Paper, Paper, Paper

I don't know about anyone else, but I have to admit I have an obsession for paper. Believe me if there is a chance to get free samples of any paper, I am phoning, faxing, downloading, or e-mailing - now!

The thing with paper is that it really makes the difference between words on paper and WORDS ON PAPER. When you are selecting paper for a project, think about what you are wanting to say because your paper can help to reinforce that message. For many of us as business professionals, we try a variety of paper messages to prospects and clients, but do we really try to make that message stand out from the generic white and off-white papers.

Granted you don't want your paper to be the message, there should be compliment between the two. There are a variety of resources for just as many variety of papers. I would suggest not just looking at your local copy center or office supply store (where everyone else is going). The little bit of extra expense you may spend going outside the norm just might pay off by making your document stand out from the others.

The newest issue of Dynamic Graphics highlighted some papers to have fun with which included a heat-activated colored paper, glassine paper, golf paper (has flecks of grass harvested from golf courses), junk mail paper (recycled paper made from 100% junk mail), and java paper (yes - it is made from coffee - the chaff of the beans to be exact).

You can find sources on the web for paper by plugging in "printing papers" in any search engine. I use PaperDirect a lot http://www.paperdirect.com (in fact, I am a reseller for them if see something you like). Other sources include, Avery Dennison www.avery.com, Touch-It, Inc. www.touch-it.com, So next time you want to make your message stand out - check your paper.