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Please take a few moments to enjoy the most recent issue of Printer@Work below before you
Return to cpg-printing.com.

CPG PRINTING & GRAPHICS PRESENTS
APR
16
PRINTING IS OUR PASSION.
WELCOME TO TEN MINUTES OF GOOD NEWS AND FUN STUFF FROM YOUR FAVORITE PRINTER!
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A Message from Melissa Donovan
The Way I See It
 

We’ve all heard the saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” It’s a simple reminder that temporary challenges can lead to lasting rewards. In life and business, we often face unexpected storms—tough decisions, setbacks, or slow seasons. But just like rain nourishes the earth, these moments can strengthen us, refine our strategies, and prepare us for growth.

Instead of dreading the downpours, what if we saw them as opportunities? A rainy season in business might mean a chance to refine your marketing, strengthen customer relationships, or explore fresh ideas. The key is patience—because when the time is right, those efforts bloom into something remarkable.

Here’s the way I see it: Every day is a chance to refine, refresh, and reinvent. The best time to start is now.

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Idea
Idea of the Week
Bold Simplicity: The Strategic Use of Flat Color in Branding and Advertising
STEPPING FORWARD WITH COLOR CONFIDENCE

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.

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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.

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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.

See more great ideas like this!
Click here to visit the CPG Printing & Graphics - Ideas Collection.
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MARKETING
Marketing Tip
The Secret to Truly Memorable Marketing
HOW TO CREATE PRINT THAT CONNECTS

People are bombarded with marketing messages every day. So how do you make sure yours actually sticks? It’s not just about being clever or eye-catching. It’s about creating something that makes people feel something. When your marketing connects on a human level, it becomes memorable.

Here are three ways to turn your print marketing into something people won’t forget:

  1. Tell a Story – Instead of listing features, highlight how your product or service improves customers’ lives.

  2. Use Interactive Print – QR codes, tear-offs, and unique textures can turn a simple postcard into an engaging experience.

  3. Consistency is Key – A cohesive brand message across print and digital reinforces recognition and trust.

Remember: Great marketing lives in the mind, not just the mailbox. If you’re ready to create print pieces that engage, inspire, and convert, we’re here to help you bring it all to life.

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Uncommon Product
Neighborhood Graduation Banners
CELEBRATE LOCAL GRADUATES IN A BIG WAY

Graduation season is around the corner, and what better way to honor local grads than with custom neighborhood graduation banners? These eye-catching outdoor banners allow families, schools, and communities to showcase their graduates in style.

  • Personalized – Feature names, school colors, and even a photo for a unique touch.

  • Weather-Resistant & Durable – Made from high-quality, outdoor-grade materials that withstand wind and rain.

  • Perfect for Outdoors – Hang them on fences, light posts, or buildings to turn your neighborhood into a celebration zone!

Whether you're a proud parent or a community organizer, these banners bring the neighborhood together to cheer on the Class of 2025. Let us help you design the perfect banner to make this graduation season unforgettable!

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Tech Tip
How to Unsend an Email in Gmail
A SIMPLE SWITCH TO PREVENT EMAIL ERRORS

Ever sent an email too soon or to the wrong person? Gmail gives you a built-in "Undo Send" feature to save you from email mishaps. Here’s how it works:

  1. Enable Undo Send: Gmail has this feature on by default, but you can adjust the time window. Go to Settings > See all settings > General and find the "Undo Send" option. You can choose a cancellation period of 5, 10, 20, or 30 seconds.
  2. Undo Immediately: After sending an email, look at the bottom-left corner of your Gmail screen. A small pop-up will appear with an “Undo” button. Click it before the time runs out to retract your email.
  3. Confirm & Edit: Once undone, the email reopens in draft mode so you can make changes or delete it entirely.

It’s a simple trick that can prevent confusion and errors. Speaking of great communication—need help creating polished, professional print materials? We’ve got you covered!

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Fun@Work

Spotlight Recipe

Keanu Reeves’ Garlic Hummus

Did You Know?

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Printing Quiz

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