The graphic designer and the printer work at different stages of the same project. Preparing the design, verifying the content information and carrying out physical production are separate responsibilities. When these boundaries are left unspoken, anyone can leave out details they think someone else controls.
When planning a printed job with Graphic Designer Selçuk Aker, the design delivery and production process should be separated from the beginning. Receiving design services does not mean that printing orders and printing house follow-up are automatically included.
Who approves content?
Product name, price, technical specifications, date and contact information must be verified by the relevant content controller. The graphic designer may notice problems with spelling and layout; However, it should not be assumed that the business knows the current product information better than the customer.
In the approval preview, the content controller should know which version they are looking at. If there is a phone number or product code that has changed subsequently, it is checked whether it is updated on all relevant surfaces.
What information should the designer and manufacturer share?
The printing house must explain size, bleed, color, folding and finishing conditions. The graphic designer prepares the design in accordance with these conditions and checks the output. Unclear technical points should be asked as early as possible, rather than after the design is completed.
For example, in a folding brochure, folds and panel dimensions affect the layout. The binding decision in the catalog may affect the inner margin. Prepress guide details file-level checks; The focus of this article is on responsibility sharing.
Visual presentation and physical proof are not the same approval
A mockup can illustrate the use of the design. Screen PDF helps control content and layout. Physical rehearsal, on the other hand, can provide a closer evaluation of the selected production conditions. It should be stated which sample was approved for which subject.
Instead of saying "Catalog is approved", it is more descriptive to record the approval status of the content, page layout and production sample separately. A critical color should not be decided by just looking at different phone screens.
Be the sole responsible person for the last file
Having different people send different versions to the printing house increases the risk. The name and submission record of the final file that will go to production must be clear. If changes are made after approval, the manufacturer must be informed so that the old file is not used.
If a catalog design or brochure design proposal requires proof tracking and manufacturer communication, discuss these separately. Clear task sharing also makes it clear who will solve last-minute problems.
Frequently asked questions
Does the graphic designer's responsibility end when he sends a file to the printing house?
The scope of delivery and follow-up is determined according to the agreement. It should be clear under what conditions the final file was prepared and who has subsequent checks.
Will the printing house correct incorrect product information?
Don't assume this. The accuracy of the business's content should be checked by the relevant content controller.
Does mockup approval replace a print proof?
No. Representative representation does not represent all actual materials and manufacturing conditions.
