| In the printing world, there is often a conflict between | | | | replaces the missing font with a font in the printer's |
| the graphic designer and the print shop. Many times | | | | library. This can drastically change the look of the |
| the designer supplies the finished artwork in a format | | | | printed piece. The easiest way for a designer to avoid |
| that the printer may find difficult to work with. This | | | | this is to convert all the text to "outline." Converting the |
| causes delays, confusion, frustration and most | | | | text to outline essentially changes it from a font to a |
| importantly, extra money for the customer. | | | | vector image, which can be easily printed without |
| Taking a few extra steps to ensure the art files are | | | | altering the design. |
| prepared correctly can eliminate these issues. It is | | | | When the design program used doesn't allow outline |
| important for designers and printers to work together. | | | | conversion, the designer should send a zipped file |
| Surprisingly, artwork issues are a hot debate topic in | | | | including the art in its native format and all the fonts |
| the design and printing world because many designers | | | | used. This will allow the final printer to load the fonts on |
| feel the printer is not clear in regards to their | | | | their computer without losing time or spending money |
| specifications, while the printer may feel the designer | | | | to purchase the missing fonts. |
| has ignored their art requirements. The tips below are | | | | Use Pantone Colors |
| meant to help both the designer and the printer work | | | | It is easy to select a color from the rainbow, figuring |
| together more smoothly for a better result and | | | | any red will do, but in the design and printing industries, |
| experience for the customer. | | | | the slightest change in a color can mean big problems. |
| Check the Specs | | | | To avoid any issues, always use Pantone colors. |
| Every print shop has different art requirements. For | | | | Pantone colors, or PMS (Pantone Matching System) |
| some, an eps or native file is necessary, while others | | | | colors ensure the designer and printer are using the |
| can use a pdf or jpeg without issue. Some may | | | | exact color requested by the customer. |
| require color separations or need all text converted to | | | | When artwork is running four-color process, the |
| outline. All of these requirements are important | | | | designer should make sure all files have been |
| because it can be the difference between a "job well | | | | converted to CMYK. |
| done" and an incorrect final product with an unhappy | | | | File Formats |
| customer. | | | | Artwork can be saved in many different formats from |
| Some printers have artwork specifications readily | | | | a jpeg, pdf or eps to a tiff, gif, psd, ai, and more. Each |
| available on their website. In these cases, make sure | | | | format can have a different impact on the printing. |
| the art files meets the requirements and there should | | | | Many printers prefer a "native" file, meaning the original |
| be no problems. Additionally, as a designer, don't | | | | format the art was created in. So, if a designer uses |
| hesitate to contact the print shop to ensure the art is in | | | | Adobe Illustrator, the file should be an Illustrator (ai) file. |
| the correct format. | | | | Another preferred format is an eps (encapsulated |
| Not all designers have the luxury of knowing who is | | | | postscript). An eps is a versatile file format that holds |
| going to print the final job. In these cases, the | | | | the text and images within the file without losing |
| responsibility falls to the customer. The customer must | | | | information. |
| be able to provide the art specifications from their | | | | If you are not able to determine the preferred file |
| printer. If the customer hasn't chosen a printer, the | | | | format, it is best to provide your customer with a pdf, |
| designer should suggest the customer speak with | | | | eps, and the native file format. Many programs, like |
| some printers, get quotes and decide on a printer they | | | | Illustrator and Photoshop easily allow you save artwork |
| feel comfortable working with. This will give the | | | | in multiple formats. This will give the customer file |
| customer some art specifications to share with the | | | | options when consulting a printer. |
| designer. | | | | It is our hope that this article will help to educate |
| Still, there may be some customers who haven't | | | | designers, printers and customers to ensure artwork |
| chosen a printer, leaving the designer with no specific | | | | can be easily transferred from the art department to |
| art requirements. In these cases, there are a few basic | | | | the printing press without error or delays. When |
| rules most designers should follow. | | | | possible, try to have an open line of communication |
| Outline All Text | | | | between the designer and printer. This will help |
| Not all printers have the same fonts in the their font | | | | guarantee a superior finished piece and a happy |
| libraries as a designer. When a printer does not have a | | | | customer who will be eager to work with you again. |
| font used in a piece of art, their system automatically | | | | |