Designers have always had a creative ally in xpedx. The company’s national team of specification representatives simplifies the design-to-print process in many ways, but primarily by helping designers choose the perfect sheet for a project.

From exponential paper choices, the xpedx spec rep evaluates design goals in relation to function, printing, bindery, fulfillment and budget. They are also available for press checks and client meetings, and keep their creative clients well supplied with paper samples, dummies, swatchbooks and technical information.

This interaction between spec rep and designer generates learning on both sides of the relationship. Creatives are always striving to present information and ideas in new and powerful ways and spec reps, as professional consultants, bring them the tools they need to get the job done. Frequently, these “tools” take the shape of instructional courses.

Color 101
In 2007, xpedx spec reps will launch Color 101, a free course that will keep creatives current on trends and the color management tools they need to accurately incorporate them in their designs. It was developed in cooperation with Pantone Inc. and reports the findings of Pantone’s annual color forecast. (xpedx is the exclusive merchant distributor for Pantone products, which it sells for less than list price online at SuiteShopOnline.com.)

For 13 years, Pantone Inc. has surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week to identify the season’s most important color trends. Color 101 previews color for Spring 2007 and will show designers how they can use color to communicate and inspire. The course walks designers through five decades of color and presents the color management tools they need to put color to work in their projects. Color 101 is presented in a lunch-n-learn format and classes are taught by spec reps at a variety of venues -- whatever is most appropriate to the audience.

Paper 101
For its entire history, xpedx has offered Paper 101, a free course teaching paper fundamentals to industry novices and veterans alike. But in 2006, Paper 101 course materials were updated to reflect important industry and environmental changes. xpedx spec reps developed the curriculum, making sure it contained information that was most relevant to the design community and would empower specifiers to make educated decisions about paper.

The course is taught in seven sections that include papermaking, paper properties, paper categories and finishes, paper specification, envelopes, bindery and the environment. The class can be customized to suit the audience, whether they are students or professionals, whether they are looking for a full-day or half-day course or if they are focused on a specific subject, like the environment.

Classes are most often held on-site at the agencies, print shops and universities within an xpedx spec rep's territory.

And it’s free
xpedx does not charge for Color 101 or Paper 101, despite its considerable investment in the course materials. The company makes the investment because it benefits its customers long-term and ensures their mutual success.

In a less structured format, xpedx spec reps will provide counsel on environmental certifications and will co-present with mill representatives to design teams working on high profile projects or lengthy campaigns.

For more information about Color 101 or Paper 101, contact the xpedx spec rep nearest you. For a complete listing of xpedx spec reps, log on to SuiteShopOnline.com and click on the contact us link from any page on the SuiteShop site.

SuiteShopOnline.com is a one-stop shop for small quantity orders of luxury and digital printing papers, Pantone color management tools, desktop hardware and creative software, industry news and more. It is operated by xpedx, a leading distributor of paper and graphic supplies and equipment, as well as packaging and facility supplies and equipment in North America.

 For more information about xpedx, go to www.xpedx.com