If you’ve been following our blog for a while, then by now you know we’re crazy for photo projects here at Spencer Minuteman Press. Today, we’re bringing you our professional tips for using filters on your engagement photos to create a save-the-date card that perfectly sets the mood for your wedding.

Before we dive in, though, take a few minutes to have a look at the gorgeous stationery we carry. From the moment you send out the save-the-date cards, you should have a clear vision of your wedding. This will ensure that everything is cohesive, from your initial announcement until the last thank-you note is in the post. If your wedding is going to be a traditional, formal affair, we have invitations that will perfectly accent your luxurious event. From whimsical to rustic, we’re Melbourne’s best printers and we’re certain we can find something to match your aesthetic.

Now, let’s talk specifics on those save-the-date cards. Using your engagement photos is one of the hottest trends, and it’s super easy and surprisingly affordable to create photo save-the-dates. Keep reading to find out how you can transform the look and feel of your engagement photos with filters that will capture the right ambiance!

Different Filters for Your Engagement Photo

Black and White

We don’t need to tell you too much about this one. Printing your engagement photos in black and white on your save-the-date cards is perfect for a dramatic, formal event. The classic greyscale is simply stunning, and your guests will understand that the tone of your wedding is formal.

A great thing about choosing this filter is that it effortlessly pairs with text and paper of any colour. This filter is available on just about every piece of photo editing software, including many that are inexpensive or free.

Sepia Tone

This is another widely available filter, although sometimes it might be called ‘antiquing’. Indeed, this gives the appearance of an old photograph by adding a brown tone to a greyscale image. It’s perfect if your wedding is all about old-fashioned romance. If you plan to have design elements like lace, vintage dishes and baby’s breath as part of your wedding, then you may like this filter.

Blur

This filter is all over Instagram and is widely available. Adding a hazy finish to your engagement photos makes them look soft and romantic. It will almost give your save-the-date cards the appearance of a film poster, as the gauzy look appears professionally done. Not only will the foggy finish make the two of you look gorgeous, but it lends an enchanted feel that’s great for outdoor, summertime weddings.

Posterise

This last filter is perfect for the quirky, unique couple that’s going after a playful feel for their wedding. Using a posterise filter over your engagement photo gives it the look of a poster or cartoon sketch, and it’s an easy way to let your guests know your wedding is all about FUN! This filter pairs well with oversized balloons, and if you’re the kind of couple that’s including your pet in your photo, we’re guessing you’ll love the look of this filter.

Whatever finish you choose, know that Spencer Minuteman Press is here to help print your photos. We offer the best design and printing services in Melbourne’s CBD. Stop by today to see how we can help you create the perfect save-the-date cards for your wedding!

We recently shared tips on creating the perfect poster, and today we’re bringing another large-printing project to your attention: banners. This traditional advertising tool is highly effective. Take a look at our suggestions for how your company or organisation can use banners.

Schools

Go Wildcats! A school gymnasium just isn’t complete without a banner cheering on the team. Don’t just use banners for athletics, though—there are loads of ways schools can use banners throughout the year for effective communication with the students and the community.

Advertise major upcoming events on a banner that is displayed in front of the main entrance. School plays, dances, and art fairs are all banner-worthy events. Especially because these types of events usually come with an entrance fee, an inexpensive banner will help you bring in more cash.

If your school is hosting an open-door event, like an info-night for interested families, a banner is a must. A banner adds instant credibility. The same is true of alumni events or any time your school has visitors, such as when you host a tournament. Banners are that finishing touch that is sure to impress.

St Louis School Open Day Banner

Churches and Charitable Organisations

We know that churches and not-for-profit organisations often have limited funds, but rest assured that we offer loads of printing options and will work to keep the cost of the banner within your budget. We offer the best digital printing in Melbourne, but that doesn’t mean it’s expensive. In fact, you will be surprised at how cheap printing a banner is, especially when you consider how long they last and the awareness they raise.

Anytime you are putting on a fundraiser, you need to get a banner up outside your organisation to advertise. Aim to have a banner up four to six weeks ahead of time, and make sure it’s a bright, bold colour to attract attention.

Banners are also great for holidays and celebrating milestones. If your charity just celebrated its tenth year of operation, put it on a banner! Sharing your success publicly and wishing others well is a feel-good advertising tactic that is highly effective.

Celebration Banner

Businesses

If your company is in retail, any big sales or new inventory should be displayed on a banner to get the word out. Advertising your competitive pricing on products or services on a banner is also a good idea.

Business Banner

One highly effective advertising tool to help your business make more money is by giving it away. What do we mean? Donate new equipment and uniforms to a local children’s sports team. Then, you can create a banner that states, ‘A Proud Sponsor of the Tiny Tigers Football Club’. People are much more likely to engage with businesses that they see as philanthropic and supporters of the community.

Another way businesses can use banners is to show they’re trustworthy by displaying the number of years they’ve been in business or the number of clients they’ve helped, for example, ‘Melbourne’s Premier Plumbers Since 1945’ or ‘Over 1,000 Houses Sold’.

As for Spencer Minuteman Press, we might create a banner that says ‘The Best Printing Services in Melbourne’s CBD’. We are looking forward to helping you design and print your banner!

Most companies, both new and well established, generally have the same needs; for example, premium business cards and stationery. But there are a few necessities that are especially crucial to start-ups. In the initial phases of building a business, the work might be dramatically different from the day-to-day tasks that will follow once the company is established. Read on to find out just what you need to stock your supplies cupboard with in order to help your start-up find growth and success.

Presentation Folders

In the first few months after opening up a business, you’ll be making loads of presentations. You might be pitching to banks to procure loans, working with city councils to garner approvals and permits and giving presentations to potential investors. You’ll also be knee-deep in marketing and publicity; it’s absolutely crucial to build awareness and establish a customer base as quickly as possible. Make sure you stock up on materials for your presentation folders.

Presentation Folder

In addition to visual aids for your presentations, be sure to include a business card in the folders. You’ll want to make sure that your company name and contact information are prominently displayed, in addition to your logo. A sharp, professional presentation folder will help you make a favourable impression on all the right people in your start-ups initial weeks and months. A consistent, well thought out look can help you to hit the ground running.

Flyers and Cards

Obviously, one of your first priorities will be to get your name out there. You’ll need to start building name recognition and gaining public awareness, and flyers and cards are a great way to do that. Flyers and cards can be used in a variety of ways. For example, you can ask local businesses to display them or use letterbox distribution, if your business has a local focus. However you decide to use them, flyers and cards are a must for a start-up.

We know that most start-ups are working within a very tight budget, so make sure to come in to Spencer Minuteman Press to discuss how we can help make your needs meet your budget. We are the most reliable printers in Melbourne, and we know how to help you save money!

Letterhead

Don’t underestimate the amount of correspondence you’ll have when you first open a new business. You need to come off as a professional and reliable company from the get-go, so make sure to stock up on letterhead and custom business envelopes. It’s true that email dominates the modern world of communication, but a start-up will need to be prepared for more formal interactions, too.

Once you stock up on these start-up essentials, it’s time to do some heavy recruiting for clients. Take a look at our article on growing your business by increasing your customer base, and then stop by Spencer Minuteman Press for all of your CBD printing needs. Your new business will be a success in no time!

We have a bit of a sentimental streak here at Spencer Minuteman Press, especially during the holidays. In this era of over-the-top gestures, a simple and sincere Christmas card is often overlooked. But this heart-warming tradition is a great way to spread that proverbial holiday cheer far and wide, especially to long-distance relatives and friends. Take a look at our tips for creating the perfect custom Christmas card.

Custom Melbourne Christmas Card

Consider the mood you want to evoke. For something light and playful, choose a snowman. For a luxe appearance, go for a gilded angel. Of course, Christmas trees and Santas make for lovely, traditional cards. Spend some time looking for an image that speaks to you and represents your family’s approach to the holiday season.

Another option is to use a family photo for your Christmas card. We’ve written before about the creative ways you can use photos. Who doesn’t love seeing pictures of their friends and family? This custom touch is special and perfect for the season. When choosing a photo for your card, you should first decide if you want to use a single family portrait or opt for a collage instead.

A family portrait looks professional and formal. You have to shell out the big bucks for a professional photographer, though. Most digital cameras and even laptop computers are equipped with easy-to-use self-timers. Make sure to include your pets in the frame!

For a collage, consider using a mix of candid shots from throughout the past year mixed with studio portraits like school pictures. It’s always nice to show kids as they are: active and ever-changing.

You can either write your message on the front or on the inside of the card, but whatever you go with, make sure it matches the mood of your card. Popular trends right now are single words paired with an exclamation point, like Hark! or Merry!

As for your signature, you have to decide between using just your family name and listing each person’s name individually. Both options are great, but keep in mind that children change so dramatically from year to year that it’s possible friends and family you don’t see regularly might not be able to tell your sons or daughters apart in a photo if you don’t label it!

As for the font you choose, go for something that is easy to read. We love cursive and other ‘fancy’ fonts, but make sure the writing is clearly legible. Also, consider the colour of your font. It’s tempting to use red or green, but both of those colours can be rather difficult to read unless the text is really big and bold. Whatever font and colour you decide upon, know that Spencer Minuteman Press offers the best quality digital printing in town.

This is Christmas, so choose an appropriately festive and formal paper for your cards. Our cardstock is so gorgeous it’s often used for wedding invitations. We love the look of embossing, especially if you are opting for gold or silver text.

Make sure to order custom envelopes, too, so you don’t have to hand-write your return address on each one. We can print destinations on the envelopes, too, if you prefer.

If you need printing services in Melbourne’s CBD, come on in to Spencer Minuteman Press. We can take care all of your projects, from presentations to Christmas cards!

We’ve talked a lot on here about the importance of a business card and shared tips on how to make your business card stand out. Today, Spencer Minuteman Press is bringing you two anecdotes that perfectly highlight the importance and power of a business card, no matter what industry you’re in.

Make Business Card Stand Out

Kevin: a 22-year-old new graduate in accounting

‘A couple years ago, my mates and I formed a band and started playing at parties and even scored a few gigs at local bars. We started to talk really seriously about pursuing this dream, much to our parents’ dismay, and even took a semester off from uni to work on our music full-time. We were all over the internet, uploading songs and making contacts, but it honestly never even occurred to us to print out business cards. I mean, we were basically teenagers in a rock-band, and business cards are for suits, right?

Well, we were playing at an outdoor venue one night and sure enough, some guy comes up to us and asks for our business card. I think we maybe jotted down an email address or something on a soggy napkin, but that was it. We later found out that the man was actually a major marketing executive for some resort, and we totally ruined our chances of landing a really high-paying gig. Needless to say, he was put off by our disorganisation and probably assumed we were too young and unprofessional to book.

In the end, we scrapped our music dreams, but it’s hard not to wonder ‘what if’, you know?’

Lesson learned: You are never too young or too ‘rock-and-roll’ for a business card.

Amanda: a 45-year-old pastry chef and cake decorator

‘I worked as a pastry chef for years, first at a hotel and later at an artisanal bakery. I had always dreamed of striking out on my own, but never really did anything about it. Of course, I’d always been given business cards by the companies I worked for, but I never created personal ones. I couldn’t exactly take a call at work and try to steal the client for my own independent business. But, I had people asking me for my contact information all the time, you know, when I’d bring a cake to a friend’s birthday party or something. Once, when I did a bunch of desserts for a friend’s hen party at a bar, three people asked me for my card and I gave them the one for my employer’s business.

I finally got it together and printed up personal business cards, and eventually had enough interest to open my own business, but every time I think about all those missed chances, I kick myself. I could have started my own company and gotten happy so much earlier in life!’

Lesson learned: Business cards aren’t just for businesses—having a ‘personal’ card can change your life.

Spencer Minuteman Press has the best offers on business card printing in Melbourne’s CBD. Don’t miss another opportunity: use our templates online to create your own business card, or come on in to speak with one of our designers.

We’ve written articles before about Spencer Minuteman Press’s commitment to the environment, and today we’re back up on that soapbox. We are proud to say that our standard papers are FSC certified, which ensures that your printing jobs in Melbourne’s CBD aren’t negatively affecting the ecosystems of forests around the world. Read on to find out more about the Forest Stewardship Council and what it means to be FSC certified.

What is FSC?

The Forest Stewardship Council is a not-for-profit organisation that is committed to responsibly managing forests. They set the standard on environmentally sound and socially conscious use of wood. They acknowledge that there is a need for forest products, but want those resources to be harvested and used in a way that protects the health of the world’s forests for generations to come.

FSC Certified Papers

Obviously, Spencer Minuteman Press’s business is dependent on paper. Our employees’ livelihood requires us to use resources from the forest, but that’s why the FSC exists: they aim to balance the biological health of forests with the positive economic and social impact that their resources have on our communities.

FSC’s 10 Principles

The FSC has developed guidelines on how to use forest resources responsibly. Of their 10 principles, a few really stand out and are worth mentioning.

Their #1 principle is compliance with the local laws of the country, and principles #3 and #4 are also related to respecting the norms, values, and local regulations in the area a forest is located. The FSC is committed to ensuring the customary rights of indigenous peoples, as well as workers’ rights. Forests affect more than the plants and animals, and the FSC makes sure that all interactions respect the people associated with and dependent upon a forest.

The other principle we want to highlight is pretty obvious; #6 demands that forest management conserve the biological diversity of a forest, including water, soil, ecosystems, and landscapes. It is possible to use products and resources from a forest without destroying it. The FSC manages this by setting standards for certification.

FSC Certified: What It Means

When a company and its products are FSC certified, you can trust that their methods are environmentally safe and socially responsible. Certification is a long process that involves a complete audit of all practices, along with both scheduled and unannounced field visits. The process is rigorous, but it’s also supportive. The FSC’s goal is to get companies that use forest resources to use them responsibly, so they offer a lot of support throughout the journey to certification.

FSC Friday

The Forest Stewardship Council hosts an annual event called FSC Friday. This year, it takes place on Friday, September 26th. On FSC Friday, the responsible management of the world’s forest is promoted by asking the public to look for the FSC logo on their wood and paper products. Check out this awesome awareness-raising event’s history and get involved this year!

You don’t need to worry about looking for the FSC logo on our standard paper—it’s there. Next time you need to print something, choose Spencer Minuteman Press. We are local, affordable and environmentally friendly.

Spencer Minuteman Press knows a thing or two about posters. From school projects to high-end business advertisements, we have experience designing and printing it all. If you are looking for the best place in the CBD for poster printing services, check out what we offer. Here are some of our designers’ best tips on creating the perfect poster.

Perfect Poster Sample

1. Symmetry

People are naturally drawn to images that are symmetrical, so be sure to create a balanced poster by being mindful of where you place images and text. For example, if you include a large picture of your logo on the top right corner of your poster, include another image on the bottom left side to balance it out. A symmetrical poster will not only attract more eyes, it will keep people looking at it for longer.

2. Blank Space

A common mistake is overfilling your poster with images and information. It doesn’t matter if your poster is for a work presentation or to advertise a fundraiser, the bottom line is to leave white space on your poster. A cluttered poster can confuse the reader, but blank space will help to make what images and writing you do include stand out.

3. Images

We’ve hinted at it already, but let us come out and say how important it is to include graphics and visual images on your poster. Including charts or graphs instantly adds a professional and trustworthy air to your poster, which is great if it is for educational or business purposes. Photographs are very appealing, but even graphic images and logos are an attractive touch. If you need help designing a graphic image, check out our article on how to design a logo.

4. A Poster Is Not a Paper

This is especially important for uni students to remember. A poster is not a five-page essay. What text you do include should be in short, declarative sentences, and ideally organised into bullet points. Make sure you are using a standard font that is clean and easy to read. Also, keep an eye on exclamation points. If your poster is an ad for an upcoming school play, you might be tempted to convey the excitement by overusing exclamation points, but the truth is that too many exclamation points comes across as juvenile and unprofessional!!

5. Prioritise Top to Bottom

Most people will glance at the top of the poster first, and then scan to the bottom. If they are still interested, they will then look at it right to left. Use this to your advantage by putting the most important information in the centre of the poster at the very top. The details can fill up the rest of the poster. And as we mentioned in #2, a minimalist poster is OK. Don’t feel the need to pack your poster with information; a simple, bold heading with a single image can be very effective.

If you are looking to create a poster, follow these tips to get it noticed. Then, come on in to Spencer Minuteman Press for the best digital printing in Melbourne.

Are you making the most of your newsletter? Tailoring your design and content to suit your target audience will ensure that people are actually reading it and not just tossing it straight in the bin. Look below for your type of organisation, get writing and then stop by Spencer Minuteman Press for the best and fastest digital printing in Melbourne!

Newsletter Sample

Company Newsletter: Internal

Whenever you are sending a newsletter to employees, you should keep in mind that less is more. The truth is, most people are so busy these days they don’t have time to take a break during the workday to peruse a newsletter, and when they’re at home, the last thing they want is to be reminded of work. Keep the information in an internal newsletter as brief as possible.

As for the content, focus on accomplishments and milestones. Keep the newsletter positive and use it to acknowledge the hard work your employees have been putting in. Depending on the formality of your industry and company, consider including personal news as well. Congratulate employees who recently celebrated a birthday or got engaged. An internal newsletter is also a great place to introduce new staff members by including their pictures and brief bios.

Company Newsletter: Stakeholders

If your company sends out a regular newsletter to clients, make sure to highlight any new products or services front and centre. Including positive feedback or personal anecdotes of clients (with their permission, of course) is a great marketing boost, too. For more tips on advertising, check out our article on growing your business.

Don’t just use the newsletter to talk yourself up, though. Eliciting feedback through your newsletter can give you powerful information, and it makes your clients feel heard and respected. You can do this by directly asking them how they feel about a specific aspect of your business, or keep it more general. Make sure you include an email address for them to send their thoughts to.

Churches, Charitable Organisations, and Schools

We know you always have loads of information to share in your newsletter. Make sure to use lots of graphic cues, such as bullet points and inset boxes to keep sections organised. Also, balance out all that text with photographs. People are much more inclined to look through a newsletter when it has pictures, so include images that are relevant and eye-catching.

Whatever your organisation, don’t try to force the newsletter onto a single sheet if doesn’t fit. People simply can’t read 8 point font, so instead of shrinking everything down, why not opt for a multi-page newsletter? We offer a range of digital printing and finishing options that will suit every budget.

Lastly, consider including a bulletin board in the back of your newsletter to help people connect with each other. This might include postings about job openings and furniture sales, or more personal postings like an ad for a book club seeking members. This is also a great place to post a call for volunteers to help with that upcoming event or fundraiser.

If you write a newsletter, check out Spencer Minuteman Press for the best printing services in Melbourne’s CBD!

Spencer Minuteman Press are the Melbourne printers who are not just about saving you money, but helping you make it, too! We’ve shared fundraising tips on here before, such as creating a recipe book or photo calendar and today we’ve got another great idea: photo cards for all occasions.

1. Pick a neutral theme:

Focus on versatility. These cards are blank for a reason, and that’s to make them useable for everything from thank you notes to get well cards. Avoid themes that feel restricted to one season or holiday, and instead opt for more general and neutral themes. For example, a ‘sky high’ theme with pictures of sunsets over the beach, a brilliant shot of the sky with skyscrapers in the foreground, or a single balloon floating skywards.

Melbourne University Grand Building

Another versatile theme that will appeal to a wide range of people is ‘seasons of love’. Include images of hearts found in nature or associated with the seasons, such as a heart-shaped leaf or a winter scarf lying in the shape of a heart. If you don’t want to limit yourself to one theme, at least try sticking to images in the same colour scheme. This will help your cards feel like a cohesive, professional set.

Heart-Shaped Dog Collar

2. Decide on using abstract images or artistic shots:

Abstract images are interesting and feel elegant. Examples are zooming in on the grooves in an old key or catching light reflections in a puddle on the pavement. Abstract images are great for versatility, but they are also more difficult to capture, so if you are taking the photos yourself this might be on the challenging side.

Swampy but Pretty Bog in Fiordland NZ

For an artistic approach, use filters to evoke a certain mood. Sepia toned filters or black-and-white photography will make your photo appear romantic, while using a poster effect creates an air of joviality. See what options are available and play around; this is so much fun and can make a huge impact on the look of your photo cards.

3. Finishing touches:

In addition to printing high quality photos for your card, you’ll need to use a beautiful paper. Don’t be worried about choosing a dark colour; you can insert a light coloured paper inside the card for writing a message. Embossing or printing your organisation’s name on the back of the card is essential. Make sure you include your logo if you have one.

4. Market your cards:

To really help the orders fly in for your cards, market them as the perfect gift for teachers and mums. Offer a gift wrapping option, which can be as simple as a wide silk ribbon tied around the box.

People can’t resist the lure of a deal, so offer a price break for customers who buy multiple packs of cards. Advertise to your target audience appropriately. If it’s people within your organisation, notify them through a newsletter. Postcards and door hangers make great options for canvassing large groups in the community, and nothing beats the Internet. If your organisation is on social media, make sure to announce the sale on your Facebook page and Twitter account.

Spencer Minuteman Press offers the best printing services in Melbourne’s CBD. Come on in today so we can help you with your fundraising project or any other printing services you need!

We’ve written an article on how to make sure your business card stands out from the crowd, but today we’re going back to basics. Think James Bond—a sleek and classic look that’s incredibly effective and striking without any gimmicks. You’re going to getting a ton of calls with the professional and luxurious picks below.

The Perfect Business Card Printing

1. The 3D border

This pick, available on the Spencer Minuteman Press business card designer, is about as sleek as they come. This business card works in nearly any industry, but is especially good if you work in a traditional field like finance or law. This business card instantly earns trust because it shows that you and your work speak for themselves—you don’t need any bells and whistles. Keeping your info to the bare minimum also helps to build intrigue, which can be quite powerful. Curiosity is sure to get phone calls coming your way.

Now, to keep this business card design looking luxurious instead of boring, opt for the highest quality paper in your budget, and a matte finish works best. Consider embossing for a truly traditional—in the right way—touch.

2. The Parchment

This business card evokes parchment or scroll, making it a great option if you work in publishing, editing, or writing. This slight nod to tradition is a bit cheeky while still being completely professional. The design of this business card is sure to make a strong first impression, as it shows that you respect your field while bringing in a modern edge.

The Parchment Business Card

This business card background would pair wonderfully with a logo or image, due to its neutral nature. If you are working with an image, consider a streamlined business card design like this one.

3. Woodgrain

There are some fields where flashy just doesn’t work. If you work in building, then a classic business card is best. This design is simple and beautiful. Your information will clearly stand out and the sleek background communicates that you’re all business, which is exactly what people want in a builder. We also think that with the rustic-chic revival, this would make an excellent business card for people working in creative industries, too, such as hospitality or design.

Woodgrain Business Card

4. The Classic

This last option is one of our favourites. The textured black background is a bit reminiscent of a primary blackboard, making it a great pick for teachers and tutors. This business card is all adult, though, coming across as professional and respectable. It will literally let your information shine in bright white ink, and choosing a glossy finish paper and ink would really make this classic business card beautiful.

The Classic Business Card

If you need help with your business card printing or designing, come on in to Spencer Minuteman Press. We have a knowledgeable staff and a wide range of options. For the best business cards in Melbourne’s CBD, consider our picks above and then schedule a consultation today!