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OJC Print Projects: Process Tour

Print Oversight

Our job doesn't end with the design. We oversee the entire printing process until the job is complete and satisfactory. This stage involves:

Update Bids and Select Vendor

Although we gather initial bids in the Planning Stage, we may gather updated bids if part of the job has changed. We also ensure the original bids still stand. We will suggest a vendor, make sure you approve of this selection, and then begin coordination with the print representative.

Meet with the Printer

The printer should know the basic job specifications well before the actual job submission date. This information will enable them to have the supplies, staff, and schedule time required when the job is submitted. Additionally, experienced print representatives often have valuable advice for ways to "get the biggest bang for your buck." For instance, they may know of a paper stock that serves your needs equally or better than a more expensive version; or, they may advise you to increase your work output so that two jobs may be submitted at the same time, saving expensive set-up costs.

Submit Materials to the Printer

This stage is the "meat" of our responsibility in the printing process. Through previous communication with the printer, we will know what kinds of files and items the printer needs to successfully complete the print job. These will include:

• Printed Mockup of the job that approximates the look of the final piece


• Color swatch samples


• Font files


• Linked image files


• Document files


• Printed sheet(s) of specifications which include:
  
  
  
  • Date of Job submission
  
  
  • Due Date
  
  
  • Size specifications (acknowledging variations if the job is folded)
  
  
  • Font specifications
  
  
  • Listing of the software used (QuarkXpress, PageMaker, Photoshop, etc.)
  
  
  • Binding specifications, if necessary
  
  
  • Paper stock
  
  
  • Quantity
  
  
  • Ink specifications (4 color, spot color, varnish, etc.)
  
  
  • Die cut specifications, if necessary
  
  
  • Assembly specifications, if necessary -- should be obvious from the mockup as well
  
  
  • Contact information for the designer, and if required, for the client
  
  
  • Delivery specifications
  
  
  
  

You will be able to view all printer specifications and notes on communication on the Project Website.

Review Print Proofs

Once the printer receives the job, they make the plates and create a proof - usually referred to as a "blue line" proof or "silver print." We will bring the proof to you for your review and approval. Once you sign off on the job, we are ready for mass production.

Press Check

We often attend a press check, which is a final form of insurance that the job is printing correctly. Inexpensive changes at press time are limited to color adjustments -- adjustments in hue and saturation. These adjustments can be made while the job is running. We will also stay to make sure the job is assembled in the correct order. Print jobs go through many hands within a print shop, and like a game of telephone, specifications can sometimes get jumbled. We stay close to the job to shepherd it through to the finale.

Delivery to Client

Organizing for delivery has been done well ahead of time, but we remain available throughout this last phase of the process to ensure the job arrives at your door, in good order.

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