Print Design TipsTips and Information About Printing

Novice designers, and this includes those who are finding themselves tasked with a design project for the first time, are frequently floundering when it comes to some of the basics of print design.  New technology is making the task of putting together brochures and newsletters all the more easier, but it is the slight hint of amateurism which can detract from an otherwise highly professional looking document.

Here are some of the issues we frequently encounter when being asked to help out.

Make Sure You “Bleed”

The bleed is that part of the document around the edges which the printer uses to manipulate the document – imagine you need a space at the edge of a photograph which allows you to hold the photo – a printer uses the bleed to correct design inaccuracies and optimize print production.

You may sometimes have to dig around your software package to find the bleed settings but it is essential you make sure they are set at an appropriate bleed.  Typically, a 3mm is fine for most pieces of work.

Use Overprinting if the Budget is Tight

When the budget is constrained, it is usual for a client to restrict themselves in the use of color.  This can lead to a dull or lifeless finished product but many people, including printers and designers, forget that most of our color spectrum is actually a compound of three primary colors.  That being the case, try using overprinting to create great color effects using only the minimum of colors, you only need 2 colors to make 3!

Using this technique you can create great image effects using photographs and other images, so don’t limit yourself.

Expand the Mind and Think Outside the Paper

Our minds will fill in information we expect to see, so play around with the print subjects at the borders of the paper and even though most of the image or text may be missing, the reader’s brain will complete the gaps.

Here’s an example of how the human mind can do this – try reading the following:

“The hmaun barin si ecelxlnet ta flinlig gpas ni ttex”

You should be able to read, “The human brain is excellent at filling gaps in text.” – as long as the starting and ending letters are in the right position, it doesn’t matter what order the other words are in – we can still read it.

Don’t Be a Slave to Standard Paper Sizes

Using a standard paper size can stifle creativity and the impact of your finished document.  How about using a square paper shape to create an interest, especially effective for booklets?  If you are looking to motivate and persuade people to take your document away with them, use a small paper size so it fits comfortably in their pocket or cane be stashed quickly and easily.

Don’t restrict yourself when it comes to getting your project off the ground, there are lots of different ways in which you can inject interest and vitality into any document.  It does require a desire and ability to let go of some preconceived notions and think, quite literally, outside of the “box”, or at least, the sheet of paper!

Be Sociable, Share!

•