SHERWOODPHOTO  GRAPHIC DESIGN

2013 CALENDAR DESIGN INFORMATION

We are flexible to meet your needs:

• We can design a card or calendar based on
  our stock images   or   your own images & logo .
• We can add the calendar text for your custom layout needs
  and/or prepare your files for offset printing
• Or   you supply all the digital files(PDF preferred) and we will print it.
• Turn-around time (from proof approval):
  usually one week including ground shipping. Shipping upgrades available.
• Samples available by Priority Mail on request
• Cards are printed on 14pt heavy card stock, and there's no charge for Aqueous Coating (glossy) both sides. Full color & Full bleeds both sides.
• Our offset printer vendor does a gorgeous job!  Very professional.
• Custom layout ("setup") is by the hour; stock photos are by the photo.
• Calendars can be oriented any way you wish, even spanning more than one year (e.g., 18 months)

Tips:

• Select a compelling image that people will WANT to hang on their office walls (or "refrigerator"). Reds and yellows stand out.
• Often nature (flowers especially) are a good pick, or something interesting from your products or services
• The images would need to be 300dpi (high resolution) for proper printing. We're happy to help you select.
• Pick a contrasting background so that aside from the calendar function, people's eyes will be pulled to look at your image (and your name/logo!)
• Print extras to hand out as "business cards" throughout the year; offer to clients and colleagues to have stacks for handing out in their offices
• Mail as a postcard - if in an envelope, people may not open the envelope.
• Simplest is usually the best: calendar with main image on one side, additional images and messages on the reverse.
• If you're including a holiday greeting, we suggest to put that on the back (address side) - often people don't want to stare all year at a "dated" Happy New Year message when looking at the calendar throughout the year.
• Don't forget the back side: In addition to your return address/contact info, include (additional) product/services images, lists of core competencies or major products, highlight your employees (one company has their employees sign their first names in various color inks, scan it hi-res, and we include as a holiday greeting on the backside)

Over the top:

• Consider a "poster" calendar - a unique, compelling image with contemporary styled calendar - hangs on the wall to demand attention! Economical Sizes up to 24x36" - available quick turn-around (usually one week to your doorstep). Makes an impressive statement about your business, and people love posters. Contact us for details and pricing.
  We will help you brainstorm fresh and innovative ideas that will be memorable in your clients' minds.
  
  
• Consider a custom "Window" envelope where the diecut window hole aligns with a creative portion of the contained card to give a peek inside.

POSTAGE & ENVELOPE CONSIDERATIONS

• USPS defines "STANDARD SIZES" for specific sizes and thicknesses.
  The easy answer is that envelopes and cards up to 6x11.5" go for regular first-class rates ($0.45 in 2012).
  Larger envelope first-class postage is $0.90
  The maximum USPS-defined-Postcard size is 4.25x6" $0.32
  Note that we sometimes will use the term "postcard" informally just to mean "card with no envelope" and if the card is larger than 4.25x6" it will not go for the USPS POSTCARD rate.
  Always check with USPS.com or your post office for the official rules/rates.
  Postage Price Calculator - USPS.com
  
  
• Envelopes come in stock sizes:
  A2 - 5.75 x 4.375
  A6 - 6.5 x 4.75
  A7 - 7.25 x 5.25
  A9 - 8.75 x 5.75        (smallest envelope to fit FOLDED 6x11 = 6x5.5")
  #9 - 8.875 x 3.875
  #10 - 9.5 x 4.125
  9 x 12 (named by their size)     (smallest envelope to fit 6x11)
  10 x 13
  
  
• Although it's theoretically possible to use an envelope that's the same size as the inserted card, it's likely not to fit in practice. You would want 1/4" to 1/2" extra space for quick wiggle room to "stuff" the envelopes.
  
  
• 6.5 x 9.5" and 6.5 x 11.5" envelopes are available on special order (optional black ink printing). The lead time is about 1 month, since these are diecut made-to-order for your specific quantity.

SITE DIRECTORY:

• POSTCARD CALENDAR PRICING
• WALL CALENDAR PRICING
• SAMPLE DESIGNS
• OTHER SERVICES
• HOLIDAYS

Call or email us to discuss your custom needs.

(978)-286-1083

How it works:

• You choose the text (contact info, greeting, tagline/catchphrase, etc.)
• You choose the picture - we can help with stock photos if you like. But: all pictures/logos must be high resolution or vector files. (Lo-res/web images print fuzzy and would look unprofessional, thus we would not want to be involved). If you supply the image, you are responsible for copyright issues (either you have permission from the photographer and venue, or you've purchased from a reputable stock agency)
• We show you a PDF sample, and make edits (labor charges apply)
• You approve the PDF proof and we submit to our offset printers by 5pm ET each day.
• Regarding PDF proofs: Please check spelling, layout, and other aspects carefully. Beware that different monitors and printers can render colors differently. If color balance is critical for you, please check the proof on a color-calibrated monitor. See here for more info about color balance and color calibration.
• Once approved, the offset printing plates are made shortly after 5pm and usually are printed that night. Thus you need to inspect the PDF proof carefully, since you are responsible for the printing costs once approved.
• Drying, cutting, and packaging time is typically 2-3 days, and UPS ground shipping can usually have them on your doorstep in about 1 calendar week from approval.
• You receive an email/web-based invoice from us, that includes credit card payment options.

Self-seal are more expensive and available offset printing only for quantities 500 & up