The competition for your audiences’ attention has risen to a fever pitch. They are overwhelmed, bombarded with more-more-more, with less and less impact. What we create needs to make a powerful impression to elevate itself from the endless churn of communication.

But, how?

Introducing A Maker’s Field Guide to Texture and Color, an ambitious and comprehensive new printed tool from Mohawk, designed to serve as a hands-on resource for the creative community.

The Maker’s Field Guide will engage, inspire and educate designers and brand owners, while demonstrating how high quality materials, such as textured and colored papers, can transform printed communications from good to great.

“Paper is a powerful tool, on par with copy and design in its ability to deliver, enhance and create memorable impact. Just as food delivers more than simply nutrition, the flavor and presentation of a meal plays a role in how we enjoy and remember the experience,” says Chris Harrold, Vice President of Business Development and Creative Director, Mohawk.

Created by Hybrid Design of San Francisco, CA, this comprehensive resource will be the definitive guide to using texture and color to amplify printed projects, underscoring the importance of using materials as a powerful communication tool.

In the spirit of the Mohawk Maker Quarterly (also designed by Hybrid), the Maker’s Field Guide contains thoughtful content and compelling design and showcasing everyday printing techniques on a variety of distinctive colored and textured papers to demonstrate the beauty and printability of Mohawk’s expansive Text & Cover portfolio.

Featuring stunning photography by Kennett Mohrman and David Prince; extraordinary illustrations by Lab Partners and Olimpia Zagnoli; and printed examples featuring a variety of makers and creatives that have been featured in past issues of the Mohawk Maker Quarterly, A Maker’s Field Guide to Texture and Color will truly become a must-have for anyone who loves working with paper and print.

Designed to appeal to distinct audiences – printers and designers/communicators – the Maker’s Field Guide features customized wraps providing specific information to help each audience maximize its contents.

Content was developed to entice readers to consider new ways to select and use materials to maximize the power of print, focusing on three primary strategies:

Materials: The power of materials as a key component of communication
Texture: Time-tested strategies to get the most out of textured paper
Color: Strategies to heighten the impact of printed projects by using colored paper

“Equal parts inspiration, education, and conversation, the Maker’s Field Guide aims to equip printers, communicators and designers with practical strategies and powerful demonstrations of how persuasive uncoated textured and colored papers can be when fully understood and utilized,” continued Harrold.

The design of the Maker’s Field Guide rivals the inspirational content contained within. The tool features a wide array of printing techniques including offset printing, foil stamping, and embossing processes on 32 distinctive colored and textured papers drawn from nearly every Mohawk paper grade, including: BriteHue,Carnival, Via, Loop, Options, Superfine, Strathmore and Via, as well as papers from The Curious Collection.

The Maker’s Field Guide was skillfully printed by Sandy Alexander, Clifton, NJ, using four color printing, 2nd black, 4th white, match blue, match red, match brown, match purple, match pink, match orange and match gold.

For more information, visit mohawkconnects.com/makersfieldguide.

Mohawk is proud to announce the ninth issue of the Award-Winning Maker Quarterly Publication, with a complete revamp of formatting. After two years of publication, the refresh is serendipitously themed around the concept of inspiration.

Mohawk and San Francisco-based Hybrid Design present a new layout with this issue. Caleb Kozlowski, Hybrid’s Design Director, explains the catalyst for the redesign: “Over the last two years and eight issues we’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what inspiration means. A restless creative wanderlust marks those of us who make, and hints that underneath the flash and excitement that often accompanies inspiration is something more fundamental: change.”

Chris Harrold, Mohawk’s Vice President of Business Development and Creative Director adds, ““Inspiration disrupts, it challenges. It can come from the smallest source and inform massive change. It motivates people to take bold action to pursue their dreams. Inspiration opens our eyes, changes our thinking, upends our lives in the best ways. We’re thrilled with the direction of change Hybrid is steering for the Maker Quarterly, and we’re eagerly anticipating an enthusiastic response from readers.”

Issue nine features a selection of six distinctive colored and textured papers drawn from the following Mohawk paper grades: Carnival, Via, Loop, as well a custom designed letterpress insert on the new ultra-thick and luxurious Mohawk Superfine Eggshell 150 Cover.

Caleb Kozlowski explains the design inspiration from a paper standpoint, “We had been thinking about the design change in terms of paper. When we began the Maker Quarterly series two years ago, we began designing each issue within one specific paper grade. This is the Superfine issue, this is the Loop issue; now it’s evolved, and it’s not just about one grade per issue, it’s about how the papers can work together to make something special.”

The cover of this issue has noticeable changes at first glance. This issue includes not one, but three deconstructed covers. Cover one is a striking 8.75 x 8.75” wrap featuring Mohawk Carnival Vellum, Yellow 70 text, which describes the essence of issue nine and the topic of inspiration. The wrap opens to a table of contents and the reveal of a second cover.

Cover two features a stunning design by Sister Corita Kent beautifully showcased on Mohawk Loop Antique Vellum, Milkweed, 80 text.

Cover three leads the reader to the issue’s feature story: ‘I Quit.’  The 9.75 x 13.25” cover features black and white photography of an enormous crashing wave printed on Mohawk Loop Laid, Pure White 70 text. Inverted text design communicates the editorial perspective: those who’ve taken the plunge and left a comfortable existence for the thrill of the unknown.

“We are excited about the material play with color and texture on the multiple covers. You see the vibrant Carnival Vellum Yellow wrap, and also a deep blue and a peek of neon pink and orange on Loop Antique Vellum. It demonstrates how materials can make a big impact both visually and texturally,” said Dora Drimalas, Principal of Hybrid Design.

With each issue, the Hybrid design team pushes the boundaries of creative expression. Issue nine is certainly no exception. Featuring a new masthead and rule design element which signifies connection and continuity, the 9.75 x 13” publication inspires from cover(s) to cover.

Content wise, issue nine is different too. “There are elements that are expected and comfortable and others that are odd or unusual, but we’re talking about the subject of inspiration, and inspiration comes from really unusual places sometimes,” said Kozlowski.

Issue nine of the Maker Quarterly  includes the following featured articles:

Collecting Inspiration – Meet the modern day anthropologists who are inspired by collecting and share in their discoveries. Written by Jessie Kuhn.

I Quit – We’ve all fantasized about it: quitting your day job to pursue your dreams on your terms – following your inspiration wherever it leads. A tale of seven creatives who quit and lived to tell the tale may inspire you to set out and forge your own trail. Written by Grace Dobush.

NASA The Art of Science – Since its early days, NASA has used art and design to translate space projects and discoveries in ways that inspire the imaginations of Americans. Written by Bryn Mooth.

 A Day in the Life – Following the work and life of graffiti artist Stephen Powers, also known as ESPO. Written by Jessie Kuhn.  The issue also contains a limited-edition print commissioned for Mohawk byPowers. The print supports the message of chasing inspiration, and is beautifully letterpressed in three colors on new Mohawk Superfine Eggshell 150 cover, skillfully produced by Rohner Press of Chicago.

A variety of talented makers are featured in issue nine, including Taxi Fabric, Hannah Waldron, ODESD2, Alexandra Kehayoglou, Fabrice Le Nezet, Charles Freger, and FiveAM. Several features are enhanced with bonus content available via Mohawk Live, using HP Aurasma augmented reality technology.

The Mohawk Maker Quarterly Issue No. 09 was skillfully printed by Sandy Alexander, Inc., Clifton, NJ.

To view the publication online or to sign up to receive future issues of the Mohawk Maker Quarterly, visit mohawkconnects.com/cultureofcraft.

Students and faculty participated in the annual event to beautify public areas of the city and were assigned to collected debris and plant trees in six Cohoes parks including: George St. Park, VietNam Park (Columbia St.), Sunset Park (Reservoir St.), Grestini Park (Olmstead St.), Greenbriar Park (North 3rd St.), and Craner Park (Devlin St.).

About a dozen students gathered this morning in George St. Park to participate in the clean up, pausing for a photo with Mohawk employees after they planted a tree.

Mohawk was pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the Cohoes community beautification program as a follow up to its recent annual Earth Day clean up initiative. Mohawk encourages its employees to volunteer on Earth Day each year to clean up parks, sidewalks, and other areas in the vicinity of their workplaces. Employees are incentivized to pitch in, and educate themselves about responsible use of energy, water and other natural resources.

“In an ongoing effort to provide the highest level of service and supply chain options for our merchant partners, Domtar is pleased to announce that Mohawk Envelope is now a full line converter servicing all Domtar branded envelopes,” said Vanecia Carr, Director of Marketing, Printing and Publishing, Domtar.

“With the addition of these well-known Domtar branded envelope lines, we now proudly offer the broadest collection of envelopes available in the market. Mohawk provides one-stop shopping convenience, fast delivery and superior envelope converting quality,” said Bob Scammell, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Operations, Mohawk.

Cougar, Lynx Opaque Ultra and EarthChoice Colors envelopes are engineered and converted by Mohawk to stringent specifications, ensuring trouble-free printing and inserting on a wide range of equipment.

Mohawk will convert and provide a wide range of items including multiple color options in various basis weights, finishes and envelope types:

Cougar envelopes are offered by Mohawk in a broad selection of styles and sizes including #9 commercial, #10 commercial, #10 commercial windows, A2 through A10 announcements plus a selection of booklets, catalogs, monarchs, square flaps, baronials, panel cards and panel folders. Envelopes are available in two finishes and two shades (white and natural), that match the Cougar paper lines for ease in coordinating printed communications.

Lynx Opaque Ultra envelopes are now offered by Mohawk in six standard sizes including #10 commercial and A-2 through A-10 announcements that match the Domtar Lynx Opaque Ultra line. Featuring exceptional opacity for minimal show-through and a smooth finish for excellent print performance, Lynx envelopes are acid free for archival quality and FSC® certified.

EarthChoice Colors envelopes are now offered by Mohawk in seven standard sizes including #6.75 commercial, #9 commercial, #10 commercial, #10 commercial windows and A-2 through A-7 announcements. Available in 12 pastel colors with a vellum finish, EarthChoice envelopes are acid free for archival quality and FSC® certified.

Converted with Mohawk quality

Mohawk’s envelope quality stands above the rest. Every envelope converted by Mohawk features a discreet die-cut “M” on the inside seam, which is revealed by holding the envelope up to a light source. The “M-notch” is a symbol of Mohawk quality and assurance, backed with world class service and support.

One-stop shopping

Mohawk envelope customers enjoy ease of ordering and the convenience of one-stop shopping for fast delivery. With advanced envelope converting services, exceptional warehousing capability, and available stock in regional distribution centers throughout the country, Mohawk provides next-day or two-day delivery to 98% of the country.

The Mohawk Wide Format Inkjet portfolio, which previously consisted of six items, expands to 110 items, featuring 32 different product lines, including: backlit, lightblock, black polyester, adhesive, Dupont™ Tyvek®, tear resistant fabric and more to meet the needs of the rapidly growing inkjet printing market.

Items in the expanded portfolio are optimized for Aqueous inks, Memjet® inks, Solvent/Eco-Solvent inks, Latex inks and UV-Cured inks, and many products are compatible across multiple ink types.

“With our expanded offering of wide format ink jet media, Mohawk is truly a one-stop-shop for the broadest range of digital papers and substrates, including dry toner products, indigo-compatible products, and now wide format inkjet products,” said Mike Madura, Vice President, Digital, Mohawk.

Mohawk Wide Format Inkjet substrates are known for benchmark performance including outstanding color control and top coat consistency for scratch resistance. The result is vibrant and durable print quality for use across a wide range of applications including banners, posters, signs, point-of-purchase graphics, wall murals, architectural renderings and more.

Head over to Mohawk’s Digital Product Selector to search for the new products by media type or ink type. All products are currently available in inventory and can be ordered through Mohawk Digital Specialists or through paper merchants.

Economic Impact Award winners were selected from each of the state’s five geographic regions and were honored at a luncheon in Boston on November 24, with an address provided by Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker.  Award winners were selected on the basis of job growth, facility expansion, investment and community involvement.

“The awards are a great recognition of the diverse and growing business community throughout the Commonwealth,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “We look forward to our continued partnerships with the business community to foster meaningful private sector investment and growth.”

“MassEcon celebrates these companies for their commitment to Massachusetts,” said Susan Houston, Executive Director of MassEcon. “Their investment and job growth stimulates benefits in all regions of the Commonwealth, and we are excited to publicly acknowledge the achievements of these outstanding corporate citizens.”

For seven decades since, Superfine has endured – inspiring graphic designers, printers, and craftspeople – with its archival quality, superb formation, lush tactility and timeless appeal. Mohawk will honor the iconic grade and recognize its history throughout 2016 with a campaign called #DearSuperfine.

#DearSuperfine encourages artists, graphic designers, printers and others who have worked with Superfine over the years to submit their memories of Superfine and samples of their work. Mohawk will curate photos, quotes and original designs to feature on social media throughout the year as the company celebrates 70 years of Superfine.

The Story of Superfine

1946 was a momentous year. Barriers were broken, innovations were fueled, and optimism reigned. A time of rapid change in society, politics and design in the United States and across the globe, the year 1946 saw many historic firsts.

Jackie Robinson, a shortstop for the Montreal Royals, made history on April 18, 1946, by breaking the color barrier in organized baseball. Robinson hit a home run during the historic game against the Jersey City Giants, and went on to become the first black player ever signed to a professional league contract.

A futuristic, two-piece swimsuit called the bikini debuted in Paris during the summer of 1946.

The first Eames chair, designed by husband and wife team Charles and Ray Eames, was produced in 1946, creating a classic for the Herman Miller furniture company.

The Kaufmann House, one of the nation’s most iconic examples of classic mid-century modern architecture was built in Palm Springs, California in 1946 for Edgar Kaufmann, a Pittsburg department store tycoon.

American culture underwent a major transformation in 1946 as families began moving from farms and cities into newly constructed suburbs, resulting in a highway and housing construction boom. Developers such as William Levitt (the developer of Levittown) became symbols of mid-century suburban life as families were lured to the outskirts of cities to purchase modest, inexpensive tract homes.

 

And in 1946, a team of innovative papermakers in Upstate New York redefined quality for an industry with the creation of Mohawk Superfine.

Since then, Superfine has been manufactured with great care and pride at Mohawk’s upstate New York paper mills. Long celebrated for its quality, consistency, uniformity and perfect printing surface, the flagship grade has become known as the finest uncoated text and cover paper for offset printing, and as the benchmark in fine paper for digital printing.

Mohawk Chairman and CEO, Tom O’Connor, explains how the distinctive and memorable Superfine name came to be.

Join the celebration of this iconic paper. Post comments, pictures, samples of your work on Superfine to social media using the hashtag #DearSuperfine, and learn more here.

Introduced in 1946, Mohawk Superfine has long been celebrated for its quality, consistency and perfect printing surface. This flagship paper grade has become known as the finest uncoated text and cover paper for offset printing, letterpress printing, and as the benchmark in fine paper for digital printing. It is the paper of choice by designers, artists and authors worldwide. Mohawk Superfine is a premium paper that works well on today’s leading digital presses, making it ideal for social stationery, wedding invitations, greeting cards, business cards, annual reports, real estate collateral, beautiful coffee table books, and other high quality photo products, or digital print projects in which luxurious results are essential.

“Mohawk is pleased to join with the NSS to commemorate these shared 70th milestones,” said Bart Robinson, senior vice president, marketing, Mohawk. “In a digital age ruled by e-mail, smart phones, tablets and texts, a renewed interest in the tangible has emerged revealing the lasting impact of print and the appreciation for beautiful and tactile social stationery. Mohawk is proud to partner with the NSS to advance the stationery industry, including small businesses, designers and letterpress printers, through awareness, education, and inspiration.”

A selection of items printed on Mohawk Superfine will be featured in Mohawk’s NSS exhibit space and Mohawk will celebrate stationery brands that choose Superfine for their product lines. Most of the NSS print materials will be printed on the paper as well.

“The National Stationery Show is truly privileged to work with Mohawk Paper as we celebrate these joint milestones,” said Patti Stracher, vice president and show director. “Together, we share both a deep commitment to reinforcing the fundamental importance of paper and tactile communications as core to human relationships, and a standard of excellence in our service to the social stationery industry.”

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Mohawk’s iconic grade, the company is embarking on a campaign called, #DearSuperfine. Superfine users everywhere are encouraged to share a birthday greeting, Instagram post, sketch, email or memory about their relationship with Superfine to acknowledge the grade’s long and storied history within the creative community.

NSS Stationery Stories celebrates this cherished industry by profiling the stories shared by many of the people and personalities that have made the industry what it is today. #StationeryStories will debut on the website later this month and will feature an on-going series of photos and interviews.

“We are very pleased to be named as exclusive distributor for The Curious Collection & Conqueror in North America as a result of our strategic partnership with Arjowiggins Creative Papers. We know that materials matter, and we believe these grades uniquely complement our legacy collection of Mohawk fine papers. We look forward to the opportunity to grow sales significantly through our extensive network of merchant partners and through our strong relationships in the print, design and packaging communities,” said Bart Robinson, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Mohawk.

The strategic alliance began earlier this year when Arjowiggins Creative Papers granted Mohawk exclusive rights to manufacture, license, market and distribute Arjowiggins Creative Papers’ luxury packaging products, Delos and Butterfly, while Arjowiggins Creative Papers was granted exclusive rights to manufacture, market and distribute Mohawk Superfine with iTone® through select merchants worldwide. The decision to allow Mohawk exclusive rights to market and distribute The Curious Collection & Conqueror is an extension of this alliance.

The Curious Collection is comprised of seven beautiful and tactile grades of extraordinary papers for special projects that call for very saturated color and/or unusual textures:

Curious Translucents: Naturally translucent papers for use with designs where layering or show through is desired.
Curious Particles: A 100% recycled flecked paper with inclusions for added interest.
Curious Metallics: A rich, glittering alloy adds a shimmery, visual appearance and tactile texture in 24 fashion-forward and complementary colors.
Curious Cosmic: Shimmery reflective colors with an extraordinary soft matte metal effect and a remarkable, patented tactile feel.
Curious Matter: An innovative paper featuring potato starch to create an intriguing tactile experience.
Curious Touch: A deep soft matte texture as remarkable as it appears.
Curious Skin: Distinctive surface and saturated, bold colors invite recipients to touch and feel.

Mohawk will launch a new swatchbook featuring the entire line of papers (150 skus) within The Curious Collection in early 2016.  The Curious Collection is manufactured with FSC Certified pulps, using renewable energy credits (RECS) from Green-e® certified energy sources.

Since 1888, Conqueror has been known in Europe as the gold standard for brand identity and projects ranging from corporate stationery to exclusive invitations.

Arjowiggins and Mohawk are like-minded fine paper manufacturers with legendary brands that have driven the premium paper segment globally for over a century. The companies share core values of heritage, innovation, operational excellence, craftsmanship, safety-focused manufacturing, environmental commitment and social responsibility.

Executives thanked employees for their service at the company’s Cohoes, Waterford and Albany office and mill locations as they distributed a total of 350 turkeys.  Forty turkeys were also donated by employees to the Unity House in Troy, NY, and to the Wounded Warrior Project.

This is Mohawk’s tenth year providing turkeys to each employee as a token of appreciation during the holiday season.

Mohawk wishes everyone a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday.