Producing a printed promotional piece that shines and communicates the quality of your business requires the help of a print designer. If you’re new to print, I can help.
Print Design Formats
There are endless types of projects that are printed, each with their own unique advantages and challenges. Listed below are a few of the type of projects that benefit the most from an experienced print designer:
Business Cards with Special Effects • Branded Packaging • Brochures • Billboards • Book Covers • Magazines • Outdoor and Indoor Signage • Posters • Tradeshow Banners
Print Design is Different from Digital Design
When selecting a designer for your print project, it’s good to ask how much of their portfolio is print focused, and how long they’ve been designing for print. Once your project is printed, the opportunity to correct mistakes has passed—similar mistakes in an online environment have fewer financial consequences.
Also, there is a limit to how much text and graphics can fit on a single side of a business card. An established print designer is aware of these boundaries and is focused on readability and clarity.
Color is another element that looks different on a computer screen when compared to a physical printed object. A print designer can help navigate those differences so that there are no surprises.
Printers Speak a Unique Language
Ideally, there is a discussion about how best to produce the print item before selecting a print partner. Then written specifications are developed in a common language familiar to the print industry. Developing this language, reviewing/converting images and preparing color for print is my specialty.
Read The Final Proof or You’ll Pay The Consequences
Tips for final proofing:
-Review a physical proof (not just a PDF) before printing any project.
-Someone who has never seen the project and can look at it with fresh eyes can see errors others’ might have overlooked
-Bring these proofs with you to the press check, if your print designer hasn't already
-Color correction should be done with the printer, based on the proofs, because their color-profile and workspace may be different from what you’ve been looking at.
Need help with your next print project? Send me an email.
