphic design professionals. He is the author of InkBlot, a weekly journal on business marketing in the internet era. 
