publications

Periodical Publishers Should Capitalize on Surprising Finishes and Formats

The golden age of print is happening now. More formats are available than ever before, more enhanced printing and finishing options at a lower cost, and lightweight papers that convey gravity and elegance while being economical to print and mail, especially for periodical publishers.

As magazines, periodicals and journals continue to compete for shelf space and strive to reach the top of the inbox, publishers should capitalize on the unique, hands-on experiences printers have to offer. Look for a color that’s outside the lines, eye-catching sizes and shapes, and highly touchable papers and finishes. The trick is to find a printer with these capabilities that also offers value, speed, competitive pricing, and unmatched quality.

Refining the look and feel of your publication will set it apart from and above the competition. Consider going outside the box with:

Paper.

Consolidated Press offers more flexibility and economy, starting with picking your paper. CP’s process allows for lightweight paper options that most offset printers won’t touch because they can be hard to print on. Publications can be lighter and less expensive to mail, making a huge difference to a magazine on a regular schedule. 

Tipped-in pages.

Set your periodical apart with color illustrations, maps, coupons, advertisements, reply cards, and much more. Be sure your readers open to the page you want them to.

Customized binding and finishing.

Choose from in-house perfect binding, saddle stitching, drilling, laminating, gluing, and more — whatever binding matches the personality of your publication and works for mailing to your customers. 

Color that dazzles.

In publishing, a printer’s capabilities should show their true colors. In addition to striking and precise color matching, true to the last page, CP can do a fifth spot color, as well as spot varnish. CP can print “5 over 5”  in one press run, translating to faster delivery, less waste, and excellent color consistency throughout the run. 

Versatility.

Not all the pages are created the same, and they don’t all need to go on the same press. Consolidated Press offers the upgraded, in-house process of simultaneously printing the inside of a publication on one press and the cover on another. This optimized workflow offers efficiency for printing pages while opening unique opportunities to make each cover impactful and distinctive using handpicked stock and finishing options. 

After your unique publication is printed and bound, CP can shrinkwrap, mail, distribute and warehouse. We are indeed the premier resource for periodical publishers. See more of our work.

Consolidated Press is one for the books. Call or click today to start our valuable partnership in printing.

Hitting the Books with Expert Printers

While digital publishing trends may be the talk of the town in educational circles, the value of print pieces cannot be ignored. Whether you’re an educational institution looking to create and distribute marketing materials and alumni magazines, or an instructor seeking to reach students and help them learn, partnering with a print expert will benefit your audience and your bottom line. 

Student and Alumni Life 

As with print catalogs and other direct mail pieces, the use of graphics appeals to the senses. For student catalogs and curriculum offerings, photography will bring your campus to life in living color. For alumni who want to stay in touch with their colleges and universities, magazines incorporating photos, graphs and charts regarding where their contributions go, and other visual elements will evoke positive feelings and memories.  

An outstanding way to engage the user experience is by using tipped-in pages. “Tip-ins” are pages that pull the reader’s attention to a specific activity or content subset. If your university has a top-rated educational program, set it apart in the student catalog. For alumni, use a tip-in to highlight the achievements of their fellow graduate class members.  

Promote Learning 

According to research done by Dr. Naomi Baron, the vast majority of students say they learn better when they are provided print materials rather than relying on digital instructional materials and online educational resources (OERs). While higher ed institutions may be tempted to move toward digital resources because of perceived cost, learners still want print materials. Students report they re-read print materials, as opposed to just skimming through online resources one time; and they say they retain information better when they have read something from a print source. 

Because higher ed is facing a contraction of resources, especially from a federal level, it’s more important than ever for these institutions to partner with an expert that can optimize their dollars. As students continue to demand books in print, a responsive and experienced printer with versatile offerings and an economy of scale can support this market by providing high-quality content to readers who want it.  

Education print publicationContinuing Education 

Colleges and universities aren’t the only educational institutions out there. Many industries demand that employees continue to learn to stay on top of industry trends, appeal to an ever-evolving customer base, and keep up with advancing technology. Providing employee handbooks, workplace manuals, and other corporate materials will engage your workforce in knowledge development and skills training,  benefiting their careers and boosting productivity.  

Consult with the experts at Consolidated Press. Cost-effective options include sheet and web printing for more options with sheet sizes and basis weights; in-house perfect binding to reduce shipping costs and time; and various paper options.  We can ensure your printing projects will run smoothly, deliver on time and within budget, and thrill your audience with the information they are seeking. 

Consolidated Press – Seattle’s Printer

For over 80 years, Consolidated Press has been a part of Seattle’s thriving and vibrant evolution. When our doors first opened in 1934 near the famous Pike Place Market, no one could have imagined that our city would be the center of technology, innovation, retail, and tourism that it is today. Fast forward many decades and one big move down to Sodo, Consolidated Press brings print and mail projects to life for many of the companies that have helped drive Seattle’s success and bring new people to the region to live, work, and play. Here are some of the Seattle-based projects that help tell the story of our great city. 

travel magazineDestination guidebooks 

No destination is complete without a guidebook. Whether sending these out to prospective visitors or handing them to customers who have just arrived, tour books and guidebooks are a great way to welcome new business and help retain customer loyalty. These are often kept for the duration of a trip or stay and taken home and shared with others. 

Gameday books and fan guides 

Our location in Sodo makes us a little partial to our neighbors in the Stadium District and beyond. Whether you root for the Seahawks, Mariners, Huskies, Sounders, or our new NHL expansion team, the Kraken, fans love to take home a piece of the action. Gameday books, fan guides, commemorative player rosters and more are all a part of the ultimate fan experience.  

Direct Mail to Reach Your Community 

Seattle is known for its many distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique style and flavor. Community events and festivals are the glue that keeps our city together. Seattle Farmers Markets serve the city population providing food access and promoting Washington State farmers. Communities participate in the National Night Out with neighborhood block parties and other relationship-building events. Rack cards or direct mail are great ways to reach residential-based lists to spread the word about events and other important initiatives in your area.  

Pass booklets 

Amongst Seattle’s many attractions are its wineries and breweries. Woodinville, the popular wine region about 45 minutes outside the city, is home to more than 100 wineries. Locals and visitors pick up pass booklets to take advantage of discounts and find information along our many wine and beer trails throughout the region.  

Consolidated Press is proud to be a part of Seattle’s rich heritage and looks forward to growing along with its strong future. We are honored to serve our many local companies and organizations with effective solutions in print — direct mail, brochures, catalogs,  booklets, and more to help them stay on time and on budget. Let us know how we can help with your next project.