DREAM IT. DESIGN IT. DO IT.

The Bible has held the title of the #1 best selling book around the world for quite a while, and shows no signs of stopping. It is one of the most sought after books on the market, and you can find them everywhere (even the nightstand of your hotel, most likely). Many publishers, churches, and ministries have begun printing customized versions of the Bible to fit their needs. So if you're interested in doing the same, there are a lot of considerations. Here's what you need to think about design-wise (interior layout is another conversation). Ink + Paper The most important part of the Bible is, of course, its message. If that's not clear—the words themselves—there's really no point. Legibility is dependent on three major factors: Font Size/Style —Most Bibles range from 8pt font to 10pt font; however, one can easily customize the font size to offer a large print version. Keep the font(s) as simple and clean as possible Ink Color —In addition to the size of the font, the color of the ink is incredibly important, A muted, solid color is a must. Most Bibles are in solid black font, but some opt to have the words of Jesus printed in red. Of course, other colors could be used, but keep in mind that studies have shown black and white to be the most readable text colors. Paper Type —When choosing the right paper , consider: — Thickness will determine the weight of the Bible and what pen type the pages can handle for note taking. — Color should work well with the color of the ink, which can change based on the type/color of paper it's printed on. — Opacity determines how much or little text can be see through the paper. Typically, the thicker the paper, the more opaque it will be. Consequently, the lower the paper weight, the more translucent the paper will be. The Cover I know we're not supposed to judge books by these, but c'mon, we all do it. The cover is important because it gives the first impression, but it also houses the pages and holds it all together. The cover houses the text pages. The binding is what keeps it together. There are numerous options and possible combinations for your cover and style of binding, such as: —Leather or PU (Polyurethane), Soft Cover Binding, Smythe-sewn + Lay-flat —Matte Art Paper over Greyboard + Matte Lamination, Hard Cover, Smythe-sewn + Lay-flat To learn more about what all of that means, you can check out more info on covers and bindings . Accessories The 2 main accessories most Bibles have are ribbons and head/tail bands. Ribbons come in a variety of colors and are inserted at the top of the spine before a Bible is bound. Head and tail bands are then placed over the top and bottom portions of the spine to help secure the sewn binding. You can also add other embellishments, such as debossing (text is pressed into the cover), embossing (text is raised on the cover), spot gloss (glossy coating over text or designs), foil stamping, and many more options. Ready to design and print a Bible for your customers that will help them and enhance your brand? Contact us here , and let's create something great together.

You're a business owner with a new product idea. You have a game plan and a picture in your head. You create your best napkin drawing to communicate the idea with your team, but you struggle to clarify all the details, leaving your "prototype" a little less than impressive. Unless you're also a designer, the inability to really put pen to paper (or stylus to tablet) just makes it difficult to turn those dreams into reality. There are a number of great free/cheap softwares/apps/creative tools available for non-professional designers to help out in just this sort of situation (e.g. Canva is one of our favorite). But there are limits for those tools and what can be accomplished without a professional driving their use. Here are a couple of the notable perks of hiring a designer: Mind Reader One of the biggest advantages to hiring a designer is that they can do a lot of the creative thinking for you. A good designer is well-versed in the terminology, tools, and tricks of the trade and will be able to help you get the ideas in your head out in effective ways. They'll be able to point out shortfalls, design flaws, and even pinpoint opportunities for development or added features. And these are the things that set your product apart from the competition. That said, not every designer is right for every project, so it's important to find the right designer who thinks about the right types of products and in a way that is helpful for your brand. When searching for a graphic designer, you'll need to review their portfolio, see proof of the marketability of their work, and connect to make sure they'll work well with you and your team. Here are a few places to look: Instagram / Pinterest LinkedIn Creative Circle Fiverr Upwork 99 Designs Of course, the best place to find a good designer might be a quick conversation with a friend. Ask around, check out design work they've completed, and see how they were to work with. You might find a gem from a quick conversation that could really work well for you. All the Details Perhaps the biggest reason companies hire graphic designers apart from general creativity is because they understand all of the tools, processes, and how to nail the details of the work. Consider all the requirements a printer requires in final printable files: Crop Marks Bleed Marks Outlined Font Font Files PDF & In Design Files Gold Foil Outlined in 100% K (Black) And so on... These are only a few, and they could change depending on other factors in the process, like paper type or image size. Miss one of those details, and your entire process or product could be foiled. And an amateur could spend hours or days trying to figure out and correct design problems when a professional designer would likely avoid them or be able to correct them in just a few minutes. The biggest problem other than shipping that can delay orders in the printing and manufacturing world is incorrect files. Even the smallest mistake can mean as much as 3-10 days in revision time, especially when proofs are involved. So designers can not only save you time, they can also save you a lot of money. Certainly a professional graphic designer is not required to create and manufacture a product, but one can be a great service and end up saving you a great deal of time and money, possibly producing a better product in the long run. Ready to create the product to please your customers and enhance your brand? Contact us here , and let's create something great together.

If you’re new to printing products, you'll get to learn an important step in the process called “proofing.” It's the part of the process where a proof of concept is produced so that changes can be made before an item goes into mass production. Especially when you are printing overseas, this is a vital part of the process, and one you want to understand and fully take advantage of. You have options for different types of proofs that may be offered for your products. Here’s a quick guide to 3 forms of proofs that can be produced for paper items. PDF PROOF This is the most basic kind of proof, and it is completely free. It is a digital (as in not a hard copy) PDF document containing your printed pages as they will be laid out for production. It will include crop marks, bleed lines, and a color block on the side to show the color ratios. It will also include markings for required hole punches, points at each corner for measuring whether or not your text is centered, and other design cues. Typically, these proofs are generated by the plants right after receiving initial product files. They are a great way to verify alterations to the text and design before mass production, because they are generated quickly and you do not have to wait for transit time. These are not meant to match color, as the color on screen will reflect color in RGB format, but printing will take place in either the CMYK or PMS format. DIGITAL PROOF Don’t let the name fool you—while this may sound similar to the PDF proof, the digital proof is actually physical text pages printed with your designs. It bears that name because it is a digital printout of your product's artwork. This proof will contain the same crop, bleed, and hole punch marks as a digital proof and can be very helpful, especially if your project contains fold out pages and ultra specific formatting throughout the text. While the digital proof can sometimes be printed on the actual paper that will be used in mass production, it is important to note that the color may not be exactly the same as the one that is used in mass production. So for the particularly color conscious, the next proof is for you... WET PROOF Wet proofs involve printing your actual colors (either CMYK or PMS) on the actual paper that will be used in your project, so you can see exactly what the final product will look like. Consider this #1 out of the thousands you would be printing in mass production. This is the most definitive way to check your proof for all text, design, material questions. You can hold it in your hands to see and feel what the final product will actually be. The only problem is that it is very expensive to run the printing machines when you are only producing one item. But it can be very helpful if you are producing items like color-packed planners, coffee table books, or other image-heavy products. The point of the proof is to give you the opportunity to make 100% sure that everything is perfect before mass production begins. The PDF proof is where you'll want to make most of your necessary changes because there is no cost to produce it. It is simply editing and manipulating the digital files. A digital proof can give you a good idea of the final product, but won't be exact. The wet proof is the final step you'll want to take when proofing because you don't want to make a bunch of changes and produce multiple proofs for sake of the costs of production. Ready to create the product to please your customers and enhance your brand? Contact us here , and let's create something great together.

Podcasting has become a must-have for brands looking to connect with their customer bases and grow. Thought leadership (and storytelling) is one of the most valuable commodities for marketing your products and services. But what about those whose greatest commodity is the podcast—does it work the other way, too? Do products help to grow the reach of the podcast or further its success? We have seen many successful podcasters dip their toes into the waters of overseas printing and the products they've created have helped expand their brands. The key is to find the creative answer that makes sense for your audience and matches your brand's style. A few simple steps can help get you there. Ask yourself if there's a product that just makes sense for your brand. For instance, if you host a storytelling podcast, why not write up a few of your most well loved stories and combine them into a book? Add a few pictures or a bit of illustration, and make it available as a coffee table book. Ask yourself if there's a product that specifically serves your listeners. Have a podcast for on-the-go moms? A nice branded planner or journal with sage advice, tips, reminders, or encouragement (quotes from your podcast?) might be just the way to connect further with your listeners. Making a podcast for off-roaders or van-lifers? You have to print the stickers, of course, but what about a handbook of some of the best places to go with maps, accommodations, and must-see places? Ask yourself if there's a product that stretches your brand and your listeners. Innovation and creativity are absolute necessities if you want to grow and expand your brand. Force yourself to consider new products, considering options that aren't necessarily the most natural or obvious fits. Are there ways to take what you do in the auditory world into print—ways to tell stories in a new way, share images, or otherwise create spaces for your brand to showcase what it does best? Find them. Explore them. Do not be afraid to take a measured chance. Finding ways to expand from a strictly auditory commodity to a physical product could do for your brand what your show cannot. It could help you jump into markets that may not otherwise be familiar with your podcast. No matter your audience, there is a physical printed product to match their needs in some way. Ready for a collaborative partner to help you get creative and produce new products to please your customers and enhance your brand? Contact us here , and let's create something great together!

The kids' market is a crowded one. So a lot of buyers are loyal to brands who can meet all of their needs. Here are 5 items you need if you plan to develop a kids collection: Flash Cards Flash cards offer so much creativity, flexibility, and opportunity when it comes to content. The only limiting factor is what information you want kids to know. Designed creativity on one side and useful information on the other—the potential is unlimited (as is the opportunity to further your brand reach through helpful tools). Tech specs—for cards flash cars that last, we recommend using 250 + GSM paper with coating on both sides, creating a smooth surface and keeping the cards free from stains and tears. Coloring Books Coloring books have been a staple in kids education and entertainment for a long time, and for very good reason. They're here to stay. The good news is that they are both relatively simple to design and can be inexpensive to create. And they're a wonderful way to communicate/expand your brand story. Tech specs—120 GSM wood-free paper is easy to print on and holds color well. Pair with a perfect (glue) binding and you’ve got an instant hit. Highlighters & Markers Kids love color, and color can spur creativity and imagination. Highlighters and markers are a fantastic way to spark their creativity and incorporate your branding. Utilize your signature colors and/or print your logo on the pen body and cap. These products are also easy add ons to bundle with other items. Picture Books In the US, over 10,000 babies are born every day . Even with the proliferation of digital tools for capturing, editing, and storing images, physical picture books have not lost their popularity. They are, in fact, an evergreen staple in the market. Create some nice options, even customizable, and you can develop customer loyalty for life. Tech specs—These books are typically made with greyboards that are glued together, very functional and easy to use. Lamination protects the pages for long-lasting products. Stickers Commonly used as a reward or motivator, stickers are fun for any age (adults included), and the options are nearly endless. Have a logo or mascot or quotable motto for your business? Stickers could be a great way to communicate your story to all ages in a very fun and interesting way. Tech specs—Wood-free paper with matte lamination is standard when creating stickers. If you prefer a thicker and smoother product, 300 GSM C2S—more of a thick art-style card—might be your best bet. If your designs are really interesting with negative space, clear PET sticker paper is also a noteworthy choice, so the design could change according to the color of the surface to which is is applied. All in all, printed kids products are an easy way to add volume to your inventory, expand your brand, and deepen brand loyalty. Even if your market is not specifically child-related, your users with children might be interested in those products that keep their children in mind (and you could begin building brand loyalty in the next generation of consumers). Ready to build a relationship with a collaborative partner to create wonderful childrens' products to please your customers and enhance your brand? Contact us here , and let's create something great together.

One of the regular questions asked of successful people when interviewed concerns their daily routines. And some of their answers are fascinating, to say the least. Many very successful people wear the same clothes every day or eat the same thing for a given meal or set aside specific times for specific activities on a daily basis. Scheduling can be tricky, but it's incredibly important to achieve success. And good tools can make it much simpler. One of the best and most used tools to help (and still one of the best selling print items for branding)? You guessed it—the good old fashioned calendar. It can be hard to reinvent an item that has been around for years for your brand. Here are a few variations that may spur some creativity for adding a twist to an otherwise typical item. Pocket Calendar CōDRA was able to design a calendar for one of our top clients a few years ago, and it was met with immediate success. We expanded the length of the calendar and added a pocket on the bottom of the backer board to store calendar-related items such as save the date notices, graduation announcements, or tickets in one location. That simple little hack was a hit, saving users hours and frustration from digging through drawers around the house to find lost items that were stored in a special spot for safe keeping. That pocket also added a perfect place for further branding to keep our client front and center with their customers. Wooden Block There are a number of different styles of print calendars from magnetic—to hang on the refrigerator—to desk calendars to those you can add to your planner. Some of the most creative calendars take a little different approach. One such option is to create large cards with a month on each one with a wooden block to act as a holder for the set. The beauty of working with a wooden block is that, done well, it can also double as a piece of wonderful decor within your home. An added benefit is that a well designed set of cards could provide is flexible sizing, depending on the needs and desires of your customers. Sticky Back People typically hang their calendars either in the office or in their kitchen—wherever there's space on the wall. But not everyone has the right spot for a calendar., and if they do, they may not want to poke holes in the wall just for that. A simple solution is an easily removable adhesive on the back of your calendar, which would allow the user to place the calendar on their fridge, bulletin board, or any other flat surface with the option to easily remove it without damage. There are a million different ways to create calendars, so you can choose the right options or collaborate on something new and inventive to please your customers and grow your brand. Ready for a collaborative partner to help you create an amazing calendar or other product to please your customers and enhance your brand? Contact us here , and let's create something great together.

High-quality products producing clear and immediate results for high end retailers. In 2015, one of the world’s most successful high end gift & stationery retailers, Paper Source , chose CōDRA as their global print outsourcing partner. Within nine months, we successfully developed a unique annual planner with specialty features and packaging that continues to be a huge success in their stores. ​ Creative, unique, desirable, and attractive—these are some of the descriptors we were given in reference to the planner we were helping design. And we were entrusted with the entire process from ideation through shipping the final product to the customer. ​ We had the opportunity to assist in product development, supply artwork for the text, create unique packaging solutions, and recommend additional features to truly set this luxury planner apart from other planners on the market. CōDRA's production team managed the process, ensuring the highest level of quality and efficiency in the schedule all while navigating the confines of a limited production budget for a new product. This product catalyzed the growth of our portfolio with Paper Source as we expanded our relationship into other product categories because of the range of benefits they experience through our global solutions. We've since developed additional new products in collaboration with Paper Source and recommended several complimentary products to grow their customer offerings and energize their stores. The result of this partnership has been high-quality products created, produces, and delivered collaboratively providing clear and immediate results in sales and profitability for our customer. Collaborate on your design. Create a premium solution. Enhance your brand.

Only the best products become family heirlooms to be passed from one generation to the next. DaySpring, the industry leader in Christian greeting cards understands that and came to CōDRA to collaborate on just such a product. Desiring to expand into the fairly new Bible journaling market, they envisioned mothers and grandmothers passing on beautiful, meaningful family Bibles to their daughters and granddaughters. They wanted to ensure they created a Bible with enough space for note-taking, drawing, and inspirational messages in the margins, and custom, in order to stand apart from other journaling Bibles. ​ CōDRA began detailing the myriad questions to be answered, from finding the right binding method for such high page count to choosing the correct type of paper—thick enough for writing and drawing while avoiding smudges— to identifying the perfect cover materials to last for generations but also look beautiful. Several rounds of mock-ups with various materials led to a wonderful Bible, but it still needed the right packaging to keep it safe and enhance its beauty, as well. So we developed a custom box to match the beauty and durability of the Bible itself and offer their customers a great unboxing experience. As the design process came to a close, we sourced the necessary materials and chose the best offshore printer for the project, managed the production process, and delivered an exquisite product that helped DaySpring extend their brand. Collaborate on your design. Create a premium solution. Enhance your brand.

New products, new markets, new investors, and new ways of doing things are the lifeblood of growth. And while each innovation carries potential risk, businesses that don't innovate will eventually diminish. —Adena Friedman, President & CEO of Nasdaq New products and innovation are absolutely essential to the growth of your business, and the "hows" and "whens" of producing them are just as important as the "what" of the products you create. New product development takes time and a lot of energy, and it's often more of each than one would expect. While there are a number of advantages to printing and manufacturing overseas that can serve you well in the process, but there are a few more considerations when you move your production overseas. Schedule is one of the things you'll need to focus on most closely. Timelines can be tricky, and if you've produced anything in the US, you'll find they're different overseas. Following are a few considerations to make sure your new products stay on time and moving efficiently. Holidays Affect Your Schedule Understanding the culture of the country where you produce is imperative in order to make sure you keep your production schedule moving forward. It comes as a surprise to many Americans that other countries and cultures celebrate very different holidays than you'd typically find on a US calendar. And some of those holidays are extended and can have a tremendous effect on your timeline. For instance, Chinese New Year is a very important holiday in many Asian countries, and citizens often take off a week or two to celebrate. Those couple of weeks can be a huge disruption to your timeline if they're not expected and planned on the front end. And the business shut down can effect not only the production, but also transport in freight and shipping. Dig into as much information as you can about the culture where your printer is and engage in a clear conversation from the start on what potential holidays or time off they have on the calendar, which will help you better decide the route you would like to take when placing your order. Start Production Earlier than You Think If you have not previously worked overseas are more familiar with Stateside printing, the most obvious element to consider is shipping timeline differences. Even if your overseas printer can create your product more quickly than Stateside printers, you could still face much lengthier timelines getting that product to your door. Stateside shipping is fairly simple since all movement happens within the country, and clearances—if any—can be handled quite quickly. With overseas printing, however, ocean freight and customs clearance can add weeks that you might not be accustomed to onto your timelines. Keep in mind, shipping delays and congestion during peak seasons can also create a longer timeline. Many companies request a typical arrival time of September and October to prepare products for the holiday season, meaning containers can fill up very quickly and customs will have a lot of shipments to review. Set realistic production goals on both ends. Discuss the timeline and get it on paper, as it were. Discuss potential problems or delays in the beginning and set realistic expectations for when your product is set to arrive. Which brings us to the final suggestion... Communicate. A lot. When working with any printer, communication is key. When working with an overseas printer, communication is absolutely vital. You cannot over-communicate when printing overseas. Well, maybe that's a slight exaggeration, but only slight. Good communication with your printer is an essential part of creating an accurate understanding of your realistic estimated schedule. Once your plan is in place, know that delays can occur that might be out of the control of both the manufacturer and freight forwarder. Timelines are estimations for this very reason, and extra cushion should always be added on your end to compensate. And that brings us back around to the point again—communicate. A lot. So, as you're planning for your new product, start soon, plan well, and communicate along the way to make sure your production runs as quickly and smoothly as possible. If you're ready to create brand-developing products that connect with your customers and enhance your brand—and you'd like help with all of these timeline and communication details—CōDRA is the collaborative partner you need. Contact us here .

Editor’s Note: This article is the second in our series on creating successful crowdfunding campaigns. You can find the first article here . “Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Poor Performance” This mantra—or some version of it—has been shaping attitudes and activities for years, from the military to business to parents urging their children to work hard in school. And it has had staying power for a reason—it’s true. Crowdfunding campaigns are another place where the truth of the statement proves itself true. These campaigns can be very exciting, but there is a lot to address to ensure they run smoothly. Beginning your campaign on the right foot—with a detailed plan—can help create the greatest opportunity for future success. A Place to Begin When your campaign includes a printed or manufactured product, whether as the goal or as a reward for investment, your printer or manufacturer can—or even should —be your greatest ally. They can help you review all your options, understand production terms, and even help you build your product’s image and brand before it ever goes live. An experienced partner will not only understand the production, but also the industry and specific product well. Here are a few specific ways you can use your printer or manufacturer as a key resource in creating a successful product and campaign. Great production partners can help shape your product and your project. Understanding the industry you are working in, growing trends, and burgeoning markets will help you shape your campaign. Partnering with a production expert with years of experience in the market will give you a boost. Not only should they understand how to have products made, but also how they fit in the market, existing gaps in the market, or ways to make your product stand out against the competition. 2. Great production partners will help you plan and execute every goal within a prescribed timeline and with excellence. Mass production and printing requires numerous moving parts, and so many of them tend to move simultaneously. A partner that can guide you through the entire process—language barriers, time zones, cultural variances, tariffs, shipping timelines and delays—is invaluable, allowing you to focus on other important elements of the campaign. These hurdles can cripple an unprepared creator, but an all-in production partner can help you see and prepare for them before they appear or help you avoid them altogether. 3. Great production partners help you present your product in compelling ways. Strong visual elements like stunning photographs and videos are a crucial element to any crowdfunding campaign and can only be achieved with a high-quality sample of the product. Assuring that your sample product is consistent with the quality and elements of your full run shows consistency to your supporters and boosts confidence in the end goal. Success in a crowdfunding campaign requires a creative idea and excellence in execution. While the first part of that equation lies in your court, the second is fueled through the assistance of a proven, thoughtful production partner. Don’t jump into your campaign alone; find the partner that can help you drive your goals to success. Partner with CōDRA to create the right product and execute an excellent crowdfunding campaign. Contact us here .