Project Overview

Strength of My Scars is a small press founded by a transplant surgeon and her sister. They began creating children’s books on rare diseases when they realized very few resources existed for families facing those diagnoses. Their first book on biliary atresia quickly became their most popular because it addressed a need no one else was meeting. As their catalog grew, they needed a reliable printing partner who could help them scale their efforts affordably without compromising on quality.

To test the process, they placed a small sample order: a 40-page, full-color, saddle stitch booklet in an 8 × 8 format. The books arrived looking vibrant and professional, confirming that PrintingCenterUSA could deliver what they envisioned. After seeing the results, they began planning larger print runs with upgraded specifications.

During a call with our team, the customer shared:

“We print a whole line of books and were considering switching our printer because of cost. We did a sample order to see if it looked good and they looked great. We were super pleased with how the book came out! And PrintingCenterUSA’s price points are so much better.”

Project Specifications

The initial run was printed as an 8 × 8 inch saddle stitch booklet with 40 pages. Both the cover and interior were printed in full color on 100# gloss stock, giving the book a smooth, polished look. For future projects, the team decided to make upgrades, including switching to card stock for the cover to provide a sturdier feel, and choosing matte or uncoated paper for the inside pages so that readers could write on them more easily. Blind shipping was also added as a fulfillment option, ensuring books could be sent directly to nonprofit partners or families without invoices included.

Booklet Specs:
Format: 8 × 8 inches
Page Count: 40 (Cover + 36 inside)
Binding: Saddle Stitch
Paper Stock: Cover 100# Gloss (upgrading to card stock in future runs)
Inside 100# Gloss (upgrading to matte/uncoated in future runs)
Ink: Full color, both sides

Execution

From proofing to delivery, PrintingCenterUSA worked closely with the team to ensure the final product matched their vision. A free Paper Sample Kit helped them compare finishes and weights before committing to changes in stock. The Saddle Stitch binding allowed the booklet to lay flat, making it easy for kids to read during hospital visits. Blind shipping ensured that distribution to nonprofits and families could remain discreet and professional.

A Partnership with Purpose

For Strength of My Scars, this project was more than just a print run. It was a step toward expanding access to meaningful resources for children and families dealing with rare diseases. By switching to PrintingCenterUSA, they were able to lower costs, improve durability, and make the books more interactive for readers. Most importantly, they gained a partner committed to helping their mission grow.

“This was our first book on biliary atresia and it’s become our most popular because for many rare diseases there aren’t any books”

With more titles on the way, they now have a printing solution that scales alongside their vision.

Looking to print your own educational book or nonprofit resource? Start your booklet printing project today with PrintingCenterUSA.

The post Strength of My Scars: Printing a Friendly, Fun Guide to Living Liver Donation appeared first on PrintingCenterUSA.

Project Overview

Every year, Rose Tobiassen partners with PrintingCenterUSA to produce her organization’s Annual Report. A publication that reflects professionalism, achievements, and vision for the future. This year’s project was no different, and once again, she trusted us to deliver a product that would capture attention with sharp visuals and flawless finishing.

During the proofing process, Rose shared kind words that highlight the heart of our partnership:

“You are so helpful all the time every year when we send this to you guys. I just really appreciate all the communication and the connection that you are providing.” Rose Tobiassen

That feedback perfectly reflects what we strive for; going beyond great printing to build a relationship rooted in communication and trust.

Project Specifications

When it comes to annual reports, the right printing specifications make all the difference. Rose selected a combination of glossy paper, full-color printing, and saddle-stitch binding, which provided a sleek, professional look while staying budget-conscious. These choices ensured the report felt polished in hand and visually engaging to readers.

Annual Report Specs:

• Format: A4 (8.27” x 11.69”)
• Page Count: 20 (Cover + 16 inside pages)
• Binding: Saddle Stitch, left edge
• Paper Stock:
  • Cover: 100# Gloss (5 pt.)
  • Inside: 100# Gloss (5 pt.)
• Ink: Full-color printing on both sides (cover and inside)

This setup offered the perfect balance of durability, readability, and visual impact—all essential qualities for an annual report that communicates both numbers and narratives effectively. With sharp color reproduction and sturdy binding, the finished product was designed to leave a lasting impression on stakeholders.

Looking to print your own professional report? Start your Annual Report printing project today with PrintingCenterUSA.

Execution

By combining premium glossy paper with vibrant full-color printing, we ensured every chart, graphic, and photograph in Rose’s report was presented with clarity and impact. Saddle stitch binding provided a clean, professional look, while shrink wrapping made distribution easy and secure.

From proof approval to final delivery, our team maintained consistent communication—giving FAME the confidence that every detail was handled with care.

A Print Partnership That Speaks Volumes

The 2024 Annual Report wasn’t just another printed piece, it was the result of years of collaboration and trust. Rose’s appreciation for our service underscores the value of going beyond the product itself, offering both high-quality printing and reliable support every step of the way.

Once again, the final reports were delivered on time, within budget, and beyond expectations, a true reflection of what happens when great printing meets great partnership.

The post FAME 2024 Annual Report appeared first on PrintingCenterUSA.

Creating a print-ready file is all about paying attention to the small details that ensure your document looks just as sharp and vibrant on paper as it does on your screen. Understanding the benefits of creating a print-ready file can save you time, reduce errors, and ensure your final product meets your expectations.

What is a Print-Ready File?

A print-ready file means exactly what the name suggests: a file that is ready for printing. This is a digital file that needs no alterations for your printer to get started with your project. Your printer will let you know of any corrections that need to be made once they receive the file.

As a beginner, you might be thinking “how do I know what that entails?” A print ready file will pay attention to these things: File size, bleed, high-resolution, and color.

Printing Terms Explained

Before we cover the specifics, let’s clarify what these terms mean:

Bleed: An area extending past the edge of your document that allows for printing to the edge of a page after trimming.  Your project is printed on an oversized sheet that is cut down to size with the appearance that the image is “bleeding” off the edge of the paper. This makes it so there are no white borders around your design.

Resolution: Refers to the detail an image holds, which is often measured in DPI.

DPI: This stands for Dots Per Inch. This measures the resolution of an image’s output. The higher the DPI, the more detailed the image will be.

CMYK: This stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key (black). This color model is used in color printing, unlike RGB, which is used for digital displays. Understanding CMYK is important to ensure your prints are consistent with your designs.

Bleed

Most printers need bleed in the file provided to them. Research this with your printer beforehand.

Bleed is an additional 1/8 inch or 0.125 on all sides. Most programs typically offer an export option with bleed included in your file size.

If your program does not offer this, you will need to add 0.25 to your file size. This will be your project size + 0.25

It is important to note, to not include any important content within this area so it doesn’t get cut off!

Resolution

Image resolution can turn your project from crisp to dull. It is recommended that your images are 300 DPI to ensure they are at maximum quality. This isn’t always possible. We find that anything around 150 DPI can still turn out great. Anything below this is not recommended, as they can turn out pixelated and fuzzy which won’t look the best. In case you miss one, most printers will notify you of any low resolution images during the proofing process.

How do I find an image’s DPI?

1. Go to your file explorer
2. Right-click on your image
3. Click show more options
4. Go to properties
5. Go to details
6. From there, you will be able to find the image size as well as the DPI

Color

Color is crucial if you want your prints to accurately represent your work. Different devices and programs often interpret colors differently, which can lead to discrepancies between what you see on your screen and what appears in print.

RGB coloring is often a lot more vibrant since it is produced by light and not ink. Not everything can be accurately reproduced and can shift when converted. To ensure the best print quality and maintain consistency across your printed materials, convert your images from RGB to CMYK beforehand.

Printers often provide specific ICC color profiles for optimal color management. ICC color profiles contain data that calibrates color output for a specific device, which helps achieve accurate color reproduction

PrintingCenterUSA uses the color profile GRACoL2013_CRPC6.icc. You can download this here.

It is important to note that color accuracy will never be 100%, however doing these steps will help you achieve the best reproduction.

File Type

For the best quality in printed materials, saving your file as a PDF is highly recommended. PDFs are ideal for printing because they maintain the important elements of your design—ensuring that fonts, images, and layouts appear exactly as intended across all devices and printing systems.

Most design software offer the option to export your project directly as a PDF.

Proofing

Before sending your file to the printer, make sure to proofread and review every element of your design carefully. This includes checking for spelling errors, ensuring all images and graphics are correctly placed, and verifying that colors and fonts are consistent throughout.

Many design programs offer proofing tools to help you catch potential issues before printing. Taking the time to thoroughly review your file can save you from costly mistakes and reprints. All commercial printers want to make sure your prints come out exactly as you envision. But you can’t catch all mistakes. This is why most printers have a proofing process.

This can be in the form of a electronic file or hardcopy but, allows you to see your file one more time before starting production on your prints.

• Electronic proof: A file that shows your document with the bleed, trim, and safety zones.

• Hardcopy Proof: One bounded printed copy of your book sent to you at an additional cost. This allows you to review everything in person. This is high recommended for any color sensitive designs.

At PrintingCenterUSA, we offer a free file review that includes a 43-point inspection and an instant proof preview

This allows you to check your files before you place you order to ensure they are print-ready!

Design Program Options

When it comes to getting your document ready for printing, the software you use can make a big difference. Programs like Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop are fantastic because they offer tools specifically for print projects. These tools let you easily set up bleeds, switch your colors to CMYK, and embed fonts, so everything looks just right when printed.

However, there is a huge learning curve and the price is hefty. Even simpler programs like Microsoft Word, Publisher, and Canva will work, though you might need to take a few extra steps to ensure everything’s perfect.

PrintingCenterUSA also offers a design tool directly through our site. To get started, go to the product of your choosing, scroll down to product resources and click start your design. It’s that simple!

It is important to note that there are limitations to what you can do in these four programs. The key is making sure your software lets you export your project as a PDF and that the size of your file is correct. Youtube is your friend. Let this be your biggest resource if you are not sure how to do something in a specific program.

Templates

Nothing beats having a tool that takes care of 50% of the work for you. At PrintingCenterUSA, we offer free downloadable PDF templates.

Simply input your project details into our instant quote tool, and click ‘Get your Free PDF Template.’

These templates are designed to make your life easier by providing a pre-set structure that you can customize to fit your project needs.

By using our templates, you can ensure that all critical elements like bleed, margins, and safe zones are already accounted for, saving you time and reducing the risk of errors

Bringing It All Together

Creating a print-ready file might feel overwhelming, but by focusing on key details like bleed, resolution, and color, you can ensure your digital designs translate beautifully to print. Remember, the right preparation makes all the difference in achieving high-quality prints.

Visit PrintingCenterUSA for access to our helpful resources. If you need assistance, our team is ready to help you every step of the way.

Let’s bring your project to life!

The post The Beginner’s Guide to Print-Ready File Preparation appeared first on PrintingCenterUSA.

The Print Solution

The Sailor Scouts are a community group dedicated to raising money and spreading joy to children in pediatric care units. For their September 12, 2025 charity event, they designed a colorful calendar featuring their costumes and characters; meant to serve as both a keepsake and a fundraising vehicle. Every calendar sold would directly support local kids through Children’s Miracle Network.

Calendar Specs

Because the calendars were a central piece of the fundraiser, they needed to be professional, eye‑catching, and durable enough to showcase throughout the event.

Calendar Specifications:

• Format: 12‑month stapled calendar
• Quantity: 51 total
• Cover: UV High Gloss Cover
• Binding: Stapled
• Ink: Full‑color throughout

Extras like expedited production and upgraded shipping ensured the calendars made it in time for the fundraiser!

The Challenge

After placing the order at the end of August, the final proof went to the customer’s junk mail folder, causing a critical delay. By the time the proof was approved there was less than a week before the event. Normal production and shipping timelines would have missed the deadline. With calendars at the heart of the fundraiser, failure was not an option for PrintingCenterUSA!

What Success Looks Like

Our customer service team expedited the project to meet the deadline:

• Accelerated production: Calendars completed on time every time
• Upgraded shipping: Switched to FedEx One Rate, guaranteeing arrival on time
• Budget‑friendly solution: Savings from shipping costs were applied to add an extra calendar

The calendars arrived on September 12, just in time for the Casino Night fundraiser.

Click here to find out more about the event on Facebook, order your Sailor Scouts of Jacksonville calendar, or donate!

“You just made my day and my week…It’s all for charity and your help will drive more money for the kids.” — Jessica Saracino, Event Organizer

From Calendar to Community Impact

The Magical Menagerie Casino Night was more than just an evening of fun and games; it is a fundraiser with heart. The Sailor Scouts raised money to support local children through Children’s Miracle Network, while also bringing joy to kids in pediatric units through their costumed visits and performances.

By delivering the calendars on time, PrintingCenterUSA ensured the fundraiser had its key piece in place, empowering Jessica and her team to turn creativity and passion into real support for local kids.

“I’ll speak praises of your company because the customer service has been incredible!” — Jessica Saracino, Event Organizer

The post Magical Menagerie Casino Night & Charity Calendar 2025 appeared first on PrintingCenterUSA.

The Print Solution

Gabriel’s Challenge is a grassroots movement in Spokane bringing together schools, healthcare, law enforcement, and elected officials to prevent fentanyl-related deaths among youth and young adults. For the September 18, 2025 Summit, they needed a professionally printed booklet that captured the urgency of their mission while functioning as a practical roadmap for participants.

Booklet Specs

Because the booklet would guide a full day of workshops and collaboration, it needed to be durable enough to handle frequent use, easy to read in a conference setting, and professional in presentation to match the gravity of the topic. The design also had to balance text-heavy resources like agendas, funding maps, and glossaries with clean visuals that kept readers engaged.

Booklet Specifications:
Format: 8.5” x 11” booklet
Pages: 24 total
Binding: Saddle stitch
Cover: 100# Gloss Cover (9 pt.)
Inside Pages: 100# Matte Text (6 pt.)
Ink: Full-color throughout

Extras like same-day proofing and account updates ensured the corrected file was pushed into production just in time.

The Challenge

Just days before printing, the customer realized one embedded page file was wrong. A duplicate order with the corrected file had already been submitted, but the original run was minutes from hitting press. With the Summit depending on these booklets, there was zero room for error or delay.

What Success Looks Like

Our team caught the issue in time, pulled the job from production, canceled the duplicate, and applied the corrected file to the original paid order. Same-day proofing ensured a smooth approval, and the finished booklets shipped on schedule, ready for distribution at the Summit!

“Who else does a better booklet than PrintingCenterUSA? No one. We caught it just in time, and I feel so much better. So, thank you.” Kitara Johnson

From Booklet to Movement

The No Wrong Door Summit booklet became more than an event handout — it was a unifying tool that gave leaders a common language, a clear agenda, and actionable next steps to fight the fentanyl epidemic. By delivering on time and at the highest quality, PrintingCenterUSA helped ensure that a movement born out of tragedy could move forward with clarity and purpose, empowering hundreds of leaders to work together toward saving lives.

The post Gabriel’s Challenge Summit Booklet 2025 appeared first on PrintingCenterUSA.

Project Overview

Rachel wanted to create a meaningful, high-quality family book that would last for years. The project, titled Sat & 10 o’clock Doorbells, was designed as a 34-page keepsake. She envisioned something polished and professional, a book that would do justice to the family memories inside.

Book Specifications:
Size: 6 x 6 inches
Pages: 34
Binding: Perfect Bound
Cover Paper: 100# Cardstock Gloss (9 pt.) with UV High Gloss finish
Inside Paper: 100# Paper Gloss (5 pt.)
Printing: Full-color (4/4) throughout

Every choice in the production of Rachel’s book was intentional. From the glossy UV-coated cover that gave the book a polished, professional finish to the sturdy perfect binding designed to withstand years of page-turning, the final product was built to last. The high-quality paper brought her family’s photos and stories to life with vibrant color and crisp detail, making each copy feel like a true heirloom.

The Challenge

Rachel had originally considered Canva for printing her family book, but she wasn’t convinced the quality would meet her expectations. She needed a service that could handle both the technical precision and the emotional significance of her project.

Why She Chose Us

Rachel had explored Canva as an option, but she quickly realized that not all printing services are created equal. For a project as personal as a family keepsake, she wanted reassurance that every detail—from the paper weight to the finish—would be handled with care.

At the end of her call, Rachel shared:

“This is exactly why I chose you over Canva. The quality and care you put into the details are unmatched. I knew my family book would be in the best hands here.” Rachel Ross

She especially appreciated the personal support she received, the ability to customize her book to professional standards, and the confidence that the finished product would look and feel like something special.

The Results

The finished books were beautifully bound, durable, and vibrant. The UV gloss cover gave them a professional, high-end look while preserving the personal warmth of a family keepsake. Delivered on time, Rachel’s vision came to life better than she imagined.

A Family Story, Perfectly Bound

Rachel’s story highlights why customers choose us over big-box design-and-print platforms; personalized service, professional-grade printing, and a final product that exceeds expectations. Start your family book today!

The post Preserving Memories in Print appeared first on PrintingCenterUSA.

Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached below.

Connor Shields: Welcome back to Behind the Print Podcast, where we feature industry leaders and uncover the creative minds and their businesses within the world of professional printing. Our mission is to provide you with inspiring actionable resources that elevate your business projects and accelerate your journey to excellence in profit and in print. Today’s episode is Have a Voice through Print Media, and joining me here today are the organizers of Simple Elegance Bridal Show, Mary Grace and Matthew Wooten. How you guys doing today?

Mathew & Mary: I’m doing well, thank you. It’s nice to be here.

Connor: Thank you for joining us. So if you guys are ready, let’s just dive right in. Sound good?

Mathew & Mary: That sounds fun.

Connor Shields: So who do you guys typically serve as a bridal show organizer?

Mathew & Mary: So there’s two categories. Obviously the, the vendors who we’re trying to connect, and the brides or grooms – typically brides to be who are looking for wedding vendors for their special day. Our job really is to make that connection, and allow those groups of people to meet and interact and have a place where they can get to know each other a little bit, to do some interacting and potentially the brides can discuss whether their dates available. So we’ve been doing the show for 10 years. Sometimes we forget that not everybody’s familiar with it, but our show has a reputation for being a smaller, more intimate show to where there’s there’s no cattle call feel.

“Our job really is to make that connection, and allow those groups of people to meet and interact and have a place where they can get to know each other a little bit, to do some interacting and potentially the brides can discuss whether their dates available.”

Connor Shields: It’s more of a personal approach than a business approach.

Mathew & Mary: Yes

Connor Shields: So what are some typical problems that you guys or your clientele run into when putting together a show

Mathew & Mary: There’s different things. Last minute cancellations from vendors. We’re obviously trying to print programs ahead of time and have the room layout. We take special care to make sure that when we do the vendor layout, that it makes sense. If someone cancels then we’ve got to potentially reprint programs and communicate with all the vendors to let them know that there’s going to be changes.

Another challenge is making sure that we get the magazines printed and delivered in time. Obviously, you guys print our magazines for us. And, making sure that that Mary Grace has the layout and design done and the articles completed in time to get the magazines printed and out. We give them out at the show, we use them to advertise for the show ahead of time with the exception of this special edition that we’re printing right now.

Connor Shields: Okay, so you kind of already did answer my next question, so how do you go That’s fine. How do you guys go about solving these problems?

Mathew & Mary: Oh goodness. It totally depends, we try to take that long breath, and depending on the show, we’ll have vendors that we have to tell we were full  “sorry we didn’t have room”, but then we’ll keep them on a list if we have a last minute cancellation, and it certainly has happened more than once. We’ve had to go to a vendor like one or two days before the show and say “Hey, would you still be interested in participating in the show tomorrow? Can you be ready in time?” That’s typically not a huge problem.

There’s also things that come up at the shows that we want to make sure we deal with right away. We have a DJ at each show or an M.C. that plays music continuously. If it’s so loud that the vendors nearby can’t communicate to their potential clients, we’re, dealing with that on the spot. We try to make ourselves available during the shows, and we have a vendor meeting at the beginning of the shows specifically. One of the things we talk about is, “hey, if anyone has any issues, if there’s anything that’s wrong, if you need anything, let’s deal with it today. We don’t want you to go away unhappy with the event.”

So it’s just being flexible. Being flexible and figuring out how to handle things. Since we’ve been doing the show for 10 years, we have gotten familiar with what the things are that come up and how to deal with them.

Connor Shields: So how do you guys stand out from other bridal show organizers?

Mathew & Mary: I think there’s different people that love to shop exclusively at places like Walmart or Costco at Sam’s. They, want that experience. Then there’s other people that like to shop small and local, and they like that experience. It’s not that one is better than the other, and we try to stress that. It’s not like we’re trying to say “Look at us. We’re so fantastic that our shows are small and intimate.” It just depends on what you like. We attract the vendor and the attendee who likes the smaller, more intimate feel where they have a chance to make connections.

It’s not necessarily about us as organizers so much as the show that we, or that Mary Grace really has built. Over time, we’ve built and maintained a reputation for the small local field.  Where people have that little bit of extra time and the pace is slow enough that it has a small town feel. That’s the difference and its not that one’s better than the other. It’s just one’s better than the other for a certain type of person.

Connor Shields:  Can you tell me about any major milestones or accomplishments that have defined simple, elegant bridal show?

“Over time, we’ve built and maintained a reputation for the small local field.  Where people have that little bit of extra time and the pace is slow enough that it has a small town feel. That’s the difference and its not that one’s better than the other. It’s just one’s better than the other for a certain type of person.”

Mathew & Mary: Oh yeah. In fact I’ve got a magazine sitting right here so I can reference exactly what it is. So this corner of Tennessee is, is known as the Tri-Cities. Its Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol. We’ve been voted Tri-C City’s Best Small bridal show by the Johnson City Press. So that was a special monument, it was so special to receive that nomination.

Connor Shields: You’ve been doing it for 10 years now.

Mathew & Mary: Sure. Mary Grace is saying it’s a good sign obviously, when you have vendors that come back. If you only have vendors one time and then your next show is a completely new set of vendors, then that might be a bad sign. But probably most of our, wedding vendors are return vendors. We started the show here in Jonesboro, Tennessee, and we’ve done shows in Knoxville, Tennessee, Morristown, and Bristol. These are cities that are an hour, an hour and a half apart. And vendors will travel, vendors from Jonesboro. So that makes us feel like we’re doing something right.

Mary Grace is bringing up the fact that one thing that we do from the very beginning, we do prize giveaways at the show. And after the show prize drawings and people get prize drawing entry forms to enter to win. And they can enter to win whatever they want. It’s not  like they’re drawn out of one big hat. They enter to win each different prize, whatever ones they choose. But the thing that she’s referring to is we give extra prize drawing entries away for getting the initials of the vendors at the show. We have a list in the program of all the vendors. Depending on how many vendors we have we’ll give one extra prize drawing entry for every three sets of initials or, so they’ll have so many extra chances to win by getting initials and what, and what that is.

The reason that’s good is because it gives the vendors a chance to see more people. Then by giving the attendees incentive to get initials from everyone at the show, that puts the attendees in front of their booth and gives them a chance to make a good impression. Maybe give their elevator speech or, qualify a lead, give them a handout or whatever.

Connor Shields: How have you used the magazines to elevate or promote your message?

Mathew & Mary: We print our magazines with you guys and have been doing that for years now. I guess it’s been about 10 years now.

We use the magazines to promote the show. We give them out ahead of the show. We distribute them to local businesses so people can pick them up, look through, and then we also hand them out at the, at the shows. We have advertisements for local businesses and wedding vendors and styled shoots that Mary Grace organizes throughout the year. She brings together local wedding professionals to do the photo shoots and then those photos  get used in social media to promote all the vendors involved and then go in the magazines to do the same.

There’s articles written by local wedding professionals. You guys have always done a fantastic job printing the magazines. We had the one that that you guys are working on right now. The centerfold needed to be all one image and connected and look good.

Your staff contacted us. Mary Grace had uploaded as two separate images. They said, “Hey  put a note in asking to make sure that it looked good in the centerfold of the magazine” and someone contacted us and said “Hey it probably would be better to go ahead and upload that as one image so that we can figure it out.” And that was really helpful. Mary Grace is saying that she’s excited about the current special issue that’s being printed right now. It’s a beauty and diversity theme. We really want to celebrate multiculturalism and show that diversity is one thing that, that makes our country great and that we see the value in all people that live here. For people around my age who went to Sunday school when they were little, probably remember this phrase: “red, yellow, black and white, we’re all precious in his sight”. Does that sound familiar?

Connor Shields: That sounds familiar, yes.

“We really want to celebrate multiculturalism and show that diversity is one thing that, that makes our country great and that we see the value in all people that live here. For people around my age who went to Sunday school when they were little, probably remember this phrase: “red, yellow, black and white, we’re all precious in his sight”. Does that sound familiar?”

Mathew & Mary: Maybe you don’t have to be a certain age. But I definitely took that to heart. People of all different colors and back grounds, we see the value in featuring that.

Connor Shields: Can you tell me about any major challenges or obstacles you’ve encountered?

Mathew & Mary: Oh boy. COVID.

Connor Shields: I can imagine. I think that’s been an obstacle for a lot of people.

Mathew & Mary: COVID was a pretty big obstacle for in-person events. Our last show before the COVID shutdown was March of 2020.

Connor Shields: That’s when it all went down.

Mathew & Mary: Right? It was toward the beginning of March and I think that like back when things were getting bad in Washington State and we were all looking around waiting for the shoe to drop. Then that show in March we had low attendance and everybody at the show was just kind of like “uhoh. This is real, this is gonna happen, and what’s gonna happen” I think that stopped us from doing the fall shows. And then we talked about solving problems after that. I guess it must have been the following  February and March shows we had a whole new set of… I don’t want to call it restrictions, but different policies in place. After that we started scheduling when people buy tickets, they used to just buy tickets for the show, and then we started selling tickets for people to schedule their arrival time and only selling a certain number of tickets per time block. Then they were allowed to stay as long as they wanted, but the idea was that we didn’t want to have all the attendees show up at the beginning. We only sold so many tickets for the first hour and so many tickets for the second hour, and so many tickets for the third hour.

We had face coverings to give away and we had hand sanitizer at registration.  Of course we wore face coverings at the at registration too. But probably the scheduling arrival times was the biggest to help promote social distancing back then. That was one of the biggest obstacles. We never keep anybody from coming, but it certainly encourages that if they schedule that, then we don’t typically have a problem.

Connor Shields: So sort of a different question for you guys. If you guys had a completely free day to spend however you’d like, how would you spend it?

Mathew & Mary: I guess we’re pretty old and boring. Mary Grace says just relaxing and watching TV. She’d probably watch reruns of Charmed or something like that. And that’s funny because I love being with Mary. She would spend the day relaxing and watching TV and, I would spend my day with Mary Grace.

Connor Shields: Nothing wrong with just taking a personal day to watch some tv. I’ll probably be getting into that this weekend, to be honest. One last question for you guys. How can our listeners get in touch with you to learn more or collaborate with you on a project?

Mathew & Mary:  So the simplest, easiest way to remember probably is simpleelegancebridalshow.com. And they can just contact us through the website. They can email simpleelegancetn@yahoo.com. Or find us on Facebook at Simple Elegance TN. And then we’re on YouTube at Simple Elegance Bridal Show.

Connor Shields: Okay. Very good. Did you guys have any questions for me?

Mathew & Mary: Not off the top of my head,

Connor Shields: Well thank you guys for joining us, and I’d say that’s a wrap on another episode of Behind the Print. Thank you guys for joining us, and thank you to our listeners for joining us as we explore the artistry and innovation of the printing world. Remember, having a strong vision, building the right strategy, and using the right tools like print to amplify your message will make your brand stand out from the crowd.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to get your sample pack today from printing center usa.com and share it with your fellow business enthusiasts. Until next time, keep those creative sparks flying. And remember, there’s always more behind the print.

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The Print Solution

Camp Mograph is more than an event. It’s an immersive creative retreat that brings designers, animators, and artists together in a unique camp setting. For 2025, the team wanted a printed piece that would capture the spirit of the gathering while serving as a practical guide for campers. The result was the Camp Mograph Zine 2025, a beautifully crafted 24-page booklet that blended vibrant design with durable materials. Explore their printing specifics below!

Zine Specs
Format: 5.5” x 8.5”
Pages: 24 total (cover + 20 inside)
Binding: Saddle stitch
Cover Paper: 100# Cardstock Gloss (9 pt.)
Inside Paper: 100# Matte (6 pt.)
Ink: Full-color, both sides

Extras like shrink-wrapping in convenient bundles ensured easy distribution at the camp. Interesting in joining the fun? Click here to get your Camp Mograph Tickets!

The Camp Mograph Challenge

Camp Mograph needed a zine that could serve as both a keepsake and a functional guide. It had to balance vibrant, full-color design with durability to withstand a weekend of creative workshops and outdoor activities. The team also had a tight schedule leading up to the event, so fast and reliable printing was essential.

What Success Looks Like

The finished zines were delivered on time, bundled neatly for easy handling, and exceeded expectations in print quality. The gloss cover with matte interior provided the perfect balance of durability and readability.

Customer Experience

During the project, Camp Mograph expressed how important it was to have a printer they could trust. In their own words:

“We wanted something that felt professional, sturdy, and beautiful. The print quality was spot on, and the whole process was seamless. Having everything bundled and delivered on time made it easy for us to focus on our event.”

They were thrilled with the result and confirmed they’d be excited to use parts of their experience in this case study.

Impact

The zine became a central piece of the Camp Mograph 2025 experience—a guide, a keepsake, and a tangible reflection of the event’s creative spirit. By combining strong materials with precise color reproduction, the project demonstrated how thoughtful printing choices elevate event branding and participant engagement.

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Project Inspiration

Scott’s project was inspired by memories of elementary school. He fondly recalled how his teachers would redecorate their classrooms every month to celebrate holidays and seasons. This sense of anticipation and joy inspired him to capture that same spirit in a calendar design that changes month by month.

“My main inspiration was memories of elementary school. Most teachers would redo their classrooms every month to fit the holiday or season and I always looked forward to seeing what was next.” – Scott Rohrer

Just like walking into a classroom decked out with fresh decorations, Scott’s calendar brings a sense of wonder with every page turn. Each month feels like a small celebration, whether it’s the sparkle of winter snow, the bright colors of spring, or the golden tones of autumn, this calendar invites people to pause and enjoy the seasons as they unfold.

Calendar Specs

To bring his vision to life, Scott chose these high-quality printing specifications:

Calendar Specs
Size: 12 x 12 Wall Calendar
Pages: 28 pages (12 months)
Binding: Saddle Stitch
Cover Paper: 100# Cardstock Gloss (9 pt.) with UV High Gloss Finish
Inside Paper: 100# Gloss Text (5 pt.)
Printing: Full Color Both Sides (4/4)

Scott’s calendar stands out because he went with a 12×12 wall size which is bigger than the standard 8.5×11 you usually see. That extra space gives each month room to shine, whether it’s for artwork, photos, or simply jotting down important dates without feeling cramped. With 28 colorful pages, a sturdy saddle-stitched binding, and a glossy cover that really catches the light, the calendar feels both fun and high-quality. Inside, the thick, glossy pages printed in full color make every design stand out, turning something as everyday as a calendar into a piece you actually look forward to flipping through.

Experience with PrintingCenterUSA

Scott has worked with PrintingCenterUSA multiple times and highlighted the company’s customer service as a standout feature:

“PrintingCenterUSA has excellent customer service, which is extremely important, and unfortunately rare. Rarely do I get a call back to make sure everything is working smoothly.” -Scott Rohrer

From proofing to production, Scott was impressed with the attention to detail and communication throughout the process.

Looking Ahead

“I look forward to my continued relationship with PrintingCenterUSA. From the East Coast, thank you Big Sky Country!” -Scott Rohrer

Scott Rohrer looks forward to continuing his relationship with PrintingCenterUSA, creating new projects that capture nostalgia and inspire others. Click here to start your custom calendar!

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Project Background

As a semi-retired wildlife photographer, Colin Hocking continues to share his passion for the natural world by teaching and leading workshops. But one of his most meaningful projects began at the Caw Caw Interpretive Center, part of Charleston County Parks in South Carolina.

After graduating from the Master Naturalist Program in 2019, and later becoming the President of the Coastal Master Naturalist Association, he dedicated much of his time volunteering at the park as a Bald Eagle Ambassador. With thousands of photographs captured at the center over the years, he proposed an exciting idea: creating a custom wall calendar to be sold in the park’s gift shop.

This was a first-of-its-kind project for the Caw Caw Interpretive Center gift shop, and it represented a creative way to share the beauty of the park while generating support for its programs.

Challenges Along the Way

Just weeks before the calendar was scheduled to go to print, tragedy struck: a fire destroyed the visitor center and gift shop. The calendar project was forced to pause indefinitely.

A year later, with a temporary gift shop finally in place, the project was able to move forward. The calendars are now available for purchase; just in time for an upcoming festival where the photographer himself will be on hand to sign copies for visitors.

“Since this is the first attempt at selling calendars there, it’s difficult to know how they’ll sell, but I’m hoping this will be an ongoing and successful moneymaker for them!” — Colin Hocking

Caw Caw 2026 Product Specifications

To showcase the vivid wildlife photography, a high-quality wall calendar was produced with premium printing:

Calendar Specs
Size: 11 x 8.5 inches
Calendar Type: Wall Calendar
Binding: Saddle Stitch
Pages: 28
Cover Paper: 100# Cardstock Gloss (9 pt.)
Cover Ink: (4/4) Full Color Both Sides
Inside Ink: (4/4) Full Color Both Sides
Inside Paper: 100# Paper Gloss (5 pt.)
Cover Finish: UV High Gloss

Looking Ahead

This calendar is more than just a collection of beautiful images, it represents resilience, community, and the passion of one photographer to share the natural beauty of the center with others. By combining professional-quality printing with a meaningful mission, the project not only gives visitors a chance to bring home a piece of the park but also supports the ongoing work of the Charleston County Parks system. Click here to create your own custom calendar today!

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