wewow.co.uk - Experts in CD/DVD Duplication, Replication and Eco-friendly Media Packaging

Product Spotlight- WowWallet with window (wedding)

This month our product spotlight is the WowWallet with Window (Wedding)

This is perfect for photographers wanting small quantites, and something that can be edited to suit each client.

The pack includes:

• Professionally printed disc, with your branding/contact details on.
• Wowwallet with window which is made out of white recycled board.
• A pack of blank pre die cut booklet sheets which YOU print as and when you need them, on your own printer so you can make each one individual to suit your clients needs.


Want more information?

Visit our website or call us on 01274 301410

 

Introducing the Seedcard

We are pleased to announce a new product called SeedCard!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The SeedCard is a bespoke business card printed on 100% recycled board and filled with rocket (lettuce) seeds,  (other varieties to become available), developed to make you memorable with your clients and prospects, 

Just think, every time your prospect tends the seeds they could think of you! Your SeedCard Business card could leave a very long-lasting impression.

 Hope we have sown a seed of interest; please ring our sales team for more information on
01274 301410

Using QR codes to add value to a music CD release

Add interactive, bonus content to your CD or poster by using QR codes.  This post is part of a series by wewow, helping you to optimise your CD or poster artwork using interactive QR codes.

Maximise your CD artwork and packaging

If you’ve decided to avoid printing hundreds of CD booklets to accompany your CD packaging, perhaps because of budget or environmental concerns, you may find yourself struggle to fit all the information you want onto your CD and packaging.

This is where QR codes come into play; include a QR code on your CD artwork and your fans will be able to quickly scan the barcode and get access to bonus information about the CD and the band.  This might be lyrics for the CD tracks, tour dates or even a pre-composed tweet so that your fans start to spread the word!

Make the most of your gigs

Live music is an important opportunity for you to create new fans and get them hooked on your music.  There are a number of ways that you can use QR codes to encourage your fans to interact with your band at gigs.  By printing your QR code on large posters displayed around the venue you could;

• Link a QR code to song lyrics so that your new fans can sing along.
• Allow fans to buy your latest CD or download on the spot.
• Get fans to tweet about how good the gig was!

These are just a few suggestions as to how QR codes can be used to create new fans, get your music heard and add value to your CD releases and gigs.  All you really need is a bit of creativity and the possibilities for using QR codes will be endless!

If you need a helping hand adding QR codes to your CD artwork, CD packaging or posters contact wewow and we will be happy to help with QR code generation and artwork placement.

What is a QR code?

QR codes are a fantastic way for your band to add interactivity to your EPs, albums and even to your gigs!  This is the first in a series of blogs by wewow, aiming to help you use QR codes to add value to your CD releases.

What is a QR Code?

A QR code is a matrix barcode which can be read by camera phones; some phones now come with a QR barcode reader whilst others allow you to download a special app for the job.

A QR code can contain all manner of data including;

Link to a website

Bookmark a website

Make a phone call

Send an SMS/Email

Google or Bing Map

Youtube Video

Tweet on twitter

The possibilities for using QR codes to allow your fans to interact with your CD or poster, by linking a code up to bonus content and printing it on your artwork, are endless.

QR codes are not a new phenomenon (they were invented in 1994 by Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave), but the possibilities are yet to be fully explored by bands and musicians.  That’s why we are offering free QR code generation and artwork placement this month – just contact us to find out more! See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_Code for more info.

Approving artwork for CD, DVD & packaging print

Approving artwork for CD/DVD printing, paper parts and packaging is vital to ensure that the finished product is of a professional standard.  wewow provide digital PDF proofs as standard and can also supply cromalin/wet proofs upon request.  Digital and/or wet proofs should be checked thoroughly by clients before approval is given so we have compiled a short checklist to guide you through the process. 

You should be confident that;

Text

1. The correct fonts are displayed on proofs.
2. Text is properly aligned.
3. There are no spelling/grammatical errors.

Colour
Please be aware that PDF proofs are not an accurate reflection of colour as digital proofs are displayed in RGB colour on a computer monitor.  Please request cromalin/wet proofs if you concerned about colour output (this may be chargeable).

1. Spot pantone colours are stated correctly.
2. For CD/DVD print a white or silver based should be specified on the proof.
   A silver base will generally be indicated by a 2^nd page on the PDF.
3. Matt or gloss finishes should be specified on proofs, where applicable.
4. PDF proofs should be checked with overprint preview switched on.

Layout

1. All images & text are displayed and placed correctly.
2. Artwork is aligned to tick marks.
3. Text and logos are a minimum of 3mm away from the trim line.
4. Page numbers are correct & you are confident that pages are laid out in the correct order – particularly if the artwork is set up in printer’s pairs.

wewow’s expert reprographics team are on hand to offer artwork guidance so please feel free to contact us should you have any questions or concerns.

Designing Artwork for CD & DVD Projects – Outlining Fonts

Our design team often get asked how to outline or embed fonts on artwork for CD and DVD printing and why this step in the artwork preparation is necessary.  Here is a quick step by step guide to make your life that bit easier:

Guide for Adobe Illustrator:

1. Open up your artwork in Adobe Illustrator and select all (Ctrl+A).
2. Select Type from the menu bar and Create Outlines (Shift+Ctrl+O)

Guide for Adobe Photoshop:

1. Open up your artwork in Adobe Photoshop and make sure your template layer is hidden.
2. Select Layer from the menu bar and Convert to Shape

Alternatively, you can save your artwork as a .jpeg file.

I sent a PDF document so why do the fonts need to be embedded?

Our pre-production process means that all artwork is opened up in Adobe Illustrator and set up for print or for the production of screens.  If fonts have not be outlined or embedded and we do not have the font you have used then the text will revert to our default font.  By outlining/embedding the fonts or supplying a flattened image, your original design will be preserved and the artwork will be printed exactly how you intended.

Professional CD and DVD Printing Options

Gone are the days of sticking printed labels onto discs.  Quality CD/DVD duplication and replication companies now print directly onto the face of CDs and DVDs with a range of high-quality solutions available for projects of varying size.

Inkjet Print

Inkjet-print technology is now so advanced that professional results can be produced with ease and at a low cost for short-run projects.  CMYK ink is laid onto CD-R and DVD-R discs which are coated specifically to allow for the absorption of the ink.  High standard printable discs are available but budget discs can also be used if necessary as both produce professional results.  For large volume jobs, a more cost-effective option is to opt for silk screen or lithographic print.

  

Silk-Screen Print

  

For large volume projects, generally those above 500 units, silk-screen is one of the most cost-effective print methods and produces visually stunning results.  Each individual colour, up to 5 being printed in total, is applied using a separate film.  For designs that utilize large areas of block colour, silk-screen is the ideal solution as spot/pantone colours can be applied and produce glossy, solid results.  Pantone colours also allow for an exact colour match.

  

Lithographic Offset Print

  

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (Black) are printed onto the disc using rollers.  Smaller text, detailed photographic images and gradients are printed much more effectively with this method.  Lithographic print is available at 150-175lpi (lines per inch), in contrast to silk screen which is usually at 85-100lpi.  Both methods are industry standard.

  

wewow always advise customers on the most appropriate print option for their project and are on hand to provide explanations and guidance of the various print options that are available.

How to use custom printing to make your discs stand out from the crowd

So you’ve made the decision to use pressed and printed CDs or DVDs for your next marketing promotion or CD release.  Did you know that there is much more available than standard full colour printing?

 

Many suppliers  offer bespoke CD/DVD printing options and often there is only a minimal difference in cost.  So why not create something unique…

 

 

• Pantone Colours
  You may already be aware of the benefits of using pantone colours with silk-screen print.  However, there are many unusual spot colours which are not often utilized.  Have you considered using metallic pantones to add that extra sparkle to your printed media?  Or perhaps you want to make sure your printed discs can be spotted from a far, in which case fluorescent pantones are the perfect option.  The possibilities really are endless and the wewow team are always on hand to offer guidance and inspiration!
  
  
• Selective White Base
  Although replicated CDs and DVDs are often printed with a standard white base, your design can be printed onto a selective white base for no extra cost.  This allows the silver base of the disc to shine through and create a real contrast between your bold artwork and the base of the disc.  wewow have prepared artwork guidelines to help you to set your artwork up in this way, so it really couldn’t be easier.
  
  
• Coloured Discs
  So it’s not just unique print options we’re talking about, the disc itself can be supplied in a multitude of colours.  There’s no better way to make your discs stand out from the crowd than by printing your design onto an orange, pink or even gold disc!
  

Don’t forget to make the most of  bespoke packaging - to compliment your unique printed discs wewow offer a range of bespoke, eco-friendly packaging, the perfect way to add the finishing touches to your project.

 

 

If you’d like further guidance on the printing and replication of optical media discs please contact wewow on 01274 301410 or sales@wewow.co.uk

How to avoid common artwork mistakes

 

1. Design templates
   
   As different manufacturers have different artwork specifications; it can be difficult to know how to set your CD/DVD or Paper-Parts artwork up correctly.
   
   wewow provide artwork templates and thorough guidelines to ensure that customer’s are aware of our exact specifications.  However, we also understand that it is sometimes easier to pick up the phone and talk to an expert about artwork issues.  That’s why our customer service team is fully trained in print and artwork issues and if there are any questions they can’t answer, our in-house design team are always on hand to help as well.
   
   Once you have completed your artwork, the key thing to remember is that the templates must be removed prior to print.  If you want to place the template in a separate layer for reference, this is fine.
   
   
2. Printer’s pairs and page numbers
   
   When ordering CD or DVD booklets, the artwork must be supplied in printer’s pair’s, rather than designer’s pairs.  It is also extremely helpful if the pages are supplied with page numbers so that wewow can be sure the pages are printed in the correct order.
   
   If you’re unsure whether your artwork is ordered correctly, we would recommend that you print a copy of the artwork out and put together a quick mock up.  You should also carefully check the PDF proofs which are supplied by wewow.
   
   If you need any further guidance on printer’s pairs, wewow have put together a help file which contains helpful diagrams and information.  This can be downloaded here or requested form our customer service team.
   
   
3. Screenprint vs. lithographic
   
   wewow are pleased to offer three different print processes; inkjet, silk-screen and lithographic.  However, we do understand that it can be difficult to know how to set your artwork up for the best results…
   
   Customers no longer need worry about avoiding block colour designs when opting for inkjet print.  wewow now have the latest inkjet-technology, which means that ‘streaky’ block colour print is a thing of the past.
   
   Lithographic print produces fantastic results for photographic images but for designs with lots of block colour, silk screen print is always the preferred option.  Lithographic print uses CMYK (rather than spot colours), which means that block colour can be printed with a ‘dotty’ effect, as the individual pixels are somewhat visible.
   
   For this reason, we always recommend that silk-screen print is used for block colour and that pantone colours are selected appropriately.  Pantone colours should always be set up as 100% solid colour and if a lighter colour is required then a lighter pantone colour should be selected, rather than applying a transparency or percentage of a pantone.  If spot colours are not set up as 100% solid colour, then they can appear slightly ‘dotty’ or pixelated.
   
   
4. Fonts!
   
   Due to the number of different fonts that are available on the internet nowadays and the ever present PC – MAC divide, font issues are becoming increasingly problematic.
   
   To avoid text reverting to our default font prior to print, we ask that all fonts are outlined or rasterized/flattened.  By outlining the fonts, you will convert the text to vector graphics rather than editable text.  Alternatively, you can send across the font files via email and wewow will outline the fonts for you.  However, please be aware that any font files supplied must be PC based.
   
   
5. Resolution
   
   Resolution often causes problems when it comes to producing high quality printed artwork.  wewow recommend that the resolution of artwork is a minimum of 300pdi.  Unfortunately, if you grab images off of the internet they will only be 72dpi and will appear pixelated if printed.
   
   Ideally, artwork should be supplied in vector format but where this is not possible, 300dpi should be used as a minimum. Be wary of simply specifying the resolution as 300dpi when you save artwork – if you have taken an image from the web it will only be 72dpi and saving as 300dpi will not increase the quality.  The only way to increase the resolution is to make the images smaller (as this reduces the number of dots per inch), so it is always advisable to use original high resolution images.

8 tips for creating eye-catching disc artwork

As we all know, first impressions are important so whether you’re using discs to market your company, promote your band or generate interest in your latest product, it’s important to make a good first impression!

An eye-catching design can add extra impact to your CD or DVD so wewow have put together a few tips for creating unique and creative artwork…

1. Think about the impression you want to make
Do you want your discs to look creative and unusual or is it important that the discs look simple and understated? The most important thing is to create a design which suits your brand and the product or services which you are trying to promote.

2. Make the most of blank space
Leaving the white or silver base of the disc visible is a great way to break up your artwork and ensure that the disc doesn’t look too busy. Why not consider using a selective white base? This is a tool not often utilized, so it’s a sure fire way to grab people's attention.

3. Make your logo or brand name stand out from the crowd!
So you’ve got their attention? Now you need to make sure your potential customer knows who you are! Make sure your logo stands out and that they are left with a lasting impression of your brand. If you want customers to purchase your discs, strong branding is essential.

4. Copyright
Avoid the temptation to copy images from the internet. This might seem like a quick solution but the quality wont be great (web images are 72dpi but a resolution of 300dpi is required for print!) and more importantly, it is illegal. Make sure you get permission from the owner or use original images.

5. Consider using bespoke packaging
If you do decide to go with a more unusual form of packaging, create a design that utilizes the uniqueness of the package. Eye-catching packaging deserves eye catching artwork, so make sure you make the most of it!

6. Get a second opinion
Ask your colleagues, family and friends of a second opinion, a fresh set of eyes is always useful and they may think of ways to make the design even more striking.

7. Ask wewow for help
If you do find you need a bit more guidance or a few more ideas to get you started, speak to our team of designers who deal with this kind of design work every day. They’ll be able to give you advice and help you create the perfect artwork.

8. Think outside the box!
The key to all of this is to be original and imaginative! Use metallic or fluorescent pantone colours, selective white bases, matt finishes…the possibilities really are endless and more often than not you won’t even have to pay an extra cost to create a completely unique design.