With many years’ of experience in print management, here at Corvis, we know a few things about setting up artwork for print. We have an artwork preparation guide to ensure our clients receive a top-quality service, meeting all project requirements and selecting the optimum print process for your work.
Templates
To ensure consistency, your artwork ideally needs to be set to a template, but with so many different formats it can seem quite confusing. We can advise you on the ideal format for your project and build specific templates for your artwork.
We will ensure all of the essentials are featured, such as the crops, bleed and cutters; showing the printer exactly how to produce and finish your project.
Versions
One extremely important aspect of preparing artworks is recording any changes you make. By doing so, you are ensuring the correct version of your project goes to print. We implement a stringent process deploying artwork dates, version numbers and folder structure to organise any work and guarantee the correct file is sent to print.
Fonts
When printing artwork, the fonts you chose could potentially create problems. Differing font manufacturers feature differing spacing characteristics, even across same font familes. These differences can cause your document’s text to reflow when processed for print. To avoid such conflicts, we advise converting your font to paths if possible or embedding the font within a PDF.
Another aspect worth considering is the size and colour of your fonts. Some print processes can be problematic if you’re reversing text from a background colour or using small font sizes. As print management experts, we can advise you on the optimum print size for your chosen fonts and printing process.
Colours
The well-known CYMK colour model is used by the vast majority of printers as it provides you with the widest spectrum of printable colours with the fewest base colours and is the most economical way to create a full colour image.
However, some colours, such a flourescents or metallics, cannot be reproduced using the CYMK model, therefore need to be featured as ‘special’ colours in addition to those used in the CYMK model. Additional colours may cost you more, but if your project features fewer than four colours, your print costs may benefit by using these special colours rather than the four within the CYMK process.
We’re more than happy to share our expertise and help you select the best colour model for your project.
One last bit of colour advice; create a specific colour palette for your work. The palette should show the CYMK values of your selected colours and highlight any that are to feature as special colours to provide clarity for the printer. You can copy and apply the palette to any other associated artworks to ensure colour consistency across your print project.
Graphics
One of the worst things you could have within your project is a pixelated image. Bitmap images consist of pixels and you need to ensure the image is at the correct size and resolution to match the print process you’re using. If it’s not created to the correct size or resolution, it could look blurry or pixelated when printed at full size.
One of our general rules is to create the full-size image at a resolution (PPI) that is at least twice the screen ruling of the print process you’re using. We will discuss all printing requirements with you, as well as optimum image resolution and other printing necessities.
Alternatively, you could construct your graphics as a vector file. Vector files create an image using a mathematical formula and can be scaled to any size without losing definition. However, vector files can present production issues. Avoid excessive layers or layering vignettes with transparencies, as these are both common causes of output problems.
You also need to consider the scale of your graphics. This is significant if your artwork features a pattern, as you will need to ensure the design is consistent throughout your whole campaign and artwork sizes. Any variations in scale can result in inconsistencies and detract from the overall effectiveness of your design.
For more information, take a look at our artwork preparation guide which contains a host of hints and tips to help you with your next print project.
At Corvis, our service does not stop at helping you through the complexities of artwork provision. With a network of innovative production partners, we can ensure your project is produced to the very highest standards and that your creative vision is reflected in the printed excellence of the final piece.
If you need any further advice, please feel free to give us a call.
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