Designing media virtually is one thing, but when you want to actually print a design there are several other factors at play. From what you want to print on, to the color format, to the issue of bleeding, you will need to do some planning ahead of time. Not to worry, here is a handy resource you can use as a checklist for what to consider when you want to print a design.
Where will it be printed?
The first thing that needs to be considered is the intended destination of the design. Is it for an advertisement, a catalog display, a layout for a magazine, a textile print, a poster, etc? All these different forms of print will be important to the approach you take.
Programs to use
Different freelance graphic design tools can help depending on the type of print you want to create. Three of the most popular tools are products of Adobe: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Photoshop is best for editing photos, Illustrator is recommended for small-scale prints and vector artwork design, and InDesign specializes in multi-page designs for books, brochures and the like.
Size
The size of the printed item is going to be an important consideration before starting the design process. While some prints will be standard, it is important to have the materials you plan to print on and know the measurements.
Customized print sizes are helpful for certain projects and very possible, but the process will go smoother with advanced confirmation of the dimensions. Having to rework the image or wasting a print run could be a costly mistake.
Color format
The color palette you select will have a serious impact on the finished product because printers generally have a smaller spectrum of colors available than computer monitors are capable of displaying.
If you choose RGB, you can often be surprised when the print comes out looking different than you had planned. So when making the design, be sure to set CMYK, not RGB.
Typography
If the design is going to have text, the typography is important. The right font will help the message stand out.
Additionally, you want to consider the size and the color of the text in contrast with other elements of the design. For some designs, you may even choose to use varied typography for different parts of the text. For example, if you have a design with a lot of body content like magazine articles then use serif fonts as studies have shown this type of font is easier to read.
Images
The quality of the images in the design will make a significant difference. Images that are of a poor resolution will make the design look pixelated and will reduce the effect of the design.
You will need to consider the dots per inch of your print design. While web graphics only require 72 dots per inch, a print will need 300 to maintain its quality. It is recommended to only use vector images and graphics/photos which are high quality.
The bleed area
When making the design, you want to make sure to account for the bleed area. This is an area around the dimensions of a document where the design extends. It is recommended to leave .25 of an inch (5mm) bleed.
The bleed helps to account for slight misalignments in printing or inaccuracies in trimming down the prints. Take into account that if there is a bleed area, the design must be printed on a larger size sheet so as not to get cut off. From there trim it down to the required size. This may take longer and may not be cost effective but it is the price you pay to make a stronger print design as there will be no white borders.
Timing
Many design productions are time sensitive projects. For this reason, you want to talk to the printer about their turnaround time at the beginning of the design process. When you know how long it will take the printer to produce the finished product, then you will know when you need to submit the design to them.
If you can, you want to make sure to get it to the printer with time to spare. This will allow for any mistakes or setbacks that can occur in the printing process.
Printing a proof
Making an original proof of the design is another good idea to make sure the finished product is exactly as you need it. Doing so will allow you and the printer to agree on the print and avoid mass printing something you are unhappy with.
Printing a design can be really rewarding and profitable when it all comes together perfectly. To achieve that satisfying result and impress your clients, you will need to put in the effort and account for the logistical differences of a physical print. Keep this checklist on hand as a reminder of what to consider when you want to print a design.
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Written by Jessica Walrack on Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Jessica Walrack is a professional freelance writer with a background in sales and marketing. After 7 years in the corporate world, she stepped into the online sphere and has now been freelancing for 4 years. She specializes in helping businesses to create a stellar online experience for their audience in order to build industry authority and increase profitability. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys traveling all over the world with her family.
