 Designing
It's
time to start designing your project. Many questions are brought up
during the design stage. It is important that you sit down and take
a good look at all of your options. Carefully planning your project
will ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Layout
After planning your project you can begin to work on a layout
for your piece(s). You will need to decide on document size and if
it is going to print on one or two sides. Please indicate score lines,
die lines, perf lines and glue areas of your layout. If your document
has any bleeds, the bleed should extend 1/8" off the trim. Do
not set the digital file up on a bigger document size and use
internal trim marks. Any file set up in that way will have to be changed
to match the trim size and will end up costing you more money. Make
sure you provide us with a complete mock-up of your project to show
correct back-up, folding and crossovers on the finished piece.
Fonts
Fonts are an important design element, and having just the right font
adds to your project. But it is important to use the correct type
of font. Using PostScript Type I fonts will give you the best results.
Do not create fonts using the bold, italic, shadow, underline or other
options available using measurement palettes. Whenever possible, convert
type to graphics in an EPS file. Please include both printer and screen
fonts on the disk you supply.
Color
 Color
is one of the most important elements of design. How many colors do
you have in mind for your piece? One, two, four or more? One important
thing to remember with color is that one color may vary greatly from
one paper to the next. Papers have many different colors, coatings,
textures and weights that will change the outcome of the color. Keep
in mind that the CMYK equivalent of a certain spot color may vary.
Your colors should be defined as CMYK or a spot color, not RGB. Never
trust your monitor's display when selecting colors. Remember, every
move you make to correct or change one area of a project will affect
the color in other areas.
Paper
There are many important variables to think about when choosing paper.
Papers have many different colors, coatings, textures and weights.
Stock selection is an important part of the design process and can
help or hurt the effect of your finished piece. Another item to keep
in mind when selecting paper for your job is cost. Please consult
your account executive if you would like suggestions on less expensive
alternative stocks.
 Envelopes
Tip: When deciding on stock for a stationary package always check
on the availability of and sizes of envelopes. Never count on a swatch
book when looking for envelopes. The swatch book tells you what that
company makes, however, it does not tell you what the local paper
company has in stock. Envelopes can be made in most paper stocks and
sizes. The real question here is do you have the time or do you need
the quantity necessary to make this project economical for your client?
Delivery / Shipping
Have you discussed your delivery or shipping requirements with your
account executive? If your job requires special finishing such as
packing, labeling, drop shipping or delivery make sure you have given
us detailed instructions. This is very important, and often times
is the most difficult information to receive. A good habit is to supply
your account executive with all the instructions for delivery and
shipping with your order. Providing this information is another way
to ensure a timely project for your client.
Press Room Considerations
Avoid placing your photos in the center of solid four-color process
areas. The photos will have a tendency to darken or look muddy. This
problem can easily be solved by supporting the solid area with other
colors. If the solid is a 5th or additional color, then you will be
fine. Also, if you supply film, make sure it is trapped from the service
bureau or provider.
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