Quality Printing Is A Multi-Step Process
In business, printing is not something done with pencils the size of tree limbs. Those are left to those just learning to write. Printing can take different forms, from letterpress to offset printing, including web offset and screen print., and in order to have any product turn out as expected, there are certain steps that must be taken, and in the right order.
Without getting into a discussion on the different types of printing, the methods of preparing a job for reproduction, follows very similar methods. The first step is in the development of a concept. Many times it begins with a sketch on a napkin or on a paper lunch bag. The idea is born and then refined in trying to get the message correct and determine to whom that message applies and who will benefit the most from receiving it.
Next comes mock-up, which is a rough idea of what the finished product will look like when finished. This is possible one of the most important parts of coming up with a printing job, as many times people have a tendency to try to put too much information in one piece. Confusing, hard to read messages are typically thrown away by the recipient without being read. In the printing industry, the saying is true that less is more. There should be enough of the message presented to spark interest, but not enough to eliminate the need for follow up.
Choosing Right Color And Media
Once the product has been appropriately determined, the color of the ink and the color of the paper for printing are selected. Stay away from dark color papers, as they tend to hide most ink colors while light colors can also hide like-color inks. Never, ever use yellow ink on white paper as it becomes nearly impossible to read.
Depending on the size of your printing piece, a quality printer can help decide what the best method of printing should be to meet the needs. For small jobs, under 500 pieces on small postcard size papers, a hand-fed letterpress can be used. Typically used for wedding invitations or reply cards. Larger orders of larger items can be printed on an offset press, which todays models can produce full color reproductions in mass quantities.
Cups, plates, shirts, hats and similar items are typically done with silk screen printing techniques, which are more conducive to irregular shaped products. But possibly the most important aspect of any printing is in proof reading the copy. Any misspelling will create a negative image as well as expense of doing it over.
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