You’ve taken the time to write the perfect copy. Your design is stamped with creativity. Now it’s time to work with a printer to get the perfect finished product.
How will you make that happen? Here are some tips.
Be clear on what you want.
The more specific you are about your vision for the final product the better. Try creating a detailed brief to convey what your end product looks like. The brief should include details about finished sizes, paper type, specific colours and finishes like embossing or laminating. If you’ve worked with a designer, you’ll have these details at your fingertips.
Make sure your printer knows your print quantity, expected deadline and any packaging specifics. The last thing you want is a box full of 2,000 loose brochures when what your really need are brochures bundled in 50s.
Provide high-quality files
Ask your printer what file format they need to give you the best production value. High-resolution files come in different formats. For most print jobs, vector formats (like PDF, AI or EPS) are ideal. Ensure your files are print-ready with correct bleed, margins and colour profiles.
Request proofs
Before they hit ‘print,’ ask to see proofs! No one, especially the printer, wants to make a change at proof stage, but you also don’t want to find an error after your job is printed! Give your job one last read and pay close attention to colours and alignment. Also check that your headings, graphics and body text line up the way you intended them to.
Communicate openly
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about a printing process or unfamiliar terminology, especially if you’re navigating printing without a designer by your side. Keep the lines of communication open and respond to questions from the printer quickly. This will help keep the job on track and avoid misunderstandings.
Build a relationship
Once you’ve found a print company that you’re comfortable with, keep the conversation going. By using the same printer for future work, they’ll come to understand your needs — and possibly proact to them. It will also lead to better service and potentially discounts and priority handling of your jobs.
Seeing a print project delivered the way you want it is exciting. Keep clear on your expectations and keep the conversation open!
Writing for you. 