Influencing Identity - Page 52 of 54 - by Coller Industries Incorporated

Halloween Decorations

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With Halloween just around the corner, many people are scrambling for ideas for their costumes and decorations. Some costumes, such as those that mimic uniforms work well with a name tag as an accessory. The inclusion of a name tag can be a cost effective method of turning some plain clothing into a costume.

We’ve seen quite a few Halloween name tags come through over the years. Here are a few examples we put together. Something like a “Beware of Monsters” sign could be used year after year for your decorations.

The sky is the limit for the tags and signs you could create. Let us help you make a more memorable Halloween this year.

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Vector Art: Meet Your New Best Friend!

Most of the products we offer require vector art to include your logo or custom graphic. But many people have never heard the term and don’t know what it means. A common misconception is that JPEG or PDF files can be vector files, but we’ll break it down so you can tell the difference.

JPEG vs. Vector

JPEG:

Most cameras save photos as JPEGs, but if you open a JPEG image and zoom in, you will see tiny squares of color called pixels. If you make the image bigger, the pixels get bigger until they are clearly visible to the naked eye. Images where the pixels are individually visible are referred to as pixelated.

Basic shapes and colors use these pixels, placed in a grid in thousands of different colors. The result when you zoom out is the complete image that you see. To make curves in your image, pixels on a grid create a jagged look.

Vector:

There is no grid of colored squares like in JPEGs. Instead, the online shapes making up the image are mathematically plotted by the computer program. Then, the program has been told what color (or colors) to fill that outline with. The image is very smooth and high quality. Vector artwork isn’t restricted to a grid to make curves in your image, so the curves are genuine and smooth.

Why do we require vector art?

The key here is the type of process being used to create the image. Laser engraving, hot stamping, and ribbon imprinting share a single fact: the process is 100% there or not there at all.

With laser engraving, for example, the laser burns the plastic or metal, removing the top layer in that spot to reveal a different-colored layer beneath. The laser has either burned, or it hasn’t; there are no half-burned areas.

Now, remember how those JPEGs are made up of squares of color? A curve on a black shape might appear smoother to our eyes by having some of the pixels towards the edges be shades of gray rather than full black. But the laser can’t do that. So those gray squares will be burnt just the same as the black, red, blue and all the other squares. And you end up with something that probably doesn’t look much like your logo.

But vector art can tell the laser exactly where the edges of your shape are so that the laser knows just how to get your image onto your product, filling in the outlines as it goes. The same is true for hot stamping and ribbon imprinting, which both use metal dies; either the color foil is stamped on in a spot or it is not.

How do you create vector art?

Two of the most popular programs are Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw. Vector art files most commonly end in .eps or .ai, although there are some exceptions. We do have a few options for those customers who do not have vector artwork files of their graphics. And we also can take most images and create vector artwork for them for a small fee. (And you get to keep the file for future use!)

Information courtesy of Melanie Bunch, Graphic Artist. To learn more about name tags and our processes, review our Art Requirements.

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5 Tips for Planning a Conference

Planning a conference or other event can be a daunting task. This is especially true if you are looking to host dozens of speakers and sponsors on top of hundreds attendees. Whether your conference is big or small, the overall attendee experience needs to be good enough for them to want to come back next time.

After you have planned the theme of your conference, there are other steps to take. You need to book your speakers and find the perfect venue. Also, remember to market the conference on every medium you can. However, there are still a few more things you can do to make sure your conference will be successful.

Spend the time planning name tags

For conferences and events, name tags are rarely one size fits all. Differentiate between attendees, sponsors, VIPs and speakers. You can do this with different colored adhesive name tags or paper inserts for badge holders on lanyards.

By making groups of people distinguishable from others, people will feel like they are part of a group. On top of that, they will more easily recognize their relationship with your event. Name tags also better their relationship with other people attending the event, making it easier to network.

Provide a variety of refreshments

Keep in mind that not every guest will have the same dietary needs. If you put extra consideration into your refreshments, your attendees will notice. Try to plan vegetarian, gluten free and lactose intolerant snacks and refreshments. Chances are you will have at least a handful of people who fall into those categories. So they will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Make sure your venue is connected

While planning a conference remember that outlets and cell reception are absolute must haves for conferences. We live in a digital age, and your attendees will likely want to be connected to the internet. Some may need their phones for most of the event. So, make sure they have somewhere to recharge. (Make sure they know where they can recharge, too.)

Hand out grab bags

This is a great way to bring in sponsors and to give something back to your attendees. Stuff those bags full of pens, notepads, brochures, venue maps, custom lanyards and coupons for local restaurants. You can bring in sponsors by asking them to supply a grab bag goody. This action also gives sponsors the opportunity to put their name on something every guest will see.

Provide some safe relaxation space

Designate an area in your venue for attendees to just sit and relax without having to network or be bombarded by anyone. Let your attendees balance work, networking and sanity on a comfy couch and with a bottle of water. It does not have to be much space, but let your attendees know it is there.

Get some name tags for your conference today!

Badge Holders

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Conference Name Tags

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Lanyards

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The Rules of Adhesive Name Tags at Conferences

For conferences, meetings and events, adhesive name badges are a must have. Not only do you eliminate the chance of misspelling attendees’ names (they will just write them), but they are also inexpensive.

But even so, there is proper etiquette for adhesive name badges in these situations. As an event or conference host, it is your responsibility to make sure your attendees are wearing their name tags appropriately.

Dictate where you want your attendees to wear their name tag. When you hand the name tags to your attendees so they can write their names, simply say, “Please wear your name tag on the upper right side of your shirt,” or wherever you think is best. This creates uniformity at the event, and people will not have to scan an entire person’s body to find their name tag.

Writing Names on Adhesive Name Badges

Ask your attendees to write their name big (but not too big). Nothing is worse than awkward squinting or staring in order to read a name.

Use black markers. Skip bright and lighter colors, and make it simple with black ink. Make sure the tip of the marker is not too thick to ensure cleanliness. Black may seem boring, but at the end of the day it makes the name tags easy to read and professional looking.

If you see someone whose name tag has been crinkled or ripped throughout the day, replace it. Keep them fresh and clean, even if it means having to order extras.

For the sake of uniformity, it is not proper etiquette for event attendees to wear name tags they brought from home. At conferences and events, name tags often serve as an equalizer for all of the attendees, so letting someone be flashy might throw off the vibe of the entire day.

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adhesive name badge sheets in five different colors

4 Products You Need to Increase Brand Awareness

Carrying out marketing and advertising campaigns can be an expensive, albeit effect way to increase brand recognition for your company, business or organization.

However, for smaller businesses, creating brand recognition is essential to increase sales and influence. And with small businesses comes a smaller marketing budget, so how can you inexpensively promote your brand?

Name tags: If you work in an environment where employees interact directly with clients or customers, then name tags are an essential tool for creating brand awareness. Name tags will give you a chance to put your logo as many places as possible, so your customers won’t be able to escape it. They will also set a standard for professionalism, and they can say a lot about the personality of your company. When you design your name tags, take into consideration what you want them to say about your company. Do you want to be recognized as clean and professional? Or fun and hip?

Lanyards: They’re inexpensive and highly customizable. If your work environment necessitates security or ID badges, give branded lanyards to your employees and they can wear them and keep their badges handy. If your employees leave work, they will likely be wearing their lanyards still, so people will be continually exposed to the brand. Lanyards are also a great promotional tool. You can resell them, give them to customers or clients, or hand them out to family and friends. As far as usability goes, lanyards can be convenient for holding keys, USBs, whistles, cameras or small MP3 players. So the more people who use your lanyards, the better chance you have of your brand reaching the masses.

Custom Signs: Presentation can make or break a brand, so having a carefully designed, high quality sign to represent your brand is can be pretty important. Like name tags, your company’s sign tells customers and clients about your values and personality. If you run a quirky cupcake shop, try adding some flare to your signs with a playful font and a colorful image. If you’re a prestigious marketing firm, try a bold font with clean and sharp features.

Personalized Name Plates: If your company, business or organization deals directly with clients or customers, then having name plates for all of your employees is essential. Have the name plates include a logo, the employee’s name, and their position within the company. For one, it will show that your company is invested in its employees, which will then incite respect from your clients. If you’re invested in your employees, you will likely be invested in your customers and clients, too. It also adds to the professionalism of your company. The little details count, and your customers and clients will notice, and spread the word about you.

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