Professional Print Ready Artwork & Freelance Mac Artworker For Business

I have many years experience of supplying hi-resolution print ready artwork for newsletters, brochures and business marketing literature. I design and layout all print ready artwork on an Apple Mac using the latest industry standard software and will supply all artwork in accordance to your printers requirements. I have provided below some information on modern printing techniques and things to think about when choosing a printer.

Offset litho printing
This is the most common method of printing, which works on the principle of lithography: that is, that grease and water repel one another. The printer takes the electronic artwork supplied and creates films which are used to prepare printing plates. The plates are then wrapped around cylinders and wetted and inked in turn. Paper is usually fed into the printer in sheets (for very large print runs such as newspapers a web-press is used, where a continual roll of paper is fed in). Four-colour printing is the most common system for producing full colour print, where four printing plates are used, one for each of the four ink colours - Cyan (Blue), Magenta (Red),Yellow and Black - often referred to as CMYK.

Digital Printing
Digital printing works directly from electronic artwork supplied, avoiding the use of films. They are very cost effective for short runs with fast turnaround times. The quality obtainable is not yet up to lithography standards but is improving steadily and is adequate for many purposes.

Here are 6 top tips for when you are choosing a printer:

1. Get quotations from at least three printers

2. Ask for a ‘run-on’ price with the quotation, in case you need additional copies of the item at a later date

3. Ask for the costs of delivery with your quotation – these can vary considerably from printer to printer which may result in a cheaper printer actually working out more expensive

4. Ask to see examples of similar work

5. Ask for a paper sample (see below)

6. Check the printers’ policy for storing films/artwork – some only retain films for a short period of time which can cause a problem if you request a reprint 18 months later.

When choosing a printer be sure they will give you the attention, quality and turnaround that meets your needs. Price is vital too. So when you have your "competitive" quotes ensure they are "like for like" and that they are all based on the same specification. Read them very carefully to ensure, for example, you are not caught out by an inferior quality of paper, or that the price does not include colour proofs from final films. If you do not fully understand the quotes you have received ask your printer to explain them so that you are not faced with a pile of "extras" on your final bill.

Selecting paper
A brochure with a matt laminate cover and satin stock looks very different to one with a gloss varnish cover and matt stock. Your printer can advise on suitable paper stock for your printed materials. You will need to bear in mind that prices can vary considerably for different stocks and finishes – it makes sense to ask your printer for a sample when you obtain print quotations so you can be sure of what you’re paying for. A good printer will make you a dummy, ie a mocked up version of the final item, so you can get a feel for its weight and appearance.

The next step...
I would be happy to discuss your print and web design requirements with you in more detail. For more information, a competitive quotation, freelance graphic design rates, pricing or hourly costs, please call me on 01634 880754 mobile 07979 286437 or email info@danieldesigns.co.uk with your request.