Thermography Guest Professor Program: Thermography 101

Free educational seminars offered to Art Colleges and Graphic Arts Professional Associations

Professer Testimonial: Deborah Larkin, Moore College of Art & Design

WPT is working with leading art colleges and associations across the country to raise awareness about using the art of thermography as a design tool. Our newly launched “Guest Professor” program offers seminars on thermography for graphic design departments at art colleges and professional associations throughout the country. Each seminar is tailored to the background and level of those attending. We have had positive feedback from prestigious institutions including:

- Moore College of Art and Design/Philadelphia
- The Art Institute of Dallas/Texas
- Montclair State University/New Jersey
- Paier College of Art/Connecticut

According to the nation’s leading design experts, there’s a renewed interest in “tactile” design with texture resurfacing as a critical element. Our goal is to educate graphic design students and designers on the varied uses of thermography, a tactile design tool that is not familiar to many design students.

In a recent seminar only one student raised their hand when posed the question “What is thermography?” We have designers in the thermography industry located throughout the country who are available to speak in graphic design and production courses, summer programs or seminars. The designer can talk about:

- The thermography process
- General do’s and don’ts for thermography
- Practical insider tips of the trade
- Thermography samples and how they were created.

We are flexible and can change our program format to meet the needs of your students or members. Please call Pam Boyd or Cathy Shea at 856-642-6226 if you are interested in exploring this opportunity further.

The Buzz: Vali Eaton

Spotlight on Vali Eaton

Commercial Design Manager for the Taylor Corporation

Vali Eaton’s design path started with a fine arts education. She earned her BFA in painting and photography from Minnesota State University located in Mankato, MN. During her college years, she took a few classes in graphic design in which she learned to design comps and mock up a brochure.

While attending Minnesota State, Vali worked as a typesetter at Carlson Craft, a full service provider of business stationery located in North Mankato, MN. She typeset wedding invitations and also worked in the pre-press department touching up customers’ artwork with a technical pen. The majority of artwork that Vali worked on, both business and social, was usually printed in thermography. According to Vali, “This is where I learned the aspects of design that are important to consider when working with thermography. For example, what type styles work well with thermography and how to register two or more colors in thermography.”

Once Vali graduated, she continued working at Carlson Craft and was involved with customer orders. After a few years, she accepted a job in the Ad Design department at the Taylor Corporation, one of the largest specialty printers in the U.S. The Ad Design department designs the catalogs that showcase Taylor’s extensive line of products that use thermography. One of Vali’s responsibilities was to design the samples shown in the catalogs. Vali felt this job was a great way to combine her art background with her knowledge of thermography.

What is Vali’s favorite type of thermography design? “I enjoy designing folders because there is a large space that can be used to showcase different ink colors and thermographic applications. I also enjoy projects where I can produce custom art using 4-color thermography.”

Vali has been promoted to her current position as Commercial Design Manager in the Commercial Design Department at Taylor, where she supervises a staff of five designers. The majority of the catalogs her department designs are for the Carlson Craft Commercial division of the Taylor Corporation.

Thermography Design Tip from Vali:

“When designing for thermography – most importantly – do not be limited by color. You can use any color and any number of colors. Be creative and have fun. Be sure you talk to your printer about how to prepare the artwork. Some printers will prefer that you color separate according to process or color. Always communicate with your printer before you do your final artwork!”

The Thermography Process

1. A printed paper drops off the printing press onto a conveyor
2. Thermography powder is shaken on top of the entire sheet while the conveyor moves the sticky inked paper
3. The thermographic powder attaches to the wet ink
4. The extra powder is vacuumed up and stored for re-use
5. The coated sheet passes through an oven with temperatures ranging from 900 to 1300 degrees Fahrenheit

In order to obtain the best thermographic printing results, off-set equipment is recommended, although the process can be completed by using letterpress equipment as well.

The thermography industry has made great advancements in the past few years. We have better and faster thermography machines and fancier and more versatile thermography powders. We have just begun to realize all of the different items that can be created with thermography. Items that have a different texture, a shine and feel that can help get your work noticed.

What is Thermography?

Thermography, or raised printing, adds an exciting new dimension to a variety of products. Recent innovations have made the thermographic process available for a wide range of applications that enhance the printed image. Thermography also provides a less expensive alternative to foil stamping, embossing, or UV coating. Popular uses for thermography include:

Business stationery
Presentation folders
Annual report covers
Wedding and social announcements
Greeting cards
Packaging
Wrapping paper
Point of purchase displays

Why Choose Thermography?

Thermography…the Right Choice

What did you choose? Chances are, you picked precious metal over metal alloy, looking fashionable over being out of style and high tech versus no tech. Savvy buyers like you also choose the more sophisticated look of thermography (raised printing) over ordinary flat printing every time. You can feel the difference with thermography because the printing is smooth, velvety, and raised off the page. You can also see the difference with thermography. It not only looks more professional, it adds an elegant style that cannot be achieved by using flat printing.

Raise Your Image

Thermography or raised printing will add an entirely new dimension to your printed materials. People are drawn to raised printing. The raised image looks expensive and professional and is an affordable, less-expensive alternative to engraving. The look is classy and eye-catching. By choosing thermography you will raise your image. Additional benefits include:

Fast turnaround
Visual appeal, bright colors
Durable, does not rub off or out
Can add glitter and pearlized effects

Choose Thermography for all your printing needs!

• Business cards
• Business letterhead and envelopes
• Personal Stationery
• Invitations
• Announcements
• Report and Presentation Covers
• Brochures
• Packaging
• Wrapping Paper
• Greeting Cards
• Book Covers
• Annual Reports
• Point of Purchase Displays

Be sure to ask your local printer if they offer thermography.

The Bride’s Invitation Guide…

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This is especially true for a wedding invitation, which is the first impression your guests will receive of the style and tone that you would like to set for your special day. You will want to choose an invitation design that coordinates with the type of wedding that you are having.

Because there are so many elements that go into choosing the perfect wedding invitation, a dealer who specializes in social stationery can be a great asset. They are trained to call your attention to the details that matter such as paper, typestyle, wording, ink color and more. For example, by choosing thermography (raised printing) the average bride will save 40% over engraving on the cost of printing her invitations, while still receiving an elegant and sophisticated look.

We sought out WPT member experts from the Bridal Industry to give us an “inside look” at upcoming trends in bridal invitation design, as well as insight on the truly classic looks. There is a growing trend towards wedding invitations suffused with rich colors and/or delicate background patterns as well as dual typestyles and formats that are not the traditional centered type. Many couples today are choosing to add their own personal touch to their invitations including adding a photo of themselves, such as an engagement picture, on the invitation or the tissue insert.

Using Thermography

By choosing thermography (raised printing) the average bride will save 40% over engraving on the cost of printing her invitations, while still receiving an elegant and sophisticated look. Thermography can be used with any ink colors, as well as four-color designs. It can provide a contrast between two parts of a design by adding dimension and shine. For example, a header or image can stand out from the rest of a piece. Following are some creative uses for thermography on social/bridal stationery:

• Glitter thermography is available in a wide variety of colors and can add an eye-catching design element to your invitation or announcement.
• Pearlescent thermography creates a unique translucent effect which is especially popular for wedding stationery.
• Matte thermography produces a subtle, elegant look by adding texture to a piece without shine, which simulates engraving.
• Fluorescent thermography combines ultra bright color with a high gloss finish
• Metallic thermography will create a unique silver or gold effect
• Thermography can be used on its own or in conjunction with other special processes such as foil stamping, embossing or silk screen to create unique design effects.
• Using two colors of ink on your invitation will add interest, for example a simple motif in one color and the text in another
• By using a colored paper and printing in the same color ink, you can create the illusion of embossing. Monochrome design will keep things simple while still adding a splash of color

Invitation Accessories

Enclosure cards are an important part of your invitation ensemble, as they provide additional information about your ceremony and help with your wedding planning. Many invitation styles offer enclosure cards designed to coordinate with the look of the invitation for a fully coordinated stationery ensemble. Decide which enclosure cards you will need, based on the style of your celebration. Enclosure cards may include:

• Reception cards, which can be used to inform guests about the celebration after the ceremony and to invite special guests to other wedding-related events such as a wedding day brunch or gift opening party
• Response cards and printed envelopes – to make it easy for your guests to reply to your invitation. It is advisable to include a “reply-by” date on the response card
• At home cards, which can be included in the invitation to inform guests of your address after the wedding. They are also useful for announcing the bride’s name after the wedding if she will not be taking her husbands last name or will be using a hyphenated name

• Informal notes with matching blank envelopes, which are printed with your name or monogram and are used to write thank you notes for shower and wedding. The cards can also be used for other correspondence
• Wedding announcements – to announce your wedding to those that you did not invite to the wedding
• Programs, which outline the details of your ceremony and are distributed to your guests. These can be personalized in a variety of ways and can be simple or elaborate
• Napkins
• Calling Cards
• Scrolls
• Bookmarks

Wedding Invitation Timeline

As soon as you set the date

• Begin looking for an invitation design to suit your wedding style
• Decide on enclosure cards
• If you have guests coming from a long distance, it is advisable to send out hold-the-date cards as soon as your plans are firm, so that guests can make travel arrangements

Four months before the wedding

• Make your final invitation selection and place your order

Three months before the wedding

• Begin addressing invitations
• Set up system for keeping track of replies. We suggest that the hosts give all of their guests a number. They can write the number lightly on the back of the response card and can use this to keep a list of returns. This will also help in case a guest forgets to write their name on the response card

Two months before the wedding

• Determine exact postage needed (take a fully assembled invitation ensemble to your local post office to be weighed to determine exact postage needed)
• Finalize invitations for mailing and determine mailing date – it is customary to send wedding invitations 6 weeks before your wedding, although 8 weeks is becoming more common

Three Weeks Before The Wedding

• Make your response date 2-3 weeks before the wedding. Caterers usually need to know 2-3 weeks in advance how many people they will be serving

Wedding Day

• Send out wedding announcements – to announce your wedding to those that you did not invite to the wedding

After the Wedding

• Wedding etiquette states that newly married couples have up to two months to send written thanks for wedding and shower gifts received Thank you notes are available pre-printed with an appreciation verse for acknowledging gifts quickly, and can be followed-up with handwritten note after the honeymoon

How Far in Advance to Send out Wedding Invitations

• It is customary to send wedding invitations 6 weeks before your wedding, although 8 weeks is becoming more common
• Summer or holiday wedding invitations should be mailed 8 weeks in advance to give family and friends time to schedule
• If you have guests coming from a long distance, it is advisable to send out hold-the-date cards as soon as your plans are firm, so that guests can make travel arrangements
• Make your response date 2-3 weeks before the wedding. Caterers usually need to know 2-3 weeks in advance how many people there will be
• Wedding announcements, to announce your marriage to those who you did not invite to the wedding, should be sent out the day of the wedding

Hints and Tips

Things to consider when choosing your wedding invitation

From paper to printing and typestyle to ink color, there are a multitude of choices when it comes to choosing the perfect wedding invitation. First you should determine the theme, style and colors of your wedding. This will help you to select the appropriate paper color and style for your invitation. Bright white has been popular for a number of years for a white wedding, while soft white has been the choice for a traditional look and ecru for an off-white or ivory color scheme. Torn-edge paper featuring a hand-made look, with or without a pearl edge, has been a recent addition to the invitation industry. Imported European, textured and brown craft papers are all exciting choices that have become very popular. A colored bottom layer combined with a matching ink can also create a stunning combination

Thermography

Thermography or raised printing, is one of the most popular printing choices for brides who desire the classy and elegant look of engraving, at a fraction of the cost. Thermography creates raised lettering that is almost indistinguishable from engraving at an average savings of 40%. It can be used with any ink colors, as well as more sophisticated four-color designs.

Typestyles

When it comes to typestyle, Rook, Bickham, Citadel and Engravers are among the most popular choices. Photo lettering has also become popular. This method of setting type photographically expands the versatility in point size and broadens the availability of scripted letterings. Another choice would be traditional block lettering in black ink, which adds a classic look. Or, if you prefer, choose a fancy script in rich red ink to add passion. Or, choose a combination typestyle for a great way to highlight the bride and groom’s names.

Ink Colors

When deciding on ink color keep in mind that although black ink has traditionally been the most popular color, many brides are choosing complimentary colors of ink to match the background color of the card – hunter green for a light green card, sable ink for a brown card, navy for a blue floral card, etc. There have been a lot of requests for slate or charcoal colored ink recently, which WPT members are adding into their next printing choices. Other “in” colors include shades of purple ranging from deep purple to lilac and periwinkle. Sage, grey and silver are also top choices for today’s bride.

Ordering

• Always complete your guest list before ordering your invitations. Single guests and children over 16 receive their own invitation
• Always order extra invitations to account for address errors or last minute additions. Ordering 25 extra invitations at a later date will be considered a new order and will be very costly
• Order extra inner and outer envelopes in case of addressing mistakes or guest list additions
• When ordering, ask for a proof to make sure you like the set up and typestyle. Most companies will set up your wording and give you a black and white proof of your wording for a very small fee
• Before placing the final order, have others proof everything to be sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors
• Don’t forget your wedding party and attendants such as ushers, vocalists, guest book attendants, etc.

Order extra invitations for those who will most likely want a keepsake, such as parents, grandparents, etc. because an invitation can get damaged in the mail.

Postage

• Bring the entire invitation ensemble to your local post office to be checked for size and weight to ensure you use proper postage
• Read the description of your invitation carefully. Most companies will tell you in the description of the invite if it will cost you more to mail
• Mail an entire invitation to yourself to be sure everything goes as planned, before you mail the invitations to your guests
• If some invitations have extra enclosures, the postage may be higher
• You should ask at the post office to have your invitations hand-cancelled for a nicer look
• Try to mail all your invitations on the same day. Humidity will play a part in what they will weigh

Be sure to place a stamp on the reply envelopes for guests’ convenience

Miscellaneous

• Always have the host’s return address printed on the back flap of the invitation envelope. This assures that your invitation has been delivered and returns any incorrectly addressed invitations to you for re-mailing
• If you need to make a correction due to a change of date or location, inquire about receiving a discount. Save all envelopes and pieces that are correct. Only the pieces with the error will be replaced
• Typing or clearly printing your order will ensure a perfect invitation
• Carefully read over all your copy. Make notes in the special instructions portion of the order form if you have names with unusual spacing or spelling
• Buy beautiful pens for addressing your envelopes
• Always proof and have at least two others proof all wording before you order. Be sure to check for correct spelling and also do a day and date match … “Is March 15th really a Saturday?”
• Order a proof to handle corrections before there is a problem

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