How can you collaborate with other departments to improve print production workflow for graphics?

1 Understand the project scope and goals

Before you start designing, you need to have a clear understanding of the project scope and goals. What is the purpose of the print material? Who is the target audience? What are the desired outcomes? How will the print material be used and distributed? These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself and your project manager or client. By understanding the project scope and goals, you can align your design choices with the project objectives and avoid unnecessary revisions or misunderstandings.

2 Communicate with the printing department

One of the most crucial aspects of print production workflow is communication with the printing department. You need to know the technical specifications and requirements of the printing process, such as the file format, resolution, color mode, bleed, trim, and margins. You also need to know the printing options and limitations, such as the paper type, size, weight, coating, and binding. By communicating with the printing department, you can ensure that your design is compatible with the printing equipment and that you can achieve the best possible print quality and results.

3 Share your design files and feedback

Another important aspect of print production workflow is sharing your design files and feedback with other departments. You need to use a reliable and secure file-sharing platform, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or Adobe Creative Cloud, to upload and download your design files. You also need to use a consistent and clear naming convention, such as project name, version number, date, and initials, to organize and identify your files. Moreover, you need to use a constructive and respectful feedback system, such as email, phone, or online tools, to exchange comments and suggestions with other departments. By sharing your design files and feedback, you can facilitate collaboration and cooperation among different teams and stakeholders.

4 Review and proofread your design

Before you send your design for printing, you need to review and proofread your design carefully. You need to check for any errors or inconsistencies in your design elements, such as fonts, colors, images, logos, and text. You also need to check for any grammatical or spelling mistakes in your copy. You can use tools such as Adobe Acrobat or InDesign to preview and edit your design in print mode. You can also ask a colleague or a friend to review and proofread your design from a fresh perspective. By reviewing and proofreading your design, you can avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes and ensure that your design meets the standards and expectations of your project.

5 Request and evaluate a print sample

Before you approve the final print run, you need to request and evaluate a print sample from the printing department. You need to compare the print sample with your original design and check for any discrepancies or issues in the print quality, such as color accuracy, alignment, sharpness, and contrast. You also need to assess the print material in terms of its appearance, durability, and functionality. You can use tools such as a colorimeter, a magnifier, or a ruler to measure and analyze the print sample. You can also solicit feedback from other departments or potential users to evaluate the print sample. By requesting and evaluating a print sample, you can ensure that your design is translated into a satisfactory and effective print product.

6 Learn and improve from the experience

After you complete the print production workflow, you need to learn and improve from the experience. You need to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of your design and the print production process. You need to identify the challenges and opportunities that you encountered and how you addressed them. You also need to collect and analyze the feedback and results from the project, such as the client satisfaction, the user response, and the project impact. By learning and improving from the experience, you can enhance your skills and knowledge as a graphic designer and improve your print production workflow for future projects.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?