The Joy Of Print
As a graphic and website design business working in such a predominantly digital age, with many clients often choosing online graphics over print design, here are a few reasons why we still find much joy in being asked to design something for the purpose of print.
Paper type.
With a multitude of different sizes, weights and types to choose from, it is essential to get this right as, unlike on-screen artwork, clients will actually be holding your print design artwork in their hands. Paper, card, matt, gloss, recycled, watermarked – the choices made at this stage will all play an important part in the overall quality effect created.
Folds.
Oh the fun you can have with a fold. Do you want a half-fold straight down the middle? A tri-fold? Or maybe a z-fold? There are many things to consider when deciding upon a fold type, such as will your print design artwork have to stand independently (for example, a table menu) or whether you have a lot of text to squeeze into a small space. And some folds are easier to ‘handle’ than others (as anyone who’s had to use an Ordnance Survey map will know…). But whatever fold type is chosen, it certainly adds another interesting dimension to a designer’s day.
Paper finish.
Now this is the really fun part. Lamination, embossing & debossing, foil stamping, letterpress – the list goes on, and because different finishes will create the desired effect more effectively than others, the choice will ultimately depend on the design. But the point is that with print design artwork there is a choice. And although with digital artwork there are endless design options available, it will always lack one fundamental, crucially likeable aspect which print artwork does have… the touch factor. You just try to resist opening and inspecting with your hands a freshly delivered box of new foil embossed brochures, folded leaflets or edge-painted business cards – you can’t, it’s impossible. But the hardest part is still to come… now you’ve got to give your brand new artwork away.
Just hope your customers appreciate it as much as we do.
