Palo Alto, California – Paper accounts for 25 to 50 percent of a print project's cost. This startling statistic has huge impact, and yet many designers and print buyers specify paper with only a scant amount of the information they need to select it effectively.

"The more you know about paper, the better your paper choices will be, the more creative your design, the more effective the message, and the more time and money you'll save in the long run," says PaperSpecs Founder Sabine Lenz.

To help paper specifiers harness the potential of the 25-to-50 Rule, PaperSpecs is launching an unprecedented virtual, yet hands-on workshop event called "Paper Basics" – a series of five one-hour sessions designed to enhance the skills of anyone who needs to know how to spec the perfect paper.

Paper Basics 1 – Let There Be Fiber
Covers paper properties, fiber sources and the papermaking process
Paper Basics 2 – Soothing that Eco-Indigestion
Clarifies certification schemes, recycled content and sustainability issues
Paper Basics 3 – Creative Is as Creative Specs
Shows how color, texture and specialty options enhance the design
Paper Basics 4 – What They Aren't Telling You
Debunks the mill myths and reveals insider buying secrets
Bonus Session – The Finishing Touch with Folding Guru Trish Witkowski
Shares folding tips and tricks to expand the possibilities

By the end of the workshop, attendees will have the tools and information to:
- Rate paper quality
- Use paper to enhance the message
- Spec paper effectively
- Make sustainable paper choices
- Get the biggest bang for your paper buck

The Difference Between Message Received and Message Lost
"The workshop atmosphere will be fun and informal with plenty of time for live questions," explains Lenz. "Our unique content is mindful of the fact that you have more responsibilities with less time and money to get the job done. The series will show attendees how creative paper selections can mean the difference between a message lost or received amid the clamor of today's media maze, a job over or on budget and a project filled with frustration or satisfaction."

A Convenient and Invaluable Workshop
Paper Basics begins February 25, 2010. This virtual workshop is perfect for those who are new to specifying paper, those who desire to better understand the paper options available to them (and what makes these options different), and those who need to refresh their paper knowledge.

The Paper Basics workshop series is $145 for PaperSpecs members. Non-member cost is $195.

Early Bird Special
Register by February 5, 2010 and save an additional $50 off the cost of the workshop.
The workshop fee includes admission to all sessions, special Paper Basics binder with paper samples, handouts and ample room for notes; access to the archived version for an "instant replay" at your leisure; and answers to any "after-hours" questions that are not covered during the live workshop.