We tested the majority of the Astrobrights papers and here are the results from the post office:

The ones that failed are:

– Orbit Orange
– Re-Entry Red
– Grape
– Venus Violet
– Lunar Blue
– Celestial Blue
– Terrestrial Teal
– Gemini Green
– Gamma Green
– Black

There were a couple that marginally passed, so there may be a risk that they could be rejected:

– Rocket Red
– Plasma Pink
– Fireball Fuchsia
– Martian Green

A few alternatives are:

1. Choose a different Astrobright paper, such as:
– Lift-Off Lemon
– Sunburst Yellow
– Galaxy Gold
– Cosmic Orange
– Fuchsia
– Terra Green

2. Apply white address labels

3. Use non-automation prices (approx. 2 cents more postage per piece) or single-piece 1st Class

2. Dan will edit out any existing text/prepare the image area where the variable name will go (for example, if you wanted a name in the clouds, the existing clouds would need to be cleared/edited to make room). If there is existing text that Dan will be replacing, he first makes sure he can replicate the look/texture/color/style with the new variable text such as cloud shaped letters, letters chiseled in rock, etc…

3. Dan adds the editable text in photoshop that will later become someone’s name. Then, using a mixture of layer styles, effects, and photoshop actions (sort of a photoshop mini-programming function) Dan makes the text fit and look like it belongs in the photo. Once he is satisfied with the look, the file is sent to be merged with an excel data list using XMPie variable processing software. An image is created for every unique name in the list, which can then be used in design projects.

What it’s good for:
Variable image processing is perfect for a number of print and online applications, including (but not limited to): Personalized birthday cards, loyalty and/or promotional postcards for businesses, calendars, and emails.

About Dan: Dan is a self-admitted Photoshop and photography junkie, whose great joy in life is creating and editing photography in interesting ways. Some of the most fun he has (second only to making his daughter giggle) is creating photography that cannot exist in real life such as mountain-sized cameras, punk-rock groundhogs and flying pigs.

But with all inventions comes a bigger and better product that will almost certainly dominate its predecessor, and that’s exactly what PHP is to ASP.NET. PHP stands for PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor, and also utilizes a database schema to deliver content to the fingertips of users. However, in contrast to ASP.NET, PHP uses a Linux server environment, and is used with the MySQL adaptation of SQL database standards.

Databases are a part of our everyday lives. They house data in an easily-accessible format and keep everything organized for you and I. If it weren’t for databases, we wouldn’t have the majority of the internet’s most monumental creations, like Facebook and YouTube. They allow us to login to a private interface, change our user preferences, upload images, and so much more.

The structure of a database is relatively simple. A database can contain multiple tables, each of which have fields that are categorized to store a specific type of data. Records are a series of field values that all relate to one another in some way. Understanding the structure of a database can be made much simpler by imagining an Excel Workbook. If you’re familiar with Excel as a Microsoft Office product, you know that an Excel Workbook can contain multiple Worksheets (tables), each containing columns that would have headings at the top (fields), and each have rows of data (records).

At AlphaGraphics of Billings, we’re making advancements in our repertoire of database knowledge to bring you a better web experience. It’s with a great understanding of PHP & MySQL that we can offer functionality beyond that of the already-powerful WordPress platform we offer our New Media website clients. Let us put our experience with PHP & MySQL to work for you in building an excellent web experience for your current and prospective customers!

Call us today at 406-256-4999

1)      Remove old or unused programs from your computer:  Navigate to Start -> Control panel -> Programs and Features.  Let the list generate, then slowly scroll through the list.  There are a lot of programs you DO need here, so be careful what you uninstall.  Things like “SuperCoupon” or “WebSearch” (things that look like web related shopping or assistant programs) can be removed safely.  Do not remove any programs that starts with “Microsoft”.  After this is done, close the Control Panel window.

2)      Run a hard drive health check:  Navigate to  Start -> Computer -> Right click on your hard drive and choose properties. Switch to the Tools tab and click on the ‘Check Now’ button -> Continue.  Select both boxes and click Start. May be prompted for restart, then restart.

3)      Free up some hard drive space: If your hard drive is getting close to maxed out, it will certainly slow down your computer.  Free up some space by removing files that you may not be using.  This can be as simple as emptying a Recycle Bin, that hasn’t been emptied in a while or removing temporary internet files from your computer. 

Remove Temp Internet Files by navigating to Start -> Control Panel -> Internet Options -> Click the ‘General’ tab, then click ‘Delete’ under Browsing history.  Click ‘Delete All’ -. Click ‘Yes’ -> Click ‘Ok’.

Large files (like music files) can take up a lot of space.  If your using iTunes, do not move all of your music files or iTunes will stop working.  However, audio or video files not used by iTunes….move them or get rid of them.  A good program for Disk Space analysis is ‘WinDirStat’.  It will scan a drive and give you detailed info on what’s consuming the drive.  It’s easy to use and very helpful at manually recovering Disk Space.

4)      Let Microsoft FixIt help you out: If you are using Internet Explorer, trust in Microsoft to help diagnose issues that may be slowing you down.  Run the ‘FixIt’ utility at http://support.microsoft.com/mats/ie_performance_and_safety/en-us?entrypoint=lightbox

5)      Monitor what programs are running:  If you have many known, or unknown programs running on your computer, then your RAM is being consumed.  Memory specifics and types are too deep to get into.  However, in many cases of “My computer is running dog slow”, one of the culprits is lack of RAM, because it’s being consumed by programs running in the background.  Additionally, if you are running many memory intensive programs, your computer may just need a memory upgrade.  2Gb -4Gb of memory is standard in most computers sold today.  If you don’t have at least 2Gb of memory in your computer, then it may be time to upgrade memory….or your computer.  Windows Task Manager is a good (default) program to monitor your system performance.  Task manager can be loaded three different ways:

  1) CTRL + ALT + DELETE, click on the Task Manager on the Security dialog.
  2) Right click on the taskbar and chose Task Manager
  3) CTRL + SHIFT + ESC

Click on the ‘Processes’ tab to see all processes running on your computer.  Click the ‘Memory’ column to sort the processes by memory usage.  Take a look at the programs running (Image Name).  Processes that are not recognized may be running from malicious software.  If your not sure, just Google the process name (ex; dwm.exe, chrome.exe …etc.) If you think your computer may have viruses, well your probably right.  Keep moving through all points here and get viruses removed.

6)      Defrag your Drives:  Defragging the Drive may be time consuming, but should be completed every now and then.  I have found the best way to do this is using a great third-party program called BoostSpeed5.  Install the defrag tool at www.auslogics.com, with all the default install settings.  Launch the program and navigate to -> Settings -> Program Settings -> Algorithms Tab -> Click on ‘Move system files to the beginning of the disk’ – > Click ‘Ok’.  Choose View -> Auto Defragmentation -> Click both ‘Auto defrag…’ boxes -> Click ‘Back to disks.  Analyze and defrag as further recommended, by selecting Defrag & Optimize.

7)      Disable Windows Search Indexing:  For slow computers, it’s beneficial to disable the Windows Search Indexing.  Navigate to Start -> Computer -> Right click on your hard drive and choose properties.  Uncheck ‘Index this drive for faster search’ -> Click ‘ok’.
Further indexing options can be adjusted:  Navigate to Start -> type ‘indexing’ hit Enter -> Double click ‘Indexing Options’ -> Click ‘Modify’ to remove unused folders.

8)      Ensure Microsoft Security Essentials have been installed: Ask about FREE virus scanning software is best and you’ll get 20 different answers.  I use MS Security Essentials, and install it on my clients computers.  There is not such thing as 100% virus protection (or 100% anything for that matter).  Install and run MS Security Essentials from   http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials

9)      Run MSCONFIG to disable harmful programs from Startup: Navigate to Start -> Hit ‘Run -> Type ‘MSCONFIG’ -> Hit Enter.  Click on the ‘Startup’ tab when the System Configuration window loads.  These are all of the programs that start running when your computer starts up.  If the Startup Item does not look like it’s from a trusted or an ‘Unknown’ Manufacturer, you should disable it.  Disable items by ‘unchecking’ the checkbox.  When finished, click ‘Apply’ -> Click ‘Ok’.  A prompt will popup.  Select to ‘Restart’.  Move on after your computer starts back up.

10)   Restore the HOSTS file: Some malicious software will update entries in your Windows HOSTS file.  This is generally what will cause your Internet Explorer to load website URLs, other than what you have set as your homepage.  Restore to Windows Vista Default by Running Notepad as Administrator.  Navigate to Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Right Click on ‘Notepad” -> Run As Administrator -> Acknowledge the Security Prompt.  With Notepad open, go to File -> Open -> navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.  The file type should be set to “All File (*.*), then select ‘HOSTS’.  The contents of the file should look like below.  Any item that does not have the pound sign ‘#’ in front of it…is being used by Internet Explorer. 


# Copyright (c) 1993-2006 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

127.0.0.1 localhost
::1 localhost


You can copy the code above and paste it into the file, then Save it and your done with this step.  Close all sessions of Internet Explorer, then re-open IE to make sure your homepage is back.

So with the 10 pieces of advice above, your computer should already be operating better.  I carry a USB Drive with me everywhere.  On it has a folder called “Fix Computers”.  In this folder I have my tools, that perform some of the things above, or help remove viruses and speed up computers for my clients.  Here is what’s in my toolbox:

• Firefox Setup 3.6.exe – Many times IE is disabled and command line takes too long to try to download Google Chrome, so I have a Mozilla Firefox browser installer.  This helps when malware has disabled things and you need to surf for solutions. Download it from http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/products/download.html?product=firefox-3.6.13&os=win&lang=en-US

• HJTInstall.exe – HiJackThis is a program from Trend Micro that generates registry reports and can allow you to fix issues immediately.  This can be quicker (and safer) to use than navigating through and correcting registry entries manually. Download it from http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/

• procexp.exe – Process Explorer is basically Task Manager on steroids.  It provides a lot of information regarding computer processes and resource usage.  A good tool to help identify what is actively going on, on your computer.  Download it from http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653

• windirstat1_1_2_setup.exe – WinDirStat analyses and reports on disk usage for your computer.  It’s a good tool to cleanup your computer of unwanted files.  Very user friendly and very easy to use.  Download it from http://windirstat.info/

• MSSecurityEssentials.exe – Free virus and spyware protection software from Microsoft.  Download it at http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

• boost-speed-setup.exe – A user friendly tool that helps maintain computer health.  I use this specifically for Disk Defrag and file recovery, but the program has many other useful tools to keep your computer running up to speed.  Download it from http://www.auslogics.com/en/software/boost-speed/

• ChromeStandaloneSetup.exe – This is the Google Chrome browser.  Geared for modern site coding (CSS and HTML5) this browser is very simple and awesome with great security features.  I would highly suggest using this browser over all others…and it’s Google.  Download it from http://www.google.com/chrome

We hope that our series of “File Tip Flashcards” will be helpful in preparing your files. The full set is also available in the “Design Services” section of this site whenever you need a refresher.

Please feel free to send us an email on what you think, if you learned something new, and especially if you have suggestions for additional flashcards you’d like to see in the Design Services section. Of course, if you ever have any questions regarding the setup of a file for print, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Check out our attached video of the Wetzels wrap to see the process of a vehicle wrap from start to finish!

 
A vehicle wrap can be a great choice for just about any company. Vehicle wraps are hard to miss because they are designed to command attention. Your vehicle will be seen by thousands of people on a daily basis. It is a great way to help increase your client list and for you to really brand yourself.

A quality vehicle wrap can last between five to seven years. That is a good return of investment if you ask us! We are confident enough to say that Wetzels received an eye catching design and a quality product from us. We transformed their plain, unbranded van to a great advertising piece for their company.

Stop in to Alphagraphics today or contact one of our Sales Representatives if you are interested in having your vehicle wrapped. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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 that you’ll be satisfied with. After all, you’ll approach a design that’s meant to raise awareness or educated differently from one that’s meant to specifically sell a product or service.

2. Budget and Schedule

Budget can be a touchy subject for some people. Some people feel like if they share their budget before the quote, they’ll be overcharged or be charged the maximum amount.

Please understand that by knowing ahead of time what kind of budget you have to work with, we can tailor the services to give you the most benefit for you money.

Schedule is almost as important as budget. Good design takes time, it’s not just a matter of creating a pretty picture.

You may have certain deadlines that you want to meet, because of events happening within your company or industry. Maybe you have an upcoming product launch or trade show you need to be ready for. It’s important to let us know why you want things to fit within a certain schedule and whether that schedule is flexible or not.

We will be realistic with you about both your budget and schedule needs. If we know we can’t do something within a certain budget or schedule, we will tell you up front. Sometimes we can offer alternative solutions.

3. Target Audience

Who are you trying to reach? A product designed for teenagers is going to look a bit different than one designed for corporate decision-makers. It is helpful to know who you want to appeal to right from the beginning.

I’m sure you have an idea of who buys your products or uses your services. Who is your ideal customer? Describe those people, even if there’s more than one. It’s our job to create something that appeals to more than one demographic.

4. Project Scope

Sometimes, a project scope is obvious from the goals of a project, but sometimes it’s not. The more clear you can be from the beginning the better. Whether you want a completely custom solution or to adapt an existing template. Maybe you want an entire ecommerce site with a shopping cart, or a brochure that gives basic company information.

5. Available Materials

Do you already have a logo, brochure, product photos, or other materials that would be useful to your design? Looking at your existing promotional materials can shed valuable insight into what your design taste is and priorities are.

“On this project I would really like to use that new fold-over post card design you showed me a few weeks ago.”

“Can we use some of the photos left over from the newsletter we did last month?”

 ”So what you got for me? What’s new? I need something really clever for our March Promotion.”

Now, we live in a world of don’t waste my time and immediate results, but if we haven’t defined our target audience and a measurable outcome, we’ve got virtually no shot at consistent success. There is no magic bullet, no technological gimmickry which will overcome a poorly defined target. Here is a sample of a target/outcome scenario we recently helped define:

• Five mile radius of retail center, 40k household income combined with a current customer list, hoping to achieve a 2% measurable response rate.

Segment the target

Once the general target is defined a second question should at least be considered. Within the target audience, do we have different segments that deserve a different message? Again, if you thing about the sales call scenario, you have two clients to see this afternoon. First client demands first rate quality, and impeccable service while second demands the lowest cost as the top priority. Your message will be different to each client. A successful sale means tailoring the right message to the right client. No different for a direct marketing campaign.

The following list segments into 3 separate groups:

Three segments, three tailored messages, each easily tracked for effectiveness.

We hope that our series of “File Tip Flashcards” will be helpful in preparing your files. The full set is also available in the “Design Services” section of this site whenever you need a refresher.

Please feel free to send us an email on what you think, if you learned something new, and especially if you have suggestions for additional flashcards you’d like to see in the Design Services section. Of course, if you ever have any questions regarding the setup of a file for print, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

 We know the purpose of direct marketing is to generate a response, however that response may not directly be a sale. The more complex the product, the more steps required to make the sale. Sometimes this is referred to as 1-step vs. 2-step marketing. The ROI can still be predicted it just needs to be tracked differently.

 Here is a comparison of 1-step vs. 2-step:

Once realistic objectives are understood and the response mechanism defined, the rest of the directing marketing process follows a logical progression.

Six Step Direct Marketing Process:

1. Set goals and objectives
2. Determine the response mechanism
3. Identify the target audience
4. Choose the marketing channels
5. Produce the campaign
6. Review the results and reinvest

 The last item “Review the Results and Reinvest“ cannot be over emphasized.  No plan is perfect. Just like implementing a new product line or investing in a new piece of equipment, direct marketing has a learning curve involved. It’s about measuring the outcomes and adjusting to apply what’s been learned.