Paper Basics Road Show

My job is so much fun!

Last week I took my Paper Basics Presentation on the road to Ferris State University/Big Rapids Campus.

Me & the FSU Graphic Design Juniors

I've been doing a version of this Paper Basics presentation for almost 23 years and I am constantly trying to improve it. I learned long ago that bringing some type of food, either candy or granola bars, always earns extra attention from starving college students.

It is also much more fun to learn about paper if you can touch and feel it. So the presentation includes a packet of blank papers in various colors, weights and finishes that students can touch, feel, bend, scratch and interact with. As a parent of a "visual" learner I know the importance of including several "hands on" activities that engage both the auditory and visual portions of the brain, as well. Anything to help people retain more of the paper basic information that is delivered.

William Culpepper, Assistant Professor at FSU, sent me some of the FSU student's comments following the presentation. Here are a few:

"...As she walked us through the different samples she offered advice as to how we could approach a client and justify the use of these papers. For example, the paper with the highest recycled content looks much more like 'recycled' paper than the paper with only 30%. This fact may seem obvious, but if someone really wanted to push the idea that their materials are earth-friendly, the paper might as well show that it is recycled..."

"I think this was an excellent paper presentation. I was obvious that she knew her stuff and cared. Her delivery of the material, with a hands on approach, was a great way for a bunch of visual people to learn!"

"The printed packets that she handed out were extremely useful and I plan on keeping it in my production binder. My favorite part was being able to touch, scratch, feel, and hold the different paper samples. I have a far better understanding of the differences among papers and coatings."

"In my opinion, Terri was...very informative and confident in her company and what they have to offer. She will be a very good contact for paper needs in the future."

Thanks FSU juniors for being an interested and excited audience, and for all the fabulous feedback.

And a special thanks for testing out my new paper term to definition matching game.

It's a keeper!

Need some Paper Basics in your life? Give me a shout! terris@cmpaper.com