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Design Services
Promotional materials, business identity materials, newsletters, brochures, flyers, forms, posters, banners, T-shirts and much more.

Design for printing is nothing more – and nothing less – than using type and image to give tangible shape to thoughts and ideas. The attentive designer controls the visual signals with both precision and nuance, so that the look of a printed piece reinforces what it says. The mission of graphic design is to communicate, not simply “dress up.”

Steps in the Design Process

(1) The Consultation & Audit. Bring us your ideas, rough drafts, sketches, art/photos/logos, digital files, and samples of printed pieces you like – and don’t like. A consultation with our on-staff designer/editor will include discussions about (a) the nature of the business/organization; (b) the intended market or reading audience; (c) the results desired from the printed piece; and (d) the “personality” you would like the piece to impart. To provide an accurate cost estimate, we will discuss the size of the printed piece, paper stock, quantity, ink color(s), folding, etc.

(2) The Cost Estimate. Based on information obtained during the consultation, we will prepare a cost estimate that will help you make the best decisions on variables like quantity, ink color, paper, or design complexity.

(3) The Design Proof. Once the “manufacturing specifications” have been determined, the designer will prepare one or more professional layouts for your review. With thorough preparation and communication in Step #1, most likely you will approve one of the layouts, and your project will move on the Printing Department. If you need to make revisions, you will indicate the changes on your proof copy, and another round of layouts will be prepared.

(4) Approval to Print. Upon approval of the proof copy, your project will proceed to art preparation and printing.

File Preparation Guidelines File Preparation Checklist & Form

Tips for the ‘Do-it-Yourself’ designer:

Today everyone with a computer on their desk – or in their lap – can design their own printed materials. This is a legitimate way to save money on projects that don’t require professional craftsmanship. But since all software programs are not created equal, problems sometimes arise when files are brought to us for professional printing.

For professional offset printing, our digital pre-press equipment demands professional graphics files. For composite projects of type and images, we accept the industry standard formats: press-ready PDF files, EPS vector art, and TIF bitmaps. Unfortunately, office software cannot produce graphics files for professional printing. We can convert files from some office programs to the press-ready PDF format, but be aware that some files may need to be rebuilt. For complete information, click on File Preparation Guidelines. Then use our File Preparation Checklist & Form to make sure your file is ready for professional printing – without incurring additional file preparation charges.

A further word on cost savings: When starting a business-related do-it-yourself project, consider this: If the do-it-yourself project does not communicate or represent you effectively because of design deficiencies, are you really saving money? Or have you wasted money? (Just as with do-it-yourself plumbing, the homeowner may be capable of some repairs, but also risks flooding the house!) So be careful, and remember that we’re here to help you look your best – and communicate effectively!
 

 

 

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