There’s nothing quite like coming through a shared experience to make you appreciate where you have been and where you are going. Many of us couldn’t have imagined the past year, but we persevered and developed a level of tenacity that perhaps we didn’t know we had. Resilience is the best descriptor as we move forward in this new post-pandemic world. The definition of resilience is “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties and toughness.” I believe there is nothing quite as resilient as paper and the potential of what you can achieve on paper. While strategies may adjust, paper is a key component of the brand experience, and I don’t think that will change.

As we move forward during this new season, we are sharing some of our favorite stories from Paper Matters (and the former Blueline Magazine) in our new Best of Paper Matters. Many of these stories are about standing the test of time, no matter what happens. Many of the tried and true tips and trends from the past issues are just as relevant today (and tomorrow). Here are a few highlights of what you will find inside our latest digital edition:

A Lasting Impression: Behind the Scenes with Iconic Print Shop Hatch Show Print

For more than 130 years, Nashville-based letterpress shop Hatch Show Print has produced show posters for performers of all types, from magicians and wrestlers to rock stars and country music legends like Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. Known for their distinctive blend of bold colors, eye-catching imagery and hand-carved type, Hatch helped shape early advertising design and American country music.

Behind the Presses with Darwill

Darwill is a Chicago-based direct marketing and communications company known for its personal approach — and highly effective campaigns. With clients like Evive Health, Microsoft and Beltone, Darwill has deep experience creating data-based solutions, with measurable results. We spoke with Darwill’s Senior Vice President, Mark DeBoer, about the differences between offset and inkjet, managing customer expectations and interesting things you can do with variable data.

Designing for Print

In order to evolve and thrive, designers must fully understand the printing process, from managing image color and quality to keeping up with technologies that are reshaping the business. Leading the charge is graphic designer and print expert, Marina Joyce. In her book, Designing for Print, Marina tackles the extremely specialized area of designing specifically for print.

Brands in Print

Print is often the first point of contact between customers and brands—and printed pieces are often remembered and kept longer than their digital counterparts. We talked with four outstanding print providers about how printers can help clients sustain and grow their brands.

These are just the highlights and there’s even more to read and learn about in our latest Best of Paper Matters. Download your complimentary issue today.