New blog feed!

Fans, readers and stumblers!

We have imported our blog to Wordpress, therefore giving us a new feed URL. For those that want to keep updated, please click here to subscribe to the new feed.

Thank you!

"Bland to Brand!"

Really, who wants to be bland?

An article from "Big Brand System" online caught our eyes here at Paramount Promotions and got us thinking...nowadays, anyone can get their business out there, but how do you get it to stand out? We agree with the following steps and find that if you aren't passionate about it, no one else will be either.

Target Fearlessly

Seriously, you have the product and aren't afraid to use it! Convey this in your message, let people know that you know what your product can do for them. Be creative with it (because we're pretty sure we wouldn't want to buy something from someone who came up to us and said, "Buy this now or you won't live!"...that's just threatening).

Listen to Popular Opinion

As different as you want to make your product, you don't want to necessarily go completely against what is trending. Listen to what the consumers want. Talk to them. You can't say communication never got anyone anywhere.

Tune in to WII-FM (this was catchy!)

It's not some new radio station, folks! It's an acronym - What's In It For Me? Your target market is asking it, which means you need to be thinking it! What benefits does your product offer?

Sweeten the Deal

People won't remember your brand or product if they see it once. Concerts and events happen that way, but not products. Repeat the exposure of your brand - create a mailing list to keep consumers updated. Make them feel connected and don't forget to connect with them! Social media nowadays is key.

All in Good Time

Tina Turner said it perfectly in her song, "Don't Rush the Good Things." Time is something to use to your advantage. Be consistent and, over time, you will have established your brand into what you want it to be.

What other tips have you found through your branding adventures? Do you have any advice for starting out or keeping things going? We'd love to hear them!

FREE Class on Large-Format Printing

Paramount Promotions, with Ad2Phoenix, is excited to be hosting a free class for large-format printing TONIGHT (Wednesday, June 8) from 6-7:30pm. Come learn about the process from those that know best...the printers!

You'll receive hands-on training from the professionals, teaching you the ins and outs of the printing world. Here's a sneak peak at some of the "how to's" that will be covered in this class:

• Make the most of your relationship with your printer
• Design for best printer output
• Pick out and understand the best and latest materials
• Price printing to make the most of your money

Printing experts will speak to you about the crucial points of the process and our graphic design expert will discuss the relationship from their perspective. We'll even have a few extra experts so that any questions you have, we can answer! Those who attend will also receive special discounts towards materials and supplies.

More information and directions can be found at the event listing's page on Ad2Phoenix's site.

Get your printers ready, folks! See you tonight.

Powerful Colors

You've heard the warnings about not shopping when you're hungry. You set foot into the grocery store and all of a sudden, everything looks absolutely delicious. Frozen foods, rotisserie chicken, the hot Cheetos...your stomach has full control of your mind! Did you know that a similar idea is applied by advertisers and stores?

Rather than food (because people are only hungry for so long), advertisers use colors. How many things catch you eye at the store because they're bright? In a previous post, we talked about packaging design making or

breaking a product. By combining great packaging with the right colors, a person will have a difficult time resisting the temptation to buy it.

This whole idea of color having the ability to influence people goes all the way back to Sir Charles Lemieiux and his color theory. He found that different colors and combinations affected a person's psyche. In other words, people would feel a certain way when they see a certain color. Of course, every person is different so the colors you'll find in this post may not be for you. However, if your looking to sell something to a friend or client, you may want to check out how these colors influence mood:

In 2003, there was a color associations study that that had people rate colors based on the emotions they felt when they looked at them. Researchers found that participants found blue to be most trustworthy, red was found to be the color most associated with speed, black was found to emit feelings of "high-quality," while yellow and orange were both found to emit a sense of cheapness.

From all of these colors and meanings and food, what do you think? Do colors really play that much of a role in what a person buys? Be sure to post your comment below!

Happy Memorial Day

The Paramount Promotions family would like to wish you all Happy Memorial Day! Did you know that it is tradition to wear a red poppy on Memorial Day? The custom started in 1915, when a teacher named Moina Michael wrote this poem:

"We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies."

Known as "the Poppy Lady," Ms. Michael advocated the red Flanders poppy as an emblem of remembrance for those who fell in service. Today, we remember those troops that served and gave their all.

Do you have loved one in the armed forces? How will you be spending your Memorial Day? Please share in the comments below.

Let's see some guerilla!

What’s featured in an ad appeals to a person’s emotions. Someone can look at something and say, “That’s just lousy!” or "How annoying!" However, there are some ads out there that definitely make a statement. There are even some non-traditional techniques that get a brand out there! We here at Paramount Promotions definitely have an innovative way of helping our clients get their brand out there, especially with our vehicle wraps and inflatables. With these out-of-the-box ideas, it is easier for brands to attract attention. Because let's face it, attention is good.

Here are a few that we did for some of our clients:



Here are some that we LOVE!




What are some of your favorites that you've seen lately?

Wake Up with the Latest and Greatest PANTONE Pink!

Need something BOLD for the summer? Think PINK, but we’re not talking your typical, soft pink. Be loud and proud with 2011 PANTONE Color of the Year … Honeysuckle 18-2120.

Do you crave being the center of attention? Want your company or product to send the same message and be a trendsetter in your industry? If so, this hot, new color tone is the perfect pink for you! A color so brave, people will know you demand attention.

Inspire change and ignite the spirits of your customers through this confident color. As they say, pink is the new black and we are seeing this shade in everything from fashion to furnishings so why not spark a little emotional appeal with your next project?

Paramount Promotions dares you to try this eye-catching color. From vehicle wraps, digital printing, custom signage, and banners--- just THINK PINK.

For more information on the hottest pink to hit the streets, visit PANTONE.

Supersize Me!

You’ve heard us talk a lot about Paramount Promotion’s digital printing and vehicle wraps, but one of our favorite ways to advertise is our with our giant inflatables! Inflatables offer a great alternative to run of the mill marketing. By using an inflatable or inflatable billboard, you are able to attract audiences attention from afar. Inflatables can be seen by cars driving by, people walking in a park, or guests at an event. Inflatables allow you to make a bold statement about your product or service and dominate your competitors. Take a look at one of our latest creations for McDonalds! We created a super, super sized McFlurry that is sure to get your mouth watering in these hot summer months!

Much More Than a Fly Guy

At Paramount, we are well apt to create your basic fly guy. Driving through any up and coming neighborhood, it is not uncommon to see a few of these attention-attracting inflatables waving through the air. Typically, fly guys are simple designs - and we've done our fair share of them - but every once in awhile, we like to change the game!

Below, check out a few spins we've created on the common fly guy. Instead of purely vertical tubing, we've figured out ways to attract attention in other ways - being as creative as possible! Typically, you do not see such innovative uses of these materials, especially in such a large scale. However, here at Paramount, we like to think outside of the box - and our work shows it! Head to our website to find a few more creative inflatables.

Is It Really What's Inside the Box that Counts?

Packaging design can make or break a product. The box or container that a product comes in leaves a first and lasting impression. It is important to keep this in mind when deciding how you are going to deliver your product to consumers. Packaging can make any product stand above the rest. When choosing packaging, be sure to be original and create something that hasn't been done by your competitors. If you need help coming up with a great new idea, Paramount Promotion's in-house design team can help! Check out some of these creative packages we found! What's your favorite?

Channeling Creative Energy

Sometimes as employees in the creative realm, it is easy to get overwhelmed with ideas outside of work. However, there are creative ways to fuel your creative energy outside of the office just as well as there are inside.
For instance, imagine your child's delight upon receiving the dresser at the left! In decorating, your imagination is the limit, and there are always ways to make things happen. At Paramount, we love to think outside the box for new ideas, whether professional or not! Of course, we appreciate creativity the most when it is in the form of attracting attention - but we think any form is a great use of energy!

Hot off the Press!

Hot off the press, Paramount Promotions is excited to show off one of our latest custom banners. Not to brag, but Paramount Promotions has some pretty awesome technology that can produce high quality digital prints in a time frame that fits your company's schedule. Paramount uses UV-inkjet printer and wide-format Solvent printers that can print on many different types of banners. Banners and signs can be up to 16 feet wide without seams, and these signs are durable enough to be used inside or outdoors. Paramount Promotions can also use our digital printing technology on Billboards, Fence wraps and Window graphics. Take a look at our latest creation for SunTree!

Weekend Forecast: 90° and Sunny, aka Boating Season!

Alright Arizonans, it is that time of the year again. While the rest of the country is still cleaning up leftover snow, Arizonans are busting out the shorts, tank tops, and bikinis. What does that mean? It means it is time to get your boat in tip top condition to ride those waves, and Paramount is here to help!

We speak often of our ability to produce top-quality vehicle wraps, but it is important to note that we can wrap just about anything! In fact, Paramount CEO Brad Bergamo is a boating fanatic himself, so he takes personal pride in being able to help you design your dream boat.

Now, all you need to do is figure out what you want! When it comes to wrapping your boat, the options are endless. Perhaps you want your company's brand on your boat to impress your clients - Paramount can do it. Perhaps you've always imagined a boat with all of your favorite colors, recognizable by the masses - Paramount can do it. The point is, if you can think it, we can wrap it! Not sure what you're looking for? Check out the attached photos for inspiration.

That's a Wrap!

Check out the video below to view one of Paramount Promotion's latest vehicle wraps in action! We were so excited to film the process and show you how it actually works. Its crazy how a plain white SUV can turn into a work of art, or an advertising machine! Paramount Promotions can wrap any vehicle, no matter the shape, size or color. It is also possible to use the same technology to wrap boats, buildings, planes, and more! Vehicle wraps are a low cost, innovative solution for your advertising needs!

Keep checking back on our brand new YouTube channel for more videos! We'll keep you updated as often as possible.

Searching for the Truth in Advertising?

Ah, the fast food controversy. The argument points are endless: how much real meat do they need to include? How low of prices can they offer food for? How many calories can they cram into one value meal? And, of course, our personal favorite: when does advertising become false advertising?
Contrary to popular belief in the fast food industry, there are effective ways to employ honest advertising. Through great graphic design and exemplary large format printing, Paramount has all a company needs to fairly and accurately market their product. Unfortunately, the advertising executives behind many popular fast food chains have yet to figure this out. The pictures below show comparisons between fast food menu items shown in advertising compared to the most attractive version of the real thing.

Well, it is opinion time. What are your thoughts? Are these photos great ways to drive traffic, or borderline illegal forms of false advertising? Share your thoughts!

Client Feature!

We’ve been keeping busy over at Paramount Promotions helping out some of our clients with their latest needs and projects. We have been very excited to be putting our advanced technology and in-house design team to work, creating custom signs and vinyl banners for many diverse vendors and events. Signs and banners are the perfect way to advertise your upcoming event, as well as provide pricing, timing, and directional information to your audience. Custom vinyl signs are an effective way to reach your target market and provide detailed information to your current and potential customers.

One of our latest projects has been working with Indigo Contracting Services. As you can see to the left, we’ve created some custom banners displaying their projects and services to potential clients. Indigo specializes in exterior renovations and new construction projects. After over 10 years of service in the valley, Indigo has expanded their trustworthy and reliable business to the greater Southwest.

Thank you Indigo for your continued support and business with Paramount Promotions!

Do this, not that!

In order to run a successful ad campaign, it is important to have a plan. At Paramount Promotions, we want to help you reach your potential and discover which advertising strategy is going to work best for you. Whether you prefer inflatables, vehicle wraps, or our digital printing technology, it is key to keep in mind your target audience and end goal. When planning out your marketing strategy, be sure to avoid some of these key mistakes:

1. Do as your competitors do: Avoid gimmicks similar to your competitors. Find a niche of your own and start a new promotion to draw in new and untouched business. If sandwich shops down the street offer take out discounts, why not try a delivery promotion instead!

2. Targeting too many markets: Again know your niche! Do not aim for high and low income customers simultaneously. Use well placed strategies with designs that will appeal to the market you are targeting.

3. Focusing solely on new customers: Don’t forget to sustain the attention of your current customers. Offer promotions for returning business to a customer base that is already familiar with your work. By retaining a strong customer base, you will build future business off referrals!

By avoiding these simple marketing mistakes and combining your knowledge with eye catching advertising, you are sure to run a successful campaign to reach your target audience, and Paramount Promotions is here to help!

Elegant & Creative Redesigns

As you know, at Paramount Promotions we heavily endorse attracting attention to your brand through large format printing, including inflatables, vehicle wraps, and more! However, we are also aware that there are many alternative solutions. Of course, a company who did nothing but produce billboards year after year would not be a very successful company. For this reason, we'd like to place emphasis on one particular method of attracting attention: brand redesign.
There are several different approaches to a brand redesign. Some companies choose to focus on the product, while others focus on the design of the brand. Whichever method you choose, it is important to make sure that to some extent you are doing both. Beyond that, many tips and tricks for an effective redesign are debatable. For example, some successful redesigns have involved a completely new logo and brand standard, while others have taken existing brand elements and made them more modern. Similarly, some companies choose to surprise their audience with a quick, full release, while others offer a sneak preview, or roll-out new elements slowly.
Below, we've selected a few of our favorite redesigns from over the years, courtesy of function. Each of the redesigns shown is very different - but was still extremely effective. Which is your favorite?

One Plus One Equals Four?

Check out this image we found on The Curious Brain! Its all about idea collaboration. At Paramount Promotions, we love taking your ideas and combining them with our own to make something awesome! You know what they say, two heads are always better than one. Working in a group always improves a basic idea you may have. You may think something would look great on a banner, but it may also look great on a vehicle wrap or inflatable! There is no telling where your ideas will take you, and our in-house design team is excited to hear what you already have in mind! Do not be afraid to share your ideas with others and build on the basics. When you take risks and collaborate, you never know what you will come up with, it could be the next big thing!

As you can see, with idea collaboration, it is possible for one plus one to equal four. Make sure you are making the most of all of your ideas - we'd be glad to help!

1 Darn Cool School

At Paramount Promotions, we talk a lot about the vehicle wraps that we do. While we are always sharing plenty of photos of big trucks, cars, and buses, there are plenty of smaller wraps we do that are worthy of attention as well.
A great example of this is in the door wrap, to the left, that we installed for Phoenix Children's Hospital. A place where families can find new hope, the Phoenix Children's Hospital specializes in medical care for children from all over the southwest. While it takes much more than a quick wrap for Phoenix Children's Hospital to continue serving the Valley as well as they do, we are honored to be a small part of that puzzle. Do you know of another valued Valley company with printing needs? Let us know!

Billboard Installation Process

Always wondered about the process of installing a billboard? Well, lucky for you, we have a few pictures today to show you just that! Moon Valley Nurseries, as we've mentioned in previous posts, has been a long-time client of ours. Regardless of the season, we love to help them out in their pursuit of attracting attention. To help them out this time, we created a small billboard for them to use to draw in the masses. As can be seen below, installing a billboard is a multi-step process, and of course the pictures only show a small part! Are you surprised? Share in the comments some other installation processes that may have caught you off guard.

Concert Check List

What do Jazz, Country, Rap, and Classical all have in common? They are all types of music that attract several different types of audiences. The one thing that always remains the same? The necessity of effective signage in and around these musical events.

Whether it’s outdoor signage to promote ticket purchases and attendance or directional signage that guides attendees to restrooms, ATMs, concessions and more, Paramount Promotions delivers custom signs and banners that are appropriate, budget-friendly, and durable.

To help you make sure your next event isn’t lacking the necessary exposure and leaving guests wondering, we’ve created a short checklist of your concert signage needs.

__ Promotional Vinyl Banners Announcing, Date, Time, Location and Performers

__ Signage around ticketing offices displaying ticketing information

__ Sponsor signs thanking sponsors and partners

__ Parking signs

__ Ticket booth signs

__ Will Call signs

__ ATM signs

__ Security tent signs

__ First Aid Station signs

__ Restroom signs

__ Concession banners

__ Merch Booth signs

Need help starting or completing your signage needs? Visit Paramount Promotions to design your custom vinyl signs, banners, and inflatables. Need some design inspiration? Our in house design team is ready to help you come up with your next great idea!

One More for the Win!

Looking for a fun springtime celebration? So were we, and that's why we headed out to the ball game! Of course, we had to get a little work done first. To help the Cubs on their mission to win as many Spring Training games as possible, we updated the signage throughout Hohokam Stadium. As you can see, this involved signage both outside and inside the stadium, and it sure did help to attract attention! Although the Cubs don't have the best Spring record in the Cactus League so far, we're confident that their upgraded stadium will help them score a few more W's before regular season begins!

Spicy Salsa Sensations Vehicle Wrap

Every so often, we get to do a project that whets our appetite so badly we can't wait to get home for dinner. Although this is not a common occurrence, seeing that we are printers and not cooks, when it does we get excited to share the results! So, at the risk of whetting your appetite as much as it did ours, we'd like to share with you a few pictures of a recent vehicle wrap for our client, Salsa Sensations. This particular client requested a very quick turnaround, and as usual we were happy to oblige. The vehicle wrap was completed as quickly as possible, and at optimal quality as well. We think the bright attention-grabbing colors are our favorite part, what is yours?

Redefining Creativity

At Paramount Promotions we LOVE getting creative! We can take any idea you have, no matter how big, wacky or out of the box it may be, and turn it into your next greatest advertising tool. Paramount Promotions, uses innovative inflatables, digital prints, and vehicle wraps, as an effective way to market your next great idea, event, or brand. But among advertisers, there is currently a debate going on over how creativity is used in the market. Creativity has been the bases for advertising ever since advertising came to be, however, with new technology and opportunity popping up every day, it is important to remember to bare in mind a flexible definition. Experts are coming to one agreement, that is, creativity is not the problem, its the way in which creativity is used in communication. It is time to move beyond one way broadcasting, such as television ads and billboards, and look for creative opportunities in every part of our daily lives. The next generation of creativity needs to aim to connect people through their actions and their relationships to specific brands. Using creative advertising to link people to ideas or products is key. Only once you create an advertisement that causes a chain reaction, have you created a successful advertising campaign. It is equally important to connect both the people creating the products with the people creating the advertising. Separate, they will survive, but together they will be stand out among all competitors.

"There are two ways to be creative. One can sing. One can dance. Or one can create an environment in which singers and dancers flourish."

Warren Bennis, Leasership Consultant

Did you know?

You've seen our vehicle wraps, signage, and inflatables, but did you know that Paramount Promotions has the technology to digitally print onto sport courts?! Paramount Promotions is capable of customizing any sport court with words, logos, pictures, or any other unique requests! Sport courts, or Gamecourts, are becoming more popular in homes, with families beginning to keep healthy living at the top of their priority lists. First introduced in the 1970s, Sport courts can be any size or color, and used indoors or outdoors. These courts can be made of varying materials, depending on its intended use, and usually come with markers for specific games. For example, if you were intending to use your sport court as a basketball court, the free throw and three point lines would already come included. However, if you want your favorite teams mascot or logo in the middle of the court, Paramount Promotions can help! We're able print Sport courts for private or public use. Check out our latest Sport court printing below!

Hidden in Plain Sight?

At times, it escapes our minds that what we're looking for can be right in front of us. Sometimes it is so well disguised, that it is hard to find even if we're looking for it. A quick change of perspective is often all it takes to find what you were looking for.

Alternatively, there are times when we intentionally disguise things into something unexpected. In many cases, true beauty can be created in this way. Here at Paramount, we believe that printing and design are both forms of art, and we can appreciate the hidden beauty behind both of them. It takes a very special kind of artist to create beauty out of something entirely unexpected, and we saw that today from Tim Noble and Sue Webster (via Neu Black).

The pictures shown below are known as Shadow Art, and in this instance, we think it is appropriate to let them speak for themselves. As usual, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!