The first online paper database, specifically developed for the design and print industries, after more than two successful years in operation announces several new features in response to requests from members. "PaperSpecs" features more than 3,500 papers from over 65 mills and manufacturers. Members can search the PaperSpecs Database and easily determine which paper is just right for their project with precise information such as color, sheet sizes, pricing and more advanced features.
The website also offers tips on paper buying. Members can sign up for "QuickTips", a twice-monthly email from Sabine Lenz which advises designers, art directors, print buyers and other paper specifiers on issues of the day or tips. QuickTips also assists in assembling samples and swatchbooks for clients or projects, and members gain valuable insight in paper specifying and print buying issues. To become a member or to get a free tour of the website, go to www.paperspecs.com.
"I love paper," says Sabine Lenz, the founder of PaperSpecs. For more than 15 years, she has been a graphic designer in Germany, Australia and the U.S. Ms. Lenz works on design projects ranging from corporate identities to major road shows and product launches. From start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, her list of clients includes Oracle, Sun Microsystems, Deutsche Bank, IBM and KPMG. She explains, "It can drive you crazy trying to keep track of all the changes in the paper world. I founded PaperSpecs as a truly comprehensive paper database, one that covers stock of every description and source, PaperSpecs is fiercely independent and not sponsored by any mills or merchants."
Linking to Mill Promotions and Swatchbooks
After a member signs in, the site offers them access to sidebars, such as "Mills Promotions" and "Mills Swatchbooks." Each is a large database of resources available to designers. The "Mills Promotions" features the newest releases of promotional items that can be requested online and offer designers unique access to new and innovative product offerings. The "Mills Swatchbooks" show the latest updates and new releases on the market. These productivity tools allow designers to expedite the selection process of the appropriate color, weight and finishes of paper. PaperSpecs members are pre-approved by the mills so there is no charge for these fulfillment services.
Member Comments
"What I like about PaperSpecs is that they do an excellent job at aggregating paper info for designers," said Laura Shore, VP Marketing Communications, Mohawk Fine Papers (Cohoes NY). "In addition, we like the diverse nature of their audience, which seems to include print buyers inside of corporations, in ad agencies, in studios as well as freelancers. I’ve also been very impressed with the breadth and currency of information on the site — especially environmental information, which is very important to us. Mohawk recently acquired the Strathmore, Beckett, Via and BriteHue brands so we have a steady stream of important news that’s of interest to the design community. We find that Paper Specs is a great way to get the word out."
Melinda Thompson, Editorial Director of Bookbug (Burbank, CA) — a maker of educational and novelty books for children — said, "PaperSpecs is an educational tool for me to be able to discuss the technical specs of a project with the art director. The members only area offers me a way to access mill promotions on-line so that I can see the things that are just coming out. With our novelty products it’s important that we stay on top of the newest and the hottest paper products. PaperSpecs lets me do that in a very easy way."
Additional Helpful Tools
The website offers many valuable tools to assist the designer with their projects. The "QuickTips" emailed to customers bi-weekly, offer valuable tips and insights. Relevant information, directly related to a designer’s or print buyer’s point-of-view, is sent out bi-weekly as e-mail updates. The opening rate of these e-mails has been averaging almost 95%, proving the interest they generate. The tips are then archived in the "Members Only" area for research purposes.
If after performing an advanced paper search for all available papers a member is still unsure about a specific feature, can’t find a particular paper, or just wants to know whether a paper choice will fit a certain application, personal help is available. Sabine Lenz, creator and manager of the site, often interjects personal ideas and suggestions concerning problems individual members may encounter, such as minimum orders set by vendors and recommended inventory paper supply issues.
About PaperSpecs
Sabine Lenz is the founder of PaperSpecs, the first online paper database specifically designed for the design/print industry. Seeing designers struggle worldwide to stay current with new papers and paper trends inspired Ms. Lenz to create PaperSpecs, an independent and comprehensive web-based paper database and weekly e-newsletter. She is also a speaker and writer on paper issues and educational topics related to the paper industry. Visit your all-in-one online swatchbook at www.paperspecs.com.
This article was last modified on January 18, 2023
This article was first published on July 27, 2005
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