FEATURE | 100 DESIGNER FRIENDLY COMPANIES
Less is more in this new directory of 100 Designer-Friendly Companies. Of the thousands of companies out there, we searched for the rare handful of vendors — hardware and software, stock photography and illustration, paper and packaging, digital prepress and workflow, recruiters and services, p-o-p and display products, e-commerce sites and web-based services — who actually understand the creative community, develop products primarily for the community, and service the community. We thought this was particularly useful given the tightening economy and the need for greater productivity.
This year's group reflects the evolution of graphic design from a primarily print-oriented industry to an increasingly cross-media discipline. Adding to the great paper mills, stock visual providers, and technology product companies, are a careful and increasingly large selection of digital workflow solutions companies, web-based services and e-commerce sites directed to the creative market. And it reflects, too, a certain amount of consolidation taking place in the various industry segments such as paper and stock imagery.
The report is also intended as a useful reference guide with easily-accessible addresses, telephone numbers and URLs included, as well as company backgrounders and recommended resources. Lastly, the results present an interesting insight into how graphic communications is evolving, and how critical suppliers and vendors are evolving, or not, to meet the change.
One housekeeping note: We did not include commercial and specialty printers because they will be recognized later in the year.
3M Commercial Graphics
This division of 3M provides a total large format graphics solution through software, hardware, inks, toners, marking films, flexible sign
facings and other materials. Graphic designers have long specified 3M Scotchprint solutions for identity programs, p-o-p, signs, displays,
exhibits, murals, environmental and vehicle graphics that require consistency and durability. The Division is aggressively expanding the 3M
Scotchprint Graphics brand and certification with a vibrant new logo as well as by forming key alliances with Scitex for high productivity
piezo printing, with Gretag's Arizona Digital Screen Press for mid-productivity piezo printing, and with VUTEk for ultra-wide roll-to-roll
printing. Additionally, screen-printed graphics now can be Scotchprint Graphics when produced by an authorized manufacturer. The
message for designers, says marketing communications manager Judy Borowski: "By requesting a Scotchprint Graphic you can
put your message wherever it needs to be to get noticed, with assurance that the graphic will perform to specification."
a recommended resource: Web site including product information and an Idea Gallery tour; brochures
and samples available from sales representatives.
contact information:
3M Center, Building 220-6W-06, St. Paul MN 55144
tel: 800.374.6772 fax: 651.736.0706
www.scotchprintgraphics.com
58K.com
58K.com seeks to bring the country's 58,000 printers together with graphic designers and other print buyers in a centralized
auction market. The site is organized "to meet the concerns of real-world buyers and sellers of printing services." Print
buyers can use 58k.com as an open auction, putting projects out to bid to the 3,000+ registered printers. Buyers can select the low
bidder or among the low bidders on criteria other than price. In addition, the site's private auctions allow large print buyers to
manage the specification, quotation and award of print jobs to a pre-selected pool of printers. 58k.com notes that some jobs at
the very low end and high end are not appropriate for the auction model, but every job in between is welcome.
a recommended resource: Web site including product information
contact information:
tel: 800.587.4617
www.58k.com
Adaptec
Adaptec is a provider of storage solutions that move, manage and protect critical data. The company's products include host
bus adapters and controllers that connect servers, workstations and desktops to storage devices; RAID controllers that boost
performance and protect data stored on disk drives; and CD recording and data protection software for desktops marketed under
the roxio brand. The company continues to be a leader in direct-attached storage, and has formed a new business unit, Storage
Networking Solutions, to focus on solutions that connect servers and external storage fabrics.
a recommended resource: Web site with product information
contact information:
691 South Milpitas Boulevard, Milpitas CA 95035
tel: 800.442.7274 fax: 408.262.2533
www.adaptec.com
Admart International
Since 1979, AdMart International has manufactured custom multidimensional signage products for retail, business and public
environments. The company develops unique visual solutions produced to exact specifications by skilled craftsmen. The company says
design possibilities are virtually unlimited with the lightweight materials, laminates, paint colors, and options that make up AdMart's
complete line of signage components. Whether the need is a specific typestyle, logo or intricate sign fabrication, AdMart can supply all
the necessary services for creating aesthetically coordinated signage programs. Signs can be manufactured from original computer
generated art executed in most popular software applications. AdMart is strong on customer service and support.
a recommended resource: Web site with full explication of services
contact information:
20 Gose Pike, Danville KY 40422
tel: 800.354.2102 fax: 859.236.9050
www.admart.com
Adobe Systems
Founded in 1982, Adobe Systems is a leading provider of design, publishing and imaging software for web and print publishing. Its
graphic design, imaging, dynamic media, and authoring tools enable customers to create, publish, and deliver visually rich content for
various types of media. Headquartered in San Jose, California, Adobe is the third largest PC software company in the U.S., with annual
revenues exceeding $1 billion. Its array of products — such as Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign — are industry standard and
make it the paradigm of a designer-friendly company. It is no exaggeration to say that millions of people every day turn to Adobe
software to bring ideas to life on the web, the printed page and video.
a recommended resource: Web site including product information
contact information:
345 Park Avenue, San Jose CA 95110
tel: 408.536.6000 fax: 408.537.6000
www.adobe.com
Agfa
Agfa Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of the Agfa Group, which ranks among the world's leading imaging companies. Agfa
develops, produces and markets analog and digital systems, primarily for the graphics industry, medical radiography, nondestructive
testing, micrographic and motion picture film, and consumer imaging and photography markets. Agfa has its headquarters in
Mortsel, Belgium, employing 22,000 people in 40 countries. Worldwide sales for 1999 were $4.7 billion Euro. In the U.S., Agfa is
headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, and employs 4,500 people. Of particular interest to graphic designers, Agfa is focused on
developing complete graphic communications solutions from "think to ink." Front-end systems for designers include
state-of-the-art scanners, ink-jet printing/proofing systems, color management, fonts and royalty-free images. Agfa brings the creative
professional into the full production workflow with PDF creation using Apogee Create as a gateway to the award-winning Apogee
digital workflow and production system.
a recommended resource: Web site presents information about Apogee Create as well as AgfaJet Sherpa,
ColorTune color management and Agfa scanners
contact information:
100 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park NJ 07660
tel: 800.227.2780 fax: 201.440.8187
www.agfahome.com
Alamy.com
Alamy.com is a new marketplace for agencies and photographers to license their images direct to the art buyer. Launching this
month with over 1,000 photographers and several agencies, the venture's vision is to be an open marketplace for image buyers to
access images worldwide "at lightning speed" and to function as a completely online agency. Buyers search for and select
images that they are interested in; they can then purchase a license and download an image. An art buyer who can't find the right image
can broadcast an image request to a community of photographers.
a recommended resource: Web site gallery of showcased photographers
contact information:
6F Milton Park, Abingdon Oxon OX14 4RR UK
tel: 011.44.1235.844.602 fax: 011.44.1235.844.650
www.alamy.com
A Lowly Apprentice Production
A Lowly Apprentice Production (ALAP) is a developer of extended technologies for the publishing and design industries. An
extensive product line offers innovative and intuitive solutions to certain features lacking in the most current versions of industry
standard tools such as QuarkXPress, Adobe InDesign and Photoshop. By focusing on the needs and requests of end users in
production environments, ALAP has developed products which save time and money, while boasting "seamless interfaces
within their host applications." ALAP says its products add functionality to the way users work with both type and graphics. The
web site features many releases, such as XTension ImagePort, product information, current versions of all ALAP installers, Secure Online
Store, tech support info, demo CDs, and more.
a recommended resource: Web site and product brochure
contact information:
5963 La Place Court, Suite 206, Carlsbad CA 92008
tel: 888.818.5790 fax: 760.438.5791
www.alap.com
Alaska Stock
For over a decade Alaska Stock has been a leading source of stock imagery of the "Last Frontier." Magazine and
book publishers know the agency for its coverage of every facet of life in the 49th state, including geography, wildlife, natural
phenomena (such as Northern Lights, icebergs and glaciers), and native peoples (Eskimos). However, Alaska Stock has also
developed an "underground" reputation among designers for its commercial imagery capturing such subjects as severe
winter weather, families engaged in outdoor recreation, breathtaking scenics and even Christmas (Santa Claus lives just north
of the agency's office!). The agency is equally proud of its reputation for service that is "personalized and ultra-friendly."
a recommended resource: Hot Shots From a Cool Place catalog as well as a fully searchable web site
contact information:
2505 Fairbanks Street, Anchorage AK 99503
tel: 800.487.4285 fax: 907.258.7848
www.AlaskaStock.com
Alusuisse Composites
Alusuisse Composites manufactures creative sheet materials for a wide range of applications such as corporate identity, screen
printing, p-o-p, exhibit, display, signage, picture framing, and photo mounting. Among the products: Alucobond Material, two sheets
of .020" aluminum bonded to a plastic core; Dibond Material, composed of two sheets of aluminum with a plastic core; Sintra
Material, a lightweight, rigid foam board available in a range of colors and sizes; Sintratop Material, with a high-gloss finish; Kapa Bloc
Material, a high-performance, composite foam board with a foamed polyurethane core; and Foam-X Material, a paper laminate with
a core of foam. Applications include p-o-p displays such as the Cricket display pictured here.
a recommended resource: Full-color brochures and product information sheets describe material properties and
benefits for various applications
contact information:
208 West 5th Street, Benton KY 42025
tel: 800.382.6445 fax: 270.527.1552
www.alusuisse-comp.com
API Foils
API Foils is a worldwide manufacturer of hot stamping foils with a product range that includes metallic foils, gloss and matte
pigments, pearls, multi-colored foils and holographic patterns and images. Products and services assist designers in creating package
design, conveying product messages, creating striking effects on the shelf, and capturing the consumer through powerful design. API's
involvement in the early stages of design can be both creative and practical by providing samples for design proposals, creating metallic
and holographic templates, developing holographic images through specialized computer software and keeping designers up-to-date
with the latest designs and effects.
a recommended resource: Graphics Foil Selection Guide, which includes 40 of the most popular foils in the
marketplace
contact information:
3841 Greenway Circle, Lawrence KS 66046
tel: 800.255.4605 fax: 785.842.9748
www.api-worlwide.com
Apple Computer
Apple is, well, Apple. Wonderful and frustrating, the company — with CEO Steve Jobs at the helm — has its ups and
downs but resiliently remains a dynamic force in the marketplace by leveraging continuing technological leadership and the intense
brand loyalty it still engenders. The company's first love and core success has been in the graphic design and publishing markets, based
on the idea that the Macintosh line can put content creators in the center of all media. Despite a rough couple of fiscal quarters, Apple
remains "committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and
consumers around the world." At Macworld San Francisco this winter, Jobs reaffirmed the role of the PC, lauded the upcoming
March launch of the Mac OS X operating software, a new PowerBook G4, a thin and light portable cased in silver titanium, and
forecast a "golden age" ahead for the personal computer market.
a recommended resource: Web site is exciting mix of product information, trends, and e-commerce
contact information:
1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino CA 95014
tel: 408.996.1010
www.apple.com
Appleton Papers
Since its founding in 1907, Appleton Papers has earned a reputation as an innovative producer of high value-added paper
products. The company is the world's leading producer of carbonless and direct thermal papers, and is a premier producer of a broad
range of coated papers used in a variety of commercial and specialty printing applications. This includes Appleton Papers Specialty
Products which serves the graphic arts market with an array of color-coated sheet products aimed at the graphic designer and other
end-users. A new development: are many new colors in the popular Currency line of Avario Coated Specialty Papers. Says George
Bureau, vp of sales and marketing: "For years designers have used Currency because of its high-impact metallic finish, and the
new colors really expand the value of a proven solution."
a recommended resource: Currency swatchbook
contact information:
PO Box 359, Appleton WI 54912
tel: 800.838.2418
www.appletonpapers.com
Appleton Coated
Five years ago a new brand of coated papers was introduced: Utopia from Appleton Coated. Utopia seeks to set itself apart from
other paper mills by avoiding "the clutter and confusion of too many brand names and too many grades. Paper is personal
and unique to every project. You need a premium sheet, you specify Utopia Premium. A number one sheet, Utopia One. A number
two or number three, Utopia Two and Utopia Three. Simple. Designer-friendly. We develop the paper you desire. One that performs
on press and in the bindery — consistently. We know paper needs to be the perfect backdrop for your great work and we work
hard every day to earn your loyalty." The papers are blue-white in shade and include some of the heaviest single ply cover weights.
a recommended resource: Web site to view showcase pieces submitted by satisfied designers and to order
promotions
contact information:
569 Carter Court, Kimberly WI 54136
tel: 888.4.UTOPIA fax: 800.991.1543
www.utopiapaper.com
Aquent
Aquent is one of the world's largest specialized talent agencies with a 13-year track record of finding creative, design and
production professionals quality work for print and web projects. More than 30,000 professionals and employers were brought together
by the firm in the past year alone, and at any one moment 2,000 creative professionals are on assignment for contract, contract-to-hire or
permanent work. Aquent offers additional services, including insurance, billing and collection services, and a search engine that
catalogs independent talent around the globe.
a recommended resource: Web site with educational tools for creative professionals to download
contact information:
711 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02116
tel: 877.PARTNER fax: 617.535.6001
www.aquentpartners.com
Artisan/etalent Agency
Since opening in 1988, Artisan/etalent agency has grown into a successful national creative and production staffing supplier of
freelance and full-time talent, with offices in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. The client roster includes Fortune 100 companies
plus leading ad agencies, graphic design firms, multimedia, web, publishing and entertainment companies. Artisan/etalent specializes
in pairing high-tech web design, illustration, packaging design, multimedia, production, presentation graphics, writers and pure graphic
design personnel with a client's specific needs — freelance or full-time employment basis. The company also provides many
benefits to freelancers.
a recommended resource: Web sites
contact information:
216 South Jefferson #202, Chicago IL 60661
tel: 800.216.0600 fax: 312.382.0600
www.artisan-inc.com
www.etalentagency.com
Aspen Packaging
Aspen Packaging is a national service that provides creative packaging solutions for software, audio, video, CD, diskette, and
promotional items. The company produces high quality graphics on film laminated paperboard. Both short and long runs are
available, with mailing and fulfillment services as well. In addition, EPS templates and prototypes are offered for graphic design and
client mock-ups.
a recommended resource: Free sample kit; plus catalogs addressing packaging and CD inserts
contact information:
1200 St. Charles Road, Elgin IL 60120
tel: 800.367.5493 fax: 847.608.4600
www.aspenpkg.com
Beckett
Beckett offers premium writing, text and cover papers, providing the selection and uniqueness designers demand and the quality
and versatility printing and finishing requires. Beckett's range of paper grades gives designers a wide variety of paper choices for
brochures, annual reports, folders, announcements, posters, business cards, stationery, envelopes and other applications. The product
line includes Expression Super Smooth, Concept Vellum, R.S.V.P. True Felt, Paradox Felt and Smooth, Cambric Linen and Fibers, Enhance
Silk and Marbles, and Ridge. Beckett is part of the Fine Papers division of International Paper.
a recommended resource: A new series of swatchbooks features samples of all colors and all finishes for the
writing, text and cover papers; web site includes all product information
contact information:
Two Gateway Boulevard, East Granby CT 06026
tel: 800.423.2259 fax: 800.229.4540
www.beckettpapers.com
Boise Cascade
Boise Cascade Corporation, headquartered in Boise, Idaho, is an integrated manufacturer and distributor of paper. The company
owns and manages more than two million acres of timberland in the United States. A leader in sustainable forestry, Boise is committed
to ensuring the protection of wildlife, plants, soil, and air and water quality through a Forest Stewardship Program. For more than 40
years, Boise Cascade has offered printing products to the graphic design community, commercial printers, and direct marketers through
an extensive, nationwide distribution system and mills located in Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, and Alabama. Boise Cascade is now
promoting a full line of opaque paper — Cascade Opaque — that's perfect for graphic design applications including brochures,
direct mail pieces, envelopes, annual reports, stationery, and announcement cards. The Cascade Opaque line provides a 93 bright sheet
with minimal showthrough.
a recommended resource: Cascade Opaque swatchbook and a Performance Comparison Guide
contact information:
1800 SW 1st Avenue, Portland OR 97207
tel: 877.628.3491 fax: 503.790.9728
www.bc.com
Canon USA
Canon has a legacy of leadership in color technology solutions for the graphic arts and corporate communications. All products are
intended to fit into Canon's plan to be the leading provider of business color solutions. Products for the graphic design market include: an
array of CLC color laser copiers/printers from small office to mid-size to high-volume and all the way up to models which combine the
advantages of color copiers, digital presses and computer-to-plate machines; the family of desktop Color Laser Beam Printers and Color
Bubble Jet Printers; and ColorPASS Controllers which turn Canon CLC copiers into color printers with Adobe PostScript and other
beneficial features.
a recommended resource: Brochures on each product; web site with product specs
contact information:
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success NY 11042
tel: 800.OK.CANON
www.usa.canon.com
Cartiere del Garda
Cartiere del Garda is a leading Italian paper manufacturer which specializes in the production of modern coated woodfree
papers. All papers are produced to guarantee constant high quality and resistance to aging, suitable for deluxe commercial
printing. The firm's philosophy is that its environmental impact is measured not only in terms of the space it occupies in the local
area, but also on the basis of the kinds of products it manufactures and on the overall ecology throughout the product's life
cycle. Cartiere del Garda produces acid-free papers only. The wood pulp used is only brought in from areas where reforestation is
official policy and practice. Cartiere del Garda says it pays so much attention to the environment that the water that comes out of
the paper mill is cleaner than the water that went into it.
a recommended resource: New GardaPat 13 designer swatchbook, as well as swatchbooks and printed samples
of all grades
contact information:
265 Hymus Boulevard, Suite 2300, Pointe Claire QC H9R 1G6
tel: 514.695.4664 fax: 514.695.4772
www.gardacartiere.it
Cheryl Roshak Associates
Cheryl Roshak Associates was founded in 1989, just when computers were becoming a creative force in graphic design and
before the term "new media" had been coined. As such, this recruitment firm was among the very first to understand
the importance of digital technologies and it has developed extensive experience in recruiting for print and new media —
temporary and permanent placement — in art direction, graphic design, prepress production, print production and web
development. The firm is headed by Cheryl Roshak, who has a BFA, received a full postgraduate scholarship to The School of Visual
Arts, and was previously a senior vp at an earlier recruitment firm. The agency has a strong reputation among creatives and
employers.
a recommended resource: Web site and capabilities brochure
contact information:
141 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10010
tel: 212.228.5050 fax: 212.228.5367
www.croshak.com
Collabria
Founded in 1997, Collabria is the creator of the Intelligent Print Workplace, a comprehensive set of internet-based solutions
that create a virtual workplace for managing the print process. From job creation to job production and even job fulfillment, the site
offers a complete solution for handling enterprise-wide printing and a place for a trusted printer, creative firm, client and even mail
house to collaborate. Collabria's self-described mission is to "enhance existing relationships throughout the graphic arts value
chain by providing strategic-minded tools to better address marketplace dynamics. Each participant becomes a more valued
contributor to the workflow process with Collabria's suite of tools."
a recommended resource: E-commerce site
contact information:
tel: 888.998.1777
www.collabria.com
Comstock Images
Comstock Images has been providing premier quality images to the creative community for over 25 years. Driven by a three-fold
commitment to its customers — second-to-none imagery at a fair price, exceptional customer service, and best-of-breed internet
access to, and searchability of, its full product line — Comstock has been consistently delivering the most relevant images and
superior photo search engine capability. Last year, they launched "Ask Angela," a revolutionary, visual-based search
system... Unlike most traditional "verbal" keyword search features, Ask Angela works through the visual relationship
between images. Powered by a complex algorithm, it figures out not only the "subject" relationship between images but
also the "mood" and reflects this in every search result — providing creatives enormous flexibility in directing the
flow of their searches.
a recommended resource: Web site with new 'Ask Angela' search system
contact information:
244 Sheffield Street, Mountainside NJ 07092
tel: 800.225.2722 fax: 908.233.6620
www.comstock.com
Copy Craft
Copy Craft Printers, opened in 1985 by Greg Curry and Jim Monk, has grown to over 100 employees in its Lubbock, Texas, operation
and has expanded into the 40" sheetfed market with an operation in Austin with over 50 employees. After running Copy Craft as
the typical small print shop, five years ago Curry and Monk expanded to offer wholesale printing through a catalog and began to bring
its message to graphic designers. The catalog is now 32 full-color pages offering customers a variety of products; annual sales are now
over $15 million. Copy Craft's main service is a premium 300 line screen waterless print job offered at an affordable price, with quick
turnaround. The firm has over 100 Macintosh computers and supports layout applications for Macintosh and IBM including Adobe
PageMaker, QuarkXPress, Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia FreeHand, CorelDRAW and Adobe Photoshop.
a recommended resource: Catalog, web site, print samples
contact information:
4413 82nd Street, Suite 130, Lubbock TX 79424
tel: 800.794.5594
www.copycraft.com
Corbis
Corbis lays a strong claim to being "the definitive destination for photography and fine art in the digital age." The Corbis
Collection is made up of art and photography from more than 3,000 creative sources, including Ansel Adams, Yann-Arthus Bertrand,
Douglas Kirkland, Robert Holmes, Galen Rowell, David and Peter Turnley, Michael Yamashita, Mark Seliger, Michael O'Neill, and
institutions such as the National Gallery-London, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The State Hermitage Museum, Christie's and the
Bettmann, Hulton-Deutsch, and Brett Weston Collections. In all there are more than 65 million images, 2.1 million online. For creative
professionals, Corbis Images — the professional image-licensing division — provides a broad range of images for the publishing,
advertising, graphic design, new media and web design communities. Traditionally licensed and royalty-free licensed stock are
available. Headquartered in Seattle, there are 1,200 employees in offices in Hong Kong, Miami, New York, London, Los Angeles and
Paris. New acquisitions to bolster its contemporary and stock footage offerings include two well-known agencies: The Stock Market
and Sharpshooters.
a recommended resource: Web site
contact information:
15395 SE 30th Place, Suite 300, Bellevue WA 98007
tel: 800.260.0444 fax: 425.746.1618
www.corbisimages.com
Corel
Corel Corporation is an internationally recognized developer of award-winning creative products for professionals. Since its
foundation in 1985, Corel has developed products known for excellence and value that target emerging trends in the software
industry. Corel continues to develop innovative, professional and cutting-edge products for the creative community. CorelDRAW, Corel
PHOTO-PAINT, Corel KnockOut, Corel Painter, Bryce and the KPT family are at the heart of Corel's creative products line, ranging from
illustration tools to powerful masking tools for graphics professionals. CorelDRAW 10 for Macintosh is next up, slated for release later this
year. Corel's product line, say officials, "is geared to add a new dimension to creativity."
a recommended resource: Designer.com, a web site with tips, tutorials and free downloads; also a free download
of CorelDRAW 8 LE at
www.corel.com/draw8mac_le/index.htm
contact information:
1600 Carling Avenue, Ottawa ON Canada K1Z 8R7
tel: 800.772.6735 fax: 716.447.7366
www.corel.com
Crane & Company
For those who seek distinction in their written communications, Crane fine paper is a prestigious medium that "combines
timeless quality with the versatility of 100% cotton. The unique feel of Crane's cotton papers help communications stand out and get
noticed." Crane offers a complete line of 100% cotton paper, including three whites and two colors, in a range of weights, with
matching cover stock. The mill also converts its own envelopes to assure quality and attention to detail. Papers are available through
paper merchants, and directly through the mill.
a recommended resource: New Crane's 100% Cotton Business Papers swatchbook and a new promotional piece
that combines paper samples with electronic demonstrations on a CD
contact information:
30 South Street, Dalton MA 01226
tel: 800.5CRANE6 fax: 800.331.8660
www.crane.com
Creative Assets
Creative Assets is all about fit. With over ten years of experience, the firm specializes in placing the appropriate creative professionals
into desirable freelance and full-time positions. They say they attract and retain top talent by offering established client relationships,
exceptional benefits and personalized service with integrity, as well as indepth involvement in the creative community. The firm represents
various levels of talent within three categories: Print Design; Web & New Media; and Supporting Creative, such as presentation
specialists and copywriters. Currently, Creative Assets has offices in Atlanta, Austin, Denver, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco and
Seattle.
a recommended resource: Visit the web site or contact a branch office for information on benefits
contact information:
tel: 888.304.9600
www.creativeassets.com
Creative Planet
Creative Planet is a privately-held company whose board of directors includes entertainment and new media leaders such as Jack
Valenti of the Motion Picture Association of America, Frank Biondi, former CEO of Viacom, and Ted Leonsis of AOL. Creative Planet's
products and services are used by ad agencies, movie studios, tv networks and production companies like NBC, HBO, Warner Bros.,
Paramount, Saatchi & Saatchi and J.Walter Thompson, and the company has strategic alliances with the likes of the Visual Effects
Society, the Broadcast Designers Association and the American Society of Cinematographers. Recognizing that the media production
industry largely operates on an outsourcing model based on a fragmented workplace of freelancers, Creative Planet aims to streamline
the process by integrating commerce, wireless and web tools with industry standard software and databases. Products and services fall
into five categories: development, production, e-marketplace, supplier profiles and community services. A key relationship is with
DesignInMotion, a daily updated web site for motion graphic designers developed in cooperation with the Broadcast Designers
Association.
a recommended resource: Community of web sites
contact information:
www.CreativePlanet.com
www.DesignInMotion.com
Creoscitex
Formed in April 2000 by uniting the digital prepess and print-on-demand initiatives of Creo Products and Scitex Corporation,
CreoScitex is a major supplier of graphic arts solutions. Core product lines include image capture systems, inkjet proofers, thermal
imaging devices for films, plates and proofs, professional color and copydot scanning systems, and workflow management software. It
has a worldwide network of direct sales and service offices, dealers, resellers and OEMs for global sales and support. Among the products
best known to the creative market are the line of EverSmart scanners and Iris digital printers and proofing systems.
a recommended resource: Web site with full product line information
contact information:
8 Oak Park Drive, Bedford MA 01730
www.creoscitex.com
Crown Vantage
Crown Vantage was founded in 1995 when it was spun off from James River Corporation. The incorporation of Crown Vantage
brought together a system of 11 paper mills whose family tree includes familiar names such as Curtis, Riegel, Brown and Crown
Zellerbach. Today, say officials, the company "draws on this rich heritage of papermaking as it focuses on markets for
value-added printing, publishing and specialty papers."
a recommended resource: Curtis Fine Papers swatchbooks; web site
contact information:
4445 Lake Forest Drive, Cincinnati OH 45242
tel: 800.441.9292 fax: 215.442.7538
www.crownvantage.com
www.curtispaper.com
CTI Paper USA
For the past ten years, graphic designers looking for exciting and innovative papers have turned to CTI Paper USA. CTI's The Fine
Paper Collection is an assortment of papers that add dimension to designed pieces, with embossed, colored, translucent, metallic
looking, and mirror-like finishes available in the Collection. Manufactured by fine paper manufacturers in Europe and North America,
The Fine Paper Collection includes Glama Natural Translucent Printing Paper, Bindakote Cast Coated Papers, Splendorlux Cast Coated
Colors, Constellation Mica Coated and Uncoated Embossed Papers, Pergamenata Translucent Paper, Favini SeaWeed Paper and
MegaMoola Greenbacks Money Paper. The papers are available through authorized paper merchants throughout North America.
a recommended resource: Portfolio Presentation Program, a collection of actual printed samples from projects
across the country; spec reps can bring the portfolio to a design firm or department upon request
contact information:
1545 Corporate Center Drive, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
tel: 800.284.7273 fax: 608.834.9800
www.thepapermill.com
Decorated Paper
Decorated Paper produces colorful covers, in stock or customized, for the graphic arts. Among the grades are
Cadillac Cover, a medium gloss pyroxylin coated cover that comes in more than 25 colors ranging from burgundy to
gold and from eggshell to robin egg blue. Cadillac Embossed Cover comes in several stock patterns, including Eldorado
and Sharkskin, and in stock colors of black, pearl, silver and gold. Other offerings include Metallic Cover, a pyroxylin
coated cover in silver, gold, copper and blue and Sun Cover & Text in intense fluorescent colors.
a recommended resource: Samples and web site
contact information:
925 North Eighth Street, Camden NJ 08102
tel: 800.882.3400
www.decoratedpaper.com
Digital Vision
Digital Vision is the world's premier royalty-free publisher. Launched in 1995 by two stock photography professionals, Mark
Austin and Mike Watson, the company has become a leading influence in the stock photography industry and products are distributed
in over 70 countries worldwide. Digital Vision's service to graphic designers is straightforward: they provide photography, digital art and
stock footage that strives to rival anything produced by other stock libraries at a royalty-free price. The Digital Vision web site holds
thousands of photographs, digital images and moving footage. These products are available in a downloadable format and/or delivered
to the customer on CD. The company also publishes striking and well-designed catalogs on average three times a year.
a recommended resource: Folio Four, the first 2001 catalog release, which is a collection of lifestyle photography;
web site with personalized lightboxes, e-cards, online games
contact information:
9 West 20th Street, New York NY 10011
tel: 888.381.9445 fax: 212.229.6821
www.digitalvisiononline.com
Domtar
This is Canada's largest producer of specialty and fine papers, and is ranked seventh in North America. A leading producer of forest
products in Eastern Canada, Domtar also owns 50% of Norampac, the largest Canadian producer of containerboard and corrugated
containers. Annual sales are close to $4 billion, mostly in the U.S., and there are roughly 9,000 employees across North America. In 1998,
Domtar added to its offerings to the graphic arts market with the acquisition of E.B. Eddy, a producer of specialty papers and packaging
products, such as the Bravo line of coated premiums. And in 2000, the company added Ris Paper, a major paper merchant specializing in
printing and business papers.
a recommended resource: Swatchbooks for coated and uncoated paper
contact information:
www.domtar.com
Donside
Donside is a renowned manufacturer of fine coated papers and is committed to personal service and quality. Its products
include: Consort Royal, a premium paper that is triple coated to provide "the finest surface for the ultimate printing
experience" and comes in three finishes; and Gleneagle, a #1 double coated sheet with exceptional versatility and value, also in
three finishes. In the context of quality, Donside papers have been used in several issues of 2wice, the visually impressive avant-garde
arts magazine designed by Pentagram partner J. Abbott Miller. The Fall 2000 edition, for example, used Gleneagle Dull because its
balanced white shade and smooth finish helped express the theme of "Ice" in its many forms.
a recommended resource: Paper samples and list of stocking merchants
contact information:
1600 Johnson Way, New Castle DE 19720
tel: 800.220.8577 fax: 302.326.1277
Dupont Color Proofing
Based in Wilmington, Delaware, DuPont Color Proofing is the world's largest supplier of color proofing products which improve
the control of color from design to press, and reduce print production time in analog and digital workflows. DuPont Color Proofing
analog products include WaterProof, WaterProof Color Versatility, Cromacheck for overlay proofing, and Dylux. Digital proofing
products are available for use throughout the digital workflow, including Digital WaterProof, Digital Cromalin, Dylux Digital Bluelines
for imposition proofing, the DuPont Color Station and proofing media for the Epson 5000, 7000, and 9000 series printers, as well as the
DuPont Digital Halftone Proofing system and Thermal Dylux media for CreoScitex thermal imaging equipment. The company also runs
a Customer Technology Center in Itasca, Illinois. The heart of DuPont Color Proofing's message to graphic artists: "There are a
thousand things beyond your control. Color is no longer one of them."
a recommended resource: Web site
contact information:
Barley Mill Plaza, Routes 141& 48, Wilmington DE 19880
tel: 800.345.9999 fax: 302.992.2133
www.dupont.com/proofing
eMotion
eMotion is a leading provider of digital media management solutions. For advertising, corporate, government, media,
entertainment and broadcast, eMotion offers an array of products and services that power the entire life cycle of media management,
from creation and collaboration to search, storage and distribution. Among the eMotion solutions: MediaQuest, a robust digital
media management application that is now closely integrated with QuarkXPress; and CreativePartner, a standard for collaborating,
reviewing and annotating over the web. Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, there are also offices in New York, Los Angeles, Silicon
Valley and Chicago. The company also owns PictureQuest, one of the largest aggregators of rights-protected and royalty-free
photography; eMotion technology allows users to find images faster.
a recommended resource: Web site describes and demonstrates full line of services
contact information:
2600 Park Tower Drive, Suite 600, Vienna VA 22180
tel: 800.764.7427 fax: 703.207.4901
www.emotion.com
Epson
Epson offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the graphic arts market, as well
as consumers and business. The company is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale solutions for the retail market. Founded
in 1975, Epson America is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, a global manufacturer and supplier of high-tech
products. The company's newest line of printers for the graphic arts are: the 44-inch wide format Epson Stylus Pro 9500, the 24-inch wide
format Epson Stylus Pro 7500 and the 13 inch wide format Epson Stylus Photo 2000P. It also produces new Epson Archival Inks and
papers. To demonstrate the high quality and archival character of its print output, this winter the company has been sponsoring a
series of gallery exhibitions of pictures output with Epson products.
a recommended resource: Web site describes and demonstrates full product line; product literature and brochures
contact information:
3840 Kilroy Airport Way, Long Beach CA 90806
tel: 800.241.5373 fax: 905.731.2949
www.prographics.epson.com
Esleeck
The year 2000 marked the 100th year of continuous operation of Esleeck Manufacturing. It is still a small, intimate and privately
owned paper mill. The mill says it provides products at the top-of-category level. Much of its product line is unique, made only by
Esleeck, not part of an existing category. Esleeck recently introduced a new premium letterhead paper to the creative community,
Cotton 100, made from 100% cotton fiber. It was formulated to provide "the ultimate in visual and tactile presentation for
contemporary business communications."
a recommended resource: Esleeck Business Communication Swatchbook, Cotton 100 Swatchbook
contact information:
PO Box 717, Turners Falls MA 01376
tel: 800.628.1904 fax: 413.863.3196
www.esleeck.com
Extensis
The Extensis Products Group develops, publishes, markets and supports productivity software for creative professionals and
their workgroups. From design through output, Extensis products and services are intended to make the process of creating, editing,
assembling and managing digital content for print and electronic publishing more productive and efficient. Because Extensis focuses
on the needs of the graphics community, its applications span competitive applications and platforms such as Photoshop, QuarkXPress,
Photo-Paint and Illustrator. "This focus," say company officials, "leaves us uniquely positioned to leverage today's
cutting edge publishing technologies while integrating productivity throughout the creative workflow." Offerings include imaging
tools such as Intellihance Pro, Mask Pro, PhotoFrame and PhotoTools; layout tools such as QX-Tools and QX-Effects; production tools
like BeyondPress, Collect Pro and Preflight Pro; management tools such as Suitcase and Portfolio; and Freeware such as PhotoText,
and QX-Drag&Drop. Founded in 1993, Extensis is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ImageX.com.
a recommended resource: Web site has complete product overview and specs
contact information:
1800 SW First Avenue, Portland OR 97201
tel: 800.803.4320 fax: 503.274.0530
www.extensis.com
Finch
Finch Paper produces "sexy, smooth, uncoated papers of exceptional value." Finch Fine and Finch Vanilla Fine represent
the ultimate alternative to expensive text and cover papers. Through its network of fine paper merchants, Finch supports the graphic design
market with a deep inventory of stock cartons, skids and rolls. Company position: "Punctuated, colorful designs on bright, smooth
uncoated stocks make a clean, uncorrupted statement. Today's printing technology can make photographic images sparkle on uncoated
paper. And everybody wants to get it done for less. Finch Fine and Finch Vanilla Fine make it happen."
a recommended resource: Finch Makes Cents 12" x 16" brochure, which introduces "Money"
images to Finch promotional material; 2001swatchbook divided into Premium and Opaque categories
contact information:
One Glen Street, Glens Falls NY 12801
tel: 800.833.9981 fax: 518.743.9656
www.finchpaper.com
Flight Design Communications
Combining design, prepress and a state-of-the-art production facility just minutes from midtown Manhattan gives Flight the
strength to design, manage and execute complex projects from conception through delivery. Flight's offset and finishing capabilities
cover a range of services including print, document services, and custom binding. The prepress department includes image scanning,
manipulation, and archiving. The principals state: "In a hurry? We eat rush jobs for breakfast."
a recommended resource: Web site including product information
contact information:
56-02 Maspeth Avenue, Maspeth NY 11378
tel: 718.326.3777 fax: 718.326.5781
www.flightnyc.com
Folders Galore
Folders Galore was founded in 1982 as a reaction against the uninspiring corporate publicity of the time. The site is divided into
two resources. Direction is for samples, prototypes, help and licensed products. Inspiration has three sections to help inspire future
innovation. Print Effects shows some familiar and some not-so-familiar techniques. Gallery features work recently produced for the
likes of Pepsi, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, and others. Materials groups together materials that will make customers stand out from the
crowd.
a recommended resource: Catalogs, metal case, metal site card, samples and prototypes
contact information:
Windsor Grove Centre, London SE27 9LT, England
tel: 011.44.20.8670.7416 fax: 011.44.20.8670.9605
www.foldersgalore.com
Fox River
Fox River Paper, a long-established maker of printing and writing grades, has embraced "freedom" as a new identity
and new theme. Specifically, the mill says it is committed to giving freedom to designers by providing easy and immediate access to the
materials and assistance needed to realize their vision. The mill offers a broad range of products — 15 core grades and more than 150
colors — that present many choices and "allow all who are interested in creative expression to access the papers they want, when
they want, with the ability to print and perform the way they want." Fox River is proud of its new web site, which offers samples,
paper information, distributor listings, industry terms, printing and technical tips, and "fun and games." Also, the mill is
currently conducting two contests for designers: the Annual Report Contest, in which one can qualify to win one of five Power Mac G4
Cube packages in a random drawing; and Selections, an ongoing letterhead and identity design contest.
a recommended resource: New web site; contest entry form through local merchants
contact information:
100 West Lawrence Street, Appleton WI 54911
tel: 800.994.5993 fax: 800.443.7302
www.foxriverpaper.com
Fraser
Fraser is one of North America's largest producers of specialized paper products, operating 16 paper machines at four mills in
Maine, Ohio, Wisconsin and New Brunswick. A highly integrated paper company, Fraser manages more than two million acres of
forest, operates a tree nursery, sawmills and virgin and de-ink pulping facilities. Fraser Papers is known for: lightweight and
ultra-lightweight publishing grades; colorful, textured text, cover, writing and commercial printing papers; and a wide range of highly
specialized converting grades. Brands include Passport, Genesis, Synergy, Mosaic, Pegasus, Magna Carta and Outback. The color
palette was recently freshened.
a recommended resource: Fraser Papers Swatch Book System presents the product line in larger swatches; a custom
swatch box houses all 14 books and a Comprehensive Color Guide
contact information:
70 Seaview Avenue, Stamford CT 06902
tel: 800.543.3297 fax: 203.705.2801
www.fraserpapers.com
Fuji
The Graphic Systems Division of Fuji Photo Film USA, one of the largest manufacturers and marketers of photosensitized imaging
and information products to the graphic arts industry, was founded in 1983. Customers range from commercial printers, color separators,
service bureaus and graphic design/art studios to newspapers, publishers and ad agencies. Fujifilm offers a full line of products and
services, ranging from plates and film to electronic imaging equipment. Fujifilm was recently honored by the Graphic Arts Technical
Foundation with the InterTech Award for its development of the acousto-optic deflector multi-laser technology.
a recommended resource: Literature on FINALPROOF and PictroProof digital proofing systems
contact information:
1285 Hamilton Parkway, Itasca IL 60143
tel: 630.773.7200 fax: 630.773.7999
www.fujifilm.com
Georgia-Pacific
Georgia-Pacific's Printing Papers is a major producer of printing, office, premium text, cover, and writing papers. The Printing
Papers business unit has streamlined its product lines to offer more clearly organized groups of papers, and increased availabilities and
delivery speed. The Text and Cover line now has four focused brands — featuring Proterra recycled paper and Nekoosa Solutions
lines — and the unit also markets an extensive line of Opaques and Offsets. Mill officials state: "Georgia-Pacific constantly
researches how graphic designers work. We've learned that designers need more than just a clean surface to set their best ideas free. They
need paper that becomes part of their design. They also need easy access to technical data, and better ways to demonstrate their ideas to
clients. Georgia-Pacific has provided solutions through changes in our swatchbooks... We also have a wide selection of the textures and
colors of premium papers that professional graphic designers use most often. And our web site provides clear, easy access to all the
technical data."
a recommended resource: Swatchbooks; entry form for Kudos Design Competition
contact information:
Marketing Services Department, 100 Wisconsin River Drive, Port Edwards WI 54469
tel: 800.635.6672 fax: 715.887.5222
www.gp.com
Getty Images
Getty Images, with 70 million photographs and an estimated 30,000 hours of film, is a major e-commerce provider of imagery
and related products and services to both the professional and consumer markets. The company provides imagery to a diverse range
of creative professionals in advertising and graphic design, book and newspaper publishing, broadcasting, production, web and new
media publishing. Getty Images is divided into four channels to address the different needs of customers in each market segment:
gettyone channel, serving creative professionals in advertising, design and communication; gettysource channel, for press and
editorial professionals; gettyworks for business users, SOHO, and self-publishers; and consumer channel, offering consumers framed
and unframed art. The gettyone channel is anchored by the web site — gettyone.com — which gives creative professionals
the visual means to search, purchase and download from multiple royalty-free and licensed brands including, among others, Allsport,
Archive Films/Archive Photos, Artville, Bridgeman Art Library, EyeWire, FoodPix, FPG, Hulton Getty, Image Bank, National Geographic,
PhotoDisc, and Stone. Getty Images also owns a number of stock visual brands that are important to creative professionals. These
include: PhotoDisc, the pioneer in royalty-free digital stock photography; Stone, a source dedicated to creating innovative and creative
imagery; Image Bank, a global leader in rights-protected contemporary photography and illustration; FPG, one of the oldest and most
respected rights-managed stock visual providers; Archive Photos, a venerable historical photo library with over 20 million images; and
Allsport, an agency at the forefront of custom and stock sports photography.
a recommended resource: Web sites/e-commerce sites
contact information:
701 North 34th Street, Suite 400, Seattle WA 98103
tel: 877.GETTY.ONE
www.gettyone.com
Allsport
tel: 310.230.3400 www.allsport.com
The Image Bank
tel: 877.932.7497 www.imagebank.com
Archive Photos
tel: 646.613.4100 www.archivephotos.com
PhotoDisc
tel: 800.979.4413 www.photodisc.com
FPG International
tel: 877.437.4932 www.fpg.com
Stone
tel: 800.644.7715 www.tonystone.com
Gilbert
"Our goal is to make you look great!" This is a Gilbert Paper motto which, say mill officials, they strive to accomplish
every day. Gilbert is a well-established producer of textured and surface enhanced smooth papers which, they say, "contribute
the unspoken word, whether it is the annual report, a complete communications program, or simply the letterhead. By offering relevant
product and responsive people, Gilbert is your identity solution." As part of its long-term relationship with the creative community,
the mill offers many opportunities to showcase their work: the online G3 (Gilbert Graphic Gallery), where designers can upload their work
and bios; the online Gilbert Diner, where top annual reports, stationery and marketing program work is highlighted; and the Expert
Opinions series, which focuses on the experts who produce communication vehicles.
a recommended resource: Gilbert Diner on the web site
contact information:
PO Box 260, Menasha WI 54952
tel: 800.445.7329 fax: 920.336.7125
www.gilbertpaper.com
GlobalState
GlobalState is a digital media content provider — licensing images, sync music and film footage to professional creative users via
the internet and other digital distribution methods. The content can be researched, purchased and delivered online and through traditional
distribution channels. GlobalState is marketed through three separate divisions: ImageState, MusicState, and VideoState. ImageState, which
provides still images in traditional and royalty-free licensing, recently acquired three mainstays of the graphic design field: John Foxx Images,
the Netherlands-based provider of royalty-free stock; WestStock, based in Seattle, and a major supplier of stock photography to creative
professionals; and Adventure Photo and Film, with its collection of adventure photographers, filmmakers and illustrators.
a recommended resource: Web sites
contact information:
www.globalstate.com
www.johnfoxx.com
www.weststock.com
www.adventurephoto.com
Grid
Grid Typographic Services is in its fifteenth year as a specialist in quality typography for all forms of shareholder communications. Grid
is a major producer of annual reports and has become a significant provider of mutual fund reports. Founder Don Davidson says the firm
is a "typographically dedicated company, offering a unique typographic competence in all aspects of financial communications. Our
ability for precision, accuracy and timeliness in handling massive amounts of type is exceptional and cost effective. Grid/Quark is our
unique configuration of basic Quark utilizing traditional typographic standards and today's technology." To celebrate the 15th
year in business, legendary designer Richard Danne designed a "Grid@15" logotype.
a recommended resource: Web site
contact information:
27 West 24th Street, New York NY 10010
tel: 212.627.0303 fax: 212.627.1105
www.gridtypography.com
Heidelberg USA
Heidelberg USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG and is the largest regional office of the worldwide
company. With 24,000 employees in nearly 120 countries, Heidelberg is the world's market leader in printing and publishing solutions. The
company has grown from a conventional printing press manufacturer to a solutions vendor for the graphics industry, covering the entire
spectrum from design to prepress and press to postpress. Interesting products for graphic designers include the Heidelberg Speedmaster
series, the Quickmaster DI presses, a popular short-run digital press, and top-notch desktop scanners. But most interesting is the company's
assertion that "...within the world of printing, borders are rapidly vanishing. The previously separated realms of prepress, press and
postpress are increasingly merging within the scope of integrated solutions. Heidelberg has played a central role in driving this dynamic
process. And our goal is still to play a leading part in shaping the future of the graphic arts industry."
a recommended resource: Web site for product information, ordering literature and subscribing to the e-mail newsletter
contact information:
1000 Gutenberg Drive, Kennesaw GA 30144
tel: 888.472.9655 fax: 770.419.6912
www.heidelbergusa.com
Hewlett-Packard
Hewlett-Packard is a global provider of computing and imaging solutions with more than 36,000 products. In mid-2000, HP
divided into two companies. The computing and imaging business — roughly $40 billion of annual revenue — retains the HP
name whereas the new company, Agilent Technologies, encompasses the test and measurement, semiconductor and medical
businesses. The HP product families of special interest to graphic designers are computers, laserJet printers and inkjet printers, including
DesignJet large format printers and related HP Large Format media for p-o-p and sign design; DeskJet printers for the Macintosh; and
the DesignJet ColorPro GA, a full bleed color proofer which works with the Imation Matchprint Inkjet System.
a recommended resource: Web site for product information
contact information:
3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto CA 94304
tel: 800.752.0900
www.hp.com
httprint.com
httprint is an online print production management service that offers branded, hosted e-commerce sites to corporations and printers
that enable the process to run more efficiently and effectively via the internet. httprint sees the World Wide Web as a platform to help
printers and buyers in the mid-market — advertising agencies and corporate buyers, for instance. Jobs managed by the service range
from business card orders to annual contracts of $250 million. Its enabling technology allows print buyers and sellers to save time and
money by streamlining the procurement and management process. httprint's heritage as a print management company gives customers
a ready team of experts to support or manage any project. The company's 20 engineers develop httprint's technology inhouse.
a recommended resource: E-commerce site
contact information:
17 Bluxome Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
T: 415.216.4277 F: 415.495.8936
www.httprint.com
Imagers
Imagers has a nationwide following of designers for prepress, production and short-run printing services. The company provides instant
online quotes, order entry and FTP job submittals. Products and services include: Heidelberg and Indigo Ultrastream Digital Offset color
printing, Kodak Pro & Master Photo CD Hi-Res film scanning, Fuji Digital Photographic Color Prints, Quality Slide and 4x5 film imaging
and quantity slide duplication, and studio photography. The company is strong on customer service and quick turnaround.
a recommended resource: Special free print sample offer from designer's own digital file of Indigo short-run press
output at www.imagers.com/gdusa.
contact information:
1575 Northside Drive, Suite 490, Atlanta GA 30318
tel: 800.774.7145 fax: 404.355.4880
www.imagers.com
Image Source
Founded by stock photography veteran Christina Vaughan of The Picture Book, Image Source seeks to offer internet purchasers
royalty-free CMYK scanned images available in various resolutions. Image Source specializes in people images, especially in the context of
business, lifestyle and beauty. Single images can be downloaded directly off the web site while CDs can be ordered online or by telephone.
Vaughan recently announced the acquisition of elektra Vision AG, a German producer of royalty-free images, and the addition of elektra's
founder and managing director to the staff as group director of photography.
a recommended resource: Web site
contact information:
tel: 800.037.3928
www.imagesource.com
Images.com
Since 1992, Stock Illustration Source has grown into a major supplier of illustration for creative professionals, with emphasis on
speed and convenience. Under the Images.com umbrella, SIS's recently released Volume 8 Catalogue gives a broad look at the talents
in the collection and includes 4,800 new images by 280 artists. Images.com also recently published the Graphistock Volume 4 Catalogue.
It highlights the photographers represented in the Graphistock collection, which can be viewed at the web site. Image.com's Spots on
the Spot, a digital, internet-based resource, allows art buyers to electronically search and download spot illustrations. The site was recently
redesigned, introducing new features and new graphics. It is characterized by simplified navigation, shared lightboxes, the ability to work
together from different locations and more usable options.
a recommended resource: SIS Volume 8 Catalogue and Graphistock Volume 4 Catalogue
contact information:
16 West 19th Street, New York NY 10011
tel: 212.849.2900 fax: 212.691.6609
www.images.com
Imation
A global technology company, Imation supplies a variety of products and services worldwide, specializing in data storage and
information management, color management and image solutions. For the graphic arts market, Imation offers color management, proofing,
software and services for a wide range of critical color applications. Included in the line are Imation Matchprint and Imation Rainbow brand
proofing products, Imation Verifi Accurate Web Color technology, the Imation Color Fidelity Module, plates, imagesetting film, and data
storage products and services. In 1999, Imation reported revenues of $1.4 billion and employed approximately 4,850 people worldwide.
a recommended resource: Web site
contact information:
One Imation Place, Oakdale MN 55128
tel: 888.466.3456
www.imation.com
Indexed Visuals
A comprehensive selection of medical and natural science illustrations and photographs is presented online by this company. Indexed
Visuals differentiates itself from traditional stock agencies by referring art buyers directly to the artist, so the company serves as a medium
to bring buyers and sellers of artwork together. The web site features one of the only dynamically searchable databases for medical and natural
science images on the web today. The free search service identifies artists by subject matter experience and also allows designers and art
directors to choose from a list of stock images to fill their needs.
a recommended resource: Web site with reference materials and free search service
contact information:
1265 Ward Drive, Cleveland OH 44026
tel: 440.729.8115 fax: 440.729.9356
www.indexedvisuals.com
International Holographic Paper
International Holographic Paper works with designers to create unique projects that combine the use of custom holography with
registered lithography. Custom holograms are used in p-o-p, printing, publishing and packaging. The company stocks Prismatic Illusions
Holographic paper and board, Starshine Metalized paper and board, and Premium Mirror Board. IHP also has four hologram laboratories to
produce custom hologram designs that emboss into paper, board and labels. A technology innovator, the company's iScan computer-to-plate
large format laser ablation system won the IHMA 2000 Excellence in Holography Award for Best New Technology. Recent IHP projects
include: five different custom hologram collector Elvis Presley TV Guide covers and posters; The Matrix video box/displays; Elizabeth
Taylor's White Diamonds Gift Box; and Labatt's Boomerang beer labels.
a recommended resource: Prismatic Illusions Custom Holographic Pattern Books with 486 new 2D holographic patterns
contact information:
300 Highpoint Drive, Chalfont PA 18914
tel: 215.997.8006 fax: 215.997.9005
www.IHPhologram.com
International Paper
International Paper ranks among the world's largest producers of printing and writing papers, serving the business, printing and fine
papers markets. Among the categories are: Office and Consumer Papers led by Hammermill business, copy and laser print offerings, Legacy,
Brite-Hue and Jet Print Photo; Commercial Printing Papers, which consist of coated papers for catalogs, direct mail, books, magazines, publishing
and other print advertising uses, along with brands like Springhill coated and uncoated bristols and printing papers, Frankote cover, Williamsburg
Offset and Carolina coated bristols and coated one-side and two-side covers; Fine Papers like Strathmore and Beckett; and Industrial Papers such
as Thilmany for specialty packaging.
a recommended resource: Web site has product information by category plus special areas on how paper is made, recycling,
and a glossary of paper terms
contact information:
Two Manhattanville Road. Purchase NY 10577
tel: 800.223.1268
www.internationalpaper.com
International Paper-Uniwood/Fome-Cor Business
This business unit of International Paper's Decorative Products Division manufactures and sells an extensive line of well-known graphic arts
boards, including the Gatorfoam, Fome-Cor, and JetMount boards. Gatorfoam, whose product line includes many variations, is designed to
meet graphic artists' needs for a foam-centered board with high structural strength, durability and versatility. Original Fome-Cor board consists
of white extruded polystyrene foam bonded between two layers of white clay-coated paper. It is available in many thicknesses and specialties such
as black-centered Fome-Cor Board, Acid-Free Fome-Cor board for conservation framing, Heat Activated Fome-Cor board for commercial mounting
jobs, and Fome-Cor Xtra board for oversized jobs. The newest addition is JetMount board, designed specifically for mounting digital images. It
includes a thicker extruded polystyrene foam for increased rigidity and warp-resistance, and is enhanced for dent resistance and durability.
a recommended resource: A Product Selection Wheel and a Product Guide with foldout
contact information:
PO Box 1839, Statesville NC 28687
tel: 800.438.1701 fax: 704.878.2708
www.TheOriginalOne.com
www.gatorfoam.com
Kyocera Mita
Kyocera Mita, with U.S. headquarters in Fairfield, New Jersey, is responsible for the operations, support, service, training, sales and marketing
of the company's products throughout the Western Hemisphere. Its North American operations employ more than 568,000 in manufacturing and
sale of a broad range of high technology products including, of particular note for creative professionals, digital copiers and printers that operate on
computer networks as well as computer connected peripherals including network-ready laser printers, color copiers/printers, digital laser faxes, and
other imaging solutions. A new entry this winter: the Kyocera Mita Ci7600 color copier/printer combined with a Fiery X4 print controller that
produces entire sets of critical documents at 6 pages-per-minute color and 23 pages-per-minute black-and-white.
a recommended resource: Web site
contact information:
225 Sand Road, Fairfield NJ 07004
tel: 973.808.8444 fax: 973.882.6000
www.kyoceramita.com
Laughing stock
Laughing Stock is a lively, high caliber stock illustration resource. The agency has eight catalogs in print and features the work of contemporary
and original illustrators. The tightly-edited and user-friendly catalogs are geared to busy art buyers who are looking for energetic images that
reflect the latest trends in today's marketplace. The web site and CD-ROM mirror the catalog in ease-of-use and functionality. The agency offers to
do online research free of charge. Laughing Stock works closely with art buyers to fulfill their illustration needs from stock to original assignments.
All images can be supplied as high-res files and are downloadable from the agency's FTP server.
a recommended resource: Catalogs and the web site, which is continually updated with new images
contact information:
192 Southville Road, Southboro MA 01772
tel: 508.460.6058 fax: 508.480.9221
www.laughing-stock.com
Line & Tone
Line & Tone is a complete graphics resource for designers, agencies and corporate communicators, with three locations in the New
York area. Services are available 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, including T-1 high-speed FTP and web file transfer services. With the recent
acquisition of Finley Digital, the company now offers over 80 years of combined experience. From drum scanning and creative retouching to Hi-Fi
6-color Hexachrome process printing, Line & Tone calls itself "a one-stop resource for any creative demand." Among the specific services:
high-end scanning and prepress; large format inkjet; digital c-prints; mounting, laminating and finishing; offset printing and digital offset
printing; Hexachrome process printing; short-run Xerox digital printing; digital photography studios; and advertising specialties and premiums
with short-run capabilities inhouse. A new retouching studio in Manhattan allows designers to work with skilled retouchers in a comfortable setting.
a recommended resource: Web site with behind-the-scenes look at the shop; plus Hexachrome samples
contact information:
460 West 34th Street, New York NY 10001
tel: 212.629.9700 fax: 212.629.4601
www.linetone.com
(also offices in Parsippany NJ and Mahwah NJ)
Macromedia
Macromedia sees itself as "passionate about what the web can be." To that end, the software company delivers products
and solutions for creating next-generation web sites. Professional web developers use its tools for web site deployment and creation of "rich, engaging, and personalized" experiences. Developers and designers use and integrate Macromedia Director, Dreamweaver,
Dreamweaver UltraDev, Fireworks, Flash, FreeHand, Generator, and Shockwave for automated, interactive sites that deliver motion, sound,
graphics and media. Enterprises utilize the company's web solutions, based on the Dreamweaver platform, to manage complex web
applications, analyze results and generate measurable returns. For consumers, Flash and Shockwave Players display the power of the web
by desktop, laptop, and wireless devices.
a recommended resource: Web site has products, e-commerce, customer sites and online communities
contact information:
600 Townsend Street, San Francisco CA 94103
tel: 415.252.2000 fax: 415.626.0554
www.macromedia.com
Marketing IV
Marketing IV is a premium producer of custom pocket folders, specializing in a full range of inhouse services such as litho printing,
foil stamping, embossing, die-cutting and hand assembly and marketing to graphics professionals, associations, schools and
business-to-business. Many improvements in equipment have taken place in the years since the shop opened in 1979, the latest
being a Heidelberg Speedmaster CD press with aqueous coating unit. The company also added a CAD design department to provide
"value added" visibility for graphic designers who can now create three-dimensional models accurately cut-out and made up
for presentations and mounted by Marketing IV on actual job stock for client presentations. An electronic prepress department has
state-of-the-art equipment, the firm's web site has digital file transfer capabilities to their FTP site, and the firm maintains a die drawing
library as well as thousands of printed samples to share.
a recommended resource: Updated web site; catalog with production technique samples
contact information:
398 West Wrightwood, Elmhurst IL 60126
tel: 630.832.1820 fax: 630.832.4778
www.marketingiv.com
Mar+X Myles
This is a successful graphic arts production service that offers a variety of services including: printing by conventional, digital and
web from one to eight color; prepress, production and creative services; typesetting, featuring foreign language typography and
translation; warehousing and fulfillment; and online stationery ordering.
a recommended resource: E-mail quote services at quote@marxmyles.com
contact information:
386 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016
tel: 800.530.MARX fax: 212.213.0015
www.marxmyles.com
Masterfile
Masterfile is a long established, client-centered stock agency headquarted in Toronto with offices in Chicago, and with agents in
more than 30 countries around the world. While Masterfile is Canada's leading stock image agency, the images are selected to be
universal in appeal and most business is in the U.S. and overseas. Images are acquired under exclusive contract from professional
photographers and illustrators. The subject matter is general in scope and very tightly edited for discerning buyers. Clients include
advertising agencies, designers, publishers, corporations and multimedia buyers throughout the world. The agency is mindful that
deadlines are invariably tight, and provides many search approaches — print catalogs, interactive CDs, a web site and free
custom searches — as well as fast response and delivery via high resolution digital files on CDs, over the internet, or same day
and overnight courier delivery of color transparencies. Last but not least, the agency has launched Wonderfile, a royalty-free stock
company with a growing collection and reputation.
a recommended resource: Catalog 26, featuring 1,745 exclusive images that can also be downloaded from the
web site; CD5, the latest CD with all images in Catalog 26 and the four previous catalogs
contact information:
175 Bloor Street East, South Tower, Second Floor, Toronto Ontario Canada M4W 3R8
tel: 800.387.9010 fax: 416.929.2104
www.masterfile.com
MasterVu
MasterVu is a large format, outdoor and billboard printing services company based in New York with a national clientele. The company
does the entire job from digital manipulation and connection, prepress and proofing, and digital imaging. The company was founded by
Gloria Teich Brager, who saw a convergence in the trends toward bigger graphics and the advent of digital technology. In addition to
billboards, the company specializes in supersize backlits, banners, barricade fronts, and tv/theater backdrops.
a recommended resource: Call for samples
contact information:
140 West 22nd Street, New York NY 10011
tel: 800.411.2188 fax: 212.647.7410
Mead
The Mead Corporation is one of the leading North American producers of coated paper, specialty paper, coated paperboard and
consumer and office supplies. Mead's coated papers are high quality sheetfed and web grades from Cast Coated, Premium to a Number
Four with exceptional printing characteristics. A variety of finishes, such as gloss, dull, suede, matte and velvet, are available. Mead's
goal is to meet the evolving needs of customers with programs, products and services intended to help designers work more efficiently
and communicate more effectively. The Mead Market is a resource for printed materials from swatchbooks to unprinted samples,
commercial samples to program and competition details.
a recommended resource: The Mead Market
contact information:
Courthouse Plaza NE, Dayton OH 45463
tel: 800.638.3313 fax: 888.414.1198
www.meadcoatedpapers.com
MediaFlex
Founded in 1997, MediaFlex provides integrated e-business media procurement solutions across a global distributed network. The
MediaFlex platform provides order entry, workflow management, order processing, communication and invoicing tools. A link to the
MediaFlex server offers branded communication web sites. The platform seeks to streamline the print procurement process and workflow
management by delivering print-ready files — whether they be color, black-and-white, print-on-demand, general commercial or
large format — to a printer or fulfillment facility. The company focuses on three critical areas for internet interactions: open
architecture print procurement and project management tools integrated with common enterprise software systems; a flexible platform
for digital media asset management; and a focus on "best-of-breed" integration and alliance partners.
a recommended resource: Web site
contact information:
www.mediaflex.com
Microtek Lab
Microtek Lab was founded in 1980 and currently has approximately 1,200 employees worldwide. Microtek pioneers scanning devices
and seeks to deliver cutting edge products at affordable prices. The company has a strong global presence with major manufacturing and
distribution operations in more than 50 countries, which currently account for about 20% of the world's scanner market. Its ScanMaker
line, geared to the SOHO, business and consumer markets, is extremely popular. The ArtixScan line, a recent initiative targeted to graphic
design and production professionals, sports a range of affordable flatbed and film scanners for many graphic arts purposes. The latest addition
here is the ArtixScan 6000XY, which derives its name from its optical resolution of 6000 dpi and an integrated XY mechanism that
captures high-resolution scans across the entire scan bed. Vice president and general manager Barry Dearborn is fond of noting that
the ArtixScan's mission and success "is based on the recognition that the graphic communications process starts with the
creative professional."
a recommended resource: Web site; product information on the entire product line
contact information:
3715 Doolittle Drive, Redondo Beach CA 90278
tel: 800.654.4160
www.microtekusa.com
Minolta
Minolta, an international leader in optics and imaging products, offers a host of traditional and digital imaging products for graphic
design. The arsenal of business and consumer products includes everything from professional digital cameras and film scanners to 35mm
single-lens-reflect cameras, desktop color laser printers, and, especially popular among creative firms and departments, a strong CF line
of digital color copier/printers.
a recommended resource: Call for print and copier output samples
contact information:
101 Williams Drive, Ramsey NJ 07446
tel: 800.964.6658 fax: 201.236.4200
www.minoltacolor.com
Mohawk
Mohawk Paper Mills is a leader in the manufacture of premium printing grade papers. From its flagship grade, Mohawk Superfine,
through proprietary new Inxwell products, Navajo and Options, Mohawk has engineered its papers to provide optimal performance for
sheetfed, web and digital printing. Options has been repositioned and has a new color palette and promotional materials designed by
Carbone Smolan Agency.
a recommended resource: Brochure and swatchbook on Options centers on the themes of music, completeness and
beauty; "Open for Interpretation," a new promotion for Satin 2.0, addresses the existing miscommunication and
misinterpretation between today's designers and printers
contact information:
PO Box 497, Cohoes NY 12047
tel: 800.THE.MILL fax: 518.233.7102
www.mohawkpaper.com
Monadnock
Founded in 1819, Monadnock is the oldest continuously operating paper mill in America. The small, family-owned company makes
high quality technical papers and uncoated printing papers. The mill says its workers integrate the science of papermaking with the pride
of generations of craftsmen. The firm has invested heavily in the equipment required to improve the cleaning, refining and forming of
premium papers. Monadnock Astrolite is a premium brilliant white writing, text and cover paper. Dulcet and Caress have smooth level
surfaces and excellent formation for four-color printing. Astrolite PC100 is a clean and bright uncoated recycled.
a recommended resource: "Process" brochure which shows how to print bright, clean, highly detailed color
images on premium uncoated paper; "Diversity," large format promotion designed to show the benefits of Dulcet and Caress
for use in portraiture
contact information:
117 Antrim Road, Bennington NH 03442
tel: 800.231.8323 fax: 603.588.3158
www.mpm.com
Neenah
Neenah Paper is a leading manufacturer of premium uncoated writing, text and cover papers marketed under Classic, Environment,
Neenah and other brand names. Established in 1873, Neenah Paper is a sector of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Striving always to
provide premium brands, quality and service, Neenah serves the North American market of printers, designers, corporations, small
businesses, hobbyists, home offices, and more.
a recommended resource: Swatchbook launching the newly revised Classic Laid gradeline with three distinct color
groups; "Invisible Image" watermark promotion
contact information:
1400 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell GA 30076
tel: 800.558.5061 fax: 770.587.7726
www.neenahpaper.com
Nielsen & Bainbridge
Nielsen & Bainbridge is well-known to designers for its line of Bainbridge Foamboard products as well as Matboards and
Mountboards.The Foamboards include Artcare Archival Foamboard and Standard Clay Coated Foamboard. The company continues to
introduce enhancements such as a specialty line that features Bainbridge Self-Adhesive Foamboard, Heat-Activated Foamboard, and
ten colored foamboards plus the All-Black Foamboard. And newest of all: Bainbridge OnBoard, a specialty pattern foamboard with
eight designs such as green marble, wood grain, and denim. Says the 130-year-old Bainbridge organization: "Color. Style.
Consistency. Choice. They're at the core of every Bainbridge collection."
a recommended resource: Samples and information on Matboards, Mountboards and Foamboards
contact information:
40 Eisenhower Drive, Paramus NJ 07653
tel: 800.927.8227
www.nielsen-bainbridge.com
Pantone
Pantone is a developer and marketer of products for the accurate communication of color in a variety of industries including printing
and graphic design. The Pantone name is known as the standard language for color communication from design through production. The
flagship product is the Pantone Matching System, originally conceived for the graphic arts and now extended to other markets such as
textile and apparel design and home furnishings. In addition to marketing its systems, Pantone supports a research and development
lab, its own printing and binding plant to assure the accurate color of its publications, and the Pantone Color Institute, a not-for-profit
information center that shares its expertise with professionals in many industries. The company was founded in 1963 by Lawrence
Herbert.
a recommended resource: Web site with all products
contact information:
590 Commerce Boulevard, Carlstadt NJ 07072
tel: 201.935.5500 fax: 201.896.0242
www.pantone.com
PaperTyger
Seeing interest from designers and clients for an environmentally friendly printing paper that can withstand harsh elements and
heavy handling, PaperTyger was founded in 1996 to produce a durable paper that is an affordable easy-to-print alternative to synthetic
substrates. The paper is lightweight and has been tested by designers and printers. PaperTyger's SuperWhite is compatible with all
digital printing equipment as well as laser, inkjet and traditional offset machines. Founder Jim Lordi notes that no special inks, setups
or settings are required. Applications include catalogs, manuals, brochures, labels, envelopes and presentation folders. The company
also creates durable papers meeting custom specifications on qualifying order sizes.
a recommended resource: All printed and unprinted samples are available on request
contact information:
6 Way Road, Middlefield CT 06455
tel: 860.349.7092 fax: 860.349.7031
www.papertyger.com
Perception Research
Since 1972, Perception Research Services (PRS) has specialized in consumer research to guide, measure and improve marketing
design. Today, over 500 custom studies are conducted annually in the U.S., Europe, Asia and Latin America, including focus groups,
surveys, web usability testing, store-based research and web-based studies. Nearly all of these studies involve working with design
professionals on projects regarding packaging, brand identity, print advertising and/or web site development. The firm's research has
been instrumental in major design efforts for clients such as IBM, Kraft Foods, Motorola, Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson and 3M,
among many others.
a recommended resource: Web site
contact information:
One Executive Drive, Fort Lee NJ 07024
tel: 201.346.1600 fax: 201.346.1616
www.prsresearch.com
PhotoAlto
PhotoAlto is a French company, based in Paris, founded in 1995 by two photographers and a graphic designer. Since then, the company
has become the top French publisher of royalty-free digital photos and was behind the creation of Artists' photo CDs focusing on one
photographer and one theme. PhotoAlto's pictures are used in advertising, the press, graphic design, web design, video and multimedia.
The collection currently includes more than 90 CDs. The company recently reached agreement with Pictor to market PhotoAlto images in
the U.S., U.K. and Germany.
a recommended resource: "The Eye," a new catalog of CDs, each focusing on one photographer's work
and specific theme
contact information:
9 rue Pierre Dupont, 75010 Paris France
tel: 011.33.144892222 fax: 011.33.144892223
www.photoalto.com
Photobition
Photobition is a supplier of graphics services and products to the exhibition, display, media, advertising and publishing industries. The
group has a strong presence across North America, Europe, and Asia. The Photobition US Graphics division has a network of prepress,
imaging and visual communications products and services in major markets including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Denver,
Detroit, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Seattle and Washington DC. Clients include advertising agencies, publishers, graphic design
firms, retail environments, corporations, and more. The Photobition Display division creates large format displays and exhibits.
a recommended resource: Web site lists all divisions and services
contact information:
132 West 31st Street, New York NY 10001
tel: 800.474.5280 fax: 212.594.4488
www.photobition.com
Pictor
Pictor is one of the world's leading photolibraries, supplying the image needs of the new media, advertising, design, publishing and
corporate communications industries. Established in the 1950s, the company has offices in the U.S., U.K. and Europe — including
New York, Washington DC and Los Angeles — complemented by a network of agents worldwide. In addition to traditional distribution
methods, Pictor hosts tens of thousands of rights-protected images on its web site. A new initiative: Pictor is representing the PhotoAlto
royalty-free collection from France which addresses the fact, says U.S. director of operations John Parisi, that "creatives have been
crying out for new image content that is fresh and different."
a recommended resource: Pictor catalogs; also PhotoAlto Volume 2 catalog entitled "The Eye"
contact information:
Lymehouse Studios, 30-31 Lyme Street, London NW1 OEE
tel: 011.44.207.482.0478 fax: 011.44.207.267.1396
www.pictor.com
PictureArts
PictureArts Corporation creates, manages and licenses images and collections through its various brands. FoodPix, an all food stock
picture agency, is a traditional rights-protected specialty library representing over 120 photographers and illustrators. Burke/Triolo
Productions is a nationally recognized print and tv commercial production studio. Brand X Pictures, the newest addition, is a high quality
library of royalty-free images that are a mix of traditional and the cutting-edge. On the subject of the new baby, Brand X, president
Jeffrey Burke says "we have been planning this product line for over two years, and have had images in production for the past
six months... Our experience in the stock picture industry, both with FoodPix and as a major contributor to the Artville brand, gives
us a good viewpoint from which to launch such a venture."
a recommended resource: Web sites
contact information:
8755 Washington Boulevard, Culver City CA 90232
tel: 310.837.9900 fax: 310.837.1341
www.picturearts.com
www.foodpix.com
www.burketriolo.com
PictureQuest
PictureQuest is a comprehensive, diverse and richly functional online stock visual service, now one of the largest. Say
officials: "Whether it's rights-controlled photography or royalty-free images and CDs, PictureQuest is the site to
search, find, license and download what you are looking for." On the rights-protected side, PictureQuest has nearly
400,000 images from collections that include, among others, Alaska Stock, Archive Photos, Index Stock, Magnum, Pictor,
Sovfoto, Stock Connection, Stock Boston, and Words & Pictures. As for royalty-free images, the offerings have
doubled in the past year to more than 1,000 CDs and 100,000 images from the likes of Corbis, Digital Vision,
elektraVision, Flat Earth, Image Farm, Image Ideas, PhotoDisc, PhotoSphere, Rubberball and Stockbyte. A significant
recent agreement: PictureQuest now distributes 37,000 royalty-free images from the PhotoDisc collection. From a
structural standpoint, PictureQuest is a division of eMotion, the digital media management company, and uses eMotion's
technology to offer fast and efficient natural language searches.
a recommended resource: Web site
contact information:
2600 Park Tower Drive, Vienna VA 22180
tel: 800.764.7427 fax: 703.207.4903
www.burketriolo.com
Polaroid Graphics Imaging
Polaroid Graphics Imaging LLC is an independent company — and a former division of Polaroid Corporation
— that develops, manufactures and markets advanced products designed to enable high-quality, efficient and
ecologically advanced prepress production for the printing industry worldwide. The organization has been an exceptionally
big winner of the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) InterTech Technology Awards over the past couple of years
for its PolaProof system, the company's flagship offering, and related innovations.
a recommended resource: Web site shows product line
contact information:
PO Box 9201, Waltham MA 02454
tel: 800.228.0979 fax: 800.385.8816
www.polaroidgraphics.com
PosterWorks
PosterWorks Version 4.0, a product of S.H. Pierce & Co., is a best-selling large format production tool
that enables designers to compose layouts for up to 10,000 square feet and prints to any PostScript device or file
or interpreter. It is available for the Macintosh and Power Macs, as well as Windows 3.1/95/98/NT.
a recommended resource: 30 day money back guarantee
contact information:
One Kendall Square, Suite 323 Building 600, Cambridge MA 02139
tel: 617.338.2222 fax: 617.338.2223
www.posterworks.com
Presstek
Founded in 1987, Presstek is a leading developer and international marketer of non-photographic, non-toxic
digital imaging and printing plate technologies for the printing and graphic arts industries. Presstek's innovative
DI (direct imaging) technology and products take digital color files straight from the prepress network to the plate
and/or the printing press. Through this unique technology and the elimination or automation of steps, designers
and their clients gain higher quality printing with increased speed and lower costs. D-MAX Imaging of Morrisville,
North Carolina, and Electric Pencil of Culver City, California, are just two of the thousands of firms whose portfolios
have been enhanced with Presstek DI.
a recommended resource: Directory of Presstek DI printers at
www.didirectory.com
contact information:
55 Executive Drive, Hudson NH 03051
tel: 603.595.7000 fax: 603.594.9666
www.presstek.com
www.didirectory.com
Printbid.com
Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, PrintBid.com is a leading online marketplace for print
buyers and commercial printers. PrintBid.com provides users with intelligent sourcing and bid processing for all
categories of commercial print, including high-end creative projects. The company's streamlined project and RFQ
management processes allow print buyers to quickly obtain detailed quotes from a registered base of more than
4,000 qualified printers, and offers vendors the ability to identify and respond to jobs that fit their capabilities and
expertise. PrintBid updated its web site late last year with resulting improvements in graphics, navigation and
search functionality. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ImageX.com.
a recommended resource: Web site
contact information:
tel: 503.248.2233
www.printbid.com
Printcafe
"The operating system for print™" Printcafe is a leading provider of software solutions designed specifically
for the printing industry. Our enterprise resource planning (ERP), procurement, and supply chain software solutions
enable printers and print buyers to improve efficiencies and control costs. Printcafe's procurement applications for print
buyers integrate with software solutions for printers to facilitate Web-based collaboration across the print supply
chain.
Printcafe's print supply chain solutions have been installed by more than 4,000 customers in over 8,000 facilities
worldwide, including 24 of the 25 largest printing companies in North America and over 50 businesses in the Fortune
1000 including AOL Time Warner, Hewlett-Packard, and General Motors. Printcafe has formed strategic alliances with
Creo Inc., as well as with a subsidiary of A.T. Kearney, an EDS Company.
a recommended resource: Web site
contact information:
www.Printcafe.com
printChannel.com
printChannel enables print buyers to order customized printing over the web through a direct link with their
chosen print vendor's production operations. printChannel does not sell or broker printing; rather, it provides
web-based print processing solutions to printers to use with their clients. The site is primarily for reordering,
customizing and online versioning of commercial print materials such as collateral, advertising fliers, business
materials and more. For print buyers, the printChannel application enables projects to be created, proofed, ordered
and tracked efficiently, and the system's predefined graphic standards automatically enforce corporate and brand
identity. For printers, the system's key benefits are error reduction, data validation, fidelity between online proof
and the output, online billing and reporting, prepress and administrative cost savings, and, ideally, customer
satisfaction.
a recommended resource: Web site
contact information:
tel: 415.644.3399
www.printchannel.com
PrintMarket.com
PrintMarket is an online marketplace that has been matching print buyers and sellers since 1996. The site
provides tools that streamline the way print is purchased and managed with its open online forum intended to
eliminate the inefficiencies inherent in the traditional process. Officials say they are especially sensitive to the
importance of relationships between buyers and vendors, and provide e-tools that allow these relationships to
flourish. The company's most recent product is SecureQuote, an estimating feature that provides instant accurate
quotes for most printed pieces. A recent joint venture with paperloop.com, an information and global exchange
for the global printing, paper and converting industries, gives it a larger audience reach.
a recommended resource: Web site
contact information:
tel: 877.638.3325
www.printmarket.com
Professional Photographers of America
Professional Photographers of America, now in its 119th year, is the world's leading association of professional
photographers. Its thousands of members are primarily independent studio owners who offer traditional and digital
photography services, with specialties ranging from advertising, commercial and digital imaging to weddings,
portraiture and photographic restoration. Designers can call to receive a free referral list of photography and imaging
professionals in their area, as part of the association's efforts to encourage custom photography and point out the
vulnerabilities of stock photography. PPA is heavily involved in educating the public and the media industry about
copyright law.
a recommended resource: Free referral list of photographers by region
contact information:
229 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 2200, Atlanta GA 30303
tel: 800.786.6277 fax: 404.614.6400
www.ppa.com
Proma Technologies
At Proma Technologies, a producer of metallized and specialty papers, the goal is to provide superior service and
technical support, and to find unique solutions to product differentiation. The 125,000 square foot manufacturing
facility utilizes advanced metallizing equipment and produces a variety of papers including HoloPRISM holographic
paper, PROMAVAC metallized paper, and HoloSECURE security paper. The papers are used in a wide range of
applications including product labels, advertisements, laminated constructions, publications and specialty promotions
for printing, packaging and p-o-p applications. HoloPRISM is especially suited for graphic designers and allows the
integration of unique designs, holographic patterns and images. The papers, not incidentally, are easily converted.
a recommended resource: A complete sample kit with product sheets, samples, newsletter,
process brochure
contact information:
24 Forge Park, Franklin MA 02038
tel: 508.541.7740 fax: 508.541.7777
www.promatechnologies.com
Reich Paper
Reich Paper has a more than 40-year history as a paper supplier and distributor to the graphic arts. It continues
the tradition — with a particular twist for designers — by bringing Chartham Translucents to market. The
Chartham line comes in a broad range of contemporary colors. Because it is made from 100% pure cellulose fiber, the
grade is free of resins or plastic additives, making it recyclable and biodegradable. Reich also offers many Chartham
envelope items in many colors.
a recommended resource: Chartham Translucents swatchbook
contact information:
7518 Third Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11209
tel: 800.230.3674 fax: 718.238.5400
www.reichpaper.com
www.chartham.com
Ricoh
Ricoh Corporation, headquartered in West Caldwell, NJ, is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., the 64-year-old
supplier of office automation equipment with 1999 sales in excess of $13.8 billion. Ricoh is a diversified office equipment
and electronics provider, and a pioneer in the development of computer-connected and digital multifunctional document
systems. It is a market leader in color and black-and-white digital imaging systems, facsimile products, printers, scanners,
digital duplicators and wide format engineering systems. Ricoh has received the 1998, 1999 and 2000 Energy Star Imaging
Equipment Partner of the Year Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — the EPA's highest industry
award. The company has had a great impact upon the creative and corporate communications markets with its Aficio Color
line of copiers/printers and related digital color imaging solutions.
a recommended resource: Web site with product specs and information
contact information:
5 Dedrick Place, West Caldwell NJ 07006
tel: 973.882.2000 fax: 973.882.5840
www.ricoh-usa.com
Roz Goldfarb Associates
Founded in 1985 on principles of career management and civilized headhunting, Roz Goldfarb Associates provides
candidates and clients a highly personalized confidential recruitment source, based on service and accountability. RGA
is a full service consultancy, specializing in design, interactive media, advertising and architecture/environmental
design. Additionally, the company assists businesses with mergers, acquisitions, establishing profit centers, and providing
clients with a myriad of organizational and staffing solutions. Officials say the company's strength is the structure: an
integrated network of global resources provides solutions for the personnel, organizational and management demands of
a diverse group of clients. RGA associates are recruitment professionals with specific areas of industry expertise. Clients
include marketing communications and branding consultants, ad agencies, interactive agencies, architectural and retail
branding consultants, sales promotion and direct marketing agencies, and corporations in the publishing, consumer
product and B-to-B arenas.
a recommended resource: Web site; book entitled Careers By Design by Roz Goldfarb, Allworth
Press, New York
contact information:
207 West 25th Street, New York NY 10001
tel: 212.475.0099 fax: 212.473.8096
www.rga-joblink.com
Rubdown-transfers
Rubdown-transfers (a.k.a. INTs, dry-transfers, Chromatecs, rubdowns) help to pinpoint and specify exact specialty
colors or surface sheens. The firm uses Identicolor technology, which permits exact custom color matches from 8
1/2" x 11" to large sizes for graphic design applications such as color comps, on-site displays, museum
exhibits, entertainment and point-of-sale display. Industrial designers use them for opaque, wear-resistant prototyping
decals. Rubdown-Transfer.com transfers are made directly from digital color or black-and-white artwork, and accurately
match specs with no resolution loss or fuzziness, and in perfect color alignment. They can be used alone and with
typical CMYK digital color proofs.
a recommended resource: Web site
contact information:
720 White Plains Road, Scarsdale NY 10583
tel: 888.472.9577 fax: 914.472.0008
Sappi
Sappi is a leading producer of premium papers for the graphic arts. Company officials state that "Sappi views
education as the vital factor to enhancing their customer's business, that the company has made a commitment to produce
valuable educational information for distribution throughout the community, that it believes in the unity between the
printing process and the substrate. Knowledge of both paper and printing are necessary to understanding the art of
creating the highest quality printed results." Over 70 years ago, S.D. Warren launched the publication "The
Warren Standard." Today, as the new IE series, it addresses issues relevant to designers, art directors, production
managers and printers. A relaunched web site features a database of creative samples, industry contacts, opportunities
and information. Through Sappi's "Ideas That Matter" program, grants are offered ranging from $5,000 to
$50,000 for designers to create and implement projects for non-profit organizations.
a recommended resource: IE Varnish Techniques, 46-page reference piece; entry forms for Ideas
That Matter on web site
contact information:
225 Franklin Street, Boston MA 02110
tel: 800.882.IDEA fax: 617.423.5491
www.ideaexchange.sappi.com
Schawk
Schawk, Inc. is a multinational group of companies that provide advanced digital imaging and information technology services to consumer product companies and ad agencies worldwide. These services include digital asset management, film separations, soft proofing, large format imaging, computer-to-plate imaging, design and production art. Schawk is also a leading supplier to the consumer products packaging market, providing solutions fo