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Mike Heaton

Meet Mike, the dynamic Managing Director at Ex Why Zed. Since founding the company in 2006, he has built an encyclopedic knowledge of print, overseeing thousands of projects whilst specialising in booklet and book printing. And yes, he's the guy in our YouTube videos. With a BA in Graphic Design and mastery over the Adobe Creative Suite, Mike is your go-to for expert guidance on preparing artwork for print. Nothing thrills him more than receiving a quote request from artists and self-publishers he admires. Outside the print world, Mike is a die-hard Lego enthusiast, an avid football shirt collector, and the proud curator of his personal Oasis museum.

Recent Posts

Need Inspiration for Your Childrens Book Cover? Start Here!

Key Highlights You know that feeling when you hold your finished story for the first time? The one you’ve poured your heart into, crafting every rhyme, character, and twist until it feels just right. It’s a moment of pride, but also one of uncertainty. How do you make sure your children’s book catches a reader’s […]

What Are the 5 Best Photobook Printing Services of 2026?

Key Highlights Many photographers spend hours capturing, editing, and polishing their images, but the final step of choosing a trustworthy photobook printing service often feels uncertain. You want colours that stay true, paper that complements your style, and a printer that offers consistent quality without delays or unexpected costs. Yet printing services vary widely in […]

How to Create a Design Portfolio That Stands Out?

Key Highlights Every designer wants their work to be noticed, but standing out in a crowded creative industry can feel incredibly challenging. Even with strong ideas and polished skills, your work can fall flat if it isn't presented with clarity and intention. That disconnect often leads to frustration; you know you're capable, yet your current […]

Best Zine Printing UK: Where to Print Your Zines?

Key Highlights Publishing a zine is an exciting creative process, but finding the right printing company can be challenging. Many creators struggle with choosing between quality, affordability, and flexible print options, especially when producing independent publications or small creative runs. Whether you're an artist, photographer, illustrator, or DIY publisher, the printer you choose can directly […]

How to Fold a Zine. Your Ultimate Slit and Fold Guide

Key Highlights Have you ever wanted to create your own mini-magazine? A zine is a fantastic way to share your thoughts, art, or stories with the world. Made from just a single sheet of paper, a zine can be about anything you care about. The process itself is both creative and personal, giving you space […]

Indie Publishing vs Self Publishing: Which is Right for You?

Key Highlights Are you an author trying to understand the complex publishing industry? Deciding on the right path for your book can feel overwhelming, especially with the rise of options beyond traditional publishing. You've likely heard the terms 'indie publishing' and 'self-publishing' used, sometimes interchangeably. While they both offer alternatives to large publishing houses, they […]

Catalogue vs Brochure: How to Decide Which to Use?

Key Highlights Choosing the right marketing materials can feel overwhelming, can't it? When developing your marketing strategy, you might wonder about the difference between a catalogue and a brochure. They might seem similar, but they serve very different purposes. Understanding these differences is key to effectively reaching your target audience. This article will break down […]

How to Write a Children’s Book in 7 Simple Steps?

Key Highlights Have you ever dreamt of writing a story that captivates young minds? Many people feel the pull to create a tale that delights children, but the book-writing process can seem daunting. Writing your first children’s book is an exciting journey, and understanding the beginning of the process is a good way to start. […]

What Are the Most Popular Children’s Books to Read in 2026?

Key Highlights There are thousands of lists claiming to feature the best children’s books, yet very few explain why certain titles stay popular year after year. Parents want age-appropriate choices. Teachers want classroom-ready reliability. But authors and self-publishers want to understand what makes a children’s book commercially viable and built to last. Popularity is not […]

Photobook vs Photo Album: Which One Should You Choose?

Key Highlights You have hundreds, sometimes thousands, of photos sitting on your phone or hard drive. A wedding. A creative project. A year abroad. A body of artwork. The question is simple, but surprisingly confusing: photo album or photobook? At first glance, they sound interchangeable. Many people use the terms as if they mean the […]

Zine vs Comic: What Sets These Creative Works Apart?

Key Highlights If you are planning a print project and feel unsure whether it should be a zine or a comic, you are not alone. Many UK creators blur the lines between the two, especially when experimenting with visual storytelling and self-publishing. The confusion often begins with format. Both can be illustrated. Both can be […]

What Is Print Resolution and Why Does It Matter?

Key Highlights If you have ever asked, “What is the resolution of a photo?” or wondered whether your image is good enough for print, you are not alone. Print resolution is one of the most misunderstood parts of professional production. Terms like DPI, PPI, megapixels, and scaling are often used interchangeably, yet they mean very […]

Prints Glossy vs Matte: Which Finish Suits Your Needs?

Key Highlights You are ready to print a photo or artwork, everything looks perfect on screen, and then you hit the final question. Glossy or matte? That one choice can change everything. A stunning image can end up with harsh glare, visible fingerprints, or colours that do not look the way you expected once it […]

Offset Printing Trends: What to Expect in 2026?

Key Highlights Offset printers face growing pressure to deliver faster turnarounds, consistent quality, and sustainable output while managing rising material, energy, and labour costs. At the same time, demand is shifting toward shorter runs and more customised print jobs. These changes are challenging traditional offset workflows. While offset printing remains unmatched in quality and efficiency […]

What is Litho Printing vs Digital Printing?

Key Highlights Printing your work is one of the most exciting parts of any creative project. It is also where the most questions tend to appear. One of the biggest decisions you will face is choosing between litho printing and digital printing. If you have ever wondered why one quote looks cheaper than another, why […]

How Can You Promote Your Business With Printing Effectively?

Key Highlights If you are trying to grow a business today, it can feel like everything is stacked against you. Digital ads are noisy, social feeds move fast, and attention is expensive. You might already be doing all the right things online, yet still struggle to feel visible or remembered. This is where print quietly […]

What Are Print Proofs and Why Are They Important?

Key Highlights Three Printed Proof Options at Ex Why Zed PDF A final on-screen check for approval before we go to print. A3 Sheets Your artwork printed on the paper and supplied untrimmed and unbound. Full Book Your PDF printed and bound for you to check the layout, style and feel. Sending your work to […]

How Are 2026 Print Trends Reshaping Creative Publishing?

Key Highlights The print industry is entering a period of meaningful change. Rising material costs, shorter attention spans, and shifting reader expectations are prompting creators to reassess their long-standing print decisions. What once felt like safe defaults around paper, format, and volume no longer deliver the same value, especially for independent publishers and creative studios. […]

Print Quality vs Digital Screens: How Are They Different?

Key Highlights Have you ever designed something that looked sharp and vibrant on your screen, only to feel disappointed when the printed version arrived? Colours shift, details soften, and the final result does not match what you expected. This disconnect is a common frustration for designers, marketers, and brands working in a screen-first environment. The […]

The 5 Basic InDesign Skills You Need to Design a Book

If you can do these five things confidently, you can design a book that’s professional, consistent, and print-ready. Nothing fancy. Just the fundamentals done properly — which, honestly, is where most book files win or lose. In 5 minutes you will know how to: 1️⃣ Create a New Document2️⃣ Add Images3️⃣ Add Text4️⃣ Set-Up 3mm […]

Turn your Street Photography into Book Printing

Key Highlights What Are the Best Street Photography Books to Inspire You? Street photography books often fail to reach their full impact if they are poorly produced. Common frustrations include low-quality paper that dulls contrast, layouts that are hard to follow, and bindings that do not allow pages to lie flat. These issues make it […]

Have You Zoomed Us? The Fastest Way to Get Your Book Print-Ready

There’s a moment in almost every print project where you can feel the momentum wobble. You’ve got a PDF. You’ve got a vision. You’ve even got a rough idea of what you want it to feel like in someone’s hands. And then the questions start piling up: These are good questions — they’re the difference […]

What Are 10 Art Book Ideas Worth Turning Into Print?

Key Highlights Opening a fresh art book often feels full of promise, until the blank pages start to feel heavier than inspiring. Many artists reach a point where they want their work to feel more intentional, something that goes beyond practice sketches and actually deserves to exist as a finished book. The challenge is knowing […]

How to Design a Personalised DIY Art Book for Kids?

Key Highlights Every parent knows the joy of seeing their child's creativity unfold through drawings, paintings, and crafts. But the challenge comes when you're left with piles of artwork, unsure of how to preserve it all without drowning in clutter. You want to hold onto these precious memories, but storing them in boxes or on […]

How Can You Create Your Perfect DIY Photobook?

Key Highlights Creating a DIY photobook often feels exciting at first, until you are faced with the choices that truly define the outcome. Selecting images, shaping a visual story, and deciding how the book should feel in someone’s hands can quickly become overwhelming. Many photographers struggle to move beyond loose ideas and turn their work […]

What Is Full Bleed Printing and How To Use It Effectively?

Key Highlights Many designers and marketers face frustration when their prints don’t turn out as expected. Full bleed printing can be tricky to master, and mistakes often result in unwanted borders, misaligned images, or wasted materials, turning what should be a polished design into a costly headache. Understanding the full bleed meaning in printing and […]

What is the Best GSM for Printing Paper That Stands Out?

Key Highlights Have you ever found yourself staring at a shelf full of paper, unsure which one is best for your print project? Whether you're printing photos, business cards, or art prints, choosing the right GSM (Grams per Square Meter) can make or break your print's quality. Get it wrong, and you might end up […]

Why Choose Saddle Stitch Binding? Benefits & Expert Tips

Key Highlights When it comes to printing projects, one of the biggest challenges is choosing the right binding method. You want your printed materials, whether it's a brochure, magazine, or event programme, to look polished and professional, but at a price that fits within your budget. The wrong binding choice can compromise the overall quality, […]

What is Digital Printing? Stunning Prints Made Simple

Key Highlights In a world dominated by screens, there's something magical about holding a physical print. Whether you're creating memories for a family album or designing marketing materials, finding a fast, affordable, and high-quality printing solution can feel overwhelming. You want the perfect print, but traditional printing methods often come with long wait times, high […]

How to Make an Art Portfolio in 10 Easy-to-Follow Steps?

Key Highlights Creating an art portfolio can feel daunting, especially when you're unsure what to include or how to present your work in a way that truly reflects your abilities. Many artists struggle with choosing the right pieces and organising them into a cohesive narrative. It's easy to feel stuck before you've even begun. The […]

What Are the 9 Must-Know Tips for Bulk Catalogue Printing?

Key Highlights When you're gearing up for a major campaign or nationwide product push, a well-designed catalogue can do something digital marketing rarely achieves: it stays in your customer's hands, on their desk, and in their memory. But printing in large volumes can feel daunting, especially when quality, consistency, and cost all matter at once. […]

What Are the Best Catalogues Printing UK Services in 2026?

Key Highlights When your artwork depends on flawless presentation, choosing the best catalogues printing UK service can feel stressful. Many artists face the frustration of promising samples turning into printed catalogues with muted colours, thin paper, or poor binding, leaving projects underwhelming. Your goal is simple: a printing partner who preserves colour accuracy, handles every […]

How Can You Create an Impressive Photographer Portfolio?

Key Highlights Creating a photographer's portfolio often feels harder than taking the photos. You know you have strong work, yet choosing what to include, keeping everything consistent, and presenting it professionally can be overwhelming. Many photographers worry their portfolio isn’t polished enough to impress clients or galleries, even when their skills deserve attention. This becomes […]

How to Photograph Art for Portfolio: A Step-by-Step Guide

Key Highlights Photographing your artwork for a portfolio can be frustrating when the camera fails to capture what you see with your own eyes. Colours shift, textures flatten, and small details disappear, often making the photographed version look less impressive than the original. The good news is that most of these issues can be fixed […]

How the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Will Impact Self-Publishers

From 2026, self-publishers selling books into the EU will quietly inherit a whole new layer of red tape. Here’s what the EUDR is, why it matters, and how we’re handling the hassle for our authors. Below is a clear, no-nonsense overview from our perspective as a print company. TL;DRThe EUDR is going to make paper […]

How to Print a Colouring Book? A Beginner's Guide

Key Highlights Having trouble figuring out how to print your own colouring book? It can seem daunting, but breaking it down helps. Choose the right paper, lay out your pages well, and pick quality printing options to make your art shine. Learn precisely how to prepare your pages, select materials, and avoid common pitfalls. Read […]

How to Make a Booklet? Explore This Ultimate Guide

Key Highlights Making a booklet sounds simple, right? But when it’s time to design, format, and print, things can get confusing. Pages flip the wrong way, text looks off, and printing costs can add up fast. The good news? With the right steps and a few smart tips, you can make a booklet that looks […]

What Should You Know Before Hardback Book Printing?

Key Highlights Ever picked up a beautifully bound hardback book and wondered why it feels so special? The weight, texture, and finish instantly signal quality. For authors, designers, and publishers, achieving that same professional look can feel overwhelming with so many printing terms, paper types, and layout rules to navigate. The real challenge isn’t just […]

How to Print Booklet in Word? Here’s Everything You Need?

Crucial Points to Act On Key Highlights You’ve spent hours designing your booklet. The layout looks perfect on screen, the content is ready, and you can already picture holding the printed version in your hands. But when it comes to actually printing it, things suddenly get confusing. The pages print out of order, the text […]

Looking for Inspiration? Here's Top 25 Comic Book Ideas

Key Highlights Ever sat staring at a blank page, waiting for that perfect comic idea to strike, but nothing comes? You’re not alone. Every comic book writer hits that wall where imagination feels stuck. The good news? Inspiration isn’t gone, it just needs a spark. The real magic of comics comes from mixing strong storytelling […]

How RGB and CMYK Affect Your Printing Projects?

Key Highlights Have you ever designed something on your computer, only to find the printed colours look completely different? This common frustration often comes down to the difference between RGB and CMYK colour profiles. Understanding which colour space to use for your project is the key to getting the colours you expect. Getting colour right […]

How to Grasp CMYK Meaning for Better Colour Printing?

Key Highlights Ever designed something stunning on your screen, only to have it print in completely different colours? Maybe that bright teal turns dull, or your perfect coral suddenly looks orange. It’s a frustrating moment every designer faces sooner or later. That mismatch happens because screens and printers don’t speak the same colour language. Your […]

What is Bleed in Printing and Why It's Crucial for Quality?

Key Highlights ⚠️ Save Time and Read This Before Sending Us Artwork If you’ve ever noticed how professional prints have content that extends perfectly to the edge of the page, that’s thanks to a technique called 'bleed'. When you design artwork for print, adding an extra 3 millimetres on each edge and extending your design […]

Which Book Format Sells Better: Hardbound vs Paperback?

Key Highlights Deciding how to print your book is a huge step. You've poured your heart into writing it, and now you face a classic choice: should you release a paperback version or a sturdy hardcover book? Your book format affects both your reader’s experience and your profits. In this blog, you’ll learn the key […]

What Does Collate Mean When Printing? A Beginner's Guide

Key Highlights Have you ever printed multiple copies of a long document only to end up with a messy pile of unorganised pages? The collate feature is a simple setting designed to prevent this exact problem. Understanding what "collate" means can transform your printing process, making it more efficient and professional. This guide will walk […]

How to Print a Canva Project for Perfect Results?

Key Highlights Here’s a quick look at what you need to know for perfect printing results with your Canva design: Ever spent hours perfecting a design in Canva, only to print it and find the colours are faded or the text looks blurry? It’s a frustrating moment, especially when you’ve put real effort into making […]

What is DPI? How It Affects Your Print Quality

Key Highlights Have you ever wondered why some printed pictures look crisp and clear while others appear blurry? The answer often lies in a technical term you’ve likely heard: DPI. Standing for Dots Per Inch, DPI is a fundamental concept in the world of printing and digital images. It directly influences the final print quality […]

How to Make a Zine: Your Complete DIY Publishing Guide

Key Highlights Are you passionate about self-expression but frustrated with traditional publishing barriers? Creating your own zine is a great way to share your voice, connect with like-minded individuals, and dive into the vibrant world of DIY publishing. Whether you're interested in making a mini zine, a photo zine, or exploring different types of zines, […]

How to Make a Photo Book: Easy 10-Step Guide

TL;DR Scrolling through endless folders of photos isn't the same as holding them in a book. Yet for many people, figuring out how to make a photo book can feel confusing. When you start planning, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Should you make your own wedding photo book or turn your camera roll into a […]

How Much Does It Cost to Self Publish a Book? 2025 Breakdown

TL;DR Publishing your own book is thrilling, but let’s be honest, working out the costs can feel daunting. Editing, cover design, printing, marketing… it all adds up, and it’s easy to wonder what is the cost of self publishing a book and whether it’s really worth it. Here’s the good news: self-publishing doesn’t have to […]

Step-by-Step: How to Self Publish a Book UK

TL;DR The rise of indie authorship has reshaped publishing in the UK. Bowker's latest figures reveal that ISBN-registered titles exceeded 2.6 million in 2023, a 7.2% rise from 2022. Over the last decade, self-publishing has more than doubled, proving it's no longer niche but a thriving path for writers. For authors wondering how to self […]

Self-Publishing Children's Books Made Easy

TL;DR ✅ Ex Why Zed offers expert support, premium-quality printing, and a smooth publishing journey for children’s book authors. ✅ Children’s books are written for specific age groups, which influence story style, vocabulary, and illustrations. ✅ Successful manuscripts are simple, engaging, and polished through multiple revisions and professional editing. ✅ Illustrations are as important as […]

What is the Paperback Book And Why It Sells More?

Key Highlights Ever felt like hardcovers are just too pricey or heavy to bother with? That’s exactly why paperback books became a favourite. They’re light, easy to carry, and don’t cost a fortune, making reading feel effortless again. For authors, that’s a win too. More readers can afford paperbacks, which means more sales and more […]

How Can You Make a Photobook From Instagram?

Key Highlights Your Instagram feed is a vibrant collection of your life's best moments, from stunning sunsets to fun times with friends. But why let those cherished memories live only in the digital world? Imagine holding those moments in your hands. Creating an Instagram photo book transforms your online gallery into a beautiful photo album […]

IngramSpark vs Ex Why Zed: Which Is Best for Authors?

Key Highlights The hardest part of self-publishing today isn’t writing your book; it’s choosing where to publish it. With so many options beyond Kindle Direct Publishing, picking the wrong platform could mean wasted time, lost royalties, and your story never reaching the readers it deserves If you're focused on creating beautiful print books, two names […]

How Much Does It Cost to Print a Graphic Novel in 2025?

TL;DR Finishing the artwork and story for a graphic novel is a huge achievement. But the next big question often causes the most stress: how much will it cost to print? With so many variables like page count, binding, and colour options, the numbers can feel confusing, and a wrong choice could stretch your budget. […]

How Many Brochures Should I Print for a Campaign?

TL;DR Planning a campaign often raises one big question: how many brochures should I print? Print too many and you’re left with unused stacks that waste money. Print too few and you risk running out, missing the chance to connect with your audience. The answer isn’t a single number. The right print run depends on […]

What Are the Best Brochure Printing Techniques in the UK?

TL;DR Scrolling online is easy to forget, but a brochure? It creates a lasting impression. The challenge is knowing which printing method, format, or finish will work best. Get it wrong, and even the strongest design can feel flat or unprofessional. The solution lies in choosing the right brochure printing techniques. From digital and litho […]

How Long Does a Photo Book Take to Print? Find Out!

TL;DR As a professional photographer, you know the importance of presentation. Whether it's a wedding photo album for a client or a portfolio of your best photos in a small photo book, turning digital files into a photo book is the best way to showcase your images. But one big question always comes up: how […]

Who Are the Best Self Publishing Book Publishers in the UK?

TL;DR For many authors, the hardest part isn’t writing the book, but it’s getting it published. Traditional publishing can feel like a closed door: endless submissions, little creative control, and slim chances of being accepted. It leaves writers wondering how to share their stories without giving up ownership or waiting years for approval. This is […]

How to Create an Art Exhibition Catalogue?

TL;DR Creating an art exhibition catalogue can be daunting for artists, curators, or galleries. Choosing the right images, organising content, and selecting paper, binding, and printing methods all affect the final quality. A poorly planned catalogue can confuse viewers and undermine your exhibition’s impact. This guide breaks down the process step by step, offering practical […]

How To Select The Right Printing Paper For Art Prints?

TL;DR When it comes to art prints, the paper you choose is just as important as the artwork itself. The weight, texture, and finish of the paper don’t just affect how your prints look, they shape how they feel, how long they last, and even how viewers connect with them. In this guide, we’ll explore […]

How To Self Publish Without Amazon And Keep Full Control?

TL;DR Finishing your book is only half the battle. The bigger challenge is getting it into readers’ hands. While Amazon feels like the obvious choice, relying on one platform can limit your growth. Self-publishing is booming, with the number of self-published books rising 264% in the last five years. More authors are now looking beyond […]

Perfect Binding Vs Saddle Stitch: Which Is Right For You?

Source TL;DR Perfect binding delivers a professional, book-like finish with a printable spine, making it ideal for thicker publications that require durability. Saddle stitch provides a cost-effective, fast, and lightweight solution that opens flat, making it best for shorter booklets. Perfect binding is the better choice for projects with 40–60 pages or more, while saddle […]

5 Different Types of Binding: Which One is Right for You?

TL;DR Saddle stitch and staple binding are affordable, quick, and flat-opening options, best for brochures, programs, newsletters, and slim booklets. Perfect binding creates a professional, square-edged look that works well for paperbacks, catalogs, product guides, and annual reports. Spiral binding uses a flexible plastic coil for full rotation and durability, making it ideal for cookbooks, […]

How To Staple Bind A Book Easily?

What Is Staple Binding? ➡️ Staple binding, or saddle stitching, folds sheets and secures them with staples through the spine for a quick, affordable booklet. It works best for magazines, zines, brochures, event programs, and manuals with 8–64 pages. However, saddle stitch is not possible for books with a hard cover, as the staple and […]

How to Print a Brochure: Tips for Beautiful Results

COMING UP in this article.... Brochures are effective printed documents that communicate your message clearly and leave a lasting impression. Select the right brochure template and fold style (like trifold, bifold, gatefold, or booklet) based on your content and page layout needs. Prepare with high-resolution images, CMYK colour mode, clear typography, and a print-ready PDF […]

How to Choose the Right Comic Book Style?

Coming Up.... Comic book style is your visual storytelling voice. It influences mood, tone, and how readers connect with your characters and world. Key elements to consider in particular art style include linework, colour palette, character design, panel layout, typography, and shading. All of them work together to support the narrative. Explore popular styles such […]

Looking for Photo Book Examples? 7 Ideas For You

TL;DR Wedding photo books can be designed as a storybook or a minimalist album with personal touches like vows or behind-the-scenes moments, similar to a blurb. Travel photo books work well with single-trip formats or journal-style layouts that include maps, captions, and small souvenirs. Anniversary photo books can showcase “Then and Now” comparisons or feature […]

How to Make a Photo Book In 7 Easy Steps?

TL;DR Choose a theme or story for your photo book before selecting photos. Pick the right size, layout, and format—softcover for casual books, hardcover for keepsakes. Curate only your best and most meaningful photos to avoid clutter. Use a custom photo album maker for your personalised photo album. Customise with captions, backgrounds, and creative titles […]

Choosing the Right Comic Book Printing Paper

Comics are not merely narratives; they're fusion art forms that intertwine a vivid mixture of visual storytelling and textual introspection. These mediums have broken conventional barriers and are a great way to reach global audiences. Paper, the silent but pivotal character in the success story of any print, is also critical in comic books. The […]

Looking For Some Comic Book Ideas? Here Are 15 You’ll Love

TL;DR Each idea is designed to spark creativity across genres like science fiction, fantasy, adventure, comedy, and dystopia, appealing to the imagination of a comic book writer. Each idea is designed to spark creativity across genres like sci-fi, fantasy, adventure, comedy, and dystopia. The list includes comic book ideas for kids, easy comic concepts for […]

What Are The Type Of Comic Book Covers That Defined Eras?

TL;DR Golden Age covers introduced bold, action-driven imagery that redefined superhero storytelling. Silver Age covers embraced cosmic themes and team dynamics, elevating comic book universes. Bronze Age covers tackled real-world issues, marking a shift to mature, emotionally driven narratives. Modern Age covers used variant editions and gimmicks to turn comics into collectible art. Digital Era […]

How to Print a Graphic Novel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a graphic novel is no small feat; it takes vision, discipline, and hours of careful design. But when it comes time to actually print your graphic novel, the choices you make can determine whether it lands with impact or falls flat. If you're an artist, writer, or indie publisher wondering how to print a […]

How to Print Journals: Everything You Need to Know

“Ink captures moments the mind might lose.” Every page in a journal is a canvas for memories, ideas, and reflections; an archive you can revisit whenever inspiration strikes. Journal printing isn’t just about hitting print; it’s a carefully curated process that brings your creation to life. Whether you're printing a poetry collection or a sketchbook, […]

7 Creative Print Newsletter Design Ideas to Inspire You

Do you know your newsletter design is the difference between a quick skim and a page-turner? In 2025, if your print newsletter looks like a Word doc from 2004 by default, it's time for a glow-up. Design matters because attention is limited, and your message deserves more than a fleeting glance. In this blog, you’ll […]

What is a Zine? Exploring the World of DIY Publications

In an age dominated by digital content, there's something truly special about holding a physical object in your hands that’s been crafted by someone who poured their passion and creativity into it. Zines, short for “magazines” or “fanzines,” have been a powerful medium for self-expression, especially for those who want to create something personal, unique, […]

How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Poetry Book? Find Out 

Dreaming of Seeing Your Poems in Print? Let’s Talk Budget. You’ve poured your heart into verses, shaped raw emotion into rhyme, and now you’re ready to share your poetry with the world. But before your book hits the shelves (or the Kindle store), there’s one practical question every poet must face: How much does it […]

How Do You Get the Poetry Book Format Right?

You’ve spent hours crafting each poem, pouring your thoughts, feelings, and soul onto the page. Now comes the exciting part, getting it ready to publish. But hold on! Before you send your work out into the world, there’s one final step that can make all the difference: formatting your poetry manuscript. Think of this as […]

How to Write a Poetry Book? (Even If You’re A Beginner)

"Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words." – Robert Frost If you’ve ever felt something so deeply that you had to write it down, you’re already on your way to being a poet. And maybe now, you’re thinking about taking the next step, starting your own poetry […]

How To Design Poetry Book Covers? 5 Ideas To Inspire You

Let’s face it – people do judge a book by its cover. Especially when it comes to poetry. A well-designed poetry book cover doesn’t just sit quietly on a shelf… it speaks. Good book cover designers understand this. They know how to create covers that connect with the emotions behind your poems. Whether you’re designing […]

How Much Does It Cost to Self Publish a Novel?

You’ve done the hard part, written the novel, illustrated the panels, and edited until your eyes hurt. Now comes the bit no one warns you about: figuring out how much it’ll actually cost to get your book into readers’ hands. Spoiler: there’s no flat fee. Whether it’s a gritty novella or a full-color graphic novel, […]

How to Print a Novel: Step-by-Step for First-Time Authors

Printing your novel for the first time is a huge accomplishment. Whether you want to hold your story in your hands, gift it to friends, or distribute it for sale, seeing your words in print is incredibly rewarding. But if you’re a first-time author, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Fortunately, you […]

How to Make a Church Bulletin in Word: Simple Instructions

Designing a church bulletin in Word doesn’t have to be a daunting task! As a pastor, volunteer, or church leader, you know the importance of keeping your congregation informed and engaged each week. With Word, you can create a professional-looking bulletin quickly and easily without needing advanced design skills. Whether it’s for service details, upcoming […]

How to Make a Church Bulletin That Engages Your Members?

Creating a church bulletin that truly engages your congregation goes beyond listing announcements; it’s about crafting a tool that speaks to the heart of your church community. Whether you're a pastor, communications leader, or volunteer, you know that the bulletin is often the first point of contact with your members each week. It should not […]

12 Church Bulletin Ideas to Spark Spiritual Connection

Have you ever wondered how to make your church bulletin more than just a list of announcements? What if it could be a tool that fosters deeper spiritual connections and creates a sense of community among your congregation? The truth is, a church bulletin has the potential to do much more than simply share schedules […]

How to Launch a Book on Social Media: Tips for Success

Struggling to get your book noticed on social media? Without captivating visuals, teaser videos, and behind-the-scenes insights, it can be difficult to reach a wider audience. This blog will help you tackle those challenges with proven strategies to boost your book’s visibility. You'll discover practical ways to engage readers, from giveaways and live Q&As to influencer […]

Print Booklet from PDF – Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

The fastest way to turn your PDF into a polished booklet is to let us handle the print – but if you’d like to test on your own printer first, our clear guides below have you covered. How Do You Want To Print? Please Print My Booklet Great, upload your PDF file along and our […]

How Much Does It Cost to Print a Yearbook? Find Out!

You’ve finally gathered the photos, funny quotes, and unforgettable memories—it’s all coming together. Now comes the part no one talks about enough: printing the yearbook. How much will it cost? If you're handling this for the first time, the pricing puzzle can feel confusing.  Should you go for hardcovers? Glossy pages? How many copies? These […]

Top 10 Print Industry Trends to Watch in 2025

Recently, the print industry has undergone exciting changes, moving away from the past to embrace innovation. If you’re a designer, artist, publisher, or print business owner, you’ve likely noticed that print has evolved beyond ink on paper. In 2025, it’s not just about what you print, but how and why you print it.  From AI-powered […]

How to Print Digital Art: A Playbook to Flawless Prints

You've poured hours into creating that perfect digital piece—every stroke, every shade, every tiny detail just right. But now comes the nerve-racking part: printing. Will the colors stay true? Will the resolution hold up? What paper should you even choose? For many artists, turning digital work into a tangible print feels more like a leap […]

How to Print Art Prints: A Smart Step-by-Step Plan

Have you ever felt overwhelmed trying to turn your digital artwork into stunning physical prints? It's easy to get lost in the technical maze of file formats, paper types, and print methods. However, printing your art doesn’t have to be intimidating—it just needs a clear, smart plan.  Whether you're an illustrator selling on Etsy, a […]

Zine vs Magazine: What Sets Them Apart

If you're exploring print for the first time, chances are you've come across both zines and magazines. Or maybe you're wondering if there's even a real difference. On the surface, they both involve pages, covers, and content. But dig deeper, and you'll find two entirely different publishing worlds.  Whether you’re a creator looking to express […]

What Kind of Magazine Printing Paper Should You Choose?

You’ve poured hours into designing your magazine — the layout is tight, the visuals pop, the copy’s clean, and the fonts are carefully chosen. But here’s the thing most people overlook: the paper. It’s not just a surface to print on; it’s part of the experience. Whether you're a graphic designer bringing a creative concept […]

How to Print a Magazine Like a Pro?

So, you’ve poured your heart into designing your magazine—curated the content, nailed the visuals, and now it’s time to bring it to life. But here’s the thing: a magazine isn’t just about what’s on that piece of paper. It’s about how those pages feel, how the images pop, and how the entire piece holds together […]

Magazine Printing Cost Breakdown: What You’re Paying For

If you’ve ever gotten a printing quote and thought, “Wait—why is this so expensive?” you’re not alone. Magazine printing costs aren’t pulled out of thin air—they’re built layer by layer, and if you don’t know what goes into it, you’ll likely overspend or end up with a product that misses the mark.  Whether you're a […]

What's the Best File Format for Printing Digital Art?

When you fall in love with a piece of digital art or find a breathtaking image online, you naturally want to see it hanging on your walls or printed on your favorite book. But merely hitting the print button isn't enough—selecting the optimal file format for printing is crucial to unlock your digital masterpiece's vibrant, […]

Standard Magazine Dimensions: What You Need to Know

Choosing the right magazine size can make or break your publication’s appeal. The dimensions you select influence not only the visual impact but also the functionality, cost, and overall reader experience. Thus, the size of your magazine is a key part of its identity—it influences how your content is presented and perceived.  Your chosen dimensions, […]

Printing in the USA: Transforming Ideas into Tactile Masterpieces

Printing in the USA: Where Craftsmanship Meets Innovation In an increasingly digital world, the power of the printed page has never been more profound. From the satisfying weight of a perfectly bound book to the vibrant clarity of fine art reproductions, exceptional printing creates multi-sensory experiences that digital media simply cannot replicate. At Ex Why […]

The Art and Craft of Zine Printing: Bringing Creative Visions to Life with Ex Why Zed

An informative 5 minute read. At Ex Why Zed, we understand that printing a zine is more than just producing a publication—it’s about bringing a creative vision to life with precision, quality, and a deep understanding of the message it conveys. Zines are unique, personal expressions of art, culture, identity, and activism. Whether you’re aiming […]

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