Hi Kirsty,
I hope you are well. Your email has been forwarded onto me by a colleague.
In looking at your questions, I think some of these questions would be better posed to a designer.
I will attempt to answer them however, sorry in advance for the short responses, I am extremely busy at moment.
1. How do you think the current rise in digital based media has affected the use of paper in print based media?
Some paper companies are struggling (research on this). Print naturally has deteriorated, but there will always be a need to have hard copies of everything. People passionate about paper will never let this happen!
2. Do you think the rise in digital media has affected the way in which designers use paper stocks for print?
I would say that they could be after paper that has more of a wow factor now, than before where they could have been happy with the typical white uncoated stockse etc, but now there is a lot more energy in using the best papers for their job.
3. Is it beneficial for designers to take into consideration paper stocks from the initial stages of the design process?
Yes, it is. Because each paper produces different results. They have to spec the paper in order to see what could achieve the desired look and feel of what they are going for. Plus they have to know what papers are suitable for what printing method.
4. Are more clients requiring bespoke paper stocks than previously?
Not really, no. Just more value for their money.
5. Has there been a noticeable change in type of paper stocks clients require?
No, each person / client is different and has different needs i.e. a greetings card manufacturer would need different papers to that of a calligrapher etc. That is hard to gauge unless a survey of a particular group of designers/printers was undertaken.
I hope this helps in some way towards your project!
Have a good day.
Kibibe Bailey
Marketing assistant
