Graphic Design and Website Design

The 4th tip on, “How to choose a graphic artist”

What types of mistakes are most often made that cause printers to have to make costly alterations?

The most common mistake is signing off on a proof that is not correct. If there is a mistake and the job is sent to press, most graphic artist and printers will not take responsibility if the proof is signed off. In some cases this can mean having to reprint; and this can be very expensive.

Another common mistake made is submitting a design that is not at least 300 dpi. This issue is also related to people using images from the internet. If an image is used from the internet there are a few steps that must be taken to make sure it reproduces correctly off press. Basically, internet images are optimized at 72 dpi, but when going to press the image needs to be at least 300 dpi. The result of trying to use a 72 dpi image is poor image quality. To further complicate the problem, finding an acceptable replacement image will take time and/or a stock image might have to be purchased if there are no other alternative images available. If the printer has to get the image they will charge for the image and the time to replace the old image.

Another mistake is submitting in RGB. This is not acceptable for press and a printer will charge to convert the file to CMYK.

The next mistake is submitting a file that is not sized correctly. Specifically, there are four guides to consider on a document: bleeds, document size, trim and safety zone. The cost to fix these problems can be expensive, depending on the extent of the issue. Furthermore, depending on the file format that was submitted, a printer may not have many options. If a deadline is tight the printer may have to stretch the image to fit the document. This might not cost much, but it will not look very good. The second scenario will depend on if the file was submitted in the “native” format. In this case a printer can make the changes without distorting the document; however this may not be cheap. To avoid these problems contact the printer before the job is started and ask for a template and specs.