When researching for the printing section of the Designers Working With Series, I came across a true jewel, Margie’s Print Tips.

Each and every week since 1999, Margie Dana has published her e-column, the Print Tip of the Week. Written in plain English, these columns address a wide range of industry-related topics, from basic printing processes to cutting-edge technologies. Subscribers to Margie’s Print Tips receive a weekly education about the printing industry presented in a lively, upbeat style (Margie’s “loco for litho” and it shows).

After you sign up for a weekly print tip, be sure to visit Margie’s impressive archives for past issues.

Until the next
Resourceful Friday,
cat

In the Designers Working With Series, I’ve been covering printers, pre press and printing. Keeping with the print theme, for this Resourceful Friday I’m sharing David Airey’s blog of the same name.

Irish born David has come up with a printing list worth checking out.

12 money-saving questions to ask before printing your promotional material

1. Did more than one person proof-read the job?
2. If we change the size of the printed product can we print on a smaller press and save money?
3. Did you make a “dummy” or mock-up to check configuration and presentation of your job?
4. Are you absolutely sure about the quantity to be printed?
5. If there are photos in the document, do they need to be retouched?
6. Is the paper opacity sufficient or will there be any see-through?
7. What about the texture of the paper?
8. Can we substitute our choice of paper for a stock that is less expensive, while still looking as good?
9. Will ink colours change when printed on a particular type of paper?
10. Does the printed sheet need a varnish?
11. Can we print four colours on one side of the sheet and black on the reverse to give the illusion of a “four colour process” job?
12. Can we combo-run any of the elements for a cost-savings?

Other great posts by David on the subject of printing

• File preparation for commercial print
• How paper can critically affect the colour of your printed product
• Design guide for print

Or David’s Printing Resources

• Commercial Color Offset Printing | Printing Terms-A Sponsored by TigerPressOnline
• Preparing your files for Printing on a Commercial Printing Press by Gregg Stalter (AKA Cappy)
• The Impotence of Proofreading by Daniel Scocco at Daily Writing Tips

David’s blog has much more than printing so be sure to get over to his Featured Articles for more.

Until the next
Resourceful Friday,
cat

Promises, Promises, Promises
Of More Things to Come …

The 10 Top Marketing Missteps series

For many designers, marketing is one of those tasks that often gets put on the back burner. Worse, when folks do get around to doing something, they make typical mistakes. In this series, Neil will be addressing the top ten marketing goof ups so you don’t make the same blunders.

The Designers Working With series

When learning how to work with industries surrounding and sometimes touching on design, there are several ways to go. Books and trade publications instruct, as do classes (for some). Potentially expensive, winging it is common. An additional option is sitting at the feet of experienced pros, either at an in-house position, or under a few wings.

To start the conversation, in the past months Cat’s been interviewing to get advice, tips, hints and musings on the subject.

7 Questions went out to writers, photographers, illustrators, marketeers, programmers, printers and pre press specialists:

• What are the main points that you’d expect / want designers to know before contacting you about a project?
• When working with designers, what do you see as the top problem areas?
• How do you work?
• How should a company or individual in your profession be chosen?
• At what point should your profession be brought into a project?
• How do you charge?
• How can a designer improve their skills in your industry?

The same questions went to designers, but with changes to question 1 and 2:

• As a professional designer, what are the main points you want clients (potential and present) to know before contacting you about a project?
• When working with clients, what do you see as the top problem areas?

Those coming into the business of design, as well as seasoned business owners, just might find this series an interesting read.

If you’ve like to submit to the series, contact Cat.

And there’s more

Coming up will be talk of business plans, book reviews and interviews, podcasts, primping, playing and relieving stress.

Until then,
The BoDo Team
cat - nt - jay