Thermography, better known as raised printing, is a printing method using ink and a special powder. After being heated, the ink and powder create a raised effect on the paper. Also called “poor man’s engraving”, thermography took the place of the more expensive custom engraving process because it was easier and cheaper to produce. Its popularity increased among businesses that were now able to get the look and feel of engraving on their businesses stationery without the increased cost. Raised print thermography is commonly used for business cards, letterhead, wedding invitations, and corporate holiday cards. It is more suited to single color or two color projects but advances in the process have enabled multiple spot colors to be used. The cost will sharply increase when more than three inks are used.

Offset or flat printing, in the simplest terms, is a printing process that uses water, ink, and an aluminum-based plate to transfer and print the ‘image’.  Offset printing offers a high quality reproduction of art work that is very affordable when using one, two, or three spot colors. Once a project goes to four color (CMYK; Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black), the process changes and there is a more substantial initial cost incurred. When doing full color projects, a negative is created for each plate, CMYK, and a full color match print proof is created using the negatives. This shows exactly how the project will appear once printed. If there are any changes to the project at that point, a new set of negatives have to be printed and the process starts over – even before printing has begun.  Another proofing method that is becoming more popular in this area is the use of PDF proofs. The customer can view in ‘pleasing color’ how the project will print on their computer. If color is not extremely important, this option can prove to be less costly, but, if you need good color representation, the match print proof is more reliable. In larger markets using a direct-to-plate workflow, a proof can be viewed on screen using a calibrated monitor to show colors correctly. Please note that a digital laser or inkjet proof is also an acceptable way to view your project and can also keep costs down.

Questions? Contact us at info@angelicdesigns.com

We are pleased to announce that Angelic Designs has been invited to compete in the second annual StartupNation's Home-Based 100 Competition. StartupNation was created by entrepreneurial experts Rich and Jeff Sloan to provide information to entrepreneurs on how to start and grow a successful business.

You may vote once per day during October and the winners will be announced in November. We would be honored by your visit and your vote of support!

Follow the link below to view our profile and cast your vote.
http://www.startupnation.com/homebased100/contestant/927/index.php  

• To provide access to professional, inexpensive methods of print, design, and advertising, while maintaining the highest standard of quality and satisfaction.