Design Projects

Unless you’re a graphic designer, you’ll need help putting together a great layout. Depending on your project you’ll need at least one of the following:

• Print layout
• Digital publishing
• Web design

The first thing you’ll want to do is figure out the full scope of work required so you have a clear picture of all the graphics you’ll need. Then you should consult with potential designers about your project. Make sure you talk about your budget, any guidelines or templates that must be followed by your organization in its marketing, and so forth.

Not all designers are created equal. Some focus on a single discipline, and many are not qualified to design for print. Designers also work on different schedules, charge different rates, use different billing methods, etc. Finding a designer who is the right match for your project is huge. Once you do decide on the designer, the more specific direction you can give him or her up front, the less time, energy and revisions will be needed later.

Print Projects

There are a lot of variables in play with print projects. And each project has its own unique group of decisions that get made before going to production. Below are a few important print topics you’ll want to give some attention to:

• Size. The size of the final printed piece is a crucial element which affects finishing requirements and price. Yours may need to be cut or folded in a special way, fit in a particular envelope, or meet certain mailing requirements.
• Colors, fonts, styling considerations. Is yours a custom piece? Or are there guidelines that have to be followed? You’ll want to check and see if there are company rules, branding, logos, color schemes, etc. that must be used or followed.
• Stocks. There may be preferred paper stocks, weights or finishes. Or you may have a clean slate to work with. If that is the case you may want to consult with a print pro about the most economical solution, the best possible stock, or something in between.
• Finishing. Does your project need to be numbered, perforated, drilled, bound a certain way?
• Personalization. If you want the piece personalized for each recipient, you’ll need a company that knows variable data. You’ll also have to be able to create a properly formatted spreadsheet or client database.
• Deadlines. Last but certainly not least, timing can impact choices. Some projects take longer due to material availability and other factors.

Marketing Projects

Your marketing budget is an investment, not an expense. If you want more prospects, leads and sales here are some issues to think about before you start spending dollars:

• Target audience. Do you have an existing list, do you need to research and assemble one, or will you purchase it? Or maybe you want to target people geographically by postal code and carrier route.
• Channels. Are you going to use one channel or multiple channels to reach your intended audience? Do you have the budget to properly invest in multi-channel marketing such as print with personalized URLs plus email with campaign tracking, or will your message be spread too thin?
• Budget. How can you use your resources to best to reach your audience?
• Scheduling. When is this going to happen? How much time do you have to plan and execute? Will there be multiple communications to develop? What sequence should be used?
• Fine tuning. How are you going to track your success? Will you make changes to your messaging to get better results?

Mailing Projects

Mailing is a form of print marketing, but it deserves its own category because it involves much more than just slapping a stamp on an envelope and dropping it into the mailbox. So here are a few of the issues you’ll face with your mailing project:

• The printed piece or pieces. You’ll definitely want to read the content above outlining the many issues raised in print projects. And with mailing you often have more than 1 piece you need to design and print.
• Recipients. Who do you want to receive your mailing? You may need to supply a properly formatted client list, assemble (or purchase) a target list, or determine the exact mail carrier routes you want blanketed.
• Mail shop services vs. in-house. How are the pieces going to be assembled (folded, inserted, sealed, etc.) and mailed? Who does this often depends on the size and complexity of the mailing.
• Postage class. Which postage class is right for your mailing?

We narrow down the issues and answer a lot of these questions in various posts on this website.

Stage 2: Layout, Design & Materials Selection

If you’re in this stage, your project is under way. You’ve confirmed the intended message of your project as well as the content. You’ve gathered most everything that will be included and either you’ve given it to your graphic designer, are looking to hire one, or you’re in charge of handling the design/layout. In this stage you need to find out the best materials to use, how options affect final pricing, any artwork submission requirements that need to be considered, and the schedule to follow to make sure you meet your deadline. You may also need help making sure things are ready to print, publish or produce. If this is where you are, we can definitely help you push things closer to the finish line. And if you’d like to get more project-specific information from us through email or a phone call, fill out the form below.

Stage 3: Production

In the production stage, everything has been designed, materials have been chosen, proofs have been reviewed and approved, and it’s time to create the final product. Congrats! You’re ready to finalize your order.