The Power of Printed Brochures in the Digital Age

we are expanding!

We are expanding and it's all thanks to you...

NEW: Fluorescent pink ink

Fluorescent pink is a real eye-catcher on it's own, but that's not all it can do for your printing...

T-SHIRT PRINTING

Read more on the secret behind this ultra-soft new finish that is as close to direct-on-garment printing as it gets...

DEBOSSING – how to make a great impression

Wanting to give your stationery the feel of understated luxury? We may have just the solution for you...

Recyclable labels

Looking for recyclable labels? Learn more about the ins and outs of this environmental dilemma...

Gloss or Matt – which is best?

Gloss or Matt - let's talk about how to create these different print effects and which one is best suited to your individual print project...

The Cool Thing About White Ink…

Hot Ink has been pioneering different synthetic materials in response to the rising demand for packaging which needs to be waterproof and menus that must withstand alcohol and sanitiser...

Best Digital Printing Company in South Africa

Succeeding in a time where success was an almost unachievable goal, Hot Ink has managed to come out on top...

Foiling. When metallics just aren’t enough

Opting for this specialised process will certainly take your printing up to another level but here are a few things to consider before you do...

How to create Iridescent print effects

Iridescent effects are easy to create, affordable to apply and could be the deal maker when it comes to getting your work noticed...

Investing in Carbon Credits

We all leave a footprint on the planet, no matter how carefully we tread. Sometimes the only way to make up for this to pay it back in another way.

Affordable Short-run Packaging

Not having to make expensive dies already saves both time and money but there are other ways to reduce costs too...

Digital Die-Cutting

Say goodbye to expensive dies and lengthy turnarounds with our brand new PFi Digital Die-Cutter...

The Difference between Die-Cutting, Laser-Cutting & Kiss-Cutting

You have heard of these terms and may even have made use of some of them before: Die-Cutting, Laser-Cutting & Kiss-Cutting. If you are still a little confused about the differences between them, read on to learn how to make appropriate choices for your print projects and not waste your money.

Washable Menus

Known for providing alternative and creative solutions, Hot Ink offers washable menus and table talkers that can withstand being wiped with sanitiser or disinfectant. Read more on our eco friendly solutions...

Bookbinding, what to know to become a pro…

There are many binding methods available depending on your personal needs or budget. Understanding the pro's and con's of each will help you make the right choices...

Championing Recycled Paper

South Africa's renowned little rhino warrior, Hunter Mitchell, needed something to hand out at the many talks that he gives. We made a plan to give him what he needed and on recycled paper too...

New Recycled Papers Available

We've been putting some new 100% recycled papers through their paces and here are our conclusions...

ROCK PAPER: a biodegradable synthetic paper

With a high eco-score, this cool and heavy synthetic paper has some rather unique features that are growing its popularity. Learn more about why this silky substrate is in demand...

Heavyweight Card for Laser printing

Struggling to print a business card that feels really firm without adding lamination? I think we may have your solution...

Choosing Eco Friendly Paper

Confused between the terms 'partially recycled' and 'wood free'? Don't know an FSC from a PEFC?? This handy overview will guide you to becoming a passionate paper pro...

Extra Length Print Sheets

Previously, A3 oversize was the largest one could laser print onto but our new ability to print banner sheets enables you to print a range of products that has not been possible digitally, until now...

Printing Digitally with White Ink

Our Iridesse printer just got even better: in January this year she got upgraded with two brand new features. Read how these exclusive new 'firsts' are changing our digital out-put...

FIERY CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL…

Whether it is software, hardware or internet related, we all know how frustrating and unproductive "downtime" is in our work environments. Here's how we overcome our own daily challenges...

Going the extra mile: 9 miles in fact!

Read how a man gave up his day job & committed himself to the upliftment of his community through surfing...

True Type Fonts vs Open Type Fonts

Ever wondered "What is the difference between True Type Fonts vs Open Type Fonts?". Read our quick overview to help clarify the difference and guide your font format preferences...

International Printing Day

Here's how we are celebrating this years' theme of 'Collaboration' on International Printing Day 2017 through the use of the Xerox Iridesse...

What is Iridescent Printing?

Our ability to print digitally with metallic silver and gold is not new, so what exactly is iridescent printing and how does it enhance your images?

What’s so special about the new Xerox ‘Iridesse’?

Hot Ink is proud to present the very first Xerox Iridesse in Cape Town. Besides being faster and printing more accurately onto thicker stock than ever before possible, here's how her brand new iridescent print features will take your printing to a whole new level...

Eco Friendly Printing with Hot Ink

Wondering how you can produce your printing in a more sustainable manner? Here are several solid reasons why printing with Hot Ink allows you to minimise your carbon footprint...

Changing Lives

We were treated recently to live entertainment and a festive lunch. Here's how your support of Hot Ink is indirectly changing lives too...

Paper sizes made easy

Get to know your paper sizes and not only sound like a pro but maximise on cost effective printing...

The Littlest Hot Inker

Someone came to visit the office to meet us all and to see where his daddy spends all his time recently...

20 years old: Hot Ink then & now

From humble beginnings with a team of two in the front room of a house in Sea Point; warming our paper in the oven before we could print our z-cards, here we are twenty years on with a team of twenty two and many a story to tell...

Evolution of the Hot Ink Logo

Sometimes we look back at Hot Ink's first logo and just shake our heads and laugh, but mostly we like to think: "Wow - we've come a long way since then!"

Laser-Printable Synthetic Paper

Tired of lamination not lasting? Looking for a waterproof option for your menus, charts or wobblers? We think this could be your solution...

Human Resources – our most valuable asset

Anyone who has ever worked in a team will agree that often "work issues" have less to do with "work" and more to do with "people"...

Golf Day 2017

Some of us simply were not meant to swing a club and some of are surprisingly good at it...

Best Business Card Design

Some tips on how to ensure that your card is the one that people don't want to throw away...

Valentine’s Day Inspiration

Looking for inspiration? Here are six simple suggestions for a Valentine's Day that is as fun or romantic as you want to make it...

A year of firsts, change, growth and new faces…

Out of a period of low economic growth, Hot Ink pulled an almighty year of firsts, changes, amazing growth and success. We celebrated lots new things, shiny things (and some old things too!)...

Corporate Social Investment

Selecting which worthy cause to support when there are so many is not easy, but this one really stands out...

Hot Ink in the press

We made it into the news recently, get the full story...

Driving you crazy

Heavy traffic and lack of parking in the CBD can drive you crazy but we offer some solutions...

Cocoon Offset: 100% classy & recycled

If you want to print responsibly but still require slick looking material, here's why Cocoon Offset could be the solution you are after...

Preferred printer

As the preferred printer for the 35th IGC in Cape Town, Hot Ink staff performed some miracles to achieve the impossible for the biggest geological congress on the global calendar recently...

15 years of service

Not many can claim to have begun their career from a jail cell. Like Andrew, the story of how he started at Hot Ink is a colourful one...

CYCLUS: 100% RECYCLED paper

Considered the most environmentally friendly paper in the world, cyclus has more than just green credentials behind its' name...

Green Paper of the month: MOHAWK OPTIONS

Wondering what paper to choose? If good green credentials are important to you then look no further...

Laser Cutting: a resource for everyone

By far the most exciting piece of equipment we have at Hot Ink, our laser cutter constantly surprises us...

Menu Ideas

The future of Digital vs Offset Printing

What drives your decision making process when you need printing done... PRICE? QUALITY? TURNAROUND TIME? Todays market presents us with demands that go beyond these considerations...

Winning Wonderbags

Longstanding client of Hot Ink, Ronel Spies, was super excited to try out her new prize...and who wouldn't be? This cool little energy saver keeps your food both hot and cold without using any additional energy...

Metallic Printing

Previously only possible as part of a high volume litho print run, printing metallic gold & silver is now possible as part of a short digital print run. Here's how the advantages of digitally printed metallics will change how you design...

Responsive sites for mobile use

What this means for you and why it is essential that your website meets this criteria in order to capture your audience...

Best Digital Business Cards

The exciting new range of finishing options for digitally printed business cards now make it viable for both high and low volume orders. New solutions available include...

Year End Function 2015

A perfect way to end a busy year - Hot Ink celebrated with a topless bus tour around the peninsula...

Should you update your logo?

The question is not "Should you update your logo", but simply: "When" and "How". We share 9 answers to these questions as it applies to your own brand...

Best Menu Design

A menu is not just a list of food items, it’s an important promotional tool! Here are some quick tips on how to construct your menu for maximum profitability...

“How much should graphic design cost?”

"How much should graphic design cost?" Here we share some guidelines on a very subjective issue...

Pay it forward

Recently a client who wanted to say thanks to Hot Ink for the service she received, took it a step further and showed her gratitude by paying it forward. Here's what she did...

Spot Gloss Varnish & how to make the most of it

Want to make a good first impression but not sure how? Here's a simple way to get your material to shine out from the rest...

Meet Our New Faces

Design Guru, Powerhouse and Eco Rider. Find out more about the latest members of our team...

Eco Friendly Deliveries

Check our new Eco Friendly Deliveries in the CBD...

Trophy Design Idea

We were recently challenged with creating a trophy that needed to be designed, produced and shipped to JHB in 5 days. Here's what we came up with...

18th Birthday Celebration

As we celebrated our 18th Birthday this weekend, we looked back on how it all started and what has kept it going successfully all these years...

Creative Wall Coverings

Hot Ink was recently given a 'blank canvas' opportunity to decorate the walls of the new Prime Letting offices in Woodstock. Here's what we came up with...

Who is Lindi Webster?

When you have worked with one designer for a period of time, building not only successful campaigns together but also a relationship of trust and understanding, it can be a bit scary to have to work with someone else...

How to make lasercutting work for you

We are constantly looking for ways to make your message stand out and capture the eyes and minds of potential buyers. The advantages of laser cutting are the speed at which samples and short runs can be produced plus the low set up costs compared to traditional die cutting...

Goodbyes & Hello’s

All good things must come to an end. Sadly we are saying goodbye to our head creative, Nicola Parker, who has helped to build our design division so beautifully over the last 2yrs, but the good news is that...

Thank you!

I overheard my business partner on the phone the other day explaining something to a client which really summed it all up so well...

Inspirational project

We created this truly special booklet for a bespoke perfumer using laser cut covers and a unique binding method.

The ultimate gift idea

Looking for a gift for someone who already has it all? Why not give a gift voucher for something unique and personal...

Great Gift Idea #1: Custom Printed T-shirts

Looking for cost effective yet personal gifts? Try our Custom Printed T-shirts, they are affordable and really easy to set up...

Great Gift Ideas #2: Custom Journals

Looking for a unique gift for someone who already has it all? They are both beautiful and useful and can be easily customised...

how to pay with snapscan

Find out more about this easy payment method...

New kid on the block

Meet Kari - officially the newest and youngest member of the crew...

Goodbye ‘hi’

Time to say goodbye to our 'hi'...

“HOW MANY PAGES DOES MY BOOKLET HAVE?”

Have you ever become tongue-tied trying to explain how many pages your booklet has? For quoting purposes it's important that you convey this information so we can estimate your print cost correctly. It can be confusing but here's an easy explanation on how it works...

LASER CUTTING AND ETCHING

Our fabulous new laser cutting and etching service has opened up such a broad range of creative solutions. Learn more about the difference between cutting and etching and what it can do for your next project...

CHOOSING THE APPROPRIATE PRINT SIZE

"How big can my printing be?". Here are some simple guidelines to choosing the appropriate print size for a cost effective print run…

GREAT FOLDER DESIGN & PRINTING

Folders are folders are folders - right? Not neccesarily. It's not about how colourful it is, sometimes less is definitely more. Here are some simple ways to boost your folder design using some special finishes...

GRAPHIC DESIGN JOBS

Things are busy at Hot Ink and we are recruiting! Read on if you think you've got what it takes

simple sticker printing

Looking for some simple sticker printing? It's really never been easier. Gone are the days of having to print thousands and being limited with colours or shape...

Reach for a dream – Slippers day 2014

Felt really good (literally and figuratively!) to be cruising around in our slippers for the day knowing it was for a good cause. Find out more...

Can one print pantone colours digitally?

Although technically the answer is "No", sometimes it can be "Yes". Here's why...

What did you do for Mandela Day 2014?

I wasn't sure what to expect as I headed off to Stellenbosch in an ethanol powered bus on Fri 18th July 2014. As a flagship member of the Western Cape Governments 110% Green Initiative, Hot Ink had been invited to take part in the launch of their new project whilst giving back to the community on Mandela Day...

RGB vs CMYK

“What is the difference between RGB & CMYK and how does it affect me?”
“Can you print in RGB?” This simple guideline answers all your questions...

winter warmer: Best Gluhwein Recipe

Meet the new additions to our team

It's always sad when people move on, but experience has shown that the change brought about by new energy is more often a positive thing...

Graphic Designer Wanted

Are you a strong creative with min 2yrs experience? If you are looking for a job in a fun and fast paced environment read on to see if you have what it takes...

Successful Logo Design

As a designer its easy to get lost on the creative journey that is logo design, and as a business owner, one is often too close to the brand to step back and outline the requirements objectively. Here we share some brilliant advice that will help you to navigate the process...

NEW Product: Domed Labels

Our high gloss Domed Labels add a great 3-dimensional quality to any badges or labelling solutions. Contact us for pricing...

Kids Party Stationery

Organising a kids party can be a load of fun so don't let your creativity stop after designing just an invitation. Get inspired by this link to fantastic kids party theme ideas...

Is recycled paper better for the environment than virgin paper?

There are arguments both for and against the advantages of recycling paper. This detailed comparison helps to clarify some of the confusion...

Premium Papers available

Hot Ink is becoming known for the premium papers that we offer. Some of these have become very popular for business card printing, most notably: Haddonia Ivory Board for its whiteness and rigidity, and the Natural Evolution for its thick chalky texture...

Dynamic e-mail signatures

We all send out dozens of emails daily. Here's how to use an existing medium to maximise your brand exposure and drive sales and website traffic by simply doing what you do naturally every day – sending emails...

The Magic Resolution Formula

What is print resolution and what resolution should your images be? Here are some quick tips on how to size your images for both print and web use...

how to create a great menu

Restaurant menu layouts and colors, should match your restaurant concept. Here are some quick tips on how to engineer your menu for maximum profitability...