1. I've been in this industry for over 18 years and have worked with Major Ad Agencies across the Nation, Direct Manufacturing, Medical, Non-Profit, Small to Large etc.
2. Have Estimated, Job planned and Project Coordinated for 3 of those 18 years. This has allowed me to have a full understanding of various equimpment capabilities. Making it so the design intended is met and within the desired time frame.
3. Worked with Companies that Offer: Sheet fed, Web, Envelope Manufacturing, Letterpress, Die Cutting, Foil stamping, Thermography, Fulfillment etc.
4. Ask questions ... what is the end use, desired effect, target market response we're going after, Understand the project life cycle-one time view disposable or a high profile long shelf life, etc. To Make sure the desired effect may be engineered. Make sure the intended design results are accomplished. Is it a family member piece that must match others? Can we make suggestions on how to get there faster/less expensive etc.
5. Save Valuable Client Resources-IE time, money, personnel
6. Organize Tours of: Paper Mills so you understand why a certain substrate works for a particular product/process or not. There are two main ingredients in every job, Paper & Ink. If you understand the differences between uncoated/coated, gloss/dull/matte/velvet/silk, when to use one over another, then you've guaranteed a great outcome. I've been doing this every year for the last 13 and still learn something new every time. Please see previously done TK's Korners Paper Mill Tour and Picking the Right Paper
7. Organize Tours of: Ink Manufacturing Facilities so you understand the difference the same color PMS has on different stocks, the inks shelf life-especially metallic, what UV Burn is and how to manage it. Please see Ink Tour and UV Burn
8. Technique Binder-Where I have many one of a kind samples for you to review and use as a design aid to make that next piece stand out from all the rest. It includes many one offs while on press showing different techniques that really show you what it could look like vs. waiting to see it off press and hoping. Please see Creative Coating Techniques.
9. Provide Updates On: Industry Changes, Postal Regulations etc. Please see Mailing Requirements and In House Mailing Capabilities.
10. Provide Tools to Help Guide You-be it books on; techniques on how to create bell curves for duo-tri-quad tones, mailing requirements varnish techniques, same PMS on different stocks, etc. Please see Duotones.
11. Research & Publish TK's Korner-Where you are given many different topics to further enhance your knowledge on a variety of different subjects. Usually customer driven on subject matter. IE How to do a Press Check, Top File Issues, Ways to Save Money on my Next Project, etc. Press Check Tips, Top File Issues, Ways to Save $, PDF Info and Quark vs. InDesign, Desktop Techniques, and Prepress Workflow.
12. Sales/CSR Team-To communicate and manage each project in the most efficient manner possible
13. Desire to Make a Difference-by partnering with you. Lets face it, you can't understand all the particulars in my arena, nor I yours. Yet, if we work together, trust one another, we can make the whole process fun, exciting and have the final piece surpass your expectations. Or, as I say, "Make sure you get the most for each Marketing Dollar Invested."
14. Golf Score Cards-a fun way for you to evaluate each and every project with us. You'll be able to score our team from the beginning to the end, which aids us in making sure we deliver what is expected.

I came up with 10 different paper stocks, 4 different coatings and 5 different scratch off coatings for a total of 42 different samples for the 3M R&D department to test.

The result was that we nailed it perfectly on one combination. The material had to bite enough or hold to show the scouring rub without completely falling away li ke a normal scratch off. The non scratching stainless steel was accomplished by me contacting a sheet metal fabrication company and acquiring cut down shims that were applied by 3M's heavy duty double sided tape side by side to the scratch off area along with all the marketing information.

The whole product line was hugely successful and went into 3 languages. It truly was exciting to be a partner and make it happen!!

Well, that pretty much says it all. If you would like more information about a specific topic or Sextons Capabilities, please check out other TK's Korner issues, visit Sextons web site at www.sextonprinting.com or give me a call. Looking forward to our next opportunity together.

Referrals are greatly appreciated. If you know someone who I should contact, please let me know.

If you would like to join me on one of our upcoming tours, if there is something that you would like me to address, or if you know of someone who might like to receive TK's Korner, please let me know via e-mail at tkubinski@sextonprinting.com or phone. Take care and have a great day.

Successfully,
Tom Kubinski-Printing Consultant