Considerations of Printing a Design
As simple as it is to design media digitally, there are many other considerations to be made before printing. Several factors to consider in preparation for printing include the medium, the number of colors, bleeding and the size. Do not fret; here is a helpful guide that can serve as a checklist for what to think about before sending your design to be printed.
The Concept of Print Design
Graphic designers specializing in creating content for printed products are known as “print designers.” Everything that eventually gets published counts, from magazine articles to book jackets to packaging, business cards, flyers, brochures, etc.
To avoid unnecessary delays, gather all the information you need for the project before you begin. Do you plan to start from scratch with the design or use a current example as a guide? Do you have to adhere to brand guidelines? To what degree do the submitted photos meet the requirements of printing? Which colors are off-limits, if any? Verify all the details before starting the project.
Making a Print Design
When making a print design, it is crucial to bear in mind a few fundamental rules. When designing a file for printing, it is essential to adhere to some strict parameters, the misuse of which can have disastrous effects and waste valuable resources. Ensure that your print files are in CMYK format and 300 DPI resolution. Correct bleeds and margins are just as vital for a flawless print run.
Your professional printer is a wealth of information, especially regarding shipping and sizing specifications, so cultivating a rapport with them is highly recommended. Here at Focus 33, we take great pleasure in assisting you when you have hit a roadblock in your search for a solution to your issue or if you are looking for ideas.
Print Design Tips
As they say, “you only get one chance to create a first impression,” thus, it is vital to make it count by using polished printed materials when networking. Here are some pointers for an effective print design that will put you ahead of the game at professional gatherings.
- Limit colors. As the number of hues increases, so does the possibility of an undesirable interaction between them and the text being difficult to read.
- Avoid cramping vital information. Always leave plenty of white space around images and text – at least ¼”.
- Forget a border. Borders can quickly go wrong. Plus, the edge of the paper is a border, so frames are usually unnecessary.
- Consider colored paper. Try designing with colored paper in mind instead of printing lots of color on white paper.
Consult Focus 33 for More Inspiration
Business assets and stationery can be printed in many ways, and details matter. Our tips for designing excellent printed materials guarantee fantastic results, but there are several more to consider. Contact us to help you make your next project easy and successful.
