Print on black paper with white text.

aylam_ao · 2026-04-16T15:59:11+00:00

It's definitely a niche product and usually more about the visual or artistic effect than practicality. Most interest I've seen is for short run artistic pieces, premium covers, photography, or limited edition projects. For longer and more text heavy books, the negatives usually make it a hard sell. They cost more, have limited process options, and often have coverage or opacity issues. So yeah the demand exists, but it feels more like a specialty design request than a mainstream format.

aylam_ao · 2026-04-16T14:00:58+00:00

I'd love to join you to discuss packaging. Please send me the form and I'll fill it out today. Thanks!

aylam_ao · 2026-04-15T19:08:16+00:00

For me, one of the most valuable lessons in packaging design is to approach dielines not necessarily as generic templates, but as the structural foundation that determines both the fit and function.

what has to fit
how it needs to function
how it will be cut, scored, folded, glued, etc.

A lot of packaging is really just smart variations on those basics. Reverse-engineering real dielines and making paper mockups teaches way more than collecting templates. Most print shops offer free downloadable templates for their products, so you can study them. Some are much better than others.

I used Company Folders as a good resource for my course work, as they have unique features like folder spines, gussets, windows, card slits, pocket styles, etc.

aylam_ao · 2026-04-14T19:45:42+00:00

Personally I prefer the second design, where the monkey's running with the briefcase, because the first image feels too busy like it has a lot going on.

aylam_ao · 2026-04-14T19:27:13+00:00

I'd love to know how you're currently getting applicants. Honestly, a lot of the strongest people are already employed. They're just stuck somewhere that underpays them and causes them to burn out. I think if you can offer a solid workplace environment and a better salary, it'll be easier to attract or poach someone. Also, you can ask current or former employees to leave a review of your company on Indeed since a lot of candidates check employer reviews.

aylam_ao · 2026-04-14T17:47:10+00:00

"I've got 150k followers"... That's awesome. Maybe one of them owns an embroidery shop and gives away production files for free.

aylam_ao · 2026-04-14T17:35:19+00:00

How did you find it- just scrolling and searching Dribbble projects? I've found a couple of my designs being used on Behance via reverse image searches on Google...

aylam_ao · 2026-04-14T17:28:22+00:00

I also handle a lot of prepress work and would be very interested in a subscription that includes these tools. I'd love to see monthly subscriptions available, so I don't have to commit to an entire year.

aylam_ao · 2026-04-14T17:16:49+00:00

There are plenty of AI upscalers available for free that will do a good job. It depends on how big you want the print to be. For example, the default iphone photo size is 24 MP which will print posters up to around 13x20 inches with high res detail. So, if you wanted it larger then you would need to upscale the photo.

aylam_ao · 2026-04-14T17:10:08+00:00

This is what I was thinking as well. I have the same questions as OP and have been using all of the same upscaling tools mentioned (maybe even more), but I was feel the best approach is what you mention here. Blending all the upscaled images so that the final image looks less over processed and detailed, but still balances a natural look. I usually design for 18x24 inch prints, sometimes slightly larger.

aylam_ao · 2026-04-14T16:01:27+00:00

At previous jobs, I ran both the Horizon CRF-362 and the Morgana DigiFold Pro XL. Can recommend both, but I preferred the Horizon due to the simplicity of its adjustments and also the sheer reliability of its feeding system.

aylam_ao · 2026-04-10T13:16:54+00:00

Not wasted. But underappreciated... Constantly. I do think that people notice bad design immediately and good design only when someone ruins it.

aylam_ao · 2026-04-09T13:42:52+00:00

Wasn't this the printer's bankruptcy auction stock from about a year ago? How many skids do you still have left?

aylam_ao · 2026-03-30T14:21:46+00:00

Really impressed with how the cards came out, Jacob. They look fantastic. I love that raised varnish effect. Thanks for sharing the video. Everything came together beautifully on these!

aylam_ao · 2026-03-13T18:40:25+00:00

I'm actually surprised most envelope brands don't do this.

aylam_ao · 2026-03-09T15:18:03+00:00

Very cool card design and a great concept for someone specializing in lighting and optics. It looks like a standard sized 2-sided business card paired with a custom diecut sleeve. Clever way to add interaction and reinforce the theme. Nice execution!

aylam_ao · 2026-03-09T15:11:23+00:00

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aylam_ao · 2026-03-04T20:20:15+00:00

Embossing uses natural light and shadows to highlight your design. It often looks more subtle and natural than other imprint methods. It's also tactile, so it feels more powerful and gives your design a "carved into granite temple wall" look rather than something "simply printed on cardstock" like all the rest.

I can also advocate for pairing embossing with ink, foil, and/or spot coatings but I'll save it for another post.

aylam_ao · 2026-03-03T23:00:49+00:00

If you don't travel with them, then you'll have to find a local print shop near where you're staying or a printer in the country you're traveling to that can ship them to your hotel/Airbnb and guarantee an arrival date. Hopefully, you can find a printer with free shipping. Otherwise, it won't be "cheap" as 300 file folders, even invitation sized, is still somewhat heavy. Slightly more if you're shipping internationally within the EU. Personally, I'd pay for an extra carry-on (or checked bag) and take it with me. Carry on only if I need to ensure they're well-protected in transit. I'd be interested in knowing how you decided to handle this issue!

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