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Creatives- who and what are they? Innovative thinkers- Who see a new approach Designers- That figure out how to make something more, with less Artists, musicians, inventors or writers- That inspire us with their talents When you meet individuals or teams that are vested in being purposely different- we'd say you've met creatives. Our industry is full of creatives. Designers, innovators and those that deliver inspiring brand messages with clever campaigns. January 6th is National Technology Day. It's pretty difficult to find individuals not using technology around you each day. It's become the way we communicate, entertain ourselves and an critical business tool. Over the last year we've featured purpose driven and innovative technology such as: Rocketbooks Tangelo Nimble Skullcandy Popl Let's explore 3 innovative technology products or brands that offer full color imprints. Our imagination can apply our graphic knowledge to create captivating designs. Like this bluetooth key finder- Boost your brand when you give out this Spot Pro: Bluetooth finder and key chain to customers! When customers are ready to lock up the house behind them and turn the ignition to go on an adventure this tag is perfect. Not only is this great for carrying keys, but it's also easy to find it and other devices by firing up a free app on your phone. Clever & colorful. Linq - is a networking platform that allows you to share your information with others using completely customizable pages. Share your information remotely or with SmartProducts. Showcase photography, book a shoot, all just by tapping your Linq Card. List out all of your links and socials, then link to your page from your Insta bio. Share your personal contact & your business contact with the same card. Just by tapping your product or scanning a QR code with their camera you instantly share info- no app required. Pretty creative aye? Maybe even this modern travel clutch. It fits right on your phone. It's perfect for ID, credit cards or a room key when you're traveling. Plus, it's a phone strap that gives you a better grip on your device eliminating the need for a big, bulky wallet or purse on a night out. The perfect pairing. What type of technology do you find creative & helpful?

Is every day now casual Friday? Maybe, not. There is no doubt a more casual standard is now acceptable in the workplace. Your power of observation is a key tool to demystify the dress code. Just like the tone of their language on their website and marketing materials, employees will likely be dressed in ways that reflect the culture of that company's dress code. While comfort is important, fashion trends prove everything goes round. For those of us in high school in the 80's we know we embraces the preppy look. What's Trending for 2023? Workleisure: Keeping Work Comfortable- still relevant! We’ve been talking about athleisure for years — and it continues to evolve today. Comfort is important in the workleisure philosophy, meaning clothes that fit comfortably and also help the wearer feel comfortable in their own skin. Workleisure embraces flexible work models and plays into younger generations’ desire for choice and accepting gender fluidity. We stocked the showroom with Ogio styles that deliver on comfort, style and performance. Power Casual: Making Work Special- gained popularity with many of our own clients last year. Now take everything we just talked about and flip it on its head. The Power Casual trend, we’re still blending professionalism and comfort but now the emphasis is on looking more polished. “People want to get dressed up again, but we still want to have the comfort,” says Helen Lambert, CEO of The Style Pulse. Power Casual looks tend to be more structured and durable, but also feature clothing you can move around in comfortably. We've stocked Mercer + Mettle styles in the showroom for just this type of professional, but comfortable look. Balance. Purpose- become a more frequent request In 2023 there is a lot of talk around finding balance and re-imagining what is important in life, which includes consumer interest in sustainable options. A Change in Perspective- ah, what's old is new. As our lives shift, the way we look at familiar favorites is renewed too. Maybe that’s why we’re seeing the return of preppy style. Once the traditional dress code for older generations, the prep aesthetic is now being adopted by Millennials and Gen Z and finding new life in their Instagram and TikTok feeds. Tailored looks with Brooke Brothers Style. Spoiler alert, there will be ties mixed in with those tailored Brooke's Brothers selections. Is it your move? Luxury activeware- just look around the streets in your town. Focused on adventure & movement. Brands we can trust and activity-based items like crossbody bags, backpacks, hoodies and even leggings. Looking for a sneak peek at some popular styles and new partnerships for your branding needs in 2023? Whether your uniforming your team in rugged performance gear like Carhartt, planning to reward your team with luxury active & outerwear or seeking to refresh your wardrobe by embracing the preppy style. Our showroom is the perfect place to try on clothing, compare brands and discuss decoration methods to make sure your choices reflect your brand identity. Which style trends fit your individual vibe? * Thanks to our friends at Sanmar for these links & tips!

After 2022 the word flexibility has taken on part of our culture. Individuals are looking for solutions to play on their terms- to live life flexible. Here's a California based company, with a simple mission to inspire & support active lifestyles with innovative, portable products. What happened? Three outdoor enthusiast put their brainpower together to design the brand Vapur! Additionally they wanted to help solve the challenge of unwanted waste in the outdoors, as well as the after effect of plastic. Since its National Creativity Month, we've been sharing creative products. What makes the brand innovative & creative? A reuseable water bottle that will stand when full and can be rolled, folded and flattened when empty. Easy to tuck in bags and pockets. It's 84% lighter than Typical rigid bottles. The bottle is lightening the footprint on the environment. Using less energy to make them There are even after hours design for enjoying wine & spirits! Reusable, flexible, collapsible, durable, freezable, dishwasher safe and BPA-free. Is part of your daily routine to take your four legged buddy on your journeys? If so, you will appreciate this EZ Lick version of Vapur There you have it- freeze it, squeeze it but whatever you do, don't avoid getting out there to enjoy life! Does your brand identity offer flexible & adaptable options or unconventional solutions? This type of product will capture those messages, as well providing a sustainable choice.

It's National Creativity Month - plus Friday the 13th is National Sticker Day, so we thought it might be fun to feature some dramatic brand enhancements for you to consider. As Steve Jobs once said, “Packaging can be theater, it can create a story.” The design of a product’s packaging determines the story it conveys to consumers and plays a role in their decision to purchase. So, how does a brand create a packaging story that can outshine the competition, demand consumer attention, and ultimately win the sale? Silver BOPP Roll Labels provide a prime solution for standout packaging in a variety of markets. Let’s explore the most popular uses for this exciting new product! Vitamins & Supplements According to IBIS World, the vitamin and supplement manufacturing market is currently sitting at $37.2 billion. With a high volume of supplement production, comes a high demand for bottle labels. Metallic labels are a huge trend in this industry because they help brands steal consumers’ attention on overcrowded shelves. This is crucial for these businesses because, in this market, competition is fierce. Cosmetics In the world of cosmetics, beauty is everything. Making customers feel good about themselves is the goal of these companies. While the products themselves must invoke feelings of beauty, the journey starts with the packaging. Using silver BOPP to create stunning metallic effects will speak volumes to consumers. If the label sparks a feeling of luxury, the consumer is likely to believe the contents will do the same. Food & Beverages From craft products to name-brand staples, food and beverage packaging utilizes metallic finishes on a regular basis. The shiny material draws the consumers’ eyes to it on the shelf and instills a belief that the contents are of the highest quality. Shoppers will find high-end labels on products such as luxury chocolates and specialty canned goods like tender young peas, or healthy hand-crafted beverages such as kombucha or specialty coffee. Another popular choice includes Silver Can & Crowler Labels for a fun finish on canned craft beers and other alcoholic beverages. Silver BOPP offers a beautiful metallic finish that can emulate any metallic color. We digitally printed these labels and overlaminate them with your choice of gloss or a pen-receptive matte lamination. Choose the option that best complements the label design and brand image. We include white ink in the price as it provides a barrier for areas that should not be metallic (like behind a UPC code). Gloss lamination provides an extra layer of shine that will reflect light and create vibrant, stunning effects. A matte finish will allow the shine of the material to show, but in a more subtle manner that provides a softer, luxurious feel. Learn more about this exciting new product with a visit to our graphic design studio. We've got the right partner to make you shine in 2023!

DON’T JUST CLEAN HANDS, NOURISH THEM Are you ready for personal care products that combine functional utility with stylish aesthetics, that make up the details of a life well-lived? Noshinku is a brand that exists to keep hands healthy, because they believe healthy hands have the power to change the world. What makes the composition of this brand so special? 70% ETHYL ALCOHOL Distilled from Organic Sugarcane that gently cleans without toxic impurities. Formulation in accordance with FDA guidelines JOJOBA Vitamin E and B-complex protect skin from the elements of daily life. Jojoba oil is nearly identical to the natural oils in skin making it an effective moisturizer. ALOE Soothing anti-inflammatory properties diminish age lines and increase skin elasticity. ROSA CANINA Fatty acids and antioxidants restore dry and damaged skin yet is light enough for daily use. ARGAN Adds an additional layer of intensive moisture to skin that doubles as a natural barrier for long term protection. COCONUT The final step of ongoing skin protection for that provides a barrier to maintain moisture. Is 2023 the right time to slow down and care more about yourself and your skin? Check out these top products.

Should Santa defy Mother Nature? Perhaps not this close to his big day. However, if he is already on the nice list, then the elves made sure he his delivery list would be on Rainis paper. Come rain, snow or sleet, his list will be protected! Have you ever been standing in the rain, trying to write on paper or reading notes on paper only to watch the rain destroy your efforts to read & write? Rite in the Rainis a patented, environmentally responsible, All-Weather Writing Paper that sheds water and enables you to write anywhere, in any weather. Using a pencil or All-Weather Pen,Rite in the Rainensures that your notes survive the rigors of the field, regardless of the conditions. Let's examine the features that make this book special. Wire-O Binding Impact-resistant Wire-O doesn’t get bent out of shape when tossed around in packs or your pocket. Polydura Cover The Polydura cover material creates a tough but flexible outer shell defending your notes from scratches and stains. Rulers & Reference Rulers, conversion charts, and map scales printed on the cover prove handy in the field. Bring on the elements! We've got solutions. Santa could even go somewhere tropical in 2023 and scuba-dive- because his notebook would still allow him to write! Underwater! Who do you partner with that could use one of these notebooks?

If you have thoughts, you’re a thinker. Every human being engages their mind all day, every day. The mind can be exercised and optimized, just like the body, with a few simple tools. That's what Baronfig has to say about - well, thinking! Tools For Thinkers Baronfig is a 100% employee-owned brand founded with a simple mission: to champion thinkers around the world through inspiration and imagination. Talk about being a stakeholder. What are the 3 principals that guide this brand? What's the why behind this brand? Founded on a mission. “To champion thinkers around the world through inspiration and imagination. Throughout our journey in designing products and coming up with creative projects, our mission continues to drive us. It’s the singular rule by which every move we make is measured against." Designed by the community. Baronfig started "as a Kickstarter project based on feedback from hundreds of thinkers around the world. Today they continue this tradition by keeping an open dialogue with what their customers say as a way to continuously evolve." A tree planted for every Confidant sold. Giving back? Yes, they are "dedicated to empowering and inspiring thinkers. This includes a responsibility to leave the earth better than we found it—one tree at a time." What tools do they offer for thinking & branding? Check out this PDF here. What inspires you?

Today is hard candy day - so we thought we would share some benefits of one of the most popular hard candies this time of year- peppermint! Did you know that peppermint is a hybrid of mint? Yep, it's a cross between watermint & spearmint and is indigenous to Europe & the Middle East! Add something unexpected that creates a smile with these ideas! An overlooked, low cost way to add some flavor to stale marketing campaigns- mints! Layer them in your boxes when you ship out orders as a thank you. Hand them out at your Q1 trade-shows & conferences with QR codes on the package. Leave some at the point of purchase in retail & restaurants as appreciation to your loyal customers. Employee programs are built around mental health, wellness and reducing stress. Maybe those programs could include peppermint? Why not include a candy jar for the desk with hard candies or wellness kit. After-all, peppermint has a calming & numbing effect used to treat headaches & skin irritations. It's known to ease anxiety associated with depression and an soothe upset stomach as well as aid in digestion. Really, google it! Cook with it. Crush it up and add as a topping to a warm winter beverage. Cheat and send out some peppermint bark to add to that beverage break instead of cooking yourself. We're not judging. It's mint to be....fun & soothing! Life's too short not to be generate some smiles!

As this year ends, new goals will become part of your 2023 strategic plan. Where will the footprint of your company be seen in the community? How are you celebrating diversity & incorporating unity within your organizations? Does your fundraising need to step up efforts? Kick up your presence at the next run- walk- bike event How about a contest of your own- the winners receive custom shoes Reward & gift top performers or referral partners with the right footwear for their company. Perhaps shoes, socks and other full color wearable products are the perfect way to infuse some fun & show your creative side with captivating graphics on your feet! Image the splash your brand will make pool side this summer during swim team events or as part of a destination themed conference in Q1. Looking for some inspiration? Check out these custom designs. Would you like to win a pair of custom shoes? Today's your lucky day. Bid virtually or walk on over to the Halle in Downtown Apex to win a pair of custom shoes! Plus- your bid will donate money to Western Wake Crisis Ministry!

Innovative partners are our match. We love creative partners that offer the flexibility & depth of material to allow us to design & share your story. Promotional products are so much more than a product. In an experienced hand, they are a canvas & the medium for messages. Journals are more than a place to record notes, they are a place to engage with your thoughts & reflect. Through custom design, a journal becomes an interactive space for the recipient. It's a collaboration between your intended user and what you want to convey that builds the perfect book. It's a bonus that one of our favorite partners is also homegrown- operating here in NC and has been known as “America’s Premier Journal Innovator” for years, winning numerous awards. What types of creative options can this partnership produce? Interactive Custom Journals Creative Eco-friendly Journals ColorMatch Journals Custom Image Journals Creative Accessories Below are images from on our collaboration, with a retiring principal. She frequently referred to the quote inserted in the journal, and wanted to leave a challenge to her staff on an interactive page, with custom bookmarks with the school mascot- the clippers, to guide the journey of their next school year without her. Stay the course!

Tired of struggling to find a perfect match for your brand’s colors? Never being able to get your brand’s color exactly right on your printed products? We have the solution for you! Don’t settle for a close-enough color or compromise for a similar color, make sure you get your perfect match. We can offer that perfect match with our partners, at the NC-founded, USA-made journal company, JournalBooks. JournalBooks offers ColorMatch PolyJournals that are screen printed to match your choice of any PMS color and include a blank or FullColor printed insert as the first page. While a one-color foil imprint comes standard, you don’t have to stop there. JournalBooks takes your design a step further, by raising the bar with their BoostOptions. Add some zest to your custom piece and deliver your message with an out-of-the-box thinking visual aesthetic. You can even add the appearance of texture to your design, in order to capture everything your brand represents. Take a look at this example, which highlights the PMS-color matching and a ripple effect: Bring your brand to the next level with a one-of-a-kind look, that could include the ColorMatch Poly SeminarPad’s screenprint capabilities in a creative way. This eye-catching, burnout effect uses your icon to create a clear space on the front cover, highlighting the dramatic full-color insert placed behind. The brand message is complete with a simple yet strong ColorMatch imprint on the cover and matching wiring. No matter the size, shape, or color, JournalBooks’ ColorMatch PolyJournals series has a book to match your requirements to a T. Take a look at how this hard-to-find purple screenprint was found through PMS-color swatch designs and has been shaped using the whitespace of the clear-poly cover with a blank insert placed directly inside. A 1-color foil imprint in matte black is then added to complete the imagery. Make sure you are representing your brand right, with the perfect ColorMatch!

Don't get caught up in the scramble of words, promote through your image! Your image is the number one visual that people will remember and associate with your brand. So, it is very important to make sure all of your promotional material properly represents this image. Our valued partners at JournalBooks, share in this message and have come up with a wonderful solution to have your image go beyond your imagination. JournalBooks is a North Carolina-based journal company that has USA-made items with a special mission for eco-friendly products. JournalBooks is in agreement that your image should be represented correctly and what better way to do this than to have a book dedicated to your image? The StenoPad ImageBook is a 5 x 7 journal that offers a lot of opportunities to combine print and promotion! Combining printed collateral in promotion is the perfect way to increase distributor opportunities. The StenoPad ImageBook is perfect for human resource training for new hires, the beginning of the school year as a celebratory kick-off to the sports seasons, and even in healthcare to present patients and staff with a journal and pen gift set to introduce new health initiatives. No matter what your business is, the StenoPad ImageBook can see to it that your image is properly represented with a lot of different customizable options. For instance, customize your StenoPad ImageBook by laminating the full-color cover to a paperboard that matches the back cover, or add a full-color tear-away business card insert to maximize your brand’s message. The customization doesn’t have to stop at the cover either. We can create a lasting impact for your brand by repeating your message, trademark, or logo on the filler pages. With the Custom Common Filler option, you can have your own mark printed on every page to create a truly custom effect.