Some people perceive commercial printing as something very difficult to do, you don’t really have to do much so what is the fuss? Once you create the design you leave it all up to your commercial printer so it is really easy. Here are the few easy things you can try to do for your printing:
1) Put things in perspective, know your needs.
By now you have a general idea what you will need but when you meet up with your printer you will be bombarded with so many choices you just might difficulty choosing. Be ready to have the planned print needs even before you see your printer.
2) Look for the commercial printer that will make your printing easier
The only way to make your printing process easy and enjoyable is to find a printer that will be with you all the way. Find the printer that can guide you to the process instead of just telling you to send your art files so they can print it. remember that their price quote may be a good deciding factor but if your feeling alone and don’t know what to do may not make it worth it.
3) Get that designing mojo on
You don’t have to be van gogh to create a simple design. Design programs are very easy to use so stick to one that has online how to’s in case you need additional motivation to get you by. It would also be a good idea to use the same program your printer uses that way files are easy to edit and reedit if need to.
4) A few reminders printers may want you to know or may want you to remember:
a. Art file type
Printers have favorites when it comes to file types, this is mainly because the printers have different programs they favor too. Ask your printers what files they prefer and stick with what they say. Best files to use are EPS, TIFF or PDF.
b. Font file
If you use a PDF file it is likely that you do not need to imbed your font files to your art, however some if not all of the other types will need imbedding. This is important if you are using a uncommon font that not all printers may possess even if you have the same design program.
c. Colors
Most programs and because of our monitors, use RGB for designing art files, the issue is that printers use CMYK to prints and having RGB on your art will result to a unmatched color and your prints will likely have a different shade once printed. So either have your files converted or have your colors matched by the printers.
d. Resolutions
A blurry print will most likely be your fault because you saved your file in low res. Make sure to save it from 300dpi onwards. The sharper the pictures the higher the dpi.
e. Print marks
Your print marks must be visible in your file. Make sure your crop marks and bleed is obvious.
It makes your life easier if you find a good commercial printer that can help you from start to finish but in some cases that you unluckily have chosen one that leaves you alone to do all the designing and just waits for the art for printing, you may need a little extra work. Learn from it, after all commercial printing is also a process you need to learn.
For more easy tips and wise ideas about cost effective and impressive print materials visit: commercial printing.
Irene Thompson spent 5 years guiding businesses to get new customers and increase sales. To experience fast, full color and high quality commercial printing, visit Unitedgraphics.com, one of the most trusted and fast growing commercial printer: http://www.unitedgraphics.com/