Working with Print Suppliers, Done Properly
Managing the relationship and files between designers and commercial printers.
Priya Raghunathan
The key figures
- Specifications
- stock, finish, size and quantity define the job
- Profiles
- printers supply color profiles for conversion
- Proofs
- physical proofs catch problems files hide
- Lead times
- special finishes extend production
Why this is worth getting right
Most print problems come from unclear specifications rather than from the press itself.
Do this, not that
Do
- Agree specifications before designing
- Use the printer's color profile
- Request physical proofs for important work
- Allow time for finishes and delivery
- Keep a record of the approved proof
Don’t
- Files sent without specification checks
- Generic color conversion
- Approval from screen proofs alone
- Special finishes requested at the last minute
When to bring in help
Our advice Bring in help when print quality matters commercially.
Where this comes from
- International Color Consortium — Color management
- Pantone — Pantone Matching System
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
Working on something like this?
We take on Brand & Identity Design work for teams who want it done once, properly. Tell us what you are building and we will tell you honestly whether we are the right studio for it. Start a project.
Where to go next
Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page. We correct on the page and say what changed.
