Design
The creative process is the steps you take to come up with a design. We use outside sources, our surroundings, and our audience/demographic in order to inspire a design. Client integration is helpful because they can have some input to design before production. Many of the ideas are brought up in the Inspirational phase of the creative process. Once we have all our resources of inspiration and a direction we want to go with a design, we move on to the visual phase of the creative process.
The Process
When we begin to visualize the design, we utilize many different elements in the composition. This can be playing with color schemes and producing many rough variations of the targeted design. There can be many different styles and ideas that can ultimately alter the overall design but this allows much improvement of the composition. Once the project has found a certain course - we attempt to refine it in a way that the design uses the elements and colors in an "eye-pleasing", unified composition.
We create, add or delete, polish, and refine again.
- When we are finalizing a design, the final adjustments and last tweaks are done before being presented to the client/customer. Once the client approves the design it can go into production.
- We are able to supply our customer's with high-quality prints and artwork. We can also provide them with any variable formats for use with different media (paper, canvas, upholstery, web, etc.)
Pre-Production:
- Pre-production consists of everything before your job is printed. This will be the brain-storming, design, proofing, revisions, and final touch-ups and/or changes to the job. Communication with the design team is imperative in order to keep production smooth and get your job out the door.
- A proof (or sample) will be supplied to you whenever we have completed type-setting your form/artwork. This will ensure the forms to be correct and exactly how the customer desires. It usually takes 2-3 working days to get a proof back once a job is submitted to our design team. We can send a digital proof via email or by fax. We can also supply you with a hard proof to see here at the shop. Please send any inquiries to superiorprinting@leaco.net
After you receive your proof:
If you need to make any changes to your job, just mark up the proof and send back with simple instructions on the changes. We will make every effort to create the proof accurately and per the customer’s instructions. Since there is always the possibility of incorrect interpretation and typesetting errors, we encourage your attention to every detail so that we may produce a quality job for you.
Be sure to:
- Make corrections with a pen or pencil directly ON the proof.
- Return ALL items including the original copy and the proof that are sent to you.
- (We cannot proceed on a job without all this material.)
- Mark all additions or changes as NEW copy.
- Return corrected page number for a “Table of Contents” and/or “Index”, if required.
- Be aware that color proofs do not always show the exact color reproduction, especially being in different color spaces (RGB vs. CMYK). Please make sure all color is as it should be. Selecting a color from a PANTONE matching system is recommended if you want a particular color.
Be careful not to judge color by your monitor.
Once you approve your proof, simply send it back letting us know it is good to print. It usually takes about a day or two to finish the job once it has been approved by (You) the customer.
Supplying us with electronic files?
Be sure to check the ENTIRE document carefully. Please check the integrity of your original file, as there are many potential problems that can occur by utilization of different program applications and operating systems.
Here are some things to look for:
- Check fonts for font substitution.
- Check copy re-flow by noting page endings and story endings.
- (Avoid widows and orphans)
- Check photo placement, fit in window area, position, and bleeds.
- Check file format:
Preferred files are: .PDF, .EPS, .AI, .PSD, .TIFF, .INDD (InDesign),
or .QXP (Quark)
Acceptable files but aren’t recommended are: .JPG, .PNG, .GIF, or
any Microsoft Office files.
Unacceptable files are: .PUB, .EXE, any Microsoft Windows files or Corel files.
We are unable to open these files.
Production
During the production process, the jobs are printed and gathered or booked. Our printing presses are able to imprint up to 125 images per minute. We are able to have quick turn-around times on many of the jobs we offer. Please let us know if your job needs to be rushed or if we need to expedite a partial job to get you and your workers out of a bind.
